E85 2.5i - M54B25 remap options?

[zriha]

Hi all,

I have an 2003. 2.5i model with 192hp, and I am considering stage 1 remaps, I saw that there is an option for a remap to 208 HP (it's not much but I would like to go over 200 hp).

Is there a remap kit that I can order to Croatia and done it myself?

For example, for my R50 Mini One, I bought a Lohen L01 package for 130hp - https://www.lohen.co.uk/lohen-lo1-one-cooper-130bhp

It was a simple job, they are using the Superchips Bluefin handheld module that I connected via OBDII on my Mini, download my original map, send it to them and in 24h I got a file on my email that I put on Bluefin handheld, connected with Mini and installed the new map. The original map is on that device.

Is there a similar thing for Z4?

Thanks!

 

[HU51A_FU]

Personally I'd save your money mate, gains are variable on application as all engines are different and will put out different power depending on how that cars been driven and maintained.

Generic maps only give you figures from the best results that have been tested on a particular vehicle, my personal experience I've always stayed away from generic maps and gone down the custom route at that's bespoke for you're vehicle otherwise you could cause damage putting a map on a bad engine.

Due to the age of our vehicles i doubt its running factory power and therefore throwing a map on it may just bring it back up to what it was from factory. I'd give it a full service, health check then dyno it and see what she's running before looking into throwing £100's into a remap for it.

Maybe contact this company see if they can obtain or write up software for your vehicle, i know a friend of mine had they're custom software applied to his 2012 BMW 535D Touring. They can send you the software for you to download and install.

https://ecotune-scotland.co.uk/bmw-1/

 

[mmm-five]

Not usually worth it on non-modified normally-aspirated engines.

Some will claim 'up to' 20bhp - but this isn't necessarily peak power, nor based on a perfectly-running engine in the first place. They may start low and fix issues as the go along to get their peak increase.

I'm also not saying there can't be any gains, as sometimes the tuners are just removing some of the safety or standardisation headroom they've factored in (e.g. 10,000 engines will perform roughly the same, but you'll get the odd one that will have slightly better tolerances and produce a couple of HP more if allowed to do so).

Turbo petrol/diesel ones can see huge gains, at the risk of breaking things though - usually with a 'warranty' of as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Tyres and regular servicing will probably give you more of a boost than a chip...and you'd not have to inform your insurer about either

 

[zriha]

Thanks gents, yeah, I wanted a custom map how Lohen / Bluefin did for my Mini.

Maybe it's not worth, you are right, and in ideal condition, jump from 191 to 208-210 hp in real conditions means almost nothing. I just wanted to see options.

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Have you refurbished the Vanos? Do that and cut out the secondary catalysts and I believe you're likely to see a difference in driveability that should be pleasing.

 

[HU51A_FU]

Have you refurbished the Vanos? Do that and cut out the secondary catalysts and I believe you're likely to see a difference in driveability that should be pleasing.

Interesting, my vehicles only done 68k miles, is this necessary?

Cheers

 

[zriha]

Have you refurbished the Vanos? Do that and cut out the secondary catalysts and I believe you're likely to see a difference in driveability that should be pleasing.

No I didn't, I have 197.000 km, should I do that?

Also, If I cut out secondary catalysts, how will that affect my eco test on MOT?

 

[enuff_zed]

Have you refurbished the Vanos?

Interesting, my vehicles only done 68k miles, is this necessary?

No I didn't, I have 197.000 km, should I do that?

My wife's 2.5i had done 100k miles and I refurbished the Vanos.
The difference it made was quite noticeable. Smoother and more torque. Hers is an auto and it made the shifts much smoother too. took about 100 miles to adjust itself and now it is a much nicer car to drive.

Obviously mileage will have a big effect on the Vanos, but as it seems to be the seals failing that is the main culprit then I'd suggest any car will now need doing, due to the effects of aging on the seals too.
It's a relatively easy job, if you follow the guides on the forum.
Bit of juggling to get the vanos off the studs, but there's a couple of methods (jack the engine, or apply some leverage to the front cross-member).
Of course, the first thing to do would be to find out if a previous owner has done it for you already.

 

[zriha]

Thanks so much for the tip, well I would definitely give this to a professional, but where can I buy a Vanos kit for refurbishment? Any suggestions?

 

[TheDan]

Most people use the X8r kits from here:
https://x8r.co.uk/bmw/bmw-vanos-repair-kits.html

They have their own instructions as well (unfortunately with the engine out of the car meaning access is made easier).

 

[zriha]

Most people use the X8r kits from here:
https://x8r.co.uk/bmw/bmw-vanos-repair-kits.html

They have their own instructions as well (unfortunately with the engine out of the car meaning access is made easier).

Thanks mate!

 

[zriha]

Most people use the X8r kits from here:
https://x8r.co.uk/bmw/bmw-vanos-repair-kits.html

They have their own instructions as well (unfortunately with the engine out of the car meaning access is made easier).

As I am in Croatia - EU, and now you are outside EU, it's a nightmare to order something from UK and this pisses me off as I was buying a lot of stuff from Amazon UK and other UK shops, and exchange parts with UK groups - mainly for my Mini.

