Making the 3.0 manual e89 a bit more responsive

[Squddie]

I have a manual 3.0 e89. Overall great, there are just some nitpicks I'd like to improve:

• The drivetrain moves a bit much on load changes. I am thinking more rigid engine mounts. Are they compatible with anther BMW's that has a heavier engine? What's available?
• The gas pedal response is a bit slugging. I think more so than my e46 3.0. I know there are software changes that remove a deliberate delay. Any pointers to solutions that are prepared for the e89 3.0?
• I still have my clutch delay valve. I don't think it is that bothersome, but out of curiosity, are there premade products to get rid of it.

Thanks

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by Squddie

I have a manual 3.0 e89. Overall great, there are just some nitpicks I'd like to improve:

• The drivetrain moves a bit much on load changes. I am thinking more rigid engine mounts. Are they compatible with anther BMW's that has a heavier engine? What's available?
• The gas pedal response is a bit slugging. I think more so than my e46 3.0. I know there are software changes that remove a deliberate delay. Any pointers to solutions that are prepared for the e89 3.0?
• I still have my clutch delay valve. I don't think it is that bothersome, but out of curiosity, are there premade products to get rid of it.

Thanks

There is no deliberate delay in the N52 throttle response.

The N52 engine management is actually vary quick. Your problem is a 3,450 lb car and an engine that produces 220 ft lb of torque. This is why I upgraded with the 355is from my E85, even though I loved the N52.

I good engine tune and the MILVs will help a lot. Check the conversations in the E90 naturally aspirated forums. Lots to be learned about the N52 over there.

Headers will also help but they are hard to find for you car and they could be an issue with smog inspections.

[Vetracr]

Originally Posted by Squddie

I have a manual 3.0 e89. Overall great, there are just some nitpicks I'd like to improve:

• The drivetrain moves a bit much on load changes. I am thinking more rigid engine mounts. Are they compatible with anther BMW's that has a heavier engine? What's available?
• The gas pedal response is a bit slugging. I think more so than my e46 3.0. I know there are software changes that remove a deliberate delay. Any pointers to solutions that are prepared for the e89 3.0?
• I still have my clutch delay valve. I don't think it is that bothersome, but out of curiosity, are there premade products to get rid of it.

Thanks

I found the gas pedal response too slow also. I set it in sport mode to get a more normal response. Definitely get rid of delay valve. I bought a replacement online but you can remove existing one and open up restriction.

[Squddie]

To clarify, I am talking about the engine spooling up rpms without load, in neutral/pressed clutch.

The n52 in the e89 is noticeably more sluggish than the M54 in the e46 was.

I am also quite sure that vendors offer electronic or software tunes for more responsible gas pedals. I am just asking whether there is anything specific to the e89 and/or n52.

[jparnes1]

No replacement is needed for the CDV. Just remove it and connect the hose to the hard line. And yes, there is a noticeable improvement in the clutch.

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by Squddie

To clarify, I am talking about the engine spooling up rpms without load, in neutral/pressed clutch.

The n52 in the e89 is noticeably more sluggish than the M54 in the e46 was.

I am also quite sure that vendors offer electronic or software tunes for more responsible gas pedals. I am just asking whether there is anything specific to the e89 and/or n52.

It's an N52 with the same gearbox and vehicle weight as the E90. Plenty of tunes available for that platform and they will work well on the E89.

With stock hardware you might do a little better as the E89 manifolds and exhaust seem to flow better. From memory the E89 N52k is 258hp while the E90 is 255hp.

I don't recall much throttle lag in my E85 before or after tuning. It's a pretty snappy engine but there are limits to the VVL system. The eccentric cam can only open so fast. Something like 300 milliseconds from idle to full throttle. Hardware limited.

I don't recall seeing any intentional throttle delay in the tune. Just the usual throttle phase in at low RPMs to keep the velocities high around the intake valve.