How and where to go when upgrading a BMW?

I've been looking on websites and I am really wanting to do this and not just buy a faster car. I wanna make one faster. Any ways I own a 1999 BMW 323i and the motors an e46. I was wondering if anybody knew of some great sites to buy from that have turbo kits, cold air, chips and the right ones.

ANSWER: (Please don't install the kit yourself if a BMW does not come with a factory installed turbo kit don't buy one off line go to the dealer OR a certified european mechanic shop. Any where else and i guarantee your car will never work right again. This car isn't a chevy or a crappy toyota they are priced so high for a reason the engineer work on these cars is unmatched. also you are looking at about 9 thousand and up to have this done by a Professional.)

Which car would you take?

List best to least: Mitsubishi Evo 9 MR:-35r Turbo Kit-cams-exhaust-ecu maybe-Carbon bumper splitter -Bride seats-etc, etc Porsche 996 Turbo-GT2 Bumper-GT2 Wing CF style-Straight pipes-GT3 Seats BMW E92 M3-Pole Position seats-ericsson style trunk lid-meisterschaft Kreissig exhaust-performance L.E.D steering Wheel-CF front Splitter

ANSWER: (1. Porsche 996 turbo2. Lancer Evo VIII3. BMW E92 M3)

Anyone have BMW Z4 turbo?

I am looking to buy some Turbo kit for my 2005 BMW Z4 2.5I. I am not sure what kind, should I buy?and it is good to put a Turbo on Z4 2.5I?

ANSWER: (no it is not good)

can i put a turbo kit on my 2003 bmw 325i and if so where can i find one at a decent price?

ANSWER: (you pay 3500 to slap on a turbo on a bmw, you will soon be paying 15000 for a new engine.... make sure its done right!)

What should i do to increase the performance and power of my 1997 bmw z3 1.9L?

I bought a 1997 bmw z3 1.9L with 80,000 miles just a few months ago. Im trying to find the best way to increase the performance and power, manly power. I was think about a turbo kit or a supercharger. Not sure which one would be better. I would like to know what else would help as well.

ANSWER: (it would be cheaper to sell your car and get a zm roadster or coupe 321bhp.)

bmw 323ci engine swap to a e36 m3?

i have just bought a 2000 e46 323ci for $3000 and i want a lot more power...i have found turbo kits for my car but i would like the feel of having a m3...i found a great deal on a e36 1999 m3 is it worth it...please no responses saying just buy an m3 because if i have the $20,000 i would

ANSWER: (The modifications needed to make this work would cost more (a lot more) than it would be worth. Can it be done - yes Do people do it - no The best option is a supercharger or a turbo (I'd go for the supercharger as they're more reliable in the long-term). Andy)

is this smart? trading a newer car for an older car?

i'm thinking of trading my 08 Nissan Sentra for an 06 BMW M3 E46.they are both modified (M3 is heavily modified) but the bmw has 2k more miles on the engine than the sentra. should i keep the car i have or trade it? it's a close friend im trading with so i'll still see my sentra if i do trade. here is list of mods if interested. Sentra-Injen SP Series Cold Air IntakeSpeed Limit DefencerSuper SQV Racing Single Valve3 1/2 " Body Straight Tube glasspack (exhaust)enkei LF-10 18" rimsSFR turbo kitalcohol injectorR1 series carbon fiber hoodpulse style full bodykit M3 E46-Eibach lowering kitEIbach anti-roll kitEibach Sway Bar Kit AEM methanol injection kitMagnaflow Exhaust System MSD Ignition AmplifierMallory Performance Ignition KitCO2 Installation KitHKS GT Supercharger Kitenkei GW8 17"rimsAE072-01 executive front bumperR-1 executive Rear BumperGTR Bonnet with Carbon VentsVIS Racing Euro Tech Style Side Skirtsvfiber frp fender flaresCarbon Fiber Dive Planes

ANSWER: (I think you need to figure out why anybody would give up the much superior BMW for a lowly Nissan. The Sentra (in any trim) is nothing more than an entry level car. The BMW M3 is one of the best high performance German engineered sport sedan in the world. All the mods on the planet can't make that Nissan half the car the M3 is. From your perspective it would be a great move. If you can talk someone with an M3 into giving it up for your Sentra you're a lucky man. There has to be some hidden issues with the M3. No sane person would ever consider that move.)

