3.0si tune..

[jmilt13]

Having a hard time finding options, has anyone tuned the 3.0si? If so, was it worth it?

[belcom]

Originally Posted by jmilt13

Having a hard time finding options, has anyone tuned the 3.0si? If so, was it worth it?

I recently got 3.0si as well and researched the topic quite a bit. I think there was no response yet because its been discussed so many times over the years.

There are definitely tunes out there. Some claim better numbers than others (and they're not that great to begin with. maybe 8-12hp) however prices range from $500 to $1k USD and in my opinion is not really worth it. Gains are negligible and depend on what else you have mounted up. I think you might get an extra 20-25hp at the crank if you do a full exhaust, intake etc. And that will not be cheap either, headers are stupid expensive for these cars and I only found Supersprint ones, don't believe anybody else makes them. And I believe they make them for you upon ordering instead of shipping something off the shelf. The rest of the exhaust can be custom made/modified I suppose to fit your needs. Intakes are also in $500-$600 USD range.

So whether its worth it to you that's a different story. Personally got the car for summer weekends to enjoy and maybe a little bit of track and/or autocross with it for example and I think stock power without complicating anything is perfectly fine for a little bit of fun. Its 6-spd manual and rear wheel drive which are a dying breed and its also 80% of why I got this car.

You may have a different purpose and budget therefore its personal decision where you want to take it.

But the mods that are definitely worth it would be suspension and an LSD. Maybe a steering rack swap to hydraulic. These things will take the fun to next level with this little beast Otherwise a Z4M is the next best thing.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by jmilt13

Having a hard time finding options, has anyone tuned the 3.0si? If so, was it worth it?

Only if you have accommodating hardware, else your 3.0si is as good as it gets for a n52. But unless get headers and MILVs, prob not worth it. Better off putting money into lsd & gears.

[jmilt13]

Will any N52 headers work? I would be fine having some custom exhaust work done to mate them up, assuming they fit in the engine bay..

https://roundelwerk.com/products/bmw...ormance-header

[deemo319]

Originally Posted by jmilt13

Will any N52 headers work? I would be fine having some custom exhaust work done to mate them up, assuming they fit in the engine bay..

https://roundelwerk.com/products/bmw...ormance-header

I am unfamiliar with the brand but I have been thinking about a set so this could be an option.

[M-Cast]

These will work if you replace the mid section. The flanges are different so that is the only real issue if you are trying to use the factory section one.

[Willy Sea]

Using our experience of performance headers, we have always found them to be quite noisy, with the gases pinging off the thinner tubes. These are good looking headers at a sensible cost, wonder if the fit our Z4 chassis tho.

[WickedNy]

Super sprint were the way to go, don't think they are available anymore… Only reason I'm running tune on si is for FI, otherwise cost to performance ratio doesn't equate imo.

[Thedriver85]

Originally Posted by belcom

I recently got 3.0si as well and researched the topic quite a bit. I think there was no response yet because its been discussed so many times over the years.

There are definitely tunes out there. Some claim better numbers than others (and they're not that great to begin with. maybe 8-12hp) however prices range from $500 to $1k USD and in my opinion is not really worth it. Gains are negligible and depend on what else you have mounted up. I think you might get an extra 20-25hp at the crank if you do a full exhaust, intake etc. And that will not be cheap either, headers are stupid expensive for these cars and I only found Supersprint ones, don't believe anybody else makes them. And I believe they make them for you upon ordering instead of shipping something off the shelf. The rest of the exhaust can be custom made/modified I suppose to fit your needs. Intakes are also in $500-$600 USD range.

So whether its worth it to you that's a different story. Personally got the car for summer weekends to enjoy and maybe a little bit of track and/or autocross with it for example and I think stock power without complicating anything is perfectly fine for a little bit of fun. Its 6-spd manual and rear wheel drive which are a dying breed and its also 80% of why I got this car.

You may have a different purpose and budget therefore its personal decision where you want to take it.

