Results: Stage 2, B58 (X3 M40i)

[Ekliptix]

I've had the car for a few months now.

Lowered it right away. Did stage 1 tune (91 tune). Felt good. Did a catted downpipe and stage 2 yesterday (93 octane tune). Big gains. Feels violent at 2,000rpm when the turbo is spooled.
Sound is good. Quiet on startup, decel pops are pretty quiet. Good aggressive upshift sound at WOT in sport mode.

Stock rated
hp: 360
tq: 370

Stage 2 (tune + downpipe)
hp: 455
tq: 490

The tune: https://www.protuningfreaks.com/products/bootmod3-b58-bmw-140i-240i-340i-440i-540i-740i-x3-m40i-m240i-m140i-m340i
According to the link above, adding a high pressure fuel pump will apparently add another 60hp/130tq. I may do that in the spring. Honestly tho, it's plenty fast for now haha.

Ran 12.44 at 110mph today on dragy with a full tank, 2 car seats, winter tires.
Still room for improvement in the 60ft time, as I didn't mange to figure out launch control. Just brake boosting.
https://i.imgur.com/I93rvOYh.png
https://i.imgur.com/2Pm8WqPh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9n4jiRhh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HylVXMTh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VvnxNdeh.jpg

For $50kish used, I really can't think of a more fun bang for the buck family hauler. :)

[never]

Nice HP bump but oooh yeah, the torque! I bet it’s super fun around town!

[bjstare]

That is awesome.

Aren’t you worried about putting that much power through the stock transmission/diff? I’m too chicken to push that much power through an otherwise stock drivetrain haha.

[Ekliptix]

I’m sure in the long run it’ll be a compromise.
Since it’s my daily, I’m normally just puttering around, daycare, downtown, groceries etc. Or gentle highway driving to BC.

Btw I averaged 7.3l/100km over 1,100km to BC and back at thanksgiving! I was impressed. That was with stage 1.

[ShermanEF9]

....But I wanna hear it.

[spike98]

I’m always amazed on the B58 platform and what it’s capable of. They are running sub 11’s in m340i’s with only bolt ones and ethanol. It’s crazy.

[riander5]

Love it when someone mod's a relatively new car. Let's hear some WOT vids. The B58 is probably one of BMW's better sounding 6 cylinder engines imo

[dirtsniffer]

I need a B58

[riander5]

I need a B58

I had one, but then sold it. You know what they say.. it's better to have loved and lost

[Sugarphreak]

Wow, impressive numbers. Tons of bang for buck!

Must be pretty fun to dip into the throttle

[Gman.45]

Very, very cool ride. We approve of this.

[e31]

Thanks for this reminder! I should look into doing this on the 4 series in the spring. Even with the stock M Performance exhaust I'd like to think there is room for a little more power. Do you think there would be any differences to the tune on a manual car?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Sometimes I regret buying an X5D instead of a X3 M40i but the price difference was the killer for me.

[Ekliptix]

Thanks for this reminder! I should look into doing this on the 4 series in the spring. Even with the stock M Performance exhaust I'd like to think there is room for a little more power. Do you think there would be any differences to the tune on a manual car?

I doubt it. You can check here: https://www.protuningfreaks.com/collections/bootmod3

My neighbor's wife has a x3 M40i too. It led me to getting mine. He has a M240i (I think). Manual. Same B58 engine I think. He had stage 2+, and now has a bigger turbo on it. He runs ethonol in the summer. It RIPS. I'm guessing it'd trap 115-120mph in the quarter. Rwd only, but he daily drives it.

[nismodrifter]

Sometimes I regret buying an X5D instead of a X3 M40i but the price difference was the killer for me.

My brother has Malone tuned 335d and x5d. Man those are the funnest cars I've ever driven. Ridiculous torks.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

My brother has Malone tuned 335d and x5d. Man those are the funnest cars I've ever driven. Ridiculous torks.

My Malone 335d was great…when it worked.

X5D is boring stock, but with nothing wrong it’s hard to delete and tune it.

[max_boost]

very fiiine vehicle you have sir
enjoy to the max!

[Gman.45]

The B/S 58 motors are so trick. Love them long time.

TCTurbo, that manual M240i you had and sold recently (was a family member's spec IIRC) - truly one of the best cars for the $ in the entire segment. If I was getting an SUV it'd either be one of the smaller Rover diesels, or the unit in the OP. Looks SO good when they are lowered a "proper" amount. The numbers from the tunes are new intel for me, and damn if those numbers don't impress. I'm always a bit leery of a KBoom when it comes to tunes/bolt ons with "zee Germans", but wtf, I'm sure the juice is worth the squeeze when you launch that sob.

[Ekliptix]

On the advice of my BMW fanboy neighbor, I do increase my octane 3 points using this stuff, post-tune. https://boostane.com/products/boostane-professional-octane-booster
It works out to $4 per full tank or so, for extra protection. The $225 for the 6 pack of octane booster will last me 20,000-30,000 of driving, so it's not a big expense.

