The Best BMW N52 Mods!

Join our FREE BMW community today and experience the ultimate camaraderie among fellow BMW enthusiasts! Connect, share, and revel in the passion for the iconic BMW brand with like-minded individuals who share your love for the ultimate driving experience. community.bmwtuning.co/
Dreaming of cranking up your BMW N52 engine to an impressive 285 horsepower? Well, in today’s video, Zach covers the top five modifications that can transform your N52 into a powerhouse. From optimizing your intake system with a DISA manifold to unleashing your engine's potential through tuning, he covers it all. Whether you're an experienced BMW enthusiast or a newcomer looking to enhance your vehicle's performance, this video provides step-by-step instructions and insightful tips to help you achieve your horsepower goals.
If you would like to read into the best N52 mods more, we have an article on our BMW Tuning website: bmwtuning.co/bolt-on-bmw-n52-...
8020 Media Website:
8020media.co/
Check Out Our Portfolio:
Tuning Pro - tuningpro.co/
BMW Tuning - bmwtuning.co/
Diesel IQ - dieseliq.com/
Chevy Trucks - chevytrucks.org/
Volkswagen Tuning - vwtuning.co/
Porsche Mania - porsche-mania.com/
Muscle Car Club - musclecarclub.com/
New Videos Every Week. Subscribe so you don't miss a video!
►Subscribe Here: bit.ly/3xtNUph
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What is 8020 Media?
8020 Media owns and operates a portfolio of content websites and eCommerce stores in the Automotive industry. We provide over a million monthly readers with high-quality automotive content, focused predominantly on technical and performance modification guides.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
00:13 - N52B25 vs N52B30
00:48 - Different Power Ranges for the N52
01:49 - Best Performance Upgrades for the BMW N52!
01:55 - The Best BMW N52 Mods #1 - DISA Manifold
03:11 - The Best BMW N52 Mods #1 Extended - N54 Manifold
04:47 - The Best BMW N52 Mods #2 - Tuning
05:45 - The Best BMW N52 Mods #3 - Headers
06:57 - The Best BMW N52 Mods #4 - Exhaust
07:44 - The Best BMW N52 Mods #5 - Air Intake
08:34 - How to Build a 285HP BMW N52 Summary
09:34 - Additional N52 Mods For More Power
09:43 - If you’re looking for more than 300HP….
10:27 - Best BMW N52 Mods Outro

[@justinsvlogs1701]

Thank you for doing this . Especially in 2023

[@8020Media]

Justin - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helped.

[@CrankshaftsMotors]

True

[@mightycheese2389]

Really really great and detailed video! I appreciate you taking the time to put this together for us!

[@8020Media]

Mighty - Thanks for the feedback. We hope it helps!

[@bmw-130i]

great video ,thanks for the N52 love!! 😃

[@8020Media]

BMW - Thanks for the feedback! Trying to get to all of the BMW engines eventually.

[@GoodTofuFriday]

Great info. Was looming go the the n54 intake manifold mod but since my car is jsut a daily i think ill do the 330i instead. Ive watched a few vids now and you are clearly knowledgable, thats a subscribe.

[@8020Media]

G - Thanks for the feedback! Glad we could help.

[@kylemitchell4444]

Thank you so much for this video incredibly informative, love your channel!

[@8020Media]

K - Thanks for the feedback man. We hope you find everything helpful.

[@user-qo1bv7tj5y]

thank you for this !pleasr make more e90/n52 videos please! u earned mt sub

[@8020Media]

O - Thanks for the feedback!

[@Vodafone16v]

Eyy! Great video here with excellent info! Don't forget about the X3's with the N52 and N52n engines. Would be of great value some more info on those regarding compatibility of the intakes and if the headers would be the same to the sedans, or if they will be X platform (E83) specifics. Cheers!

[@8020Media]

Voda - Thanks for the feedback! We'll certainly take it into account.

[@rezas6786]

All of this is for a E82. You reckon subfram inserts and bushings would be great? And what would you recommend between a 135i back box or a valve rear section whilst keeping the oem cats

[@Hero_nooob]

Do I need a tune for headers ?

[@Smartrior]

Thank you very much from Ukraine! :) Here we love Classic BMWs! (even tho most people just ride around on F series)

[@8020Media]

Smart - Thanks for the feedback! We personally have 5 BMW's, so we love them as well!

[@lolfungreg6964]

I saw someone else commented, but yea, you missed out on mentioning MILVS, modified supports for the valvetronic system that allow a little bit more aggressive timing using the stock cams, give about 10whp with a tune. Otherwise very nice quality video!