How fast would this bmw go?

Its a 1996 E36 328is BMW 5 spd manual but it has a complete t3/t4 turbo kit and M3 clutch and flywheel.thats all i know it has if you can give me an approximate0-601/4 mile and maybe a top speed

ANSWER: (328i 2,793 cc (2.793 L; 170.4 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) @5900 rpm 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @3950 rpm M52B28 0-60=7.4 240 km/h (150 mph) 1994–1998 with a turbo it would be about 6 seconds 0-60 and at least 280km/h top speed 1/4 mile would be in mid 12s)

how much is a turbo kit for a bmw 650i coupe?

what else can i do to make the car have a faster 0-60 than 5.8(and dont say get an m6)

ANSWER: (usually around 2-3 grand with the turbo intercooler and everything u need.get around 50-60hp on 8-10 pounds boost)

BMW e46 M3 supercharger or turbo?

hi, i own a 2003 BMW e46 M3. and i wanna add some horse power to it... so i am looking for a super charger or a turbo kit that is not pricey and doesn't require piston changes and alot of other costs.any suggestions? budget is around $1500by the way my friend has a BMW garage so installation will be done for free for me. the $1500 is totally for the kit

ANSWER: (yeah....1500 will get you nothing nice. plus installation cost an arm and a leg. not to mention your not just buying the kits to which adds on to such an incredible amount. better keep saving but if you are wanting something now, check out e bay. buy from a factory, not used or anything, but you probably wont find much for that much.)

Anyone looking for a certified 2007 BMW 335i Coupe?

Certified 2007 BMW 335i Coupe Price $31,000 Mileage 29,200 Body StyleCoupe Exterior ColorSilver Interior ColorBlack Engine 6 Cylinder Twin Turbo 300HP Engine TransmissionManual Drive Type2 wheel drive - rear Fuel Type Gasoline Doors Two Door Vehicle Description Installed Options: Driver Air Bag Anti-Lock Brakes Air Conditioning Alloy Wheels Cruise Control CD Player Passenger Air Bag Rear Window Defroster AM/FM Stereo Power Door Locks Power Mirrors Power Windows Power Steering Power Seats Side Air Bag Sunroof/Moonroof Tinted Glass Tilt Wheel BMW Certified Used Car. 100,000 mile warranty included with free scheduled maintenance until January 2011. New Bridgestone ZR rated run-flat tires. Always garaged, Low mileage, Maintenance records available. No dents or dings. Includes optional sport kit (18" alloy wheels with sport suspension, sport seats and 3 spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with built in radio controls), tinted windows (front and rear), traction control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive Bi-Xenon Headlights and brushed aluminum interior trim. Separate temperature controls for driver and passenger. Refrigerated front console with IPOD connection, dual heated sport mirrors, heated windshield washer jets, 2 retractable cup holders in front and rear fold-down center armrest also with retractable cup holders. Car has been detailed inside and out. Wheels are in excellent condition with no curb-rash. Car is VERY clean inside and out. Very good factory sound system with sub-woofer and pre-wired for satellite radio. Split folding rear seats provide ample trunk space. Great milage--averages 20-21 MPG around town with 29-30 hwy. This car has it all--sporty looks, performance, and it's fuel efficient! No reason to buy a new car--this one has a better warranty, is just as clean and you save a lot of money! Location: Creve Coeur, MO (Just outside St. Louis)

ANSWER: (no)

Is anyone looking for a Certified 2007 BMW 335i Coupe?

Price $31,000 Mileage 29,200 Body StyleCoupe Exterior ColorSilver Interior ColorBlack Engine 6 Cylinder Twin Turbo 300HP Engine TransmissionManual Drive Type2 wheel drive - rear Fuel Type Gasoline Doors Two Door Vehicle Description Installed Options: Driver Air Bag Anti-Lock Brakes Air Conditioning Alloy Wheels Cruise Control CD Player Passenger Air Bag Rear Window Defroster AM/FM Stereo Power Door Locks Power Mirrors Power Windows Power Steering Power Seats Side Air Bag Sunroof/Moonroof Tinted Glass Tilt Wheel BMW Certified Used Car. 100,000 mile warranty included with free scheduled maintenance until January 2011. New Bridgestone ZR rated run-flat tires. Always garaged, Low mileage, Maintenance records available. No dents or dings. Includes optional sport kit (18" alloy wheels with sport suspension, sport seats and 3 spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with built in radio controls), tinted windows (front and rear), traction control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive Bi-Xenon Headlights and brushed aluminum interior trim. Separate temperature controls for driver and passenger. Refrigerated front console with IPOD connection, dual heated sport mirrors, heated windshield washer jets, 2 retractable cup holders in front and rear fold-down center armrest also with retractable cup holders. Car has been detailed inside and out. Wheels are in excellent condition with no curb-rash. Car is VERY clean inside and out. Very good factory sound system with sub-woofer and pre-wired for satellite radio. Split folding rear seats provide ample trunk space. Great milage--averages 20-21 MPG around town with 29-30 hwy. This car has it all--sporty looks, performance, and it's fuel efficient! No reason to buy a new car--this one has a better warranty, is just as clean and you save a lot of money!

ANSWER: (yes i am were are you located)

Short shifter kit for BMW 335i?

I was wondering what you think of the short shifter kit for the bmw 335i twin turbo? Is it worth buying? If so, is it hard to install. How much is it for BMW to install?

ANSWER: (I installed a short shifter on my E36 M3 and it is one of them most enjoyable modification i have done so far.Once you have installed it, you will notice the difference INSTANTLY, the travel on the stick is massively reduced.Installing it was a bit tricky, but not brain surgery and a vehicle lift is a MUST. 1.Get under the car and disconnect the gear shaft selector for the gear stick.2.undo X 2 13mm nuts which hold the gear stick in position and pull it through the bottom. Make sure you remove the leather trim around the Gear stick first.3.Look at the bottom of the gear stick where the pivot ball is, there is a white plastic retaining washer holding the stick in situ(you may need to clean the grease of to see this). Mount the complete unit in a vice and gently tap the white washer CLOCKWISE with a BLUNT screwdriver. After about half a turn, it will release the stick.4.Once you have the short shifter in place, repeat the above in reverse. I have a friend who works for BMW and they will not fit any none standard or non original parts to customers vehicles.)

Can I do this at home?

I have a 2006 BMW M3 and I want to install Horsepower Freaks Stage 4 http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/partdetails/HorsepowerFreaks/Turbos/Turbo_Kits/E46_M3/11037) and New BMW Ignition Coils, Sub-frame Reinforcement, OS Giken Differential, HPF Feramic Clutch, and Sub-frame Bushings. Could I do this at home or would I need to go to a shop?

ANSWER: (The Turbo kit and coils should be easy to handle at home if you know what you're doing, and follow all the instructions. The frame reinforcements, clutch, and diff work would be a whole lot easier with a lift, and should probably be done by a pro, especially the sub-frame work, as most work done on the sub-frames requires an alignment before returning to the road.)

Should I buy an 08' M3 or 09' 370Z?

hey guys I'm stuck on a little choice I've been debating on for a couple weeks now. I'm in the market to buy a new car and wanted to upgrade from my 1992 Nissan 300ZX; I was either going to get a certified pre-owned 08 BMW M3 for $52,000 OR buy the 09 Nissan 370Z for $27,000 (I get a discount) and throw in a GTM HR Twin Turbo kit for $15,000 rated at about 600 rwhp. I think the Nissan is the smarter buy considering it will be more dependable (not so much with a TT) but much easier to work on myself considering much of the M3 work must be done at a dealer. Stock-wise there is no comparison, the M3 is much quicker and all-around unbeatable from a Z stand-point but I think the 370Z with the TT kit will allow it to torch practically anything on the road.I would get an EVO but EEEEVVEERRRYYYOONNNEEE has them, their too cheesy for me plus I'm thinking I stick with the Z's since I know how to work on them. As far as the engine goes, I was planning on putting in a GTM Stage 6 HR 4.5L Sleeved STROKER Shortblock then boosting it.

