Hey… did you know that tuning isn’t only about making cars more obnoxious and louder? It’s actually mostly about improving performance, be it power and torque or fuel efficiency. All to gain full confidence when accelerating, overtaking or merging onto a highway, as well as to save fuel under regular driving conditions.

Yep, you read that correctly: by having your BMW engine tuned, you can make it less thirsty. Not only that, with a proper tune, you are also looking at potential increases in reliability.

But how do you go about BMW ECU tuning? Read on to find out the most important aspects of it and see which bimmer engines are good performance improvement candidates.

What Makes a BMW Engine Good for a Tune Up?

There are only a handful of “ingredients” that determine whether or not an engine is right for tuning. That being said, each of them is very important, so if you are considering a BMW tune, take a look at the list below.

1. Aspiration type – turbocharged engines are much more tuneable than naturally aspirated ones, because there are more parameters that can be controlled to affect the performance.
2. Design durability – what you want from a good tuning platform is plenty of OEM reliability. The tune itself will help improve the longevity, but the more robust an engine is from the factory, the more safety margins you’ll have.
3. Engine condition – for tuning, a BMW engine has to be well maintained, according to a regular checkup schedule, along with timely oil and filter changes, and spark plug inspections.

Based on those three aspects, it’s easier to specify which power plants are better suited for tuning than others. So, what are they?

BMW Engines Perfect for Tuning

In the world of various BMW performance upgrades, there are a couple of designs that are definitely tune-worthy. They are characterized by respectable durability margins and reasonable factory power output. Additionally, they are relatively well thought out, at least in most cases.

Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of the abovementioned engines.

BMW B58 Engine Specs and Reliability

The largest of the Bavarians’ modular power plant family, the BMW B58 engine is their latest representative of the inline-six breed introduced in 2015. Depending on the variant and application, it pumps out 322–382 HP and 450–500 Nm of torque. It has forged aluminum piston rods and crankshaft, as well as a closed deck block.

This means the design is very robust from the get-go and it can handle power gains well. It also greatly aids the reliability of the BMW B58 engine, giving it a long-lasting potential, which can be improved even more with appropriate BMW B58 tune… But more on that later.

The BMW B58 engine is used on almost all current production 40i bimmers, including:

• BMW 340i (F30/F31/F34)
• BMW 440i (F32/F33/F36)
• BMW M240i (F22/F23)
• BMW 540i (G30/G31)
• BMW M340i (G20/G21)
• BMW M440i (G22)
• BMW M240i (G42)

BMW B48 Engine Specs and Reliability

Another representative of the modular family, the BMW B48 engine comes in the shape of a more compact four-banger. The Bavarians managed to squeeze out 154–255 HP and 250–400 Nm of torque from it. Thanks to the modularity of the designs, the very same forged piston rods that go into the B58 are also used in B48. In addition, similarly to its bigger brother, the inline-four also has a closed deck aluminum engine block.

Although the B engines are all relatively new, their hefty internal components bode really well for their base longevity. They also make for a solid tuning platform.

In what cars can you find the BMW B48 engine?

• BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, and 5 Series 20i, 30i or 30e models after 2014
• MINI Cooper S (F56)
• Toyota Supra (J29)

BMW B46 Engine Specs and Reliability

Despite the BMW B46 engine being almost identical to the B48, it’s still worth explaining the different numbering. After all, you might’ve already come across this designation. BMW B46 is basically a version of B48 that complies with the American SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) requirements. The changes include distinct air intake, sensors, catalytic converters, and factory tune adjusted to those parts.

From the perspective of BMW ECU tuning or reliability, there are no significant differences between the two. The B46 was installed basically in the same models as B48, only destined for the US market.

BMW B38 Engine Specs and Reliability

The smallest and the first engine of the modular B family, this inline-three was introduced in 2013 along with the BMW i8 hybrid. The two versions it comes in (1.2 and 1.5 L) are available with outputs of 74–228 hp and 150–320 NM of torque.

Although it might seem like a lot of horses out of such a tiny engine, thanks to its durable construction, you still have some room for extra power gains. But, most importantly, engine tuning can help you take some load off of it.