[@8020Media]

L - Yes, we acknowledge it, but we want to keep it simple for this video.

[@BrandonBreeden-iq4rx]

The supports are slightly thicker in gauge more lift more power right it requires a simple tune to the valvetronic system to sync the one mm difference in size could ride like ass without one tho 10+ish plus hp gain from them alone easy instal during a valve cover gasket change tho if you are handy with using a screwdriver improperly is what Im understanding from watching install from other vid but it is kinda sketchy looking loll

[@e28forever30]

@@BrandonBreeden-iq4rx Take a deep breath… Ever heard of interpunction?

[@dabzik6521]

what about sulev n51, it comes with 3 stage manifold from factory, so does it mean its just detunned ? because it makes 230 horsepower, what difference between 328i sulev and 330. just ecu detuned?

[@8020Media]

N51 has a lower compression ratio which is a big reason but it is also tuned different to meet the SULEV requirements. Manifolds are the same but the DISA systems are a little different.

[@rezas6786]

i wanna keep oem cats on the 125i would the magna flow exhaust keep it or get rid of it and if so what are the alternatives ?

[@8020Media]

E - you will want to look for catback exhaust systems then you won't mess with the OEM cats.

[@rezas6786]

I was thinking of doing a 130i tune on the 125i e82 what other mods do you think i should get to support the N52 engine thats gonna run a 130i tune or is it just these mods that youve listed that would help it ( asking if theres anytthing else to get )

[@8020Media]

E - The mods we've listed. No different across models since it has the same engine.

[@ArticulateArena]

cool video. how much power can the engine take from tuning and other mods before anything else needs to change?

[@8020Media]

A - Near the end, we discuss mods for over 300whp. What kind of power are you going for?

[@stevenrivera4712]

you do that job I need it for my car

[@8020Media]

Steven - Not too sure what you mean by this.

[@danieldiettmann8190]

Me a previous e92 335 owner am looking forward to making a slightly more powerful modern e36 sedan m3 outta this 325 n52 just gifted to me. It’ll be a suitable cheapish replacement for my beloved e36 when all is said and done I imagine

[@8020Media]

D - Sounds nice! Keep us updated with the build.

[@cxt7181]

What would you say that the 245whp power figure you mentioned translates to in terms of power to the crank?

[@8020Media]

C - Hard to say directly, we only care about whp. But if we had to guess, around 280

[@Baper-rm2kv]

Wait so I have a 2012 e90 328i coupe soulev. I heard I don’t need to swap out to the 3 state intake. Just the tune?

[@8020Media]

B - You don't have to. We make these mod videos for good power while still maintaining reliability.

[@skip2681]

So question I have a f10 528i n52 is the e9x n52 the same engine? Meaning I can buy parts for thag engine and they will fit on mine ?

[@8020Media]

Yes they should be the same for most engine related OEM parts but modifications might be different for certain parts just since the different body design and engine - so make sure you check fitment or check with the company specifically.

[@plexusgamer1105]

Hello Zach would you recommend performance mods for N52 328 xdrive?

[@8020Media]

If you're looking for that extra bit of power then I'd absolutely recommend performance upgrades for the 328i xDrive. Even just the 3 stage intake manifold and a tune will make a big difference. You could go further and do all the mods I discussed in the video. However, as I mentioned towards the end, I wouldn't go chasing huge power gains with the N52 and you may be better off focusing on other mods like suspension, control arms, etc. I'd personally do a tune, intake manifold, & coilovers to start. Then in the future maybe circle back around to a couple other mods like headers and some additional suspension refreshes/upgrades.

[@zayupnext4634]

I have a 2007 BMW 328I Coupe, what price range should I be looking for on the headers, 3-stage manifold, and tune for the manifold

[@8020Media]

Prices can vary significantly on some upgrades, especially headers. The 3-stage intake manifold should be right around $500, another $600-800 will get you a solid set of headers (though, they can get up to $1,500+ depending on brand), and about $400-500 for a tune. Ultimately, about $1,500-1,700 should get you a quality setup with all three of these N52 mods. If you go to a shop for install then I'd factor in another ~$500-700 in labor costs.

[@garrettstiles7808]

Add another ~$700 for new DISA valves. They’re ticking time bombs if you reuse the ones you get on a used 3Stage intake manifold, and cheaper to do before the install. Just beware: I did this same set of upgrades on my ‘07 328i and it all ended up a good grand or two beyond what everyone said it would all cost. Build some realistic cushion into your expectations.

[@rezas6786]

You think M3 arms in the front would be good for a E82 125i what’s your thoughts on this?

