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.

The German Automotive giant has always had a strong standing in the automotive world, garnering respect and fame through its amazing products and outperforming vehicles. However, the last few months have not been very positive for the brand.

BMW has been taking strong criticism from fans and critics alike on their confusing approach to the design language. The sporty and futuristic architecture of some of the recently released BMW vehicles has perplexed many. The company has shown indecisiveness concerning the size of the kidney-grille. They first stated that the upcoming 4 series vehicles will sport the large kidney-grille, but later they decide against it. Not long after, BMW said that it wouldn’t mind if people changed the front-end look with aftermarket options. However, now they state that it is hard to please everyone in terms of design.

The manufacturer wants its vehicles to stand out and make an impact on the car community. It wants the future BMWs to be distinguishable from the lot.

The BMW design boss Domagoj Dukec said, “If you want to create something that stands out, it must be distinguished and it has to be different,”.  He further stated, “If you want to reach some customers, you have to stand out. It’s not our goal to please everyone in the world, but you have to please your customers.”  

BMW is not concerned with pleasing anyone and they are pretty confident in their future plans. The marque is hopeful that the upcoming vehicles will impress the right people, who are always happy with the success of the company. The criticism is likely a cause of BMW’s previous triumphs.

“There is some friction when your old product is so successful, and that’s what we’re seeing,” said Van Hooydonk Senior Vice President of Design. “If your market success isn’t there, then you have to change. That’s a very stressful situation as a company.”

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Brushes Off Critique on New Design Approach appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe is out with an attractive design and unmatched performance features. The new release revitalizes the mid-size car segment challenging its competitors to do better. The coupe is designed for those who like a sports car but also don’t like to go overboard with specifications.

Exterior Look

The front-end is immediately recognizable with the kidney-style grille BMWs are known for.

The 5^th generation 4 series coupe gets the all-new grille design that complements the sleek front headlights. The lines on the side indicate the focus on aerodynamics, but overall BMW has tried to keep things simple yet classy. The new 4 series looks different from the 3 series sedan that it is based on and that is its biggest achievement.

Interior Design

The coupe has two doors but it has a leather-flushed 4-seat interior cabin. The front has two sport bucket seats for extra comfort and assistance when you are driving a bit fast.

The dashboard is elegantly designed with all the latest bells and whistles found in modern vehicles. The BMW 4 series coupe gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard among other features like climate control and a sleek infotainment screen. 

Performance Dynamics

Under the hood, is a mighty inline-6 cylinder engine but you can also opt for 4-cylinder petrol and a 4-cylinder diesel engine. The standard 4-cylinder engine produces a whopping 258 hp and 296 lb-ft of torque while being mated to an 8-speed gearbox. As a result, the coupe manages to accelerate from 0-60 mpg in 5.8 seconds

Conclusion

The 2021 BMW 4 series coupe is the perfect car for those who wish to explore the avenues opened by a powerful engine. The car is not for family-oriented folks so you will have to think twice before you buy it. Check out the latest BMW 4 Series lease deals from Orangewheels.    

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post The All-New 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

With the start of 2018, BMW has been planning all sorts of modifications for all the vehicles it produces. Concentrating mainly on the impact of these vehicles on the environment, BMW has decided to introduce a series of parts in the construction of its vehicles that will help further reduce their cars’ emissions.

One of the things the people over at BMW decided to do is fit the diesel 1, 2, 3, 4-Series with their SCR system which stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction system. Together with the AdBlue injection technology, these vehicles will become even friendlier with the environment. The X1 or at least some version of this particular model will also be fitted with SCR and a new exhaust system that will further contribute to lowering the car’s emissions. No matter how you look at it, future BMW diesel vehicles are ready to be friendlier with the environment.

BMW has also made modifications to its gasoline vehicle models. These models will be equipped with a special particulate filter that was originally fitted on the 220i Coupe. The results registered after the addition of this part on the 220i Coupe prompted the people over at BMW to add the filter to all compatible models. This is good news for all gasoline BMW drivers. BMW has made sure to take in account all of its customers.

Apart from these changes a series of design and functionality modifications are to be put in practice. Most BMW models will receive LED fog lights, PDC or Park Distance Control. All BMW models will now come equipped with the ConnectedDrive services. This will allow the driver to access his car using a smartphone.

With all these upgrades, BMW will most likely manage to attract even more customers. All these modifications will definitely add to the car’s premium feel.

It seems BMW has taken serious action n the fight against pollution. Apart from improvements to the car’s emission system, BMW has also decided to add finishing touches to their cars in order to add to the already existing premium feel. The people over at BMW have started the year on the right foot. With all these changes announced, BMW will most definitely satisfy even the most demanding of customers. With a new policy under the hood, BMW has started the year in style. All that remains to be seen is what other improvements will be brought to the table in the following years by the Bavarian automaker.

The post BMW Emission Changes and Other Modifications Ready for European Models appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

It is not the top of the line BMW M4 Coupe but it is an exceptionally well-equipped car, with all it takes to boost out your adrenaline – it`s about the 440i from the 4-Series, now seen dressed up with a carbon fiber aero kit and some new juice under the hood.

Equipped with the new power kit, thanks to Dahler`s aftermarket specialists, a well-known German tuner also specialized in BMW aftermarket programs, the 440i seen in the media gallery below can become more powerful than an M3 or M4.

At the exterior, the model looks extremely aggressive thanks to the new carbon kit, consisting of bespoke front lip, side mirror casings, rear spoiler, rear diffuser and rear wing. The model can also be had with a new sit of lowering springs and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Still at the rear, the technicians from Dahler have also equipped this BMW 440i with a special exhaust system, which increases the car`s engine note and boost up its power. However, it is their special level power kits that make it a real monster in terms of performance. All three levels of power are available for the Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe.

The tuner`s Level 1 power kit comes with 375 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque, quite significant from the stock 321 horsepower. Level 2 is even more impressive – 394 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque, while the third level fires up no less than 409 horsepower and impressive 610 Nm of torque.

For the latest level, the technicians have removed the speed limiter, so we are expecting something around 310 km/h. What is also important, all three levels of power meet the Euro 6 regulations, being also EU-homologated.

As for new interior changes, for extra cash, all three variants can also be customized with different tweaks, like leather upholstery, contrast stitching and some additional items from BMW`s M Performance Parts.

The post This Is Dahler`s Darth Vader-Like BMW 440i, with Carbon Fiber Aero Kit & Power Boost appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

After the official presentation of the facelifted 2017 M4, the German based carmaker has also launched the 2017 4-Series. We are also looking at a facelifted variant of the current model, coming with some new styling changes and new pots under the hood.

Once arriving on the United Kingdom in April, it will be available in both the two-door coupe and the convertible, adding as well the four-door Gran Coupe, which will come with a base price of £32,525.

At the front, the new styling features refer to updated front end with revised air ducts in the lower bumper, updated headlights with LEDs for the low and high beam, optional adaptive LED function and a few more. The rear end also comes with updated taillights and bumper.

As for the exterior colours, the facelifted 2017 BMW 4-Series is available with the one-off Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange, complemented with the new 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

As for the cabin, we are looking here at new tweaks like new steering wheel design, electroplated aluminum and chrome trims, high-gloss black panels and dashboard trim finishes. The gadgetries of the updated 4-Series comprise a new navigation system with top notch Professional unit with new interface, Head-Up Display, multifunctional instrument display and so on.

Under the hood, the 2017 BMW 4-Series facelift comes with new petrol burners and diesels, starting with the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol with 181 horsepower in the 420i and 248 horsepower in the 430i. The engine lineup continues with the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 321 horsepower in the 440i.

On the diesels side, there is also the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower in the 420d, and 221 horsepower in the 425d, adding as well a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder developing 254 horsepower in the 430d and 309 horsepower in the 435d xDrive.

The 2017 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe adds a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 148 horsepower in the 418d. All engines are hooked to a six-speed manual or eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The post 2017 Geneva Motor Show: All-New BMW 4-Series Facelift Unveiled appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

While the F82 M4 remains the top notch from the entire 4-Series, build atop the latest technology in terms of performance and an exquisite body styling, some of the versions from the rest of the Series have been kinda left aside and didn’t get the best appreciation they deserved.

Recently, the guys from Smoking Tires have had the chance of driving a modified 435i model and decided to let us know what they thought about it. The video below just does that, and we can assure you that the remarks are quite positive, and not only because you are not looking here at a stock variant.

The entire models from the 4-Series are fun to drive and deliver the best experience in terms of driving capabilities, with or without any modifications carried out.

Even if the 435i looks and feels different with the aftermarket bits, we still consider that it is one of the best in its class. However, with the new modified parts, it becomes a second edition of the M4, tweaked with the latest mechanics and some heavy stuff under the bonnet.

Besides the stock suspension and brakes, this lad here comes with the Evolution Racewerks charge pupe, GIntani catless downpipe with Supersprint exhaust system as well as an AFE air intake. All these make the 435i extremely loud, a fact that can be also seen in the video below.

Besides that, the car looks out of the ordinary with the new exterior wrap, wider black wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubbers and a couple of other fine tweaks here and there. You can find out more about the car in the video released by Smoking Tires.