As the lowest-displacement member of the family, B38 engine was meant for the lower trims of BMWs and the budget cars like:

• F20/F21 BMW 118i (2015–2019)
• F30/F31 BMW 318i LCI (2015–2019)
• F40 BMW 118i (2019–present)
• F44 BMW 218i Gran Coupé (2019–present)
• F22/F23 BMW 218i (2015–present)
• F45/F46 BMW 218i Active Tourer/Gran Tourer (2014–present)

BMW N54 Engine Specs and Reliability

Introduced in 2006, the BMW N54 was the Bavarians’ first turbocharged gasoline engine. It took advantage of two turbos to produce 302–335 hp and 400–450 Nm of torque. Similarly to the later B58 engine, it used forged internal components (piston rods and crankshaft), but its engine block was of open deck design.

The BMW N54 engine is able to handle increased boost pressures really well and has a lot of potential for longevity improvements with ECU tuning. Below you’ll find a short list of models that were powered by this power plant:

• BMW 335i (E90/E91/E92/E93)
• BMW 535i (E60/E61)
• BMW 135i (E82/E88)
• BMW X6 xDrive35i (E71)
• BMW Z4 sDrive35i (E89)
• BMW 740i (F01)
• BMW 335is (E92/E93)
• BMW 1 Series M Coupe (E82)
• BMW Z4 sDrive35is (E89)

BMW N55 Engine Specs and Reliability

An evolution of the previous design, the BMW N55 engine was produced from 2009 and gradually replaced the N54 in many applications. It was rated at 302–365 hp and 400–465 Nm of torque, depending on the version. Instead of two turbos, BMW used only one twin-scroll turbocharger, which made the motor lighter than the N54.

Similarly to its predecessor, the BMW N55 engine is quite strong and tolerates power increases well. This means that along with taking a few years off of it, with tuning you’ll be able to gain some extra “juice,” to help you overtake other cars swiftly.

• BMW 535i (F10/F11/F07)
• BMW 335i (E90/E91/E92/E93)
• BMW 135i (E82/E88)
• BMW X3 xDrive35i (F25)
• BMW 335i (E70)
• BMW 335i (F30/F31)
• BMW X6 xDrive 35i (E71)
• BMW X1 xDrive35i (E84)
• BMW 435i (F32/F33/F36)

BMW N20 Engine Specs and Reliability

If you are into Bavarian engines, you might think that the BMW N20 isn’t really suitable for tuning. Although it had its share of problems right after its inception, they have mostly been solved. Moreover, one of the issues that troubled this design was related to high intake air temperatures it experienced. Which is something that can be easily remedied by a proper ECU tune that will lower how hot the engine is running overall.

Introduced in 2011, this turbo inline-four was a replacement for a naturally aspirated straight-six N53 engine. It came in two displacement versions (1.6 and 2.0 L) and produced 168–241 hp and 250–350 Nm of torque.

As a predecessor of the B48, it was installed in a similar range of cars (with the exception of 30i BMW models) until it was replaced by the latter after 2017. Examples of N20-powered vehicles include:

• BMW 220i/228i (F22)
• BMW 320i/328i (F30) 
• BMW 320i/328i GT (F34)      
• BMW 420i/428i (F32) 
• BMW 520i/520Li/525Li/528i (F10)

BMW Engines Good for Tuning – Honorable Mentions

Apart from the power plants described up to this point, there are also other BMW engines that are really well-suited for ECU tuning. They are at the bottom of the list not because of their small potential, but due to the fact that they already are extremely powerful in their stock form.

However, if you wanted to, their durable internal components offer great safety reserves for additional power gains. So, which of these designs are a perfect match for engine tuning?

• BMW S55 – a performance version of the N55 introduced in the BMW M3 (F80), with different variants producing 275–493 hp and up to 600 Nm of torque. Manufactured from 2014 to 2021.
• BMW S63 – the strongest engine currently offered in the Bavarian lineup, this twin-turbo 4.4 L V8 powers the top-of-the-line M cars, like BMW M5 (F90) and M8 (F91/92/93), as well as their Competition variants. Produced from 2009, this power plant makes up to 635 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
• BMW S58 – based on the B58 but heavily revised, this engine debuted in BMW X3 M (F97) and X4 M (F98) in 2019. Currently still in production and used on models like the latest BMW M3 (G80), it pumps out 453–503 hp and 550–650 Nm of torque.

How to Tune a BMW Engine Safely?

