Kasmo

Hey all, few more questions for ya. I want to clear things up before I make any sudden and big decisions with my 2006 525ix.

This is the engine I got. N52B30U0 (218 HP/160kw)

I kept searching and searching for stuff on the forums to see if there is any input about this engine in terms of aftermarket modifications. Everyone keeps talking about the higher HP output N52 engines, no love for this one.

I heard several people saying that some of the modifications to do is exhaust, tune, supercharger, intake manifold, air filter to gain more horsepower and torque.

Now to my knowledge the intake manifold people were talking about is taking one off a e60 530i or a E90 330i and slapping it on there. Not 100% if this is true and what the gains are.

Now anywhere I look for any performance parts for my car, I see tunes ranging from 200 (on the cheap end on ebay) all the way to 800. But those seem to only give around 10-15 HP more and around 10-15 lb of torque. Not entirely sure which one would be the best without breaking the bank. I have not found a supercharger specifically for my car.

I am quite bummed out, everything just fell apart for me in terms of this car. Granted I had 2 BMWs before (both 5 series too) but I did not know this car would give me so much trouble in terms of modifications. Once I finally got around to think about the modifications 6 months after I bought the car, turns out im limited on wheels because of the AWD (all the wheels I looked at earlier would not fit), I have only about 2 options for a good suspension set up, one going up to 1,900 and the other one 3,000. I dont even know if they make air suspension for the AWD sedans. Because at those prices I rather just go with air suspension., And now I cant seem to find anything on engine modifications for my engine.

I would just like to have input here on this engine and possible upgrades. I still got a few grand (around 6 I think) to pay off on the car, and Im debating if i should start investing into modifications for this car and keep with it or dont do anything and wait till its paid off and get like a 2009 E60 (I want to stay with the E60 until I can make enough money for a M4 (i am a college student graduating in December). I got my next dream car in mind, but its going to be a while. I love the AWD, just wish i could squeeze more power. I would be super content and happy if I could squeeze out 250 max out of it.

ETNav382

In all honesty, be happy with a suspension and wheel upgrade or save up for your next car like you said. I personally see the manifold conversion as a waste, but its not my place to tell another how to spend his money. The n52 was a stopgap engine for BMW until the rise of the turbos, that's why there's not much support. I think there might be a supercharger out there but I could be mistaken about that.

CertifiedOfficial

^ There's super kits for the E9X N52, but hardly any support for the E60 N52.

The 3-way intake manifold off a 530/330 is your best bet, coupled with an aftermarket tune. Several companies offer the tune, including Berger Motorsports and Active Autowerke. AA would be my choice, personally. Couple the IM with a tune, and you're around 265 bhp, up from your 218. More info on the IM swap on a E9X: Link.

I had a 330 that I traded in on my 528, and while I love the 5, I miss the ~40 or so bhp the 330 had over it (my 5 is ~230 bhp, and my 330 was ~270bhp after added a BMS PBX to it).

Other than that, if you could get some headers and delete the secondary cats, that would really open up the engine. AA makes some headers for the E9X N52, but they won't fit the E6X N52. Really good gains with AA's parts: Link

You have to remember that these are NA motors with 6 pots, power won't come cheap or easy, and what you do get for the price may not be worth it. If you wanted easy power, N54/N55 is the way to go.

Kasmo

Thanks guys! Ill probably start with wheels, and start doing suspension. Although I am super tempted to trade in my once its paid off, I like the AWD and i like the car. I guess its the car guy fever where you want more. Lol. Im pretty sure if i got the 545i id want more power lol.

CertifiedOfficial

It totally is!

I started off in a 330 about a year ago, but after realizing how small the interior really is (and no real spot for a spare...), I traded it for a 528. If I didn't already have another turbo car (07 STI), I'd get a 535 with a JB4 and have the ultimate DD.

I'm already looking at a CIC retrofit, the 3-way IM, and how long I'm going to have this one...

twh

I have a 2006 530xi. The difference is the three stage intake manifold. I assume the computer must somehow be programmed slightly differently. I would have liked a little more torque and horsepower, but this car is very fun to drive. I'd probably just have more tickets Bought it new in July 2005 and I still love driving this car.

Kasmo

I was crusing around today because it was so nice out. And well i never realized how the car picks up before. lol. Its making me smile each time I hit the gas, It would have been better if I got a manual. lol

I want to do a electronic exhaust cut out instead of cutting out the resonators and muffler. No one on youtube really has a clip of the sound from the inside. I dont want it to be super loud in the cabin.