How to Get More Power BMW E46 323 328 M52TU

Hey there,
Today's video discusses how to achieve increased horsepower out of your M52TU equipped 323 and 328 model E46. Both are excellent cars and engines, no matter what the nay-sayers have to say. They're simply under powered for obvious reasons in which I uncover within this video. By using OEM parts, you can shut down the ridicule.
-Ahh, M52TUB28. Now that's an engine!
P. S.
-If you simply toss on a cone filter to your MAF and think that's adequate whatsoever, I despise you.

[@mariuszanfir2298]

If you really want to send it home on the intake being restrictive on the 2.8, note that the 2 liter we got in Europe has the exact same one :) An intake designed for a 2 liter cannot be great on a 2.8, right? Now, the largest gains will not be made on the intake, but rather on the 3.0 camshaft. Intake + the cam + a good software (that also takes care of the DISA closing at ~5900 rpm on the M52TU) will get you really close to the 3.0 in terms of power (but not in terms of torque). The 3 liter makes most of its power difference from that camshaft. The added capacity only adds torque. Also, BMW did not make a "mistake" with these engines. They intentionally limited the 2.8 in terms of power, but wanted to have that torque. At the time, I think there were some regulations/taxes in Germany based on power. That's why you see engines from Merc, Audi, BMW from that era all having 190-193 HP.

[@OLearysBMW]

Awesome information! Always love to hear from people around the world with first hand knowledge on these platforms. Thank You for watching. 😁

[@qesheth2]

I've had so many people tell me not to bother with my 323ci. I love it, was given it after I prayed for a car, then God put my dad back in my life and we bonded over fixing it, I would love an m3 but wouldn't swap this for 1 its more than just a car its, a symbol of God's love and my dad's love, you cant buy that. I'm looking forward to saving and buying these parts and seeing what she can do 😊

[@bigcln87]

Thanks for the info man and for giving some love to our M52TU :) Already looking for a 330i admission. Cheers from Spain

[@OLearysBMW]

Of course! It's not a problem 😁

[@FJDPerformance]

Great video, thanks for all the crucial info in here. I've browsed many a forum, but nobody ever really got to the point like you. Hoping to do the intake swap on my touring 🤙🏼

[@Arian.Kourangi]

Great video Tyler! I actually enjoy ur fast talking since u cut an otherwise 20 min video in half. Great stuff

[@OLearysBMW]

Sometimes I do, depends on the topic! Haha, I can talk for hours. 😁😂

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Great informative video. Clear information. Great presentation. E46 323CI is my first e46 as well. I have had it for ~4 years now. I do all the maintainance myself. Did transmission - Redline MTF, diff MT-90 oil changes as soon as I got the car (they were filthy). I use Motul X-CESS 5W40 for engine. Did a full coolant flush with long life blue. Did a full brake fluid flush. I was heartbroken, when it went to limp mode one day (1 year ago). It complained about throttle body potentiometer problem. I spend a one gran on a brand new throttle body. About 2 months ago, the problem came back. So it cannot be the original throttle body. Then I read, it is a connection related issue. Either connectors (plugs / sockets) or the wiring itself. Now I'm trying to source parts from a 325 i /ci to do a swap. ECU, harness, throttle pedal, intake, DISA etc. Have you heard about a similar issue with 323 / 328 throttle bodies / ECU?

[@OLearysBMW]

Actually not commonly, no. Just so happens I'm working on a video of what you're doing, MS43 DME/ECU swap. However I'll be showing how to re-use MS42 engine harness. May still have good points for your swap however.

[@Ludofjn]

As a note B30's have stiffer valve springs. and they float at ~7400 rpm so when going to a 7k redline with ZHP cams you might want to dial it back to ~6800-6900 to have some overrev protection.

[@OLearysBMW]

I really love the fact that you're watching my videos, haha. Thank You for that information, has been added to my brain bank 😁

[@itzzztoodah8203]

Hey man just want to say keep up the great bmw content ! - out from Sacramento Ca

[@OLearysBMW]

Thank You for your kind words 👌❤

[@kevinbilalcrow]

I’m subscribed now 💪🏻 good info mate

[@dontworry9307]

And btw I own a 325ci I changed the throttle body. Inlet manifold with injectors. Intake boot and maf from the m54b30. The cars ecu was originally mapped but she pulls so much harder and has way may torque down low she’s like a different car.