But the mods that are definitely worth it would be suspension and an LSD. Maybe a steering rack swap to hydraulic. These things will take the fun to next level with this little beast Otherwise a Z4M is the next best thing.

Do the non M Z4 s have open diff s in the rear end?

[belcom]

Originally Posted by Thedriver85

Do the non M Z4 s have open diff s in the rear end?

Yeah, its an open diff on non-Ms.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Thedriver85

Do the non M Z4 s have open diff s in the rear end?

Yea most modern non-m are open diff. Newer model 3/4 series can be equipped with factory “performance” lsd.

[Thedriver85]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Yea most modern non-m are open diff. Newer model 3/4 series can be equipped with factory "performance" lsd.

Yeah that I know. I wasn't sure about the Zs though. And I remember seeing those BMW Films where what's his name does burnouts with a Z4...so I was hoping they had LSD's.

[doogee]

For the record, Roundel Werk headers will fit the engine just fine. But the mid section on the Z4 has one flange oriented different than the E9x. So you’d need to either cut a flange off the headers or midpipe and just have it re-welded in the correct position.

[M-Cast]

Originally Posted by M-Cast

These will work if you replace the mid section. The flanges are different so that is the only real issue if you are trying to use the factory section one.

I actually just purchased a set and will have them next week. Also, I was able to have the buys at Bimmerworld customize an Epic tune for the car as well.

My 3.0si is being prepped as an endurance race car. The car already has stage 3 intake, so with the new tune headers and exhaust, you should be able to see about 280 hp. One other option is to remove the Valvetronic lockout, you will need to create a custom plate to block off the Valvetronic motor. The real benefit of the 3.0si over the M is the weight. The car is over 200lbs lighter than its bigger brother.

I will be racing both my M Coupe and this car it will be interesting to see the differences in both of these cars.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by M-Cast

The real benefit of the 3.0si over the M is the weight. The car is over 200lbs lighter than its bigger brother.

I will be racing both my M Coupe and this car it will be interesting to see the differences in both of these cars.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about the differences. I owned one of each simultaneously for a while and it was always tough choosing a set of keys. They have very different personalities, in street trim at any rate.

[FrenchieTacoZ4]

Kassel Performance has a 3 stage tune for $359. Type N52 in the search on their site.

[M-Cast]

After some continued testing with the track set up I put together a little set up that I am finding to be the best of what is possible with the N52.

Do to the rev limits of the N52 and power band I have swapped out the differential gearing up to a 3.91 ratio. This will increase the lower end and 5th gear power.

Headers, straight pipe and exhaust cans "Supersprint" is one of the few brands who offers this.

Epic does have a tune for the N52, The guys at Bimmerworld can get you a set up.

JB Lightweight Flywheel with a Sacs clutch is about the only option unless you are wanting a race clutch.

Because I have been building this car for endurance racing, I have included the full list of mods added for this build.


Chassis 2006 BMW Z4 E86 30.si $10,000.00

MCS 1 way dampers $2,750.00
Ground Control Sway Bar Kit $699.99
Ground Control Coilover Kit $839.99
Ground Control Camber Plates $419.99
AKG Lower Rear Lower Control Arms $280.00
"SyncroDesignWorks
RTAB's, Rear trailing arm bearings" $265.00
Solid Inner and Outer bearings $150.00
AKG Rear Shock Mount Set Aluminum – Spherical Bearings 12mm $150.00
AKG - Differential Mount Bushings, Poly 75D – BMW E46, Z4 (Non-M) $140.00
Welded in strut tower reinforcements $500.00
AKG - Front Control Arm Bushing Set (66 Mm), Poly 75D $80.00
AKG Motor And Transmission Mounts, Poly 75D $180.00
Syncro Custom differential 4 ramp 3.91 gear ratio $3,400.00
Differential Cooler $659.00
NB Shifter $399.00
AKG Selector Road $150.00
JB Flywheel and Clutch Combo $899.99
Stoptech slotted Rotors $300.00
Hawk Pads $600.00
Brake vents and backing plates $350.00
APEX 17x9.5 forged wheels $1,550.00
Toyo RR for track $1,100.00
M front bumper with VRS and APR splitter $1,500.00
APR 250 GT 61" rear wing $1,600.00
Activewekrs Headers $600.00
Super Spring Race Pipe & Exhaust cans $899.00
OMP Halo Seat $980.00
6 point harness $450.00
OMP seat mount $150.00
Bimmerworld floor mounts $150.00
OMP 330 steering wheel $299.00
OMP hub and quick release $550.00
Harness Thinning & Rainlights $1,250.00
Full Cage $3,680.00
Fire System $468.00
Driver Saftey Nets $350.00
Tune Epic Tune $998.00
Electronics Brallie Battery $345.00
AIM XL $2,100.00


