S52 E36 177rwhp - Wtf?

[e46_lover]

Hey guys, I have a 96 328is auto. I swapped it to manual using my old ZF and put in an S52 with M50 manifold I got from a shop. When installing it I kept the stock ECU but I didnt flash it. From my understanding the ECU will still work, so why are my #'s like this? I have a 3.5" HFM and 24lb injectors lying around, im wondering if I should add that and get software to fix this problem? Or could it be something like vanos, the motor was sitting drained of oil for over a year in the shop. I let it run for 30min idling with oil, then filled again with fresh lubromoly.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f171/jonnyblaze_187/dyno.jpg

[Julz69]

So you have a 328is ECU running an M3 Motor? If so their is your problem. They are 2 completely different motors (2.8l, 3.2l)

[e46_lover]

So if I get software put onto my ECU it will work?

Something like software for:

S52
M50 Manifold
3.5" HFM
24lb Injectors

It will work the same as putting it on an S52 ECU?

[vibes]

Your better off buying an M3 ECU. Of course you could pay big bucks for a huge custom tune, but thats so pointless! It will cost you $1000+ for that, when you could easily buy an m3 ecu

[bmw4wmb]

I'm OBD1 so all I had to do was swap a chip. But yeah, you are going to need the M3 ecu to take advantage. If you add the HFM and injectors you will also need an additional tweak. To be honest I never felt a great gain with the injectors and hfm until I got the cams. But thats on an S50, could be different with the S52.

[dakar>e36]

i have an s52 ecu that i'll sell you

[e46_lover]

tru i guess, but even an OBD2 flash for an M3 on my ECU...wont it be the same thing as using an M3 computer, because it is basically the same program in a different housing?

[Rennmeister M3]

LOL, your using an ECU from a completely different engine on this? Yikes.

Reflash what you have with a 3.2L tune and you should be good.

It doesn't even look like the VANOS is working.

[Kaiv]

How can you expect your 3.2l to run correctly with 2.8l software ?

[Bears]

How can you expect your 3.2l to run correctly with 2.8l software ?

:werd: get the proper ECU and you'll go from :( --> :D

If you already put down that much money for an engine + tranny swap, spending a couple of more on the right ECU won't hurt. Used ones go pretty cheap these days.

[Volf]

How can you expect your 3.2l to run correctly with 2.8l software ?

Exactly

[e46_lover]

I know, I figured it would be too...Thanks for the help so far...

Rennmeister M3,

I was thinking the same, I somewhat get the "marbles in a can" noise but Im not sure if it just needed to break loose after sitting for so long? I only put 1000km on it so far. I am going to get a software flash this week for M3, but im wondering if the HFM and injectors are worth doing at the same time? I heard OBD2 gains are minimal.

[Rennmeister M3]

The VANOS is ECU controlled. Even if your M52 came with VANOS it's map is going to be different because of variables like cam timing, piston position, cylinder dynamics, etc. It can be advancing the cam too far which would cause a reduction in low RPM cylinder filling, or too little which would net a similar effect to it not working.

On my engine you can see that the torque production is very smooth and progressive from 3000 - 4500 RPM whereas on yours you have a sudden increase in engine torque.

Take it one thing at a time. Get the ECU flased, and re-dyno the car. If it's still very low, then do a compression check. You should be dynoing with a wideband the second time, otherwise it will be pretty impossible to rule out something simple like a failed fuel pump.

The S52 does not need larger injectors, and in my opinion no N/A M3 needs a 3.5" MAF. The 3" is just not a restriction.

[e46_lover]

ahh I see, thanks. well im going to get the software done and im gonna see what happens. Ill post again in here once i re-dyno it.

[racer m]

wouldn't a shark injector help him as well?

[turbosporttsi]

Having the right software for the application will help. Mods are not to be considered at this point.

[Julian]

Why are you not getting the M3 computer? It just doesn't make sense.

[e46_lover]

Why are you not getting the M3 computer? It just doesn't make sense.


what doesnt make sense? the computer is the same, the software inside is what matters.

this avoids ews alignment cost and downtime.

[Rennmeister M3]

Why are you not getting the M3 computer? It just doesn't make sense.

Save a couple hundred bucks and get a better tune with the M52 ECU.