There are many variables that have to be taken into account when tuning an engine. If you were to try changing any parameters within your BMW’s ECU, you would be at risk of damaging or even destroying the engine. Because of this, a remote tuning service like Awaken Performance by BimmerTech is your best bet.

During an online coding session, their technician does everything for you: they introduce necessary ECU changes and make your engine work at a lower operating temperature. As a result, it also drinks less gasoline (if you don’t change your driving style), and delivers power more smoothly. All while increasing the longevity of your car.

How to Take Care of a BMW Engine after Tuning?

After you’ve decided to give BMW ECU tuning a go, just don’t neglect the maintenance of your car. Use the best quality fuels (octane rating higher than 93 in US and at least 98 in Europe) and motor oils, and regularly inspect everything. And, most importantly, enjoy your car as if it was brand new, again!

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Top 7 BMW Engines for Tuning: How to Tune & Is It Safe? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Privileged SUV shoppers, are you looking for something aggressive? You have it with BMW X7, addressing your Pain with Lumma design. The german-based company announced last year CLR X7 and now is ready for sales.

Lumma’s body has undergone aesthetic changes and the SUV automaker from Bavaria has offered imposing looks to BMW X7. Now you can see the Lumma Design with an aggressive body kit. The Russian tuner has given this luxury SUV a menacing look. He has done it tactfully by adding, integrating, and complementing its parts that it offers more of athletic appearance.

The BMW X7 now appears as though it underwent a lot of individualized programming. It is now a luxury SUV with Lumma Design, BMW X7, presenting the first-ever refinement. The muscular striking body styling, wide-body kit, strong power enhancement, elegant wheel designs, and a LUMMA complete refinement program for the SUV BMW model is ready.

Sports elegance characters

Fulfilling high expectations, the Bavarian manufacturer of BMW X7 has concentrated a lot on this luxury SUV aerodynamics and looks. It is redesigned completely by experienced designers. The BMW front is designated to be a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle.’

In conjunction, with the larger air intakes in the front, is a front splitter offering a dynamic feel at the front end. There is the association of the new carbon bonnet offering to the engine cool air supply. The front gets a makeover on the sides by 50 millimeters offering an overall wide-body design that looks commanding and powerful. The LUMMA technicians have reduced the rear axle lift forces by developing aerodynamic components. It includes the rear and roof spoilers manufacturers using visible carbon fiber. The overall impressive appearance receives an integrated diffuser as a new rear apron, completing the opulent look of the posh SUV.

Alloy wheels

Visually and technically, the combination of the wheel-tire matches this affluent car with a widened body and increased power. The dimensions of LUMMA features alloy wheels on the front axle with 10 x 24 inches, and on the rear axle with 13 x 24 inches offering excellent load stability and capacity. The wheels offer ultra-high performance and maximum grip tires. They are impressive in a 23-inch wheel giving a sports wheel designation, making it appropriate for performance spacers.

Club lounge

The BMW X7 interior is designed to give a new transformation to this favored car. You can have a preferred choice as:

• To have a cockpit featuring the flair of motorsport or

• To enjoy a VIP elegant lounge.

The team with LUMMA is proficient to present state-of-the-art technology by creating a combination that harmoniously meets individual tastes. The selective materials, traditional craftsmanship, and assertive design together in the LUMMA CLR X7 presents poised interiors.

Top Performance and Sports Sound

The apron in the rear gratifies the sports exhaust system with its stainless steel 4 x 100 mm tailpipes. The X7 newly refined showers benefits of faster acceleration owing to the power boost specifically developed for the X7 engine. It confirms offering 250km/h and aims to generate 680 hp / 500 kW output. The output is certain as it offers the new exhaust system in combination with electronic optimization.

Gallery:

The post BMW X7 – Aggressive Body Look, Tuning By Lumma Design appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

After seeing a gorgeous Alpine White BMW M3 wrapped in Vossen Wheels, it`s time we admired an M4 also wrapped in new wheels courtesy of HRE Wheels, with the entire installation being carried out by Wheels Boutique.

The owner of this BMW M4 wearing the rare and outstanding Mineral Gray Metallic exterior colour wanted something unique for his model and decided to add some new wheels that would make it even more standout and improve its aggressive look.

So he decided to take his M4 to the Wheels Boutique`s shop and let the technicians do their work. And after an extensive work, we present to you a fine specimen packed with the new wheels from HRE tuning company.

