328i limitations?

[Osiris24x]

So I've been contemplating a 328is vs a 325is (currently have a 325i) and just when I thought I'd decided on the 328, I came across various websites which all agree that the OBDII pretty much kills the upgrade route on it.

Not being one to believe everything I read, I headed over to Dinan's website to do some comparisons. According to them, an intake, chip, throttle body, and exhaust, yields exactly 208hp peak, on the 328i. The same mods on a 325i, yields 220hp. From what I'm reading, aside from a cam or exhaust header change, you simply can't squeeze more than 208hp out of the 2.8 engine, without forced induction. Yet the 325 goes higher.

So, I'm not an engine expert. I welcome comments and advice on this. Is the 328 truly that limited?

[DeadSailor]

http://www.bmwturbo328.com/
that guy got like 635 hp out of his 328 with stock internals.

i aint no engine builder, infact, i probably spelled it wrong. but i would think 200 hp on a 325 and 200hp on a 328 would give the 328 more torque than the 325. so thast something else to take in mind

[Osiris24x]

Well, a turbo isn't quite what I had in mind...heh. You're probably right though, about the 328 having more torque.

I was aiming to get a 328is naturally aspirated, up to 250 hp or so. Doesn't look like it's gonna happen though.

[BeemerBuyer]

OBDI conv.? i know its no easy task but it'll give some more horses.
And what is wrong with new cams, I know this is a great mod. new flywheel, LSD, intake mainfold .... there are tons of different things you can do to get more power.

But if you were meaning to ask if a 325 has more potential than a 328... I dont think so over all.

[Osiris24x]

I guess I'm just not looking to do major stuff like cams (for cost reasons). In the end, I'll end up getting a 328is only because I wanted a very, very new e36...which I can't do with a 325is.

I've decided to buy a '97 or newer e36, for various reasons (traction control, digital climate control, etc). That is of course, unless a low mileage '96 or newer Avus Blue M3 falls into my lap for under 15k!!! Haha, yeah right.

[Tochenzo]

theres more you can do to squeeze more power...

straight pipe/headers
m50 manifold (does a LOT)
cams arent THAT bad of an install
LSD

i'm following this similar route before i take on F/I

[Osiris24x]

Thanks for the info!

[deep throat]

I have an M50 manifold sitting right in the garage, and I DO need it on my OBDII 328!!! But I'm not sure how to install it bros ...I really want to take advantage of it, what are the parts I will need to get??? (I have the complete M50 engine)....PLEAAAAAAAAASE!!