[@YootubeUK]

Interesting stuff.. subscribed!

[@DazHarkz90]

Adore this video, full of amazing advice and the replies in the comment have also yielded great snippets of info! love it Question I have is, some of the M54B30 manifolds for sale have "purple injectors" in them. Should these be retained in favour of my M52TUB28 ones? Mine are just have black connectors on them. I assume they will fit just the same as the same fuel rail is used in the intake swap, or am I mistaken? I'm considering an Eaton M62 charger install at some point in the future, hence comparing what I have vs what I can potentially have if I opt for it. Also, M54B30 intake camshaft needs ~5mm removing from gear side for it to sit nicely within the VANOS? This is what i've been reading everywhere... (??) Much love, from the UK :)

[@its_me_lo1142]

😂my guy!!!! Team 328i ❤you already know

[@onepunch2j308]

My 325 piston rings gave in and the head gasket is gone it was a m54b25 euro (192 stock) but it was running with a m54b30 inlet manifold, tb maf sensor. I’m picking up a m52tub28 tomorrow and swapping it in but keeping the loom, manifold and tb from m54 and I’m going to run the same ms43 I’ll vid the results

[@Latecomersband]

Your videos are gold man, i have the old 328i e46 and loved it. I went and found a 330i at a junkyard and what does the parts i can get from it to swap them on my e46. Do the manifold and its disa a d air intake fits right to my 328

[@OLearysBMW]

Yes. Also worth taking 330 intake cam. You'll need a throttle body adapter to use 328 throttle body on 330 intake.

[@sergiomb1319]

Thanks you

[@pointaDNB]

Bro great video I adquired all the stuff to the intake manifold swap m52tub25 to m54b25 on my 323i Can I bolt it directly to my engine block or there is some modification to adapt the intake ports? I also have the air filter box, DISA for 325, an ms43, the electronic throttle pedal and the electronic throttle body (edk of 325). I know you have a video and I did a lot of searching for the info to swap the components on the electronic aspect and adapt to the engine harness. but my main doubt is the first about the intake swap and if it is direcly compatible with the block in terms of bolting it and the size of ports because I dont want to proceed and then have to revert the dissasembly. At the same time I am thinking about to change the ccv too. Another thing i heard is the asc could have problems after swapping ms42 to ms43 but I dont think so… Thank you

[@marcjohnson5148]

Nice

[@iDatedMyPizza]

A few questions. 1. How hard was it to swap to a 330i intake cam? Any special tools/procedures required? 2. Would you recommend a heat-shielded CAI? 3. What catless headers do you recommend? eBay? 4. How is the MS42 ecu in terms of tuning? Is it easy to understand?

[@seananz111]

Pretty straight forward if u have a manual book an the the timing tools

[@dironizareyes596]

Hey Tyler Very informative great info! Happy New Year big bro! So I could put my 330 m54b30 throttle body on my 325xi m54b25? With the 330 manifold and intake cam? I should know this already lol hmmm might do this swap.

[@OLearysBMW]

Hey man! The B30 intake will be a direct swap, yep. As well as the throttle body in your case, but the car will need need tuned for B30 throttle body as the values will change. The intake cam, also direct bolt in. To really get the benefits of these bolt-ons, the car will require tuning either way. Do note, the throttle body bolt spacing is different for 325/330.

[@dironizareyes596]

@@OLearysBMW so how do I fix that bolt spacing problem for the throttle body from m54b25 to b30 . I’ve only seen a conversion kit for a m50 etc You have to start a patreon dude! And sell cool custom e46 turbo shirts!!! Seriously and product affiliate with amazon for e46 parts etc . I don’t know much about it but everyone does it . plus your fans love you bro trust me!!! Wouldn’t be a bad start for the new year!!!