ANSWER: (M3 dude!)

Adding a turbo to a 1.9 BMW z3 from ebay?

Hi i just bought a 1998 1.9 bmw z3 exactly like james bonds in golden eye with 125,000 miles from ebay and the car is mechanically excellent and drives good but i wanted to add some power to it so i was thinking about buying one of those universal t3/t4 turbo kits off of ebay anyone know jow much hp increase and are they good any thoughts or precautions i should take about adding a turbo to a non turbo car and please none of these answers like just sell the car and get a turbo car i just want a turbo in my car thankshttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TURBO-KIT-BMW-E36-E30-E39-E46-E34-E38-325I-318IS-320-Z3_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem41469ae1d7QQitemZ280357429719QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessorieshere is the link for the turboZ3_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem41469ae1d7QQitemZ280357429719QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessorieskenny all your facts are wrong the first z3 was made in 96 and there is a 1.9 liter engine and i was asking about the turbo from ebay without changing my tranny or rods or pistons only just adding it

ANSWER: (You will need about $5000 for a complete turbo kit, installation, upgraded injectors, and tuning. It is not a good idea to turbocharge a car with that many miles on it. So you will need to spend about another $3000-$5000 on replacing and upgrading the pistons, connecting rods, cam etc... Since the transmission is old, it will not bea able to handle the added power that a turbocharger will put it through. Count on about another $1500 to get it rebuilt After you have spent around $9000-$12000 to get all this work done you will then have a car that might make about 250 horsepower assuming you have the 2.5 liter. If you can afford the car plus spending all the money needed to properly install a turbo, then you have the money to buy a performance car to begin with ****EDIT****I stand corrected about the model Z3's were out. I apologize. If all you wanted to do was just add a turbo and not do anything else... that would be incredibly risky. It is not suggested to install a turbo or supercharger to a car that has as many miles as your car does. You can install just a turbo, but it will blow up and cause your trans to go out without rebuilding and upgrading the drivetrain.)

yes i was wondering can anybody help me . where can i buy a turbo kit for a 2001 bmw 328i?

like what stores or places can i oder turbo kits for that car..what websites ..and also what all would i have to do to the engine if i put a turbo kit into thanks

ANSWER: (i also own a 328 its a 2000 though no difference... but i wouldnt go turbo.. turbos create lag... with the turbo have to spool up and they can be a pain. i would go with either an ESS Tuning supercharger or an Actice Autowerks supercharger... they are very pricy i am about to get the stage two from ESS but it bolts on 130 hp... so if you want to spend the money go with the supercharger both can be found at the companies web sites activeautowerke.comandesstuning.com good luck)

bmw 328is e36 turbo ecu??

Hi there i have a 1996 bmw 328is 5 speed. I have a full turbo kit. all i need is injectors fuel pump nd m50 manifold(not necesery) and ecu. Heres the problem i havnt seen any ecus for my car. WIll Greddy universal emangement work on my car??? Are there any other ecus that would work on my with car with a decent price? THanks.

ANSWER: (Yup! Dinan.com. Check them out.)

is it possible to put a bmw m3 turbo kit/supercharger in my bmw 323i?

i want to turbocharger/ or supercharge my 2000 323i but i cant seem to find a website that sells them so i was wondering if i could drop a turbo or supercharger for an m3 on my 2000 323i