So, is this what I need for Vanos - https://www.ebay.de/itm/Premium-Reparatur-Satz-Vanos-fur-BMW-Doppelvanos-Dichtsatz-M54-M52-TU-E46-E60-X5/192663021249

I see it is in Germany, so I can easily order. Thanks!

 

[enuff_zed]

Most people use the X8r kits from here:
https://x8r.co.uk/bmw/bmw-vanos-repair-kits.html

They have their own instructions as well (unfortunately with the engine out of the car meaning access is made easier).

As I am in Croatia - EU, and now you are outside EU, it's a nightmare to order something from UK and this pisses me off as I was buying a lot of stuff from Amazon UK and other UK shops, and exchange parts with UK groups - mainly for my Mini.

So, is this what I need for Vanos - https://www.ebay.de/itm/Premium-Reparatur-Satz-Vanos-fur-BMW-Doppelvanos-Dichtsatz-M54-M52-TU-E46-E60-X5/192663021249

I see it is in Germany, so I can easily order. Thanks!

Yup that looks like it to me.

Unless you have changed it recently, you will need the top cover gasket set too.

 

[zriha]

Most people use the X8r kits from here:
https://x8r.co.uk/bmw/bmw-vanos-repair-kits.html

They have their own instructions as well (unfortunately with the engine out of the car meaning access is made easier).

As I am in Croatia - EU, and now you are outside EU, it's a nightmare to order something from UK and this pisses me off as I was buying a lot of stuff from Amazon UK and other UK shops, and exchange parts with UK groups - mainly for my Mini.

So, is this what I need for Vanos - https://www.ebay.de/itm/Premium-Reparatur-Satz-Vanos-fur-BMW-Doppelvanos-Dichtsatz-M54-M52-TU-E46-E60-X5/192663021249

I see it is in Germany, so I can easily order. Thanks!

Yup that looks like it to me.

Unless you have changed it recently, you will need the top cover gasket set too.

Thanks mate, according to the service history the top cover gasket was changed in 2012. on 111.000 km now it has 197.000 km, so I think it's time for a change.

 

[zriha]

If you have a part number for that, it would be a real help! Thanks

 

[enuff_zed]

If you have a part number for that, it would be a real help! Thanks

Comes as a kit with the top cover gasket, plus two to seal the spark plug holes.
11120030496
If you look on Ebay or somewhere similar you may find kits that also include the seals that go under the securing bolts too. worth changing them at the same time.
Be aware that the gaskets may well be very hard by now. Bits can easily break off and go down the oil passages, so lift the cover off and if any bits of gasket are stuck on the head, use rags to block the holes before you try to remove them.

Here's an example on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engine-Valve-Cover-Gasket-11120030496/dp/B085HN7DJ9/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&hvadid=79852064075507&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=11120030496&qid=1611833210&sr=8-5&tag=mh0a9-21

 

[zriha]

If you have a part number for that, it would be a real help! Thanks

Comes as a kit with the top cover gasket, plus two to seal the spark plug holes.
11120030496
If you look on Ebay or somewhere similar you may find kits that also include the seals that go under the securing bolts too. worth changing them at the same time.
Be aware that the gaskets may well be very hard by now. Bits can easily break off and go down the oil passages, so lift the cover off and if any bits of gasket are stuck on the head, use rags to block the holes before you try to remove them.

Here's an example on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engine-Valve-Cover-Gasket-11120030496/dp/B085HN7DJ9/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&hvadid=79852064075507&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=11120030496&qid=1611833210&sr=8-5&tag=mh0a9-21

Thanks for the help. As I am a self-taught mechanic, this job I will leave for a professional, I don't have needed the experience to do it myself, and also I don't have a garage.

 

[TheDan]

Most people use the X8r kits from here:
https://x8r.co.uk/bmw/bmw-vanos-repair-kits.html

They have their own instructions as well (unfortunately with the engine out of the car meaning access is made easier).

As I am in Croatia - EU, and now you are outside EU, it's a nightmare to order something from UK and this pisses me off as I was buying a lot of stuff from Amazon UK and other UK shops, and exchange parts with UK groups - mainly for my Mini.

Ah, didn't notice your location as Zagreb, really sorry about that!

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Also, If I cut out secondary catalysts, how will that affect my eco test on MOT?

My understanding is that the secondary cats will not cause any issues regarding emissions for the MOT. So long as the primary cats are present and working. BUT... that's for the UK - I've no idea what you need to achieve in Croatia. Drop the exhaust, cut the cats out from above and weld back up - then from under the car nobody can see the cats have been removed.
By the way, the two cars I've heard with secondary cats deleted sound good - to me, under power it gives the car that sort of multi-cylinder Italian sound.

 

[zriha]

Most people use the X8r kits from here:
https://x8r.co.uk/bmw/bmw-vanos-repair-kits.html

They have their own instructions as well (unfortunately with the engine out of the car meaning access is made easier).

As I am in Croatia - EU, and now you are outside EU, it's a nightmare to order something from UK and this pisses me off as I was buying a lot of stuff from Amazon UK and other UK shops, and exchange parts with UK groups - mainly for my Mini.

Ah, didn't notice your location as Zagreb, really sorry about that!

Don't worry mate, I am also really sorry about living in Zagreb Hahahahaha