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23i tuning options

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
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Andyturbo2000
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23i tuning options

Post by Andyturbo2000 » Sun Sep 10, 2017 10:46 am

Hi all,
I've recently purchased a 23i. Love the sound but it feels a little gutless at times, especially coming from an Audi S4. Now I know I will never get anywhere near to that, however I would like to explore tuning options, perhaps as far as the supercharger route. Anybody got any advice?
Cheers,
Andy

mcbutler
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23i tuning options

Post by mcbutler » Sun Sep 10, 2017 2:32 pm

Probably cheaper to sell it and buy a larger engined variant. You will get max 30BHP from a map of the car as its non turbo. The 23i is an incredibly driveable variant of the Z4 and very engaging with the manual box. Go for the mid range (revs) re-map and see what you think afterwards before spending thousands on superchargers etc...
Mark
Plymouth
E89
35i
Carmine Red
Black leather

Andyturbo2000
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23i tuning options

Post by Andyturbo2000 » Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:19 pm

Thought so. Many thanks. Who supplies the most recommended remap?

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Smartbear
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23i tuning options

Post by Smartbear » Sun Sep 10, 2017 4:00 pm

I'd be amazed if you saw 30bhp from just a map, that's wildly optimistic imho :?
Rob
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e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

The_Dude
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23i tuning options

Post by The_Dude » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:19 pm

You'll really struggle to get anywhere near 10bhp form a n/a z4, let alone 30. Have contacted several near me and they all say don't bother. It's really not worth it. You might get a little more throttle response or smooth it out a little, but you'd need a better exhaust, air filter and the remap to get around 10. That'll be the best part of 1k. It's frustrating, but it's still a great drive. I love mine and even though the extra bhp would be nice, with the top down you really don't need it 😁
E89 23i M Sport, Saphire Black, Canberra Beige Leather.
Mods: De-badged, blue callipers, gloss black LCI's and roll over hoops, black performance grills, stubby aerial, rear carbon diffuser, gunmetal powdercoated alloys, custom stainless cat back exhaust.

mcbutler
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23i tuning options

Post by mcbutler » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:29 pm

The_Dude wrote: Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:19 pm You'll really struggle to get anywhere near 10bhp form a n/a z4, let alone 30. Have contacted several near me and they all say don't bother. It's really not worth it. You might get a little more throttle response or smooth it out a little, but you'd need a better exhaust, air filter and the remap to get around 10. That'll be the best part of 1k. It's frustrating, but it's still a great drive. I love mine and even though the extra bhp would be nice, with the top down you really don't need it 😁
You need to find a better tuner my friend, I use RH Tuning (rolling road), celtic also told me that 20bhp was the norm on a stock car for £250. It is not all about the final figure (BHP) but whereabouts the gains are made, mid range etc etc. As a final note do not join the BHP obsessed, straight line speed is just that, you cannot use it around the twistys etc which are what its all about really.
I will talk to my Ppal at RH on Tuesday, might give him my car to play with for a few hours and get back to you..

I have googled around and ESS do a bolt on supercharger for the N52 engine for around £4k, they are US based, I sent them an email for more inf. Will pass it to you when I get a reply.

I would love to hear about anything you find ref the subject....
Mark
Plymouth
E89
35i
Carmine Red
Black leather

Pbondar

23i tuning options

Post by Pbondar » Sun Sep 10, 2017 10:48 pm

I don't know the history of the engine but it seems like it had reached its zenith...Celtic Tuning offers a 16 BHP gain...Racechips don't even bother...So it seems that you accept it for what it is or if you want a six cylinder you need a 3.0 or 3.5.

As discussed on a bang per buck basis the N20 engine in the 1.8,2.0,2.8 series can't be beaten..at this time..it's a 4 pot though...

Andyturbo2000
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23i tuning options

Post by Andyturbo2000 » Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:35 am

Many thanks guys. The £250 remap seems worth a shot considering the price. I remapped my old WRX and Volvo T5 with good results and factoring the lack of turbo, might get a bit more ummpth. Planning to keep the car and then perhaps get the 35is in future.

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23i tuning options

Post by mcbutler » Mon Sep 11, 2017 3:55 pm

Mark
Plymouth
E89
35i
Carmine Red
Black leather

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Smartbear
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23i tuning options

Post by Smartbear » Mon Sep 11, 2017 4:22 pm

mcbutler wrote: Mon Sep 11, 2017 3:55 pm Interesting read https://www.celtictuning.co.uk/dynos/dynamometers
I think it's always been a good idea to use a reputable Dyno place-preferably one without a "tuned" rolling road :wink:
Rob
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e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

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23i tuning options

Post by Smartbear » Mon Sep 11, 2017 4:24 pm

Not all places have a good rep :?
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Rob
Image

e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

mcbutler
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23i tuning options

Post by mcbutler » Mon Sep 11, 2017 6:23 pm

Thats for sure, I noticed on your picture that the dyno is giving a 'flywheel BHP', so their is a calculation creating that reading from the BHP on the wheels. I suppose any smart tech guy can 'map' a rolling road as well as 'map' a car. Something has to be present to account for gearbox, diff, torque converter, general friction etc losses simply not possible to do for every vehicle.
Still taking out the engine for a true flywheel figure is not realistic.
Generally I simply dont map my cars but I am going to let my mate at RH have a look at it tomorrow and discuss the issues with him.
Mark
Plymouth
E89
35i
Carmine Red
Black leather

Andyturbo2000
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23i tuning options

Post by Andyturbo2000 » Mon Sep 11, 2017 7:06 pm

I had my WRX done on the rolling road at Roger Clarke. Incredible place. Results were like night and day.

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