ANSWER: (NO, it will not work - the m3 installation is very specific. one of the problems bmw owners have always encountered is the cost & limited aftermarket product for enhancing their cars performance. i think you have but 1 option..... http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/performanceparts/BMW/323/Superchargers/Supercharger_Kits on your car stock internals you can run this mild boost supercharger which will give you approx 50% increase in peak HP over stock. you should also install better intake (cold air intake), performance headers, and a performance exhaust system(catbacks) in conjunction with this forced induction installation. generally for lower boost installations, like this one a supercharger is preferable to a turbo (they both make the same power increase when installed at equivalent levels of induction - " boost" ) because:-its lighter, runs cooler-easier & cheaper to install & maintain-delivers power earlier & in a more linear fashion this is an expensive installation.....with the intake, headers, supercharger and exhaust....all in including shop labor better part of $11,000 (power enhancement is never cheap & for a bmw "exhoribant") so always consider possibility of moving out of present vehicle into a higher performance profile before considering the project (and if you are interested in fast, serious performance and better handling ....recommend you search out better and more dependable options than a bmw). regards, owner-past & present of supercharged cars (former owner of 2 bmw's).)

Bmw turbo help?!?!?!?

i have a bmw e34 1992 525i. i want to turbocharge it but they dont make too many full turbo kits for cheap for it. i found a nice one for the e36 325i. i was wondering that since they have the same engine(m50b25) if it would be possible to install it onto my car. please help. no rush im still saving money

ANSWER: (The turbo is worth more than the car. Why do you want to do that?Kenny Hammad)

I need help with advice on turbochargers?

alright so i want to buy a turbo for my car but they don't make many whole kits for the bmw 525i e34 m50 engine. so i was wondering if i could buy a turbo and give it to a shop and they could find all the parts to install it. or do i need a turbo that's especially made for my car model? please help i would love to chat further about this if you would like to be of assistance please feel free to contact me through yahoo

ANSWER: (You don't need a specific turbo for your car, it's more about the tune that's important. The problem with BMW's is the compression issues, which is why it took HorsePowerFreaks so long to come out with an M3 turbo kit. A BMW isn't really built for boost (other than the new 335s), which is why it becomes more complicated to make it that way.)

Where can i buy a good turbo kit for my 2000 e46 328ci on the web?

Im looking to buy a turbo kit on the web but it seen hard for me to get one at a good price. Whats a good website to buy for my bmw.

ANSWER: (quite frankly a supercharger installation is perferable for your car....and basically makes the same increase in power as a turbo when installed at equivalent level of boost.a supercharger vs. a turbo:-runs cooler-lighter-delivers power earlier and in a more linear fashion-easier & cheaper to install. there are bolt on installations for your car........ http://www.superchargersonline.com/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=AA-2001-328http://www.superchargersonline.com/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=VF-VFK14-01 forced induction is not cheap (performance & power is expensive) but it will make you seriously quick, and turn your bmw into a contender. in terms of installation count on a full day of shop labor time, including retune of engine management system. it is preferable to also install-cold air intake, performance exhaust-catbacks, and performance headers. these are mild boost installations designed to run on your stock internals. if you want to go less money you can consider installation of a nitrous kit with a short shot (will provide same power increase and create no more/no less heat and engine stress than a turbo or ssupercharger). regards, owner past & present of supercharged cars (former owner of 2 BMW's))

bmw m3 exhaust question10 points!?

ok the thing is the next week im gonna get the hpf turbo kit stage 1 .. for that im ok.. but with the exhaust.. i dont know if the SS race or the HPF Ti.. but i think the HPF TI its for the turboed' m3.. because is way top loud... so with the turbo and the hfp you think it will be louder.. than the SS race..??

ANSWER: (For a car like this, why do you actually care??? it sound so highly modded, it deserves to be loud and more importantly, SEEN!! The fact is, it is loud without the turbo.....the turbo will help the engine push more gases through the exhausts......ITS GONNA BE LOUDER REGARDLESSLY! I am a keen modder, what else have you done to the car?)

cant find turbo kit for E21 bmw?

does anyone know where i could find a turbo kit for an 82 e21 bmw i believe thats what it is its a 1.8l 4 banger its pretty quick for a 27 year old car but i wanna rebuild it and give it a little more power any ideas?

