04-28-2022, 02:08 PM | #1 |
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More Power Options for the B46?
Hello all,
This is my first post/interaction on this forum so bare with me here. I've been a lurker for a while, however. I just got my first BMW last year. I saw a 2018 230i calling my name and I'm addicted to going fast now. I bought and installed a catless downpipe and shortly after flashed to a 91 Octane Stage 2 OTS tune from Bootmod3. I couldn't be happier with the results. I've spent hours googling ways to make more power on the B46 and here is what I've gathered: Cold Air Intake: Minimum performance increase if any, but sounds cool Upgraded Heat Exchanger: Nice to have for increased boost and maintain healthy temps, but no power gains Charge Pipe/ Boost Pipe Upgrade: Mostly for longevity and durability but no power increase I've seen upgraded turbo kits but at the cost of product and installation I might as well just get an M240i. I'm also aware that weight reduction is a good way to make more power but this is a daily driver and I don't really want to pull out the back seats and what-not. Is there anything else I can do to increase power? I would be satisfied stopping where I am at with the current build, so please don't bend over backwards trying to recommend something. If I got any of my information wrong above please feel free to correct me. Full disclosure: I'm not a mechanic and I just started wrenching on my own car last year but I am eager to learn and enjoy the process. |
04-30-2022, 10:05 PM | #2 |
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I have a pretty similar situation. I also have a 2018 230i. I've added a catless DP, a BMC drop-in engine air filter, and am using a 93 octane BM3 stage 2 tune.
I would recommend a drop in like the BMC over a cold air intake. Those don't filter as well (I don't think) and are more just hood bling + better turbo spooling sounds. Power increase isn't really noticeable. The heat exchanger probablyyyy isn't necessary from what I understand unless you're pushing big power or live in a hot area and drive it hard often. There are aftermarket exhausts, but there isn't really a power increase with those either. Aftermarket Chargepipes are more of a reliability option, and some say they aren't even necessary with the b46 because the reliability has gone up from the n20. I would recommend an xhp trans tune, they released one for the b46 within the last year, and it's a pretty cool option. Will make your car shift a bit faster. Nothing is really gonna make the car much faster than a big turbo, but like you said, the costs are pretty high and it's probably just not worth it. I am literally in the same boat as you - tried to make my b46 as powerful as I can, but there's not too much more to do without big turbo. I'm just going to try and get ahold of a b58 in the next few years, maybe a m340 or m240. Hope this helps a little bit! Let me know if you have any questions. Love bouncing ideas off other people in the situation. |
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04-30-2022, 10:37 PM | #3 |
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Dude! I’m so glad to have that kind of closure! I guess that’s the move then, I’ve also been thinking about upgrading to the B58 in the coming years. I’ve seen that one dude on YouTube who made a 1000hp Supra with a B58 already so I’m sure aftermarket support is gonna be quite extensive. I’m very happy with what I have now so I’m definitely willing to wait. Thanks for the response I wish you the best of luck with your future B58 endeavors.
Edit: I’m looking into this transmission tune by XHP, do you feel pretty good after purchasing it? Was install easy? Any buyers remorse? Last edited by AlaskaDTD; 04-30-2022 at 10:45 PM.. |
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05-02-2022, 06:28 PM | #4 | |
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That being said, yep, install is easy for xhp, just like BM3 I think? My friend/mechanic set it up for me, but imagine it's straightforward. No issues and no remorse. It's supposed to really take advantage of the ZF 8 speed and optimize it. Best of luck! Let me know how everything goes and if you find any cool mods to do. |
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