BMW Performance: N54 Engine Tune for the 1 & 3 Series

Noe and Lou,

While we agree 20 HP is not all that much compared to other tunes BMW is backing the tune with a warranty and it will not adversely impact engine life. I would also imagine that this upgrade is underrated as the N54 normally is. The variation in engines and elevations is what creates all these different horsepower numbers.

If you recall a few years ago when Mazda released the new rotary engine in the RX8 they had rated and it was not producing that number, that was a big deal. BMW underrating is in the customers best interest since they always get more than is stated…

When we get some seat time with this tune, we will let you know what we think as numbers are not always the full story.

There also must be a large enough gap between the ///M3 and the 335 performance to keep the ///M where it should be. Having driven 335s and the ///M3 extensively now, I can say that no amount of power is going to make a 335 perform like the ///M though it is a great car. BUT from a normal buyers perspective and the marketing department’s view: If the hp numbers and all that are so close why would anyone by the ///M? That is more than likely why only “20″hp increase.

-M

Sagar- You have me laughing here! I would agree with most of your criticism…. if you have driven the ///M3 at high RPM you will quickly realize it does not need all that torque and it was designed with a purpose, I rather have the high end screaming than the AMG low end torque that does nothing but spin the tires; there is a point where more torque is not beneficial, unless the gearing (ie diesel) is for economy. As for the MPG; I get 20 on avg. and 8 when I just want to be in the 6-8K rpm range

Insurance is actually less on my ///M3 sedan than my E60 Sport Wagon; go figure!

-M