ANSWER: (there will not be a kit or a bolt on - but that may not necessarily stop you from providing forced induction to the engine. your engine will require a rebuild - stroker kit for the bottom end forged crank, rods, pistons, rod bearings and performance rings and at the top end performance heads, or perhaps just race studs, all together that should allow you to deal with the heat. in terms of the turbo installation you will use a "universal" turbo turbinelike herehttp://www.andysautosport.com/bmw/1975_1982_3_series/performance/turbos_and_superchargers/turbos/greddy/ or from other quality manufacturers - garrett or turbonetics. The other required parts are also easily sourced (wastegate, BOV, downpipe) and the linkages-piping will have to be fabricated by your pro-shop.Allin cost of the parts I estimate to be approx $3000, and for installation count on between 2 and 3 days labor - so perhaps another plus $3000.overall this is not a really large difference than a bolt on installation (power is not cheap). ....economically this build really is difficult to justify iunless you really love/are committed to the car - as it would be far easier to upgrade to a car that was newer more powerful for the same as this installation will cost you. the other option you might consider......rebuild & enhance the engine & that should be done in any event........and add a nitrous kit.NOS adds no more stress/heat on an engine than turbo or supercharger, and provides comparable increases in power.http://www.andysautosport.com/bmw/1975_1982_3_series/performance/nitrous_oxide/ the cost of the kit and short time of the installation are a fraction of the cost of forced induction. if it were me, that would be the route i would go, or move on to another car.318 on NOS..........(likely faster than most 330's)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv1TkUDfAp0 and i particularly like this one, beat up ricer on NOS eating a supercharged Mhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plf4R_a7XUc regardsowner past and present of supercharged cars-fan of forced induction)

2004 bmw z4 2.5 turbo ?

a friend of mine has a 2004 bmw z4 2.5 he really wants to get a turbo kit for it he's on a budget so he's thinking about getting a universal turbo kit off ebay. he wants to know if putting the universal kit in the car will be a good idea. And if so is there any engine parts he will have to upgrade? the kit comes with everything except the exhaust manifold and the down pipe.

ANSWER: (Worst thing he could do. POWER is NOT CHEAP and if you try to do it on the cheap either the installation will fail or more likely the engine will fail. if he wants a forced induction system for his car (turbo or supercharger-they both make the same increase in power when installed at the same levels of boost) his best option would be abolt on installation of a supercharger made specifically for his vehicle. a supercharger for mild boost installations is usually better than a turbo because its:-lighter (no piping/plumbing)-runs cooler-easier to install and overall cheaper to buy/install-delivers power earlier and in a more linear fashion-easier to increase the boost if the engine is upgraded there is a bolt on installation available, herehttp://www.vf-engineering.com/index.php?v=/cat-bmw.php its a mild boost, of about 6lbs, specifically designed to run on stock engine, and will generate an increas of approx 100hp, making the car serious quick. cheers)

Best power/torque/speed gain for a BMW 325i?

Hi guys I have a 1992 BMW E36 325i, carbon fibre panels so very light. Cars ecu has been chipped, and the limits are endless. Car has gained alot more power, no speed barrier or rev count. You'd be a GREAT help if you could tell me the pros and cons.. Supercharger KitTurbo KitNOS Kitecu chipped. k&n cold air intake. factory 3 series, 2.5L injected engine.Thanks for your answer man, big help. Carbon fibre, yeah.. bit early huh? I just wanted the look more than anything.. only the hood & boot.Has air breathers, and the cold air intake. Fluidyne radiator, NGK platinum plugs & leading, remus headers, fuel management system, 550hp fuel pump & an ark cat back exhaust. Factory suspension, apart from rear koni struts and shocks.Oh.. its an automatic, lol. Have everything for a conversion though, might get some better pulleys and maybe machine the flywheel. Possibly get an exedy clutch kit.

