Possible X5 N55 Engine/Exhaust Modification

[D.B.S]

It's all speculation at this point, but I have a few mods upcoming that may be beneficial to all owners of X5's with the N55 engine

1. After delivery of my X5 (in August), I will be taking a trip to PA and visiting Helix to see if their new re-designed FMIC will be a replacement for our current ones
2. AR Design in Colorado wants an X5 to do a test fit for a Aftermarket DP (if anyone is near them, they might be a good candidate for that, as I am almost 2k miles away, willing to drive their, but... You get my drift...
3. I'm firmly in the PROcede camp, so waiting for Vishnu to come out with the N55 harness, but I believe BMS (JB3) is already beta'ing with the N55.
4. Not sure what our exhaust system looks like after the DP, but would be curious to see if there are any custom or pre-fab'd exhaust systems exist for us already.

We may not get as close to the gains as the N54 crowd gets, but things look good, specially if someone can successfully test (with a tune) a larger twin scroll turbo

[tommyM]

sounds good, i cant find anything performance wise on the '11 x 3.5

[D.B.S]

SO, I have some good news... AR design is interested in creating an Aftermarket Down-pipe for us X5 N55 owners (or yet to be owners). I am in contact with them, trying to nail down the specifics, on what they would require.

It seems they would need a Guinea Pig X5 for about 2 weeks including production, parts and labor would be free. So you'd get a Free Down pipe out of this.

I'm trying to get more specifics if anyone is interested, and is local to them (colorado). I am trying to find out if this would be a Catted or Cat-less DP, so as soon as I know more, I will relay the info to everyone here.

If no one is interested, I will make the trip myself...

Stay Tuned

[D.B.S]

Originally Posted by Army335xi

SO, I have some good news... AR design is interested in creating an Aftermarket Down-pipe for us X5 N55 owners (or yet to be owners). I am in contact with them, trying to nail down the specifics, on what they would require.

It seems they would need a Guinea Pig X5 for about 2 weeks including production, parts and labor would be free. So you'd get a Free Down pipe out of this.

I'm trying to get more specifics if anyone is interested, and is local to them (colorado). I am trying to find out if this would be a Catted or Cat-less DP, so as soon as I know more, I will relay the info to everyone here.

If no one is interested, I will make the trip myself...

Stay Tuned

Ok... 1 1/2 - 2 weeks is how long AR design would need your (or my) 2011 N55 X5. Any takers? IS there no one local to them on here?

[BMPDesign]

As a worldwide leader in performance exhaust systems for some of the finest automobiles, Supersprint has already produced a complete exhaust system for the X5M including downpipes, front connecting pipes, X-Pipe and muffler/tips.

Italy is currently developing alternate downpipes that will include our standard HJS metallic race cats along with alternate front connecting pipes with HJS metallic race cats.

The addition of these components will allow you a myriad of options when it comes to OE cat removal and aftermarket cat location. I have included the currently available items below.



Catless Downpipes
Part # 022 981 711




Front Connecting Pipes
Part # 022 981 712




X-Pipe
Part # 022 982 113




Street Muffler
Part # 022 982 104




Quad 90mm Round Tips
Part # 022 982 136



We are currently running a limited introductory price on these components so please PM for your special pricing!

[D.B.S]

Originally Posted by Jared@BMPDesign

As a worldwide leader in performance exhaust systems for some of the finest automobiles, Supersprint has already produced a complete exhaust system for the X5M including downpipes, front connecting pipes, X-Pipe and muffler/tips.

I guess for those with X5M's this is great news... BUT, always a BUT, is this for X5 N55 (35i) engines..?

Thank you for posting this valuable info...

...But it doesn't do anyone with an N55 powered X5 any good, unless your saying that the items for the X5M are compatible with the X5 35i... but I doubt that, considering the X5M is a twin turbo system, and the 35i is a Twin Scroll system... but I could be wrong... No expert here...

[BMPDesign]

Originally Posted by Army335xi

I guess for those with X5M's this is great news... BUT, always a BUT, is this for X5 N55 (35i) engines..?

Thank you for posting this valuable info...

...But it doesn't do anyone with an N55 powered X5 any good, unless your saying that the items for the X5M are compatible with the X5 35i... but I doubt that, considering the X5M is a twin turbo system, and the 35i is a Twin Scroll system... but I could be wrong... No expert here...

You are actually completely correct and I was completely sleeping at the switch. I apologize.

You only mentioned N55 3 times in the first few sentences and my brain just kept on reading S63....yea I know....not even close.

However, the good news is Italy has informed us they are already working on systems for the N55 powered 335 and 135 so the X5 setup will certainly be soon to follow. I'll make sure to update this thread with more info as it becomes available!

[D.B.S]

Small update for anyone interested...

-Hitting Helix in PA up on the 23rd of this month, for the test fit of the FMIC on my N55
-Remus makes an Exhaust for the old 3.0 X5 E70, looks like it can be used on the N55 with no issue.
-Working on a Custom Exhaust system for the N55 myself (magnaflow parts, will post up what I came up with after install)
-HP Autowerks came up with a foam air filter for the N55, looks like a direct fit (dyno's show a 4-5 bump in hp and a same amount in torque) for about $50
heres the link for anyone interested:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=403799
-Working on getting a piggy tune... (I want to test out both the Vishnu V4 and BMS system)
I'll keep this thread posted.

[1clean335i]

Great thread. I am probably going to pick up the filter from HP Autowerks, and Once Terry from BMS releases his N55 tune, I will be picking that up too.