The post Up-Close and Personal with a Custom-Built BMW 435i appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

With BMW releasing the first details of their new 2018 4-Series Facelift, the German carmaker has recently announced the arrival of the range on American soil, with prices and specs to be released as well.

Even if we are not dealing here with lots of changes in terms of exterior design and new interior tweaks, the 2018 BMW 4-Series remains a fun car to drive, and with very competitive prices on the US market.

Starting this month, American customers will have the pleasure of buying the new 4-Series from at least $42,400 in the 2018 430i Coupe, with prices reaching high in the sky $48,700 in the 400i Coupe. Add another $2,000 and you could also get the xDrive variant.

On the other hand, with the summer soon arriving, customers could also opt for the convertible variants as well, but that means throwing in more cash. We are looking here at $50,500 for the 2018 430i Convertible and $57,500 for the 440i Convertible. Once again, if you opt for the xDrive system, then you will have to come out with another $2,000.

For that money, you get plenty of features to enjoy, starting with the exterior`s wide range of ten standard colours, adding lots of optional packages.

These packages include the Essentials, Premium, Luxury, M Sport as well as the Executive Package, each one coming with its own choice of standard options, including adaptive M Suspension, Head-Up Display, Wireless Charging, new Steering Wheel heating and so on.

From a visual standpoint, the entire 2018 4-Series range is also offered with full LED and Bi-LED as standard, adding as well LED taillights with the L-shape design. The cabin is also slightly change, adding new materials, as well as the latest generation of BMW`s iDrive system with plenty of new functions.

The post 2018 BMW 4-Series Facelift – Prices and Specs Released in the US appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW carmaker released the first details and pictures with the all-new 2018 4-Series facelift about a week ago, the model ending up in the news again in a new media gallery and some fresh details.

As we can depict from the media gallery below, the 2018 4-Series looks visibly changed in terms of design, and even if it keeps the overall style of the previous model, it does come with plenty of new tweaks, which makes it more aggressive and appealing.

The facelifted model in all its forms – the coupe, convertible and the Gran Coupe – now features updated front and rear aprons, full-LED headlights, wider and much more prominent air intake with sharp contours and standout bars, adding as well LED taillights, chrome accents or high-black gloss surroundings.

Other visual tweaks also comprise new bumper with huge grilles and sculpted boot lid, two exterior colours – Sunset Orange, Snapper Rocks Blueall, a choice of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, all features contributing to the lineup`s improved personality and stance.

The list of new mods include the interior as well. The cabin of the 4-Series lineup first includes a serious of new touches on the air outlets, control panels in the doors, adding the same high-gloss black trims on the center console.

There is also a mixture of Midnight Blue Dakota, Cognac Dakota and Ivory White Dakota leathers, along with Carbon Aluminum trim surrounding the entire area.

Mechanically, the all-new 2018 BMW 4-Series lineup is also equipped with an upgraded suspension with damping technology, adding improved steering setup as well, all improving the models` stability and driving capabilities.

In the engine department, there are two gasoline engines that have now been upgraded – the 431i with 248 horsepower as well as the 440i with 320 horsepower, both coming with an xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The post 2018 BMW 4-Series Lineup – New Media Gallery Released appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The long-expected 2018 BMW 4-Series Coupe & Convertible and the Gran Coupe have been finally released just recently, all models coming as well in the first details and official pictures.

We are looking here at the facelifted models of the current 4-Series, all of them arriving in the United States as 2018 MYs, and coming with improved design and mechanical characteristics.

As we can depict from the pictures below, the models come with revised styling bits – updated LED headlights, front foglamps and taillamps, adding as well front bumper with new air intakes, revised rear apron, the new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as two exterior colours, the Snapper Rocks and Sunset Orange – all contributing to a much more aggressive look.

Inside, the 4-Series lineup keeps the general design lines, but still adds new elements, like revised steering wheel pattern, instrument panel with double stitching, three new upholstery colours, electroplated aluminum and chrome trims and much more. In the gadgetry department, all models are now equipped with updated infotainment system with new interface, adding Multifunctional Instrument Display and much more.

Mechanically, the 4-Series lineup is now equipped with new suspension system which proves to be much stiffer while adding “sportier handling without any loss of ride comfort”. Also, the 4-Series Coupe and Convertible can also be had with the M Sport and Adaptive suspensions which increase their driving capabilities.

As far as the engine line goes, the 4-Series lineup will comprise an assortment of new four- and six-cylinder engines, both petrol burners and diesels, with power to range from 150 horsepower (in the 418 d) to a total of 326 horsepower (in the 440i).

The post Media Gallery: 2018 BMW 4-Series Lineup Breaks Cover appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.