Z4M Horsepower: Euro v. N.A. Versions

LHB · 06-24-2010, 06:07 AM

On the UK-EU Z4M boards, it seems as if the general consensus is that their stock s54 Z4M motors are putting out 343 HP. I thought the North America engines were specified at putting out 330 HP. Is my information correct, and if so, why the difference between the two otherwise identical motors?

AWM3 · 06-24-2010, 06:27 AM

US exhaust system is slightly different - the catalytic converters are closer to the engine than in the ROW version to reduce cold start emissions. US version loses a few HP as a result but the real world performance is basically the same. An expensive mod that some people do is to retrofit the Euro headers and cats, this requires reprogramming of the ECU also. It was fairly common on the M3 but I don't know if any one on our side of the pond has done this with the Z4M, or what the result was.

wildag · 06-24-2010, 09:41 AM

There's a few people on other forums that have posted pictures of swapping in Euro headers. The process was reasonable, but still not a lot of bang for the buck.

CalRick · 06-24-2010, 09:47 AM

There is also a difference in rating systems - DIN (euro) ratings are a bit higher than SAE net (US). IIRC, the apples to apples comparison is about a 3hp loss for US spec cars.

ZStig · 06-24-2010, 10:14 AM

where do people usually get cheap euro headers and cats? Its a +20 or +30 gain if you have a blower

O-cha · 06-24-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildag

There's a few people on other forums that have posted pictures of swapping in Euro headers. The process was reasonable, but still not a lot of bang for the buck.

For any NA mod it's the best bang for your buck......

chickdr · 06-24-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-cha

For any NA mod it's the best bang for your buck......

Sure but how much "bang"? Headers are not cheap(especially for a BMW) and will you really notice a difference on a 300+ hp car anyway?

mousitch · 06-24-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickdr

Sure but how much "bang"? Headers are not cheap(especially for a BMW) and will you really notice a difference on a 300+ hp car anyway?

Yep. You notice a difference...

It's all about what you want to spend if anything.

chickdr · 06-24-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mousitch

Yep. You notice a difference...

It's all about what you want to spend if anything.

Out of curiosity - you seem to have pretty much all the NA mods you can get(headers, pulleys, tune, intake). How much extra hp did this net you on a dyno? And how much did it all cost to buy/install? I will guess maybe a 15-20hp gain?

mousitch · 06-24-2010, 12:14 PM

Probably 30 if I had to guess. Ricer math would get it higher than that but I know better. Like I dumbass I never did a bench dyno so unless I go back to stock I'm really guessing. O-cha may have a better idea than me. Should get 15-20 just from headers w/o tune IMHO. Cost(my own labor) so just parts. $2790 (headers,tune,pullys,intake,gaskets,nuts,ups,etc) . IF 30hp = 93 per HP.
And there is the also the benefit of the sound factor that I enjoy also because it is so raw once the cats are gone. Better MPG too so far.

06-24-2010, 06:07 AM	#1
LHB Private 1 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2005 330i ZHP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas TX iTrader: (0)	Z4M Horsepower: Euro v. N.A. Versions On the UK-EU Z4M boards, it seems as if the general consensus is that their stock s54 Z4M motors are putting out 343 HP. I thought the North America engines were specified at putting out 330 HP. Is my information correct, and if so, why the difference between the two otherwise identical motors?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-24-2010, 06:27 AM	#2
AWM3 BMW Fan 11 Rep 553 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3, Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Georgia, USA iTrader: (0)	US exhaust system is slightly different - the catalytic converters are closer to the engine than in the ROW version to reduce cold start emissions. US version loses a few HP as a result but the real world performance is basically the same. An expensive mod that some people do is to retrofit the Euro headers and cats, this requires reprogramming of the ECU also. It was fairly common on the M3 but I don't know if any one on our side of the pond has done this with the Z4M, or what the result was.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2010, 09:41 AM	#3
wildag ///M'n it Up 17 Rep 344 Posts Drives: '06 ///M Roadster Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (0)	There's a few people on other forums that have posted pictures of swapping in Euro headers. The process was reasonable, but still not a lot of bang for the buck.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2010, 09:47 AM	#4
CalRick Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 282 Posts Drives: '15 M235 & '95 M3 tracktoy ; Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles or Monterey iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 X3 Xdrive28d [0.00] 2015 BMW M235i [0.00] 1995 BMW M3 [0.00]	There is also a difference in rating systems - DIN (euro) ratings are a bit higher than SAE net (US). IIRC, the apples to apples comparison is about a 3hp loss for US spec cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2010, 10:14 AM	#5
ZStig instagram 997turbotom 279 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: Interlagos Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (4)	where do people usually get cheap euro headers and cats? Its a +20 or +30 gain if you have a blower __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2010, 12:14 PM	#10
mousitch Dark Sider 129 Rep 1,779 Posts Drives: 2008 Space Gray Z4MC Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Missouri iTrader: (11) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [7.50]	Probably 30 if I had to guess. Ricer math would get it higher than that but I know better. Like I dumbass I never did a bench dyno so unless I go back to stock I'm really guessing. O-cha may have a better idea than me. Should get 15-20 just from headers w/o tune IMHO. Cost(my own labor) so just parts. $2790 (headers,tune,pullys,intake,gaskets,nuts,ups,etc) . IF 30hp = 93 per HP. And there is the also the benefit of the sound factor that I enjoy also because it is so raw once the cats are gone. Better MPG too so far. __________________ [URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/153/071jt.jpg/] 2008 Space Grey M Coupe-Euro headers-RPI Scoop-Gruppe M CAI-Eisenmann Race Cans-RE X-pipe-ECU Remap with O2 and EGT delete-H&R Sport springs-Zeck CDV delete-Stock Gloss black powder coated wheels-LED Tekarbon Angel Eyes Project-Michelin Super Sports-Hardwired Uniden R7-H&R front and rear spacers-Alarm module added-stereo amp recoded to vert spec settings Last edited by mousitch; 06-24-2010 at 01:08 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote