[DDS2015]

I did a search but didn't come up with much, so here it goes. The 328i and the 330i both use the N52B30 engine but the 328 produces 230hp and 200 torque where the 330i produces 255 hp and 22 torque.

So, what are the major differences between these two engines? Is it the ECU, programming, intake, exhaust, etc.? Would it be possible to turn a 328i into a 330i for a reasonable price?

[90rr]

sell 328 and buy 330

[MonsterM]

I think it is possible but very costly. I would just get the PE and ECU tune, only two worthy performance mods for this vehicle IMO.

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by DDS2015

I did a search but didn't come up with much, so here it goes. The 328i and the 330i both use the N52B30 engine but the 328 produces 230hp and 200 torque where the 330i produces 255 hp and 22 torque.

So, what are the major differences between these two engines? Is it the ECU, programming, intake, exhaust, etc.? Would it be possible to turn a 328i into a 330i for a reasonable price?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372973

You need not look far.

[jvsxn]

Looking at around 1k for the "swap". Probably the most cost-efficient mod for the 325/328i but apparently AA is still working out the kinks for the tune. I'm planning on doing this project when my warranty ends in January.

[AddictedToBavarian]

Isn't the 3 stage manifold the big difference?

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by 328xi0wner

Isn't the 3 stage manifold the big difference?

Yes, and the ECU tune is different.

If you buy the manifold and get a supporting tune it will make the same crank HP as a tuned 330.

[ZZZZ]

Originally Posted by jimmydever

Yes, and the ECU tune is different.

If you buy the manifold and get a supporting tune it will make the same crank HP as a tuned 330.

glad you said crank HP.
note to the OP, even if you did these mods your final drive ratio and exhaust will still need to be swapped to really make it a 330i performance wise. Not to mention larger brakes.

[Bavarian Tech]

Originally Posted by ZZZZ

glad you said crank HP.
note to the OP, even if you did these mods your final drive ratio and exhaust will still need to be swapped to really make it a 330i performance wise. Not to mention larger brakes.

Not to forgot, the ZF tranny assuming its strep

[calicolorado]

Well, this is my first post since joining this forum! I've been researching the differences between the E90 models for a long time as I get ready to buy one once the F30 goes on sale (hoping to score a better deal!).

I have a 1972 2002 that I've owned for 8 years and it's currently undergoing a bare metal restoration to nice driver status. I have been working on this project for 3 years and am doing all of the work myself including bodywork and rust repair. We also have an E53 4.4i that I've been maintaining with only BMW parts and fluids and an Audi TT coupe I bought right out of grad school as a present to myself. There is also an '08 Prius in the stable, it's a fantastic car for everything except driving enjoyment and serves as my current daily companion....until I find the right E90 with a 6 speed manual.

Back to the topic...As you stated, the 328 and 330 engines differ in the intake manifold and tuning, but are otherwise the same. There are other differences between these cars that are less obvious and can effect performance as well. The brakes differ from the 328 to 330 to 335. The rotor sizing for these cars is (according to realoem.com) as follows:

328: 300x24mm Front, 300x20mm Rear
330: 330x24mm Front, 336x22mm Rear
335: 348x30mm Front, 336x22mm Rear

All three models have different caliper sizes/part #'s except for the rear brakes on the 330 and 335 which are identical.

Hubs and hub carriers are identical for the all 3 models, so it seems like you could retrofit any brakes onto another model by changing rotors, calipers and other necessary parts.

I also looked at front anti-roll bars (sway bars) and they are all the same diameter at 26.5mm. I thought that was interesting.

Anyway, I thought I'd share that info because I'm trying to settle on either a low mileage 330i Sport manual or a low mileage '07 or '08 328i Sport manual and was interested in the mechanical differences between the two. The more I learn, the more I am drawn to the 330i-if I can find one with 30-50 thousand miles. I have seen them out there, and they're not hard to find! It is the perfect balance of BMW greatness with normal aspiration, awesome powerband, decent fuel economy and perfect chassis composure. The turbo cars are so awesome to drive, but I don't want to own one and put lots and lots of miles on it. The biggest minus is the increased part count of the N54/N55 and all the potential problems that an N/A car will never have. Remember, until recently, M cars were only naturally aspirated!! BMW is at it's greatest with the N52 (and also with the M30, M10, M42, S14, S38, S54, S38, S85).

These are all awesome cars-really they are sports cars with sedan bodies and you can't go wrong with any one of them. BMW creates magic. Merry Christmas and happy driving!

O=00=O

[loobie]

They sell the number stickers at the dealer but you may as well grab the M logo

[ctuna]

Has examples of people that have done it .
I think its about 2 to 3k in parts.

There is also this
http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticle...25i/index.html

[calicolorado]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Has examples of people that have done it .
I think its about 2 to 3k in parts.

There is also this
http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticle...25i/index.html

This is a great read, thank you for posting this! The stance of that car is too perfect! If I end up buying a non sport E90 then I have some hope that I can upgrade. If I find an E90 sport then I'm just going to keep it stock until it needs dampers then, it's Bilstein HD's!!

[DDS2015]

Hey Everyone,
Thanks for all the responses. Based on the info here it looks to be possible but could be a headache. I think that for the time being I'm going to just to a PE and then later on down the road look at doing this again.

[JDane07]

Originally Posted by calicolorado

Well, this is my first post since joining this forum! I've been researching the differences between the E90 models for a long time as I get ready to buy one once the F30 goes on sale (hoping to score a better deal!).

I have a 1972 2002 that I've owned for 8 years and it's currently undergoing a bare metal restoration to nice driver status. I have been working on this project for 3 years and am doing all of the work myself including bodywork and rust repair. We also have an E53 4.4i that I've been maintaining with only BMW parts and fluids and an Audi TT coupe I bought right out of grad school as a present to myself. There is also an '08 Prius in the stable, it's a fantastic car for everything except driving enjoyment and serves as my current daily companion....until I find the right E90 with a 6 speed manual.

Back to the topic...As you stated, the 328 and 330 engines differ in the intake manifold and tuning, but are otherwise the same. There are other differences between these cars that are less obvious and can effect performance as well. The brakes differ from the 328 to 330 to 335. The rotor sizing for these cars is (according to realoem.com) as follows:

328: 300x24mm Front, 300x20mm Rear
330: 330x24mm Front, 336x22mm Rear
335: 348x30mm Front, 336x22mm Rear

All three models have different caliper sizes/part #'s except for the rear brakes on the 330 and 335 which are identical.

Hubs and hub carriers are identical for the all 3 models, so it seems like you could retrofit any brakes onto another model by changing rotors, calipers and other necessary parts.

I also looked at front anti-roll bars (sway bars) and they are all the same diameter at 26.5mm. I thought that was interesting.

Anyway, I thought I'd share that info because I'm trying to settle on either a low mileage 330i Sport manual or a low mileage '07 or '08 328i Sport manual and was interested in the mechanical differences between the two. The more I learn, the more I am drawn to the 330i-if I can find one with 30-50 thousand miles. I have seen them out there, and they're not hard to find! It is the perfect balance of BMW greatness with normal aspiration, awesome powerband, decent fuel economy and perfect chassis composure. The turbo cars are so awesome to drive, but I don't want to own one and put lots and lots of miles on it. The biggest minus is the increased part count of the N54/N55 and all the potential problems that an N/A car will never have. Remember, until recently, M cars were only naturally aspirated!! BMW is at it's greatest with the N52 (and also with the M30, M10, M42, S14, S38, S54, S38, S85).

These are all awesome cars-really they are sports cars with sedan bodies and you can't go wrong with any one of them. BMW creates magic. Merry Christmas and happy driving!

O=00=O

Great post! I'd say go with the 330i if you can find it with your desired preferences. I love mine, even if it is AT. I can't really complain though, it is my [second] love and it puts a smile on my face every time I lay eyes on it!

Merry Christmas!

[RaceBlood]

Get a 335i and be done with it the baby performance steps...

[JDane07]

$$$ is a b**ch unfortunately :/

[gunnerxq]

I did mine for $1400. But that's because I installed everything myself. The only thing that I didn't do was the AA tune

[DDS2015]

Originally Posted by gunnerxq

I did mine for $1400. But that's because I installed everything myself. The only thing that I didn't do was the AA tune

That doesn't seem so bad actually. Where did you get the intake from? I was looking on Tischer and couldn't find it.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by DDS2015

That doesn't seem so bad actually. Where did you get the intake from? I was looking on Tischer and could't find it.

These are the parts you will need. You really don't need the vent hose. Don't be afraid to shop around you might have to buy each part from a different place to get the best price.



11617559523 IntakeManifold
11617559530 Vent Hose
11617579114 Adjustor Unit
11617560538 Adjustor Unit 2
11617547242 Gasket set
11617535849 x5 Screw 50x20
11617535850 x2 Screw 50x35
11617535851 x1 Screw 50x66

[ctuna]

Big difference at all rpms or only the higher one?

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Big difference at all rpms or only the higher one?

At all Rpms