As we can depict from the media gallery below, the Mineral Gray Metallic BMW M4 is standing on 20 x 9.5 up front and 20 x 10.5 at the rear HRE wheels, coming with a Gloss Black finish and looking fresh as well with the OEM BMW logo. The wheels have also been wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubbers, measuring 265/30/20 and 295/30/20 front and rear, respectively.

As for the car`s performance, no word for now of a power package. So this one remains stock with the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, with 431 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. As we already know, it delivers a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, when hooked to a six-speed manual. With the seven-speed M-DCT, the same straight line is done in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h.

The post BMW M4 in Mineral Gray Metallic Wears HRE Wheels appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We already know that BMW Abu Dhabi is the Mecca of the most luxurious models within the German lineup, including Rolls-Royce and MINI hot rides.

The latest model to be displayed in Abu Dhabi is this gorgeous and hot-looking MINI Cooper JCW Monte Carlo Edition, being revealed with racing livery. We are not sure if the model is just for show-off or was custom-built for a rich Arabian businessman who loves exquisite JCW models.

Even if it may not be appealing or attractive to some, it surely caught our attention with the standout racing stripes, complemented with the blue body wrap and other custom styling bits from no other than AC Schnitzer tuner.

The car`s main highlights refer to the AC Schnitzer front splitter, alloy wheels, blue trim accents, or the standout Bluetooth-controlled Track-Mode stainless steel exhaust system, which depicts a power boost under the hood as well.

Inside, the cabin is also tweaked with a three-tone black, red and blue interior, along with other sports features.

In the stock form, the 2016 MINI JCW comes with a 2.0-liter flat-four turbocharged engine, delivering 170 kW and 320 Nm of torque, allowing a sprint from 0 to 100 km/ in 6.3 seconds. However, with the new power kit courtesy of AC Schnitzer, the model is now capable of outputting 265 horsepower, which is not bad at all.

This is not the first model with BMW Group to be displayed at Abu Dhabi with a lot of customized body styling and power kit from AC Schnitzer, and we have seen a lot of M3s or M2s receiving the same tuning treatment.

The post MINI Cooper JCW Monte Carlo Edition Gets Public Display at BMW Abu Dhabi appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

While WWII is not something Germans like to remember, fact remains that the European country has a lot to be proud of from that era (at least technology-wise).

Most of the war machines that the Nazi Germany produced were far superior to the Ally’s, and today, German cars are still technologically superior to others.

In light of this, a Russian tuner called RTC decided to take an all-German BMW Z4 M and restyle it drawing inspiration from another all-German machine: the Focke-Wulf 190. The attention to detail is astounding, as you can plainly see from the side to side pictures.

Besides the Focke-Wulf paintjob, RTC also bestowed on the BMW Z4 M new Brembo brakes, Lambo doors and a brand new sound system. It is not much of tune, I’d say, but it does something many German tuners are too afraid to try: it celebrates the great machines build during the second world war.

The post BMW Z4 M gets Focke-Wulf 190 paintjob appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

There are plenty of photos and videos out there where one BMW or another managed to find its end in quite brutal accidents.

And be it on the Nurburgring or just in a back alley, be it the fault of the driver or something else, it is always a sad sight for enthusiasts.

But there is one way of destroying a perfectly good Bimmer without putting a scratch on it. Usually these equally gruesome ends come at the hands of tuners, who try too hard to improve on the design, when there is really no need to. As a home project, we can almost understand that, but why would a professional tuner actually do this to a BMW 1M.

The 1M is already considered a rare car, with only 6331 unit ever produced, and every time one botches a tune on these, that number just goes down. There are, of course, several project involving the BMW 1M that are absolutely brilliant, and these come from tuners like AC Schnitzer. This monstrosity draped in chrome vinyl wrap and wearing green neon wheels is anything but brilliant.

The post One way to ruin a BMW 1M appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW M3 CSL is one of the fastest M cars at Nurburgring. As you know, the stock version is rated 343hp with 365Nm and the CSL version has an improved stock engine so it has a power of 360hp and 372Nm reaching it at 4300rpm.

Reil Performance tuning firm together with the German tuners MR Car Design have given the BMW a new shape, a sportier one, thanks to increased performance and design.

The first changes were made to the​​ engine, where power increased from 360hp to 386hp, disc brakes stronger due Porsche GT3, BBS rims and modified suspension.