[@OLearysBMW]

@@dironizareyes596 You may have to make your own adapter. I've seen adapters for M54B25 to M52TU and M54B30 to M52TU, but not M54B30 to M54B25. You may want to search Bimmer Tune's website just to be certain. M54B30 to M54B25 isn't that common as far as I know, perhaps because the power increase isn't as significant as from M52TU. And yep, I've thought about starting to include affiliate links for products. I tried with CX racing, as my video has over 91k views. They never responded, although I bet I've bumped their sales up for that kit. Greed..

[@phawupowerhousesakwe7897]

Hi there , are all these mods applicable to the m54b22? I wanna try them for more power on my car

[@dontworry9307]

In Europe the 325i makes 192hp standard I think only on the US it came 184hp

[@themaincrunch8773]

So I have a 323i wagon, What do you recommend I don’t to add a little bit of power? 328 air box? What tune do you recommend? Also where do I get it? Thanks new sub!!

[@OLearysBMW]

323 and 328 airbox are the same. I recommend Belsky Autoworks for a tune.

[@Jaxson8157]

I’ve got a 1999 323i with the m52tub25 . (Already manual) For a 330i swap, (won’t be reviving past 6k really) all I need to change is the bare engine? All accessories fit? I know I need an adapter plate for the TB. But aside from a ECU flash that’s all that’s needed? I can use stock 323i clutch etc?

[@OLearysBMW]

If doing a B30 swap you may as well MS43 swap as well, I'll be releasing a video of this soon, I'm making it fool proof. But yes for now just get a TB adapter. Everything else will work fine.

[@jinayl]

I've heard / read here and there that the M50B25 intake manifold lands even better results than the M54's on those engines (M54 included), because the runners are 60% larger than the M52tu's compared to 18% in the case of the M54's, but I'd really like to hear from someone who tried both intakes on a M52TU (both M54 and M50) if the "real life" results are really worth it. I currently have a M54B30 IM on a M52tub28 and it definitely opened it up, but I wouldn't mind taking things further a bit. I also think the engine would sound better (the M52tub28 is a really "muted" engine, much more so than the M52tub25,) than with the current manifold.

[@OLearysBMW]

M50 intake manifold has larger runners, yes. Only good for constant high revving applications. Bottom end torque becomes a loss. It has become a popular mod, as monkey see, monkey do.

[@jinayl]

@@OLearysBMW Because of the DISA's removal or because of the manifold's shape in general ? If that's because of the DISA that's ok because mine has failed anyway and I've decided not to go down the rabbit whole (they're not only expensive, but notoriously unreliable as well).

[@OLearysBMW]

@@jinayl overall design, if it were superior for the M52TU and M54, it would've been retained through the assembly line.

[@nathanielcampbell8488]

Hey I definitely have some questions for you about my car, i have a 04 325xi auto im trying to make it faster. I currently have exhaust headers i didnt install yet. At the moment it is down because I believe the tcm is bad, wont start has S on dash even in neutral wont start.

[@OLearysBMW]

An automatic transmission car won't start in neutral regardless. As far as acquiring more power, your headers and a good tune is basically all that's worth while with an automatic 2.5 xi. Manual swap would be cool. The xi drivetrain is actually fairly strong and can withstand boost as well. Only go boost if you manual swap though, preferably.

[@imestia7911]

So if I want the best of all E46 I buy a 330 and put the piston rings of the 328. And what to do to make it rev as high as the 328 swap crankshaft?

[@OLearysBMW]

330 engine has bad harmonics.. I talked about it in this video. Don't rev it high.

[@user-nl5pu7ep7d]

could i do both zhp intake and exhaust cams on my 2000 bmw 323ci? m52 stock ecu, want to know if it’ll bolt straight on

[@OLearysBMW]

Yes..

[@ikolpgnari9734]

Amazing video. Just one question. Why not just do a cold air intake on the 323i instead of taking one off the 325i?

[@OLearysBMW]

Stock airbox is a cold air system. OEM airbox is used on endurance E46 racecars for example.. it simply works well. No need for anything else.

[@ikolpgnari9734]

Thanks so much for the fast response. Your response seems to make a lot of sense. I’ll look into it a bit more. Keep up the great videos

[@OLearysBMW]

@@ikolpgnari9734 not a problem at all, Thank You 😁

[@Darkaccent]

Hey what websites or brands would you recommend getting parts from for service work like; ccv, disa, vanos etc...

