[Daniel23]

Hello everyone, I am new to the BMW family due to the recent purchase of a 2011 BMW 528i! I love the car, it is well built and plenty powerful for an everyday car, but it could use more power to become a sport sedan. I know that many say that the 538i is the way to go but I feel that there is potential in this naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder. I don't want to do any crazy modifications such as forced induction or get into M5 territory or anything but I am considering a tuner and a couple of bolt-ons or other similar modifications. Any suggestions on which brands/models/parts are the best? Any specific modifications recommended? I've heard of many tuning companies such as Dinan, JP, Burger etc. but I don't know which will get me the best results and quality. Also, around how much hp can I gain with one of these tunes? Thank you for the suggestions!

[Bmw doubles]

There are two approaches piggybacks and flash tunes. My experience flash tunes all day long. In my opinion there is only one piggyback I would even consider. The problem is power is a drug, one you get a taste of it you're on a journey that never ends. I said the same thing many years ago, "I just need a little bit more power and I'll be good"... Me talking to my wife.

[snj1013]

I don't think there's much out there for a 2011 528i.

[mbanks21]

Pretty sure the 11 528 is an NA engine. Not much power you're going to get from any mods especially tunes. Maybe 20-30 Hp total

[M6NIAC]

All wrong^

For my 528xi I have:
JB4 Stage 2
Afe intake
Ftp motorsport chargepipe
ER catless downpipes
+ more coming

528xi CAN BE BADA$$

[Bmw doubles]

Oh shit I read it wrong. A 528 :l

[Sedoy]

You are actually wrong, he got 2011 which has N52 N/A engine and his options are very limited to extract more HP/TQ from that engine. There are tunes and other performance parts available but I will be very surprise to see anything over 20 WHP for this car. So considering the price of parts and benefits I would sell that 2011 528 and get 2012+ 528 which has N20 engine like yours.

Originally Posted by Arko528

All wrong^

For my 528xi I have:
JB4 Stage 2
Afe intake
Ftp motorsport chargepipe
ER catless downpipes
+ more coming

528xi CAN BE BADA$$

[mbanks21]

Originally Posted by Arko528

All wrong^

For my 528xi I have:
JB4 Stage 2
Afe intake
Ftp motorsport chargepipe
ER catless downpipes
+ more coming

528xi CAN BE BADA$$

So you have a downpipe on your NA I6 528 like this guy has?

[Daniel23]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

You are actually wrong, he got 2011 which has N52 N/A engine and his options are very limited to extract more HP/TQ from that engine. There are tunes and other performance parts available but I will be very surprise to see anything over 20 WHP for this car. So considering the price of parts and benefits I would sell that 2011 528 and get 2012+ 528 which has N20 engine like yours.

I see....around how much would these tunes/parts cost? What are they specifically?

[mike@x-ph.com]

If you are just looking for a noticeable gains without any complicated tunes or mods, get the Jb stage 1 it adds 4 psi over stock

If you want more out of the car, get the Jb4 + downpipes and intercooler

You can also get Enzo flash tune if you do not mind removing your ECU and sending it to the shop

[Sedoy]

Again his engine N52, not N20. There is the BSM power box for N52 but it looks like it's only available for E60 5-series and it only adds 10 Hp / 10 lb-ft.

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

If you are just looking for a noticeable gains without any complicated tunes or mods, get the Jb stage 1 it adds 4 psi over stock

If you want more out of the car, get the Jb4 + downpipes and intercooler

You can also get Enzo flash tune if you do not mind removing your ECU and sending it to the shop

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

Again his engine N52, not N20. There is the BSM power box for N52 but it looks like it's only available for E60 5-series and it only adds 10 Hp / 10 lb-ft.

for an N52, i would contact Active Autowerke they are the best at tuning this engine

[Sedoy]

Looks like few tuners dropped support for N52, even Active Autowerke not avaialble for F10 N52. You can try to get free flow exhaust, but I would suggest just don't waste your money and get 2012+ N20 528. It's hard to extract anything significant from N/A N52.

Originally Posted by Daniel23

I see....around how much would these tunes/parts cost? What are they specifically?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

Looks like few tuners dropped support for N52, even Active Autowerke not avaialble for F10 N52. You can try to get free flow exhaust, but I would suggest just don't waste your money and get 2012+ N20 528. It's hard to extract anything significant from N/A N52.

yea an N20 would be much better

[dmoney23]

I beg to differ, I have a 2011 528i...yes its a shitty model once I found out it didn't have a turbo(it's my 1st bmw), I had feel in love with it for the looks....besides, I thought all bimmers had turbo engines....well little did I know.....upon research active autowerks still support n52 engines, I just had mine tuned and they also offer headers and a 3stage manifold set up as well...plus you can throw on an exhaust which I did as well and there u go....u get more low end torque...but since i'm under warranty I just did the tune/exhaust and I'm still thinking about even should I keep the slush bucket or give up it for a newer/faster model....so Im just going make it a show car only because it looks sick as hell ....oh I almost forgot I did some more digging there is a cold air intake you can add as well by gruppe m is pricey though but nice....bottom line is the most you can squeeze fron the n52 is approximately 40-50hp extra and that's pushing it but it will be peppy!!!!

[Daniel23]

Awesome! I might do the same thing you did, around how fast is your new 0-60mph time? I'm probably going to keep the 528i because I found it for such a great deal but if I find a 535 or a 550i for a good deal I'm definitely upgrading it!

[dmoney23]

to be honest I haven't timed it yet but its definitely quicker.....and if you have edc and pop into sport or sport plus mode it really gives a little more pep in my opinion.....but like I said its a slush box and but its not a bad car at all just give it a little love.....oh I almost forgot I also added h&r sport springs too and roof/trunk spoilers......I don't feel its ready to post up just yet....I'm waiting to get the perfect wheel combo

[PJinCA]

gruppe M is the single stupidest purchase possible, any intake adds negligible HP in the real world. Spending $1800+ for an intake is just moronic, if money is that easy to waste I have some lovely beach front property in Iowa if you're interested

[Jcbama85]

My JB-1 is in the mail and I'll be installing it this weekend on my 2013 528i and will post a review shortly after.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Jcbama85

My JB-1 is in the mail and I'll be instilling it this weekend on my 2013 528i and will post a review shortly after.

Looking forward for the review

[fung0001]

Hi mike
Any inter cooler recommended for 520i/528i with tuning box/ stage 1 remapping? Thx