[spike98]

On the advice of my BMW fanboy neighbor, I do increase my octane 3 points using this stuff, post-tune. https://boostane.com/products/boostane-professional-octane-booster
It works out to $4 per full tank or so, for extra protection. The $225 for the 6 pack of octane booster will last me 20,000-30,000 of driving, so it's not a big expense.

Eh, I wouldn't run a 93 oct file over a 91 oct file if that is all I was adding. I doubt you would get any performance benefit from it, at all. I've seen this kicked around the old n54 forums and the Burger Tuning guys seem to agree that its a waste of money.

[Ekliptix]

My BMW neighbor suggested he logged some detonation in the past with claimed octane at the pump being not up to snuff. matching the octane tune setting. Since then he uses the same gas additive.

I’ve started using Shell 93, plus 3 points with this additive. I’m running the 93 stage 2 tune. To be clear, I’m not looking for a hp gain, just insurance against bad gas at the pump.

[ThePenIsMightier]

My BMW neighbor suggested he logged some detonation in the past with claimed octane at the pump being not up to snuff. matching the octane tune setting. Since then he uses the same gas additive.

I’ve started using Shell 93, plus 3 points with this additive. I’m running the 93 stage 2 tune. To be clear, I’m not looking for a hp gain, just insurance against bad gas at the pump.

It's very very unlikely to get lower than rated octane from a refinery retailer as their QC is high and their tolerance for risk is low. It's reasonably likely to actually get higher octane from the 87 pump. I had an insider at _____ refinery once and I would buy their "87" if I knew it was 91.

But, if it's worth it for your peace of mind, then it's worth it.

[spike98]

It's very very unlikely to get lower than rated octane from a refinery retailer as their QC is high and their tolerance for risk is low. It's reasonably likely to actually get higher octane from the 87 pump. I had an insider at _____ refinery once and I would buy their "87" if I knew it was 91.

But, if it's worth it for your peace of mind, then it's worth it.

I definitely agree. What i think happens (and please correct me if im wrong) is that the additives that differ can effect the propensity to pre-detonate. My B58 running a 91 tune would run better on shell v-power vs basically any other 91 octane gas. It would show in the logs. Less timing pull and more boost. You could feel it on the butt dyno though it wasn't super dramatic. It wasn't a one-of tank either, it was consistent every single time i switched from shell.

[XylathaneGTR]

Really rad family hauler - looks like it would be a blast to drive! Thanks for sharing!

[94boosted]

Very nice OP, which catted DP did you go with?

B58 all the things! As someone with two B58 powered cars in my current stable and I almost bought an X5 40i a couple months ago to replace the family hauler too, that would have made it 3. Still might do that if I can find a good deal on one with the factory tow pkg. :D

https://i.imgur.com/ePnju1t.jpg

[Ekliptix]

Very nice OP, which catted DP did you go with?

B58 all the things! As someone with two B58 powered cars in my current stable and I almost bought an X5 40i a couple months ago to replace the family hauler too, that would have made it 3. Still might do that if I can find a good deal on one with the factory tow pkg. :D


I believe I went with CTS for the DP. It has a support mount someone of the cheaper ones don't. Very happy with the sound (not too loud) for a 200 cel cat. https://wctperformance.ca/cts-turbo-4-5-high-flow-cat-for-bmw-b58-1-2-3-4-5-7-series-rwd-xdrive-all-generations/

Btw, mine has the factory tow hitch which is a big plus since I'll likely tow my snowmobile. 4,000lb capacity.

[hurrdurr]

When gen did the b58 M40i X3 start? Was it 2015?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

When gen did the b58 M40i X3 start? Was it 2015?

2018.

[ThePenIsMightier]

I definitely agree. What i think happens (and please correct me if im wrong) is that the additives that differ can effect the propensity to pre-detonate. My B58 running a 91 tune would run better on shell v-power vs basically any other 91 octane gas. It would show in the logs. Less timing pull and more boost. You could feel it on the butt dyno though it wasn't super dramatic. It wasn't a one-of tank either, it was consistent every single time i switched from shell.

I don't know details that deep, but I've heard fairly consistently from folks in the Tuner crowd that Shell gasoline seems superior.
*At least in our market which is served by Shell Scotford because I knew a tuner on Vancouver Island who claimed Shell was sub-standard.

[Ekliptix]

Did a little winter towing today.

https://i.imgur.com/XmYxQb7h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/e6xooEQh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XFytCkVh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hJDfmVah.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4d0394Sh.jpg

[ExtraSlow]

Gulf livery is cool and Volvo wagons are cool. Good luck out there sir!

[Ekliptix]

Still LOVE this car. I finally got launch control figured out. It was kind of face-melting, no delay. I bet I can go from 4.0 to 3.8 0-60 now. I'll test it. Hope to get the 60ft from 1.85 to 1.75 on the street, with launch control. Get in the 12.2's.

