Performance upgrades

Thrawn · #1 01-28-2021, 04:38 PM

So I have been reading around on the forums on various topics mods ect...

I got interested in possibly tuning up my x35i N55. I am not gonna be racing it or anything, but I wouldn't mind more power and acceleration if I needed it/wanted it. I know the turbo can be upgraded, but that is more than I am after at this time.

right now I am looking at these possible options.

1. E Chassis N55 BMW JB4 Tuner.
2.BMS E Chassis N55 Performance Intake, Performance Filter and Mounting Hardware.
3.VRSF Charge pipe Upgrade Kit
4. anything else I might need if I do the above.

any feedback on these? are they worth doing? any noticed acceleration say passing a car on the highway? thanks

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nodemgr · #2 01-29-2021, 04:49 PM

I just installed the JB4 and I believe it's worth doing, it adds a lot of torque that this big vehicle needs - definitely helps from stoplights and passing.
Alternative would be something from MHD which flashes your ECU and doesn't just piggyback. MHD may give more control and I believe it is more well regarded for heavy modders, but I could be wrong on those points.

Per my research I believe the performance intake is a waste of money, unless you want the increased sound. Seems to not give much benefit over a drop in performance filter.

VRSF charge pipe would be a good upgrade, I believe the stock pipes are prone to breaking under higher pressures. I'm not sure it give much power gain.

The next big thing would be a catless downpipe, but then you are talking emissions issues and increased sound/smell from exhaust.

If you are unhappy with the shifting of the transmission in normal or sport, you could get xhp transmission software, but I'm thinking I'll do that last after all of the above and a turbo upgrade.

Thrawn · #3 01-29-2021, 04:56 PM

Awesome thanks for the help! I will move the intake to the bottom of the to do list. I also don't want to mess with the catless downpipes do to emission testing. it is required in my state. I was thinking the JB4 since the car is under warranty for 3 years or 36k miles. I don't was there to be issues if I flash the ECU. I also will probably do the Charge pipe first, before other mods. I did consider upgrading the turbo, but i don't think I need to do that much to this SUV.

Thrawn · #4 01-31-2021, 09:02 PM

Researching some more shows I might only need the stage 1 tune and not the jb4.

On a side note, my nephew is a licensed master mechanic, and really wants to work on my x5. He has the shop and lift and all the tools. He told me buy all the parts and he will do all the labor free.

He wants me to get a upgraded turbo, high flow cats, upgraded inner cooler etc...
He says he will do it all over the weekend. He is used to working 12-16 hours a day so he says it will be cake. Funny the offer is tempting. Just didn’t really think I needed quite that much HP. Looks like I would be close to 500 whp maybe?

I would have to spend $2500 or so for the parts.

nodemgr · #5 02-01-2021, 03:00 PM

That's a great offer for free labor. Good luck!

Ryansbmw1 · #6 02-01-2021, 03:53 PM

Wow wish I had a friend like that!

Definitely do he charge pipe. Even with no other mods, that alone is a nice piece of mind knowing it won’t crack like the factory plastic pipe.

With catless/ high flow downpipes, you will need a tune to keep the CEL off and maximize the improved flow. An upgraded turbo will also need a custom tune to take advantage. Pull the DME and have it bench flashed so you can install MHD on it. The OTS maps will work well to start but if you do end up with an upgraded turbo, tuners can make a map and upload thru that platform

Thrawn · #7 02-01-2021, 04:02 PM

Thanks for the advice. I think for now I am just going to do the charge pipe, the drop in k&n filter, and the JB4. I might do the high flow cats this summer, but for now I think this will be good enough. I don't think I am going to upgrade the turbo at this time. I do have to keep the extended warranty people happy for the next 3 years. I didn't get this to go all out, but it is tempting none the less.

Vonbimmer · #8 02-04-2021, 10:30 AM

I ran the MHD on my 13’ x35i with the N55 about a year ago but a the time they were working to iron out surging issues when accelerating from a stop. Ultimately the surge issues proved too annoying and they refunded my purchase and I removed the tune. I believe they have a new code set now that is better.

Of course after feeling more boost I had to do something so I picked up the home flash kit for the Dinan stage 2 tune and it has been great. It’s not quite as powerful as the MHD 1+ but it is stock like smooth and smogs without any issues. (Good value now too as I think it’s sub $500)

I also ran the VRSF boost pipe with both for peace of mind. I have no doubt the stress from the MHD would have ended the plastic oem pipe.

Thrawn · #9 02-08-2021, 11:18 AM

Thanks, the MHD sounds nice, I am worried it might void my aftermarket warranty I bought. That is the main reason I was looking into the JB4.

Thrawn · #10 02-14-2021, 10:06 AM

Yesterday I decided to get a license of BimmerLink and BimmerCode. So much easier to Check things with my iPhone vs the laptop. I noticed something odd.

When I pulled up the live psi readings for my turbo it is set at 14.95 psi. I thought the stock was around 9 on these. Is it possible the previous owner already did a tune on this? If so is there a way I can find out what was done to it? Also if it was tuned before I got it, the the warranty company shouldn’t be able to complain if something were to happen if it was in this state when it was purchased.

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