Among other changes this time are windows that are not of glass, they are plexiglass made, new rear bumper, a new exhaust and drastically lower the weight because of to the car doors (by Black Falcen) and trunk which were made ​​of carbon giving the E46 BMW M3 CSL by REIL Performance to weight somewhere around 1250kg.

At the interior, the E46 M3 CSL comes with a Cardiff roll cage and Recaro sport seats.

The post E46 BMW M3 CSL Tuning by REIL Performance appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

It’s not often that one can say he’s found a car that’s better than the BMW M5. It’s almost impossible to say you’ve found a sedan that’s better than the F10 BMW M5.

Don’t worry though, I haven’t lost my senses and I haven’t yet lost my affection for our favorite Bavarian company but I have found something better.

It’s called the Kelleners Sport KS5-S. It’s not as obscure as you might imagine at first. We’re actually looking at a greatly tuned version of the BMW M5.

Great is a matter of perspective as it doesn’t really make sense to everybody. Kelleners Sport is a German tuner who’ve only tweaked the F10 BMW M5.

Those tweaks are the ones that make a difference and it’s the subtlety of the way everything has been thought out that makes the entire package work.

The 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine now develops 660 horsepower – enough to make for a noticeable difference (100 extra ponies) – yet not too much to spoil it.

Kelleners claim their KS5-S can even go as far as hit a top speed of 205 mph. Naturally, in order to achieve this sort of figures you need more than just power.

A new suspension was fitted, the car was lowered and teamed with a slightly refreshed aerodynamic body kit and new 20 inch Hamburg design wheels are fitted.

For me however it’s the look of the interior and exterior that seals the deal. Just have a proper look at the gallery below.

The post Gallery: Kelleners Sport F10 BMW M5 appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Egypt hasn’t really made that much of a contribution to the tuning scene. That’s about to change and they’ve decided to start with BMW.

Weirdly, it’s not a BMW model you’d expect to be tuned into some ferocious beast but a rather sensible E82 1 Series that’s powered by the diesel engine.

“hatembmw” a member of the 1addicts forum wasn’t really pleased with the final price of the BMW 1 Series M so he decided to make one himself.

His problem wasn’t with what BMW is charging for the 1 Series M Coupe but with the taxes the Egyptian government slaps on top.

In order to avoid paying some 150.000 USD for the very fun little car, he decided to spend his money on creating something unique.

He went out and ripped the 2.0 liter turbo-diesel engine out of the body and put instead a properly high performance engine.

It isn’t to be the 3.0 liter inline six cylinder TwinTurbo of the 1 Series M Coupe but one that’s easier to get round in his country.

That’ll be the 4.0 liter V8 which develops 420 horsepower, all of which are available reasonably quick since there’s no turbocharging to consider.

Alongside the BMW M3 boosted performance, the overnight tuner decided to fit the appropriately widened body kit, suspension components and braking bits.

Even after all that work and adding in of all that BMW greatness, the Egyptian came out some 50.000 dollars SHORT of the regularly taxed price of a 1 Series M Coupe.

Now that’s more than impressive.

The post E82 BMW 1 Series gets M3 engine swap appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

More and more the BMW fans are thinking of what the F30 M3 will bring to the table, where are the latest spyshots, when it will be unveiled and so on.

Meanwhile in a bit of a calmer side of the world, people are still proud of their E92 BMW M3, as they should be. They’ve even decided to help it along a bit.

Not with performance upgrades, not with body kits and not with interior modifications either. This prime white example gets new alloy wheels.

The new rollers come from Strasse Forged Wheels, painted in glossy black and features ten of the thinnest spokes ever in their design.

For once, we can see a set of wheels that’s very likable but not for size, style or whatever other detail you may want to focus on.

I really love the way the Strasse Forged Wheels showoff this E92 BMW M3’s vented cross drilled brake disks. There’s something mechanically beautiful about that.

Other than that, the E92 BMW M3, may be stock but it still has quite a lot to show off.

Its 4.0 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine produces 420 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, its gearbox is lightning quick and its chassis is simply brilliant.

Proof of this can be seen in all the tuning kits that showcase a lot more power and yet there are no problems with stability.

Much like older models of the BMW M3, the E92 will certainly live well in our hearts even after it gets replaced by the upcoming F30 version.

The post E92 BMW M3 gets Strasse Forged Wheels appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.