[D.B.S]

A little update on my end:

1. the Helix FMIC didn't pan out, not the same measurements and such (helix does want to compare the N55 335 with the X5's FMIC, if they are the same part number, they think that it should work.
2. Just did my own custom exhaust, no drone on the highway, but hella loud in the city
3. BMS JB N55 Stage 1 tune is in testing on my X5, initial results are promising, it's how the X5 should have came from the factory, hardly any lag, and seems the power is available right when you need it.
4. Still waiting on the HP Autowerks filter, look forward to the gains it will provide as well...

[D.B.S]

Another Update:

It's been about 3 weeks since I installed the JB3 N55 Tune and I have to say I'm pleased with the results.
Throttle response is pretty spot on, and I feel that their is virtually no lag anymore. When you feather the throttle, it's smooth and consistant, but when you floor it, especially in DS mode, the SAV flies. No one expects such a large vehicle to move as fast as it does. Installation took about 10-15 minutes, the hardest part being removal of the airbox to install one of the connections

As for the HP Autowerks filter, that's a no go, it doesn't fit the N55 X5 air filter box, it's atleast 1/2 inch too big... That sucks, so now it's back to the drawing board so to speak. Guess we will all have to wait till something that does fit comes out, or possibly come up with an intake of some sort.

My Magnaflow custom muffler setup is wonderful. While simply cruising around it sounds almost like stock, but when you get on it, it sounds like a V8, the tune magnifies this sound, kind of helps to even it out a little and not sound too obnoxious. I don't notice too much drone in the lower rpm range.

Well I'm still waiting on Vishnu to come out with the N55 tune... (or rather I'm waiting on the Harness).

I'll keep ya'll up to date with whatever I do, or find out

[Harajuku]

Hey Army do you have 35i or 50i?

Did you change the exhaust tips? Any pics of if so? Thanks!

[JB991]

Originally Posted by Harajuku

Hey Army do you have 35i or 50i?

Did you change the exhaust tips? Any pics of if so? Thanks!

I'd assume 35i since he's talking about the N55

[D.B.S]

Yes 35i... No kept the stock tips, although I wish I had the 50i tips...

[M3ltdown]

I'm definitely interested on the JB3 for the N55...just waiting for their final software version. Good to know that the beta software is working great though!

[D.B.S]

Originally Posted by darwin316

I'm definitely interested on the JB3 for the N55...just waiting for their final software version. Good to know that the beta software is working great though!

Yeah, it's working good, Look forward to Stg 2 & 3... I think that Stg 2 will have some features similiar to the Vishnu V4, Although the Stg 3 (once it comes out) will be in direct competition to the V4... Now if only Vishnu would release the damn harness already, so I could test it out, I just love (sarcastic) having a V4 tune as a paperweight...

[1clean335i]

I dont think its been mentioned anywhere else on bimmerpost yet but Active Autowerke has a tune for the N55.....

[Michael_s]

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

I dont think its been mentioned anywhere else on bimmerpost yet but Active Autowerke has a tune for the N55.....

You are correct but it is not available as of yet. Just got off the phone with them and its running around in a test mule and they are logging data. Should be available in next couple of months and they will be updating the website when complete. Expected gains minimum 50 HP and 50 TQ, probably more. Also, factory has serioulsy underrated the output at 300/300. If you have different info and its available now please direct me where to purchase cause I want NOW!!

[M3ltdown]

Interesting info regarding AA!

[D.B.S]

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

I dont think its been mentioned anywhere else on bimmerpost yet but Active Autowerke has a tune for the N55.....

Thanks for sharing... See this is why I created this thread, I want people to share whatever they have...

I'm curious to know though, what platform are they testing on? Because if it's strictly a 135 or 335, is it a 6mt/7DCT? I'm sure it's not complicated to program it for the 8 Speed X5's and 535's, but just want people to know that is something to take into consideration. From what Shiv stated about the V4 version for the N55, it will have a different firmware based off what transmission your using... The JB3 N55 intercepts signals from the various sensors, so differing transmissions doesn't really come into play.. So what does the AA tune do what it does?

[1clean335i]

I was supposed to beta test AA's N55 tune. But they have found a 135i to test it on. I was told it put down an extra 40whp on a dyno down in South Florida. Ill try to push for them to let me test it out on my x5 and see how it does with the 8spd tranny.



On a side note- If any of you guys are looking to pick up an aftermarket downpipe from AR design or anyone else producing it for the N55, make sure they made one for the E70 chassis. According to the BMW electronic parts catalog, the downpipe for the X5 is different from the 1 and 3 series....

In the mean time, i've done my own exhaust mod by eliminating the exhaust flap on the pass. exhaust tip. I found that I couldnt just do the golf tee mod that many people do on the 1 and 3 series so I unbolted the valve completely and tied the flap back to stay open. Makes the x5 sound really beastly now, especially on cold start.

[D.B.S]

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

On a side note- If any of you guys are looking to pick up an aftermarket downpipe from AR design or anyone else producing it for the N55, make sure they made one for the E70 chassis. According to the BMW electronic parts catalog, the downpipe for the X5 is different from the 1 and 3 series....

Your Right, and I know AR was looking for an X5 to do a test fit on for a DP, all they would need is the X5 for 1 1/2 weeks, and they would do all the required measurements, and give the test mule a free DP... Would cost the owner nothing. BUT, no one seemed interested in going there and getting it done. I personally can't do it, as I live 2k miles from AR's office's in colorado, but anyone who is local to them, or closer could potentially go and get a free DP from them, just for letting them use your X5 as a test bed...