Three Stage Intake Manifold Conversion for 525i - 50+HP Gain!
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 772
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From: Toronto, Canada
My Ride: 2007 Black Sapphire 535i
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the feedback and positive comments thus far, If everything works out perfectly this will be a great mod for those who have the right engine configuration in their 525s.
jg525i,
I am still waiting on pricing from Realoem.com. If I were to do a general estimation I figure that parts will be around USD $900.00 - $1,000.00. I am looking at 2-4 hours of shop time to install the new manifold etc so that will be $80.00/hr x 2-4 or $160.00 - $320.00. (This is probably not a very difficult DIY but given that Bimmersport is acting as a liaison to do the programming for me, I will give them the mechanical work also. The ECU programming portion is still up in the air also but based on other pricing for ECU programming from AA, I would estimate between $400 - $1,200.00. We will get to actual costs once I have all the firm figures handy. Hopefully by next week.
mark_hk,
I am not completely sure of this but based on the year of your 523 the engine is most probably the M52B25, 2.5L, in-line 6 cyl. It is a full generation behind the N52 engine. This mod would not be suitable.
Thanks for all the feedback and positive comments thus far, If everything works out perfectly this will be a great mod for those who have the right engine configuration in their 525s.
how much did u end up spending on all the parts?/ thanks 
I am still waiting on pricing from Realoem.com. If I were to do a general estimation I figure that parts will be around USD $900.00 - $1,000.00. I am looking at 2-4 hours of shop time to install the new manifold etc so that will be $80.00/hr x 2-4 or $160.00 - $320.00. (This is probably not a very difficult DIY but given that Bimmersport is acting as a liaison to do the programming for me, I will give them the mechanical work also. The ECU programming portion is still up in the air also but based on other pricing for ECU programming from AA, I would estimate between $400 - $1,200.00. We will get to actual costs once I have all the firm figures handy. Hopefully by next week.
Whats the difference between 523 and 525? Both the same engines or....? Could i do it to my 523?
I am not completely sure of this but based on the year of your 523 the engine is most probably the M52B25, 2.5L, in-line 6 cyl. It is a full generation behind the N52 engine. This mod would not be suitable.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,285
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From: Hong Kong
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the feedback and positive comments thus far, If everything works out perfectly this will be a great mod for those who have the right engine configuration in their 525s.
jg525i,
I am still waiting on pricing from Realoem.com. If I were to do a general estimation I figure that parts will be around USD $900.00 - $1,000.00. I am looking at 2-4 hours of shop time to install the new manifold etc so that will be $80.00/hr x 2-4 or $160.00 - $320.00. (This is probably not a very difficult DIY but given that Bimmersport is acting as a liaison to do the programming for me, I will give them the mechanical work also. The ECU programming portion is still up in the air also but based on other pricing for ECU programming from AA, I would estimate between $400 - $1,200.00. We will get to actual costs once I have all the firm figures handy. Hopefully by next week.
mark_hk,
I am not completely sure of this but based on the year of your 523 the engine is most probably the M52B25, 2.5L, in-line 6 cyl. It is a full generation behind the N52 engine. This mod would not be suitable.
Thanks for all the feedback and positive comments thus far, If everything works out perfectly this will be a great mod for those who have the right engine configuration in their 525s.
jg525i,
I am still waiting on pricing from Realoem.com. If I were to do a general estimation I figure that parts will be around USD $900.00 - $1,000.00. I am looking at 2-4 hours of shop time to install the new manifold etc so that will be $80.00/hr x 2-4 or $160.00 - $320.00. (This is probably not a very difficult DIY but given that Bimmersport is acting as a liaison to do the programming for me, I will give them the mechanical work also. The ECU programming portion is still up in the air also but based on other pricing for ECU programming from AA, I would estimate between $400 - $1,200.00. We will get to actual costs once I have all the firm figures handy. Hopefully by next week.
mark_hk,
I am not completely sure of this but based on the year of your 523 the engine is most probably the M52B25, 2.5L, in-line 6 cyl. It is a full generation behind the N52 engine. This mod would not be suitable.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,285
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From: Hong Kong
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 319
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I did this on my 528xi about 10 months ago. I have an OE Tuning tune. No local all wheel drive dyno, but my butt dyno shows way more torque. There is a write up on this for a 325 by member e90pilot on e90post.com/forums - it is actually a sticky on top of the normally aspirated section. He now has the AA tune. I did the manifold swap with a buddy who is very mechanically inclined in about 3 hours. Less parts are needed with the 528, but still straight forward. Good luck...
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Contributors
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 772
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, Canada
My Ride: 2007 Black Sapphire 535i
mark_hk,
Wikipedia may be a good start to find the info you need. Check this link out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series_%28E60%29
Here are the technical details for the 523i. The 523i replaced the 520i and become basic petrol model. As BMW reintroduced 520i in 2007, 523i needed more power. N52 engine was replaced by new N53. As arix suggested, I'm pretty sure you have a 2.5L V6.
2005-2007 N52B25 - 2,5 L I6- 177 HP
2007-2010 N53B25 - 2,5 L I6- 190 HP
Wikipedia may be a good start to find the info you need. Check this link out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series_%28E60%29
Here are the technical details for the 523i. The 523i replaced the 520i and become basic petrol model. As BMW reintroduced 520i in 2007, 523i needed more power. N52 engine was replaced by new N53. As arix suggested, I'm pretty sure you have a 2.5L V6.
2005-2007 N52B25 - 2,5 L I6- 177 HP
2007-2010 N53B25 - 2,5 L I6- 190 HP