Totals $42,231.96

[wdb]

Awesome, thanks for sharing.

[Willy Sea]

Hmmm something to aspire to

[WickedNy]

Originally Posted by M-Cast

After some continued testing with the track set up I put together a little set up that I am finding to be the best of what is possible with the N52.

Do to the rev limits of the N52 and power band I have swapped out the differential gearing up to a 3.91 ratio. This will increase the lower end and 5th gear power.

Headers, straight pipe and exhaust cans "Supersprint" is one of the few brands who offers this.

Epic does have a tune for the N52, The guys at Bimmerworld can get you a set up.

JB Lightweight Flywheel with a Sacs clutch is about the only option unless you are wanting a race clutch.

Because I have been building this car for endurance racing, I have included the full list of mods added for this build.


Chassis 2006 BMW Z4 E86 30.si $10,000.00

MCS 1 way dampers $2,750.00
Ground Control Sway Bar Kit $699.99
Ground Control Coilover Kit $839.99
Ground Control Camber Plates $419.99
AKG Lower Rear Lower Control Arms $280.00
"SyncroDesignWorks
RTAB's, Rear trailing arm bearings" $265.00
Solid Inner and Outer bearings $150.00
AKG Rear Shock Mount Set Aluminum – Spherical Bearings 12mm $150.00
AKG - Differential Mount Bushings, Poly 75D – BMW E46, Z4 (Non-M) $140.00
Welded in strut tower reinforcements $500.00
AKG - Front Control Arm Bushing Set (66 Mm), Poly 75D $80.00
AKG Motor And Transmission Mounts, Poly 75D $180.00
Syncro Custom differential 4 ramp 3.91 gear ratio $3,400.00
Differential Cooler $659.00
NB Shifter $399.00
AKG Selector Road $150.00
JB Flywheel and Clutch Combo $899.99
Stoptech slotted Rotors $300.00
Hawk Pads $600.00
Brake vents and backing plates $350.00
APEX 17x9.5 forged wheels $1,550.00
Toyo RR for track $1,100.00
M front bumper with VRS and APR splitter $1,500.00
APR 250 GT 61" rear wing $1,600.00
Activewekrs Headers $600.00
Super Spring Race Pipe & Exhaust cans $899.00
OMP Halo Seat $980.00
6 point harness $450.00
OMP seat mount $150.00
Bimmerworld floor mounts $150.00
OMP 330 steering wheel $299.00
OMP hub and quick release $550.00
Harness Thinning & Rainlights $1,250.00
Full Cage $3,680.00
Fire System $468.00
Driver Saftey Nets $350.00
Tune Epic Tune $998.00
Electronics Brallie Battery $345.00
AIM XL $2,100.00


Totals $42,231.96

I was under the impression Active headers were designed for the 3 series n52 which slightly differed in design from the 3.0si...any modification involved to get the to bolt up?

[M-Cast]

Originally Posted by WickedNy

I was under the impression Active headers were designed for the 3 series n52 which slightly differed in design from the 3.0si...any modification involved to get the to bolt up?

I have had no issue with header fitment, there was some slight modification with the mid pipe. The flanges have to be cut and modified to fit the connecting points.

[WickedNy]

Originally Posted by M-Cast

I have had no issue with header fitment, there was some slight modification with the mid pipe. The flanges have to be cut and modified to fit the connecting points.

That's great to know.