[@OLearysBMW]

FCP Euro for majority of parts. EBay/Amazon for VANOS rebuild, i6MotorWorks is my go-to company for VANOS rebuild kits. Their products are listed on eBay and Amazon

[@vinzentlohberger8685]

I've swapped the M54B30 intake manifold onto my 328ci a few years ago. Everything else is stock even the airboox is basic M52TUB28 bacause the clip design on the newer one is annoying to service. Filter size is the same btw. the difference is brutally noticible in the upper rev range even with no tune! I've also swapped over the dual pipe exhaust from the M54 models since the M52TU version just doesn't seem adequit, might have unlocked another 5HP. Spending years researching this topic i also came across lots of dynographs showing a powerdrop at exactly 6000rpms which picks back up at about 6100rpms until limiter. Rowing through the gears it feels like a soft misfire. Every M52TU I ever came across had that issue, seems like a weird way of limiting the top speed of the car to me, bacause at 242km/h which is the official top speed of the car you land in that rev area, where it makes no more power. BUT if you go downhill for a moment to get it through that valley it starts pulling again until rev limiter and then you can keep crousing at 250+km/h I don't suggest doing this over long distances though (Autobahnlife xD). Long story short, the M52TUB28 needs a tune, the stock one is flawed. In Germany the power ratings seem even more ridiculous, since the 325i is advertised with 192ps while the 328i is sold having 193ps xD. then you look at the intake manifold and its the same partnumber as the 150ps 320i. Im lucky to have owned and serviced all different kinds of M54 and M52TU types. Another thing i noticed: The M52TU block is the same casting as the M52, it still has the mouning ring for the front crank position sensor as the M52s have. while this ring isn't present anymore on the M54/M56 blocks. I also read somwhere, that the earlier M52TU blocks still had NiCaSil coated Cylinder walls like M52, while the later ones were Steel lined like all M54s are kind of a lottery which one you get nowadays. But im not perfectly shure if this is true haven't checked that yet. Greetings From Germany, all 2.8 lovers send their love. Keep up the great work, i've known a lot about E46s but you alwas spit new facts about them, absoulutely incredible.

[@OLearysBMW]

Thanks for watching! Great engines all around, 😁 and yep, I always tell the M52TU and M54 apart by the timing cover crank sensor protrusion and by the harmonic balancer having the 6 separate bolts. The M54s don't have those things. 😎 Plus obviously if the block is stamped 28 on the ID tag you already know.

[@OLearysBMW]

And I remember before MS43 swapping my project car, there was indeed a "hiccup" no matter what I replaced. Felt like a quick ignition cut or something. Only happened while under load and once through whole rev ranage. MS42, M52TU.

[@ethownzbh]

Funny hearing you talking about how fast you talk as I watched the whole video on 2x speed 😅

[@aguswardoyo5402]

so if 323i wanna have 325i's power, 323i have to change air cleaner box, throttle body, intake manifold belongs to 325i, how about the ECU?

[@OLearysBMW]

No. A 323 and 325 only have a ~14 HP difference.. That's easy to accomplish. You'll be over that if you only swap to 330 intake. No need to change DME. Tuning is most important.

[@jonapolloapollo5770]

is there any way to increase hp just by soft wear on m52tu 2.0 eu model actually its on a 520i e39 thanks

[@OLearysBMW]

Custom tune should unlock some HP mate

[@Darkaccent]

Will the larger DISA off the 330 fit on a 325? 🤔

[@OLearysBMW]

Nope. Port on B25 intake manifold isn't deep enough, unless it's 325 SULEV with M56B25 (same DISA as 330)

[@meguinness1116]

So on my E39 523i M52TU I can fit a M54B30 intake manifold and throttle body ( with a adapter) to gain a bit of more power? Just a straight swap ? Thank you

[@OLearysBMW]

Cannot use throttle body unless you perform an MS43 swap from MS42 DME. I have a video on that as well. MS42 uses a drive by cable and wire TB. MS43 uses a drive by wire TB.

[@freddiefoote9335]

How long is the swap of the intake? One day job? Found a decent guide on the forums but doesn’t give an indication of time.