[@8020Media]

I run the M3 control arms on my E90 335i and it was an excellent upgrade. If you're looking for suspension upgrades it's definitely one I'd recommend. However, if you're on older, worn shocks & springs then it may be better to address that first.

[@Disassociatd]

@@8020Mediareally are the best with help and info🙏🏽

[@lucadevoti6955]

Anyone knows if there are some models with idraulic steering other than the 130i ???

[@loneokami6560]

The 125i/128i have it too

[@lucadevoti6955]

@@loneokami6560 thank you very much!!

[@jeremiaharchuleta9559]

Can you do these on n51 sulev?

[@8020Media]

J - We will put it on the planner.

[@nutsberserk1]

I know it kinda goes hand in hand with modifying cars, but does doing these compromise the reliability?

[@8020Media]

Nuts - Yes. It depends what mods you opt for. An intercooler makes the vehicle more efficient and so can a tune. Once you start pushing more boost, it naturally becomes less reliable.

[@iaintcatchingnoell]

Can I put a B30 3 stage manifold from a 330i on my N52B25 2.5L 218HP (325i) ?

[@8020Media]

I believe the N52B25 already has a 3-stage DISA manifold. However, I'm less familiar with the euro spec 2.5L engines so you may want to double check and confirm that is the case.

[@iaintcatchingnoell]

@@8020Media sadly you’re rigt

[@E90gangNm]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@8020Media]

E90 - Thanks for the feedback!

[@bmw130i_]

Should I turbo my 2005 130i e87 N52 🤔🤔 producing 267bhp atm

[@8020Media]

B - Depends on your budget.

[@rezas6786]

You reckon I can fit a carbon fibre air intake n54 on a N52

[@8020Media]

E - Carbon fiber isn't a different size, just material. So, it should still fit, yes.

[@rezas6786]

@@8020Media what exhaust system or pipes should I do to it I was thinking about a straight pipe a high cat pipe or a full on exhaust system I already have a resonator delete a 135i muffler and the butterfly valve disconnected what should I do

[@8020Media]

E - We have a ton of written content on the N52 on our website: bmwtuning.co/bmw-n52-engine/

[@BMWEiMSport]

Depending on region the 25i/28i models already have the 3-stage intake manifold as standard. Mine came with it from factory.

[@8020Media]

Are you in Europe? I believe a lot of the international models got it but unfortunately none in the US did.

[@BMWEiMSport]

@@8020Media Yes. The Netherlands.

[@8020Media]

BMW - That would make sense why you go it from the factory. Nice!

[@johnnyloveee]

Yeah, in the US the SULEV models got it. Mine has that manifold from factory and I’m curious how much I can get out if without compromising reliability

[@kontext4277]

I have seen 323i with the n52 3 stage intake manifold

[@alwayslearningthefacts5881]

Thanks how about the Milv`s

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for the feedback! The what?

[@garrettstiles7808]

Bingo. MILVs are the only proven N52 mod outright omitted in this vid

[@Vgk36]

Why are the headers so pricey ??? My e36 headers were cheap in comparison.😳

[@8020Media]

Vgk - Most likely because of the sophistication of them.

[@bussheadchoppa7184]

I’m getting code p0015 on my bmw 2011 528i

[@8020Media]

The VANOS solenoids and cam position sensors are two likely culprits of P0015 on the N52. Have you tried cleaning or replacing anything yet? I'd start with cleaning the VANOS solenoids to see if that gets rid of the code. Otherwise, cam position sensors have become more and more common issues as these engines continue aging.

[@bussheadchoppa7184]

@@8020Media it was coming up for exhaust and I change it

[@bussheadchoppa7184]

@@8020Media I change the vanos solenoid

[@bussheadchoppa7184]

@@8020Media and when I’m at a stop light I feel the car idle a little bit ruff but no code for that my car got 143k miles

[@8020Media]

Buss - did you change the cam position sensor?

[@spudmckenzie4959]

That's a bit disappointing. I was hoping for camshaft mods, changing rod lengths, stuff like that.

[@8020Media]

Spud - We can certainly look at doing this in the future. This is a simple mod list. Cams are certainly more complex.

[@spicysnowman8886]

You're better off talking to a racing engine builder at that point.

[@ericroper5124]

Get milvs it’s worth it

[@garrettstiles7808]

This list + MILVs. Beyond that, you’re into one-off territory and well past the cost-benefit ratio of the N52 platform.

[@2A_TJ]

@@garrettstiles7808with all these mods plus MILVs…do you think it’s possible to crack 300hp on a 328i???