WTA: engine upgrade for e46 318i N42

[zeedo]

If you refer to BMW magazine a few months back, there's a guy in Hong Kong who installed an SC kit into an N46 E90....it does increase the power but I guess the amount of money invested is not worth it. I'm driving N42 also, changed to K&N filter...it may have some slight increase in acceleration (not significant).
Other than that I am more into keeping it leak free

 

[ichi82]

If you refer to BMW magazine a few months back, there's a guy in Hong Kong who installed an SC kit into an N46 E90....it does increase the power but I guess the amount of money invested is not worth it. I'm driving N42 also, changed to K&N filter...it may have some slight increase in acceleration (not significant).
Other than that I am more into keeping it leak free

haha true2..N42 is not for performance..for me if can go 200++ when i need it to be than its good enough..keeping it leak free is the priority..mine is having problem coz engine keeping eating up oil without any visible leaking..will do a checkup end of month

 

[fabianyee]

Another thing to note is that sludging seem to be a common issue with the N42... Especially those who stuck to the 25,000km service interval...

If oil is leaking from the seals. better check oil breather 'ventilation module'..

See this :http://www.flickr.com/photos/enghun/484857091/in/photostream (courtesy of viewfinder)

 

[ichi82]

Another thing to note is that sludging seem to be a common issue with the N42... Especially those who stuck to the 25,000km service interval...

If oil is leaking from the seals. better check oil breather 'ventilation module'..

See this :http://www.flickr.com/photos/enghun/484857091/in/photostream (courtesy of viewfinder)

noted..hoped that my engine doesn't have sludge issue..

 

[zeedo]

Mine it eating up engine oil too, by the time complete 5000km for the next service, it would have needed about 1.5l top up already. Going to my mechanic also end this month. Oil separator and all the related hoses for sure need to be changed at 100k km. Just open the cam cover, you'll know whether you got sludge or not.

 

[McFir7]

Fab is right. N42 have common problem sludge.pls don't delay for ur oil change & n the service interval shouldn't be more than max, 7000km.best is 5000km.

My car could reach 200km/h ++ easily. I feel like I m driving a 320i 6cyc..

Try to upgrade air filter. My choice will be bmc cda. I m using it now.is goin to cost u.if u have low budget, try the kn drop in.in comes like a cone shape.fit in ur air box. Is a good choice too.

 

[McFir7]

Fab is right. N42 have common problem sludge.pls don't delay for ur oil change & n the service interval shouldn't be more than max, 7000km.best is 5000km.

My car could reach 200km/h ++ easily. I feel like I m driving a 320i 6cyc..

Try to upgrade air filter. My choice will be bmc cda. I m using it now.is goin to cost u.if u have low budget, try the kn drop in.in comes like a cone shape.fit in ur air box. Is a good choice too.

 

[ichi82]

Fab is right. N42 have common problem sludge.pls don't delay for ur oil change & n the service interval shouldn't be more than max, 7000km.best is 5000km.

My car could reach 200km/h ++ easily. I feel like I m driving a 320i 6cyc..

Try to upgrade air filter. My choice will be bmc cda. I m using it now.is goin to cost u.if u have low budget, try the kn drop in.in comes like a cone shape.fit in ur air box. Is a good choice too.

whats the price for bmc cda and kn drop in?

 

[McFir7]

I bought the filters few years back,,not sure what's the current price..

Kn drop in (cone shape ) 400++
gmc CDs (cold induction with carbon fibre) 1300++

 

[wanganstyle]

I would suggest either:

Engine unit change to 6 potter (may or may not be in budget).

2500cc-2800cc would be a nice upgrade and inexpensive (when compared to aftermarket turbo / boost + tuning on original engine)

Or:

Leave 4 potter standard factory 100% and change (increase to higher++ number) final drive ratio for torque multiplier @ the wheels.

This would allow current power to move the car as is quicker from a stop with the most potential fuel economy and least cost. This would be ideal for an around town car, if freeway is the target than lower gear ratio (original) would be preferred and you should increase the torque output of the engine.

100% original engine will always be the best on fuel consumption

 

[aidilj]

While doing my research bumped into this, it seems somebody already turboed N42 in malaysia but the transmission program is not prepared to handle the power.

http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393196

 

[fabianyee]

so moral of the story is Don't Waste Time???

 

[aidilj]

fabianyee, I guess so. Pondered a bit after seeing the thread and thought that it would be lot of work. At least we can conclude that FI adds too much power for the stock tranny.

 

[mizhan]

Feasible option remains the trading in of current car to acquire a more powerful one.

 

[ay39]

Feasible option remains the trading in of current car to acquire a more powerful one.

Suggested, but fell on studborn ears..........

 

[anaksarawak]

Another thing to note is that sludging seem to be a common issue with the N42... Especially those who stuck to the 25,000km service interval...

If oil is leaking from the seals. better check oil breather 'ventilation module'..

See this :http://www.flickr.com/photos/enghun/484857091/in/photostream (courtesy of viewfinder)

Bro, can you help point to this item in realoem? Thanks

 

[kby88]

just bumped to this thread...
for me, just leave the engine stock standard..........but lets do manual gearbox conversion =)