I spent $500 on a transmission tune from https://www.xautomotive.com/products/xhp-flash-license. Scroll way to the bottom. The goal is to add reliability and safety with the higher power level.
It not only makes upshifts and downshifts lightning fast (Stage 1, 2, or 3), but it adds transmission line pressure by approx. 15% to increase the torque capacity of the transmission, in high torque situations.
And I can turn off the transfer case to make it RWD.

https://i.imgur.com/kecpFegh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/u848iZAh.jpg

[max_boost]

beautiful ride my guy

[bjstare]

That car is so sick.

One thing I can't reconcile though - how does tuning a transmission for quicker (i.e., harder?) shifts and adding pressure to increase power capacity while also increasing reliability even possible? Aren't they kind of mutually exclusive?

[heavyD]

Looks good as I miss my X3MC sometimes. What kind of suspension setup? Looks like a bit of rake there.

[Ekliptix]

That car is so sick.

One thing I can't reconcile though - how does tuning a transmission for quicker (i.e., harder?) shifts and adding pressure to increase power capacity while also increasing reliability even possible? Aren't they kind of mutually exclusive?
I can't claim to understand it all. My understanding is the extra line pressure reduces unwanted wear from slipping. They say "improves overall driveability and longevity".
There are modes I can enable 'drag mode' that gets super aggressive and they warn "wears parts 4x faster". I don't plan to ever use that mode.

I have it on the stage 2 preset now. I've noticed:
- Upshifts at part throttle are 3x as quick + purposeful vs what felt like a lazy gear change. I've never had DCT, but it seems like that, now.
- Downshifts, in sport mode, has rev matching occurring stronger and just does a better job.

Again, there's BMW comfort, sport, sport plus, and other factory buttons that now just respond differently (better, for me), with this trans tune.

More details at the bottom of the different options: https://www.xautomotive.com/products/xhp-flash-license


Looks good as I miss my X3MC sometimes. What kind of suspension setup? Looks like a bit of rake there.
Yes, they're H&R springs. I wish the rear was as low as the front. Coilovers are the only option. I do plan to get a replacement tire later with a taller sidewall (and wider).

[Ekliptix]

Still on the table are:
- Ethanol - More of a pain in the ass, but it adds a couple hp and I have the maps for it. My BMW neighbor runs it in his car all summer.
- $500 high pressure fuel pump.

HP
Stock 355hp
Tune 426hp
Tune + DP 447hp Where I'm at now.
Fuel Pump 508hp
Ethanol 522hp

Torque
Stock 370
Tune 466
Tune + DP 488 Where I'm at now.
Fuel Pump 622 :eek:
Ethanol 640

[spike98]

Are you sure its not the other way around with ethanol? If i recall correctly, the FP runs out of steam and limits you regardless of fuel. Either way, I miss my 240i :cry:

[brucebanner]

Are you sure its not the other way around with ethanol? If i recall correctly, the FP runs out of steam and limits you regardless of fuel. Either way, I miss my 240i :cry:

Might be talking a methanol injection kit? (doesn't sound like it)

Definitely need more fuel pump/injector to run straight E.

Regardless, this is an awesome daily. Great mods.

[vengie]

Great looking car and wicked performance!
What year is your X3?

[Ekliptix]

2019.

The upgraded BWM fuel pump comes standard in newer B58 cars. In my model year, it’s a limitation.

[flipstah]

Did you lower it with springs or coilovers? The drop is nice Ekliptix!

[03ozwhip]

Nice numbers. Hows the ride quality with those springs?

[Ekliptix]

It's just H&R springs. The ride quality is the same as the stock springs. It's a bit firm, but apparently much more comfortable vs the more sporty X3M Comp car.
I'm also on runflat tires. It'd likely ride even softer with non-runflats.

[nismodrifter]

Looks amazing

[g-m]

E85 should absolutely net you well over 20hp/tq as long as there are no other bottlenecks. I got nearly 100hp and ~80 ft-lbs (532 to 623hp) on my Nissan with all support in place. Going from Petro Canada 94 to 17th Ave E85

[Ekliptix]

Drove 500km to BC today. 7.6L/100km going 10 over. My previous best was 7.3l/100km for the same trip when the car was stock. Could have just been wind, causing the difference. Or the tune, who knows?

Still happy getting 31mpg and running low 12’s in a suv.
119549

[03ozwhip]

Drove 500km to BC today. 7.6L/100km going 10 over. My previous best was 7.3l/100km for the same trip when the car was stock. Could have just been wind, causing the difference. Or the tune, who knows?

Still happy getting 31mpg and running low 12’s in a suv.
119549

I want one more and more I see yours. But I made a vow to my wife to not buy another new car lol

[Ekliptix]

2 more 'bests' this week.

Sub 4 sec 0-60. Finally got launch control figured out. Roads were slightly damp, so may be more there.
https://i.imgur.com/yuGIpXZh.jpg

And 500km from sicamous to Calgary on Monday. 33mpg driving like a granny.
https://i.imgur.com/7YexHDUh.jpg