Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: 128i / N52B30 question, clarity

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Houston, Tx
    Posts
    1,978
    My Cars
    '78 320i

    128i / N52B30 question, clarity

    I'm interested in making a 128i my daily... Eventually
    The problem has been I've been pretty picky. I'd like the sport and performance package, manual trans, in a coupe, with lower miles. Fortunately I'm not in a rush.

    Long story short, I noticed there's quite a discrepancy in horsepower for the N52B30 motor. I understand the 128i hits 230 HP but some models can hit as high as 270 in other models..If the wiki is accurate. I assume this is in the tune given the 1 series was marketed as a more affordable 1er?

    For me, I like the smaller size of the car with the naturally aspirated straight 6. It feels like the first car in awhile to go back to BMWs roots.

    Would a simple tune get more out of this engine?
    Last edited by jaredmac11; 02-14-2017 at 05:44 PM.

  2. #2
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Harbor City, CA
    Posts
    4,242
    My Cars
    '02 E39 Touring
    What year 1 series are you looking at? That motor is very solid and stable - I don't think a tune will give you 40hp, but you'll get a good return on it. If you're looking for performance, have you considered the 135i? (I love the way mine drives).


    -Dmitry
    Your Trusted Source For DIY and Parts
    FREE SHIPPING over $99 click here
    BMW Parts | DIY Tech Articles | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Promos
    888.280.7799 | 6am - 5pm PST



  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Houston, Tx
    Posts
    1,978
    My Cars
    '78 320i
    I'm looking at the 2009 ish age. I think that's the e87 but I get em confused.

    I really wanna keep it naturally aspirated. Twin turbo is a bit of a hefty repair bill if a turbo fails and I appreciate the reliability of a NA 6.. but maybe I should reconsider.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Colorado Springs
    Posts
    465
    My Cars
    2003 325i
    Quote Originally Posted by jaredmac11 View Post
    I'm looking at the 2009 ish age. I think that's the e87 but I get em confused.

    I really wanna keep it naturally aspirated. Twin turbo is a bit of a hefty repair bill if a turbo fails and I appreciate the reliability of a NA 6.. but maybe I should reconsider.
    I'm with you, only interested in the 128i due to natural aspiration. In addition to the turbo, does the 135i also have some problems with the high pressure fuel pump?

  5. #5
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Harbor City, CA
    Posts
    4,242
    My Cars
    '02 E39 Touring
    Completely understandable - I have a buddy with a 128i and he doesn't have any complaints/regrets. I'm not sure if the fuel pump is an issue in the 128i, but you're correct that it can be problematic in the 135i. Also the oil cooler can sometimes go bad. Either way, by with confidence, but make sure to get a comprehensive PPI report before buying.


    -Dmitry
    Your Trusted Source For DIY and Parts
    FREE SHIPPING over $99 click here
    BMW Parts | DIY Tech Articles | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Promos
    888.280.7799 | 6am - 5pm PST



Similar Threads

  1. Cert 128i, Diagnostic Question
    By urbanjunglist in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-15-2012, 01:58 PM
  2. Looking at a used '08 128i coupe-- questions on price and tires
    By bluesguitar in forum 1 Series & 2 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20, F22, F23, F40, G42)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 02-16-2012, 03:56 PM
  3. Potential 128i Owner with potentially stupid questions
    By Draw7Seven in forum 1 Series & 2 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20, F22, F23, F40, G42)
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 12-26-2010, 05:02 PM
  4. 128i N54 question
    By cemimms in forum 1 Series & 2 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20, F22, F23, F40, G42)
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 02-08-2008, 03:23 PM
  5. A couple 128i questions?
    By Edelweiss in forum 1 Series & 2 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20, F22, F23, F40, G42)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-01-2008, 09:03 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •