I have tried searching but could not find what makes the 530 have the extra HP over the 525. Is it an ECM/ECU tuning or is there different engine components like intake/exhaust? What can be done to the 525 to increase it to 530 engine spec other than aftermarket type upgrades?

Thanks

 

I dont know the differences but BMW dont normally just do ecu mods to make the same engine more powerful. I would imagine it will have bigger injectors a different head and maybe a different inlet manifold to start with but thats a guess. Why not have a look at www.realoem.com anbd comapre the two engines componants.

 

The 2 engines are vastly different engine and intake design and construction.

The 530 or N52 engine is all aluminum and magnesium composite casting with high tech non iron aluminum silicate cylinder liners (some fancystuff here almost as hard as diamonds, friction free and VERY long life if properly maintained over cast iron sleeves). The engine head is the same aluminum and magnesium composite with the high performance valvetronic DOHC valve system found previously just on their V8 models with hollow camshafts that allows for freer intake breathing at all engine speeds/RPM's/load, etc. The main impetus behind the overall design of this engine was to reduce weght, reduce engine friction, reduce pollution while at the same time increasing power. Even the head bolts and other hardware holding the engine together are all lightweight aluminum. It is argubly BMW's most advanced NON turbo engine design that they have ever produced and one of the most sophisticated engines in the world. It was awarded one of Wards Best 10 Engines in the world for 2006 and 2007 only to be displaced by the new twin turbo 3.0 L BMW engine in 2008 and 2009. This is why the engine puts out 30 -50 HP more (depending on country) than the 525 engine. (BTW-the whole engine weighs something like just over 350 pounds or 160 KG !)

The 525 engine is a tried and true variation of a modern BMW aluminum engine design from the early 90's with cast iron cylinder sleeves and fairly conventional (for BMW) VANOS variable valve timing technology on the intake and the usual BMW ECU for engine managment electronics.

This is just a brief description of the 2 engines but enough for you to see that there is really no comparison between the 2 engines and how they make power.

 

Are you talking about the diesel or petrol engine?

 

The 525 has been using the N52 engine at reduced power for some years now the 2.5 cast iron block was made obsolete in 2006. I think hes asking for comparison of the two 3.0 engines TBH.

 

As hes in the states im guessing petrol engines.

 

It was my understanding that there was little difference between the 525 and 530 motors. I'm specifically referring to the '06-07 215 hp 525i and 255 hp 530i. The only differences being a dual stage intake and SW tuning on the 530i. The new 528i is just an update to the 525i motor but the 535i is significantly different than the 530i.

 

Yes I agree with you on that. Which is why if I was buying another 5 series now, I would not even bother to look at anything below the 530i. Other than a price issue, I can't really see why anyone would get the lower designated model when both engine capacity are the same but vary in bhp.

However from BMW's point of view I guess it really makes economical sense to do it the way they have done now. And in todays economy climate,.....

cheers

 

I was referring to the petrol engines. I was hoping there was a quick ECU fix but I did find some info that the throttle bodies are different. The 525 has a single stage and the 530 a dual as well as programming.

Thanks for the replies.