M30 3.5 BMW Engine - who's best at tuning this?

[Droptheclutch]

Hi All

I'm in the process of trying to decide who's got the best knowledge/experience with this old (12 valve) lump.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have spoken with a couple (who shall remain nameless at the moment) but feel I may be getting way over sold on how much power they can generate, while remaining reliable.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

DTC

[eliot]

Syndey Supercharger or Terry the Turbo..?

[Droptheclutch]

eliot said:

Syndey Supercharger or Terry the Turbo..?

Those are just two options (I like the turbo best) but I'm also thinking about tuning the lump the traditional way too. Individual throttle bodies, race cam, worked head etc...I just need to find a man who can!

[Pentoman]

A dude in PPC has the 3.5, in a E30 I think; he's been messing with it and throttle bodies, could be of interest.

Unfortunately you might find yourself in a similar boat to my Merc; capable tuners aren't forthcoming, everyones more interested in chipping diesel Golfs these days.

[agent006]

Not a huge amount you can do to the M30 unfortunately. Cams and the like will get you 260 at a push but you're into race profiles by then.

[Droptheclutch]

agent006 said:

Not a huge amount you can do to the M30 unfortunately. Cams and the like will get you 260 at a push but you're into race profiles by then.

Really? I've just been pointed in one direction where the guys say I can get a good reliable 300bhp plus, if the wife/wallet interface doesn't collide! :-)

[mmm-five]

You could always transplant a e39 M5, e34 M5, or M3 engine into it instead!

Edited by mmm-five on Wednesday 15th August 13:54

[Droptheclutch]

mmm-five said:

You could always transplant a e39 M5, e34 M5, or M3 engine into it instead!

Edited by mmm-five on Wednesday 15th August 13:54

Trust me, I've been thinking about that (the E39 M5 option)but me thinks the wife/wallet interface would be unacceptable.

[stevieturbo]

300+ with forced induction should be a doddle.

n/a and Im sure it can be done, but would be more difficult.

[Droptheclutch]

stevieturbo said:

300+ with forced induction should be a doddle.

n/a and Im sure it can be done, but would be more difficult.

I've found a company in the USA who do (what looks like) a nice turbo kit. Take a peek - http://www.cartech.net/bmwm30turbo.htm

What do you think?

[stevieturbo]

Its not expensive, and no doubt would work fine....

But dont forget, Americans dont have a dirty steering linkage down that side....

So a lot of their kits might not work with RHD cars

Keep searching and making enquiries though. Im sure there will be people out there who make kits for a RHD car, or can adapt what you buy.

But making 300+ should be very easy with the right parts, without even touching the engine. ie just bolting bits on.

[Droptheclutch]

[quote=stevieturbo]Its not expensive, and no doubt would work fine....

But dont forget, Americans dont have a dirty steering linkage down that side....quote]

Yeah, I thought of that and asked them the verty same thing in the e-mail I sent them yesterday. What I need to do now is learn to read German as I know some crazys over there have developed mad turbo systems for the M30...

[stevieturbo]

define mad....

how much power do you want...ore more importantly, what is your budget ?

[Droptheclutch]

stevieturbo said:

define mad....

how much power do you want...ore more importantly, what is your budget ?

Mad? 900bhp! The turbo on the car is HUGE! I'm not looking for that sort of output, but 400 to 500bhp would do rather nicely :-)

As for budget, I was hoping to spend no more than £2500 to £3000. Do you tink this is reasonable?

[stevieturbo]

4-500bhp for £3k....


Do you think that is a reasonable figure ?

Perhaps for fictional power like you read in many magazines. But for real power, it say it is quite UNreasonable.


Figure fuel/ignition management, fuel system, turbocharger/manifold/exhaust, intercooler and plumbing, clutch, and no doubt many smaller things....

And your budget is already well gone IMO. And that also assumes the engine will take such power in un-touched form.

300bhp, yes Id say easily. 400...well that is pushing things, but could be done Im sure with a fair degree of safety, if supporting mods around it are well chosen.

Over and above that....you can try, but dont expect it to last forever.

[K13 WJD]

try it. get a nice sized turbo, and weld it on. pipe it up. and run it low boost. see how it goes.......