BMW 330xi Starting Simple Upgrades

ZXBMW330xi · 04-23-2010, 02:08 PM

Hello all,

I am a new owner to one of these fine machines. I have been doing some searching online trying to find some upgrades to improve the perfomace of my 2004 BMW 330xi.

I'm interested in putting in either a Turbo or Supercharger but not very knowledgable about if there is anything that I should/recommended do before this. Any ideas are appreciated... Perfomance Chips etc I'm open to all. Now keep in mind that this wouldn't be strickly for racing but I'm looking to give my car a little more agressive feel / sound.

xlr8nbimbo · 04-23-2010, 06:30 PM

Find a BMW specialist shop. Tell them what you want. Bring lots and lots of money.

nachos23 · 04-24-2010, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZXBMW330xi

Hello all,

I am a new owner to one of these fine machines. I have been doing some searching online trying to find some upgrades to improve the perfomace of my 2004 BMW 330xi.

I'm interested in putting in either a Turbo or Supercharger but not very knowledgable about if there is anything that I should/recommended do before this. Any ideas are appreciated... Perfomance Chips etc I'm open to all. Now keep in mind that this wouldn't be strickly for racing but I'm looking to give my car a little more agressive feel / sound.

I am assuming yours is auto like mine. I've been considering similar upgrades however a point to keep in mind. Superchargers and turbos add tremendous additional stress on tranny. Most of the superchager and turbo manufacturers put a disclaimer in regards to adding either and potential damage to Auto transmissions. If by some chance you have a standard either will work fine. The engine and drivetrain are rated to 450 hp stock, but most guys replace the head bolts with ARP. Stock ones too soft for either application.

If you have an Auto, then heat is the biggest consideration (other than head bolts). I would definitely install a larger tranny cooler and would also consider a tranny rebuild (depending on milage) before bolting on either.

As far a which to go with, Supercarger will run $5000 - $7000 and suprrcharger starts @ $7000. I'd go supercharger, simply because its more bolt-on, easier to setup, more reliable and gives an additional 80HP. Also, no turbo lag. Turbo will give you bigger HP gains, but is tougher to setup, configure and maintain.

My thoughts

mstearnsy · 04-26-2010, 10:56 AM

Can't do a turbo on xi cars, the front driveshafts are in the way. He can do a supercharger, in which case I'd recommend ESS or Active Autowurke.

nachos23 · 04-27-2010, 12:20 AM

quite possibly right on that. I'd only looked into superchargers. Big fan of them. Last 4 cars were supercharged. Not as much available HP, but more than adequate for my needs... where's the issue? Cooling intake or physical size of unit and intake?

Also, for Xi the drivetrain I believe is rated to around 450hp, so a supercharger @ around 6ilbs will slap on 80 - 90 hp. More than adequate, less maintenance, more reliable, no turbo lag + nicer sound.

ZXBMW330xi · 04-27-2010, 09:28 AM

I have a manual 6-speed tranny. Good to know about the front drive shaft so no turbo.

FYI Nacho love the rims I'll post some pics of mine once I get my 179's put on. =)

Great info! Thanks guys!

nachos23 · 04-27-2010, 04:19 PM

You Managed to find a 6-speed in an Xi? You DOG!!! I've never seen an Xi with a manual tranny.... I've installed a M3 SMG paddle-shift steering wheel in my auto (my "clutchless std" as I like to call it)..... but been considering a 6-speed swap with my aging auto.... so it can be done...... hummmmmmmmmmmm

theDLS · 05-02-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nachos23

You Managed to find a 6-speed in an Xi? You DOG!!! I've never seen an Xi with a manual tranny.... I've installed a M3 SMG paddle-shift steering wheel in my auto (my "clutchless std" as I like to call it)..... but been considering a 6-speed swap with my aging auto.... so it can be done...... hummmmmmmmmmmm

You said that when you saw mine

nachos23 · 05-02-2010, 08:25 AM

Ya; now thst you mention it; true.... getting old...... LOL

1minte46 · 05-19-2010, 11:31 AM

lol really my Xi is manual transmission, only a 5 speed though, the take off on the Xi in manual is pretty decent, except when you get to 4th gear the car looses performance so much,

Quote:

Originally Posted by nachos23

You Managed to find a 6-speed in an Xi? You DOG!!! I've never seen an Xi with a manual tranny.... I've installed a M3 SMG paddle-shift steering wheel in my auto (my "clutchless std" as I like to call it)..... but been considering a 6-speed swap with my aging auto.... so it can be done...... hummmmmmmmmmmm