ANSWER: (you have an OK start. I am confused about going carbon fiber so early, but hey its your car supercharger kit - big money, power added throughout all rpmsturbo kit - big money, larger gains but power is only added in generally after 3k rpmNOS - relatively cheap, great for a couple thousand miles of use till your engines internals start to warp & fall apart. before you start throwing money into a supercharger, you want to get a aftermarket intake manifold, throttle body spacer, headers, high flow cats, mufflers, platinum plugs, wires, lightweight rims, sport tires, upgrade your sway bars, buy strut tower bars, pillar bars, lightweight flywheel, lightweight pulleys, clutch EDIT: i wish you posted this a month ago, I actually had a virgin crate engine for this car I picked up at an auction. Would have been awesome to pull apart and build with bullet proof internalsah well, maybe next time)

turbo 2door bmw 323 coupe?

looking for a turbo kit for my car. i want reliability. this is low budget. any idea i will take. looking to just go a little quicker. it is a e36 because its a 2 door. thank u

ANSWER: (I can tell you right now, affordable and turbo do not go together. Turbo kits require constant attention and care. The very nature of getting constant power means that the wear and tear on the engine will be much higher than they are designed to handle on a day to day basis. Also, how many miles are on your car. I believe BMW recommends taking off any superchargers and turbos after 70K miles. If your car isn't in perfect shape, you could drastically reduce the life.BMWs do not handle turbo kits very well, they are designed to perform right from the factory. A good/decent turbo kit for a BMW costs upwards of $10,000 not including installation and tuning. if you want a little more power, get a new exhaust (dinan, remus, power agency, scorpion, B&B...), a new intake, and some headers. By buying those things, you'll get some extra power, get a better sound from your car, and it won't blow up in two months. Plus, when the time comes to sell the car, you can remove these things and sell on Ebay to get some cash back.)

Do I need a special ECU for e36 turbo?

I have a BavAuto chip in my OBDI 325is..I don't think it woul be suitable for a turbo, right?If I piece together a turbo kit with TCD stg. IV turbo, Active Autowerke Stg.II intercooler, Tial wastegate/blowoff, Bosch Green Giant injectors...do I need a custom ECU tune then?I'm bad with ECU stuff as of now... BMW 325is 1993

ANSWER: (You should think if that chip is compatible with the turbo kit. You can get good ECU but remember it should be compatible. Here is a link you can try search for a good ECU.)

to turbo or not to turbo?

i have a 93 bmw 325i and i was wondering if my engine could handle a turbo kit, and if so, what all wuld i need to get. my engine is a m50 2.5 liter

ANSWER: (No disrespect intended but you're asking a pretty basic question for something requiring an advanced answer. There is quite a bit involved in adding a turbo to an engine other than simply bolting it on. You have to beef up the internals of the engine to ensure they can handle the additional stress a turbo would create. You need to increase the fuel flow to the engine which means a high flow fuel pump and larger injectors. You likely have to increase the cooling capacity of the cooling system to handle the additional heat created. You would have to keep the turbo cool as well which means either cooling from the engine antifreeze or engine oil ( and the additional lines required ). The engine control module would have to be either reprogrammed or you would have to add a piggy-back system to tune the engine properly with the turbo. You would need a new exhaust manifold to mount the turbo on to and you would also likely need a new exhaust system to better handle the larger exhaust flow.This all assumes you're not adding an intercooler. To do that, an intercooler ( and it's associated plumbing ) would need to be added as well. If you're serious about adding a turbo, I strongly suggest you read up first on what needs to be done and lay out a plan to do this before buying any of the parts. Keep in mind that it will likely cost several thousand dollars as well by the time everyting is installed and tuned..)

adding a stage1 jdm turbo kit to 99 e46 323i bmw ,do I need to upgrade my map sensor?

some turbo kits comes with a 22psi map[intake manifold absolute pressure] sensor and piggyback sensor controllers to handle the added boost pressure. My boost is around 7-8 psi . I have a add on adjustable air/fuel ratio sensors controller.

ANSWER: (There is no MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor installed in this car.Perhaps you are referring to the MAF (mass airflow meter).The MAF reads the mass of air that goes into the intake manifoldand forwards it to the DME (engine computer). Along with the 02 sensors, they are the 2 most relevant sensors to air/fuel mixtures.Tronary's comments holds true whether it is an MAP or MAF.)