[@OLearysBMW]

One who has experience or basic capabilities on the platform will be a one day job, you'll need throttle body adapter if retaining M52TU throttle body. It's also wise to service the coolant heater pipes and CCV if they are both aged, while intake is off. Must use correct DISA for intake choice as well.

[@Ayixlia]

I have a 2000 323i sedan that is 400HP using a HKS PRO supercharger. The M52TU has a better sound output than the M54 and it sounds very much like a race car on the streets.

[@OLearysBMW]

Correct! The M52TU cars have a different exhaust compared to M54. Leading to the 323/328 to sound much better, in my opinion. M54 is true dual the whole way back, whereas the M52TU has an single exhaust after very front muffler/resonator. Much better tone.

[@HipHopBeatSource]

Were you able to keep your power steering?

[@Ayixlia]

@@HipHopBeatSource Yes, but mow I have a twin screw supercharger from ESS Stage 2.

[@ivanknenbuhler2008]

Basically, to have more power in a 323/28, do you change the intake parts for those of the 330?

[@OLearysBMW]

Yes. For additional; Proper exhaust and M54B30 intake cam.

[@ivanknenbuhler2008]

@@OLearysBMW Thanks man. I have a 328ci, I was looking to do a few things lol. Greetings from Argentina!

[@sammy64178]

How can I get a tune for my 330?

[@OLearysBMW]

There are a few options. You can buy a plug and play tuned DME from multiple sources online, or reach out to; Belsky Auto works, Chaos Calibrations or Be Racing Tuning Belsky Auto works has tuned 3 of my cars so far, but the other options are also great. Gather prices and decide 👍

[@sam-hy8iz]

I have a manual 2000 323i with barley 100,000 miles on it and I wanna make it really fast looking for top speed mostly but obviously don't wanna no bottom end power looking for around 4- 500 hp on pump gas is it worth it to build the engine or should I just swap it

[@OLearysBMW]

Swap to M52TUB28 or M54B30 and boost.

[@crukawb5092]

@@OLearysBMW dnt u think an s54 be better or Idk a swap n boost is s decent amout if money u have to build the motor usually

[@OLearysBMW]

@@crukawb5092 S54 money is big money unless you have a hook up. The M54 and M52TU are both plenty capable of boost totally unopened. 400hp easily achievable.

[@Ethor498]

Great vid! I have a 2000 328i and want to upgrade my intake manifold. Where should I buy one with the dual DISA. I’d prefer to buy one from the junkyard if I can but I’d need to know what cars to look for first. Any idea?

[@OLearysBMW]

Dual DISA was offered in E9x chassis cars, not E46. I've seen them tried, actually resulted in power loss on M52TU/M54.

[@Ayixlia]

Removing your DISA could gain you HP, but compromise in loss of low end torque.

[@OLearysBMW]

@@Ayixlia we also disrupt the proper flow of the M52TU/M54 intake by removing the DISA. Creating a confusing path for airflow.

[@Ayixlia]

@@OLearysBMW OK, did you keep the DISA in, but removed the flap? another thing too get a M54 snorkel with a AFE snorkel intake to scoop more air into your Cold air intake or air box. Try a Universal Cold air intake recommend Eldel Brock. That cold air filter is rated at 400HP and you could get it at Autozone or O'Rielly's

[@OLearysBMW]

@@Ayixlia back when I had my other E46 turbocharged, I had a dissected DISA. The flap and flap frame were removed. Car ran fine, however to get the most out of these intakes it's good to retain DISA in most applications.

[@netw0rkzer0]

What do you think about M50 manifold instead of b30? Im planing to make that swap: m50 manifold, b30 throttle, b30 gas pedal , ms43 . Do you know how to buy the 330zhp cams and don't get scammed?

[@OLearysBMW]

Works great for high revving situations, but with bottom end torque loss when compared to B30 intake with DISA. As far as ZHP cams, must be a trustworthy seller, or find an ZHP yourself that's up for parts. My personal Tuner advised me that ZHP cams aren't totally worth it for their gain, unless you find a really good deal.

[@netw0rkzer0]

@@OLearysBMW sounds good . Thanks for the reply. I'll be search for a b30 cams and add it to my 323ci. But that zhp cams keep me thinking hehe