N52/N51 FAQ

N52/N51 FAQ

What is the link for the Aliexpress headers?

Here

If the link expires, look for a new listing with this photo

We are not affiliated with the AliExpress seller. Always use PayPal for protection when buying from AliExpress.

 

Which 22RPD tune should I use? 

For N51 and N52- Stage 1,2, and supercharger tunes have been consolidated into a single page linked below-

22RPD N51 N52 Tune

  

Should I upgrade my injectors or fuel pump?

You do not need to upgrade your injectors or fuel pump unless you are running E85 or boost.

E85 requires the following injectors plus the 22RPD Stage 2 tune

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/porsche-fuel-injector-kit-bosch-0280158123kt

Boost will also require these injectors, and possibly a fuel pump past 400+ whp.

 

How do I install a catch can on my N52?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lod-ZpPX6iU

(Use 3/4" hose, do not drop down in size like the video above, it does not flow enough.)

  

How do I make my N52 sound good? 

Without headers:

Muffler delete

135i N54 muffler +  Resonator delete

 

With headers:

3" Exhaust merged at the transmission mount

AA Gen 2 Muffler

 

How do I install a WOTBOX on my N52?

https://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1668680&d=1501783979

 

Common misfire/rough idle causes on N52/N51

-Broken CCV hose 

-Ignition coils

-Spark plugs

-Vacuum leak

-Leaking valve cover gasket

 

How do I smoke test my N52?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Xc0Owfkztbw

 

How do I install an N54 intake manifold? Is it plug and play?

OEM+ method-

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1902505

(Thanks to Alphonse/Biginboca for the guide)

Easy method-

  • Eccentric inserts- https://www.ebay.com/itm/255924363641
  • Catch can to delete CCV- https://amzn.to/3W1kPi6
  • Catch can hoses included will not work, buy FUEL RATED hose and cut to fit.
  • Buy a used N54im throttle body to attach the fuel evap hose to as it has a port for it.
  • 2006 models will require soldering an 07+ throttle body connector to run an n54 throttle body.

You will need a tune for the n54im intake manifold to run correctly and make good power. 

Tune here- 22RPD N51 N52 Tune

 

What oil should I run in my N52?

Both Liqui-Moly High Tech 5W-40 and Rotella T6 5W-40 has tested well in my Blackstone oil analysis. I run 0W-40 below freezing.

 

What spark plugs and ignition coils should I run in my N52?

Eldor N54 Ignition coils (Some 2005 build dates will require snipping an alignment pin off)

NGK Laser Iridium spark plugs

 

I just bought an N52, what tools should I buy?

Bimmergeeks Protool + Android device + Bluetooth adapter

Bentley Manual

Etorx socket set

Metric socket set

Torx socket set

 

Do I have the 3 Stage Intake Manifold?

If you have the DISA valve shown in the circled photo below, you have the 3 stage intake manifold. (There is a second DISA on the lower inner portion under the runners.

 

 

Valve cover job trick-

https://youtu.be/GOHWG0E1sQ0

 

Should I use a 3 stage intake manifold or n54 intake manifold?

If you don't rev past 4500rpm, 3si makes more power in that range.
If you spend more time above 4500rpm, especially if manual or zf6 auto with xhp with raised redline, n54im.
  • With a redline of 7500, at WOT you'll always be in the n54im's peak powerband which outperforms the 3si.
  • N54im has no disa failure points which can kill an engine.
  • N54im has a more linear powerband.
  • 3si has more low end torque
The main benefits of the n54 intake manifold-
Lack of DISAs (save ~$800 and no risk of engine damage from failure)
Extended powerband (3si drops off at 6800, n54im pulls to 7500)
So for someone going from a single stage to an n54im ($80-100 used+$400 tune), Vs $800 on DISA + $80-250 for 3sim+$400 tune for nearly the same torque and a broader powerband with more peak HP, it definitely can make sense.
For someone who has a car that came from the factory with the 3sim and doesn't see much time above 5000rpm, there's not really a benefit unless they don't want to replace their DISAs.
Note: On GM transmission car, ALL USA 328's, the redline CANNOT be increased beyond factorym so you will be missing out on 500rpm of the n54im powerband.
What are good cheap DISA valves?
They don't exist, buy Geniune BMW DISA, as the OEM manufacturer Mahle does not sell them not branded by BMW. If a DISA valve fails, it can cause engine failure.
How do I make my N52 faster?
Stock car or airbox/rear exhaust only- 22RPD N51 N52 Tune
Full bolt ons-
Headers
3 Stage intake manifold or N54 intake manifold
22RPD N51 N52 Tune
 
  • Weight reduction
  • 3.73 or 3.91 rear differential (Both front and rear 3.91 diff if AWD)
  • Straight through muffler
  • XHP Stage 3 transmission flash for ZF6 auto trans. (Only 06 325/330 and 528i)

 

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7 comments

is 2006 325i , n52b25 or n52b30 made in usa and what kw

Ronald Brian

Hi what has frustrated me when online looking for minor parts when I enter my car details their site either says “will not fit your car” or
Their list will not accept my model , may not except,
Year/ engine capacity, or model.. my car is a.
BMW 2008 525I E60 MSPORT
N52B25 . A 2007 is ok , or A 528i ,or N52b30 . Thanks.
I hope this is understandable .

Jamie Stanley

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