[eddiehaug]

Hi guys,

I've been reading several posts here regarding the tuning of the 320i and the 330e. In the case of the latter, to produce more than 400HP.

I've also been reading other posts on different places regarding the risks involved in tuning a car. On Reddit, I saw a post where an engineer from BMW is quoted saying that though most components may look the same between different series/models, the main difference relies on the resistance of the different materials to heat and pressure, for example. According to him, some apparently identical components differ in the type of materials used, which in turn determine the resistance of these to different conditions, which ultimately is what determines the output power given/coded to each engine.

So I'm wondering whether the B motor in the 330e really is the exact same as in the 330i, with the exact same materials, or if it's a cheaper version with less resistant ones. Knowing this is crucial when thinking about durability, especially when the tune increases the power by more than 140HP and 250Nm of torque.

I don't think this has been definitely settled, so it'd be nice to know once and for all.

[BlackG20E]

I have a 330E and the B engine. I think the engine's are exactly the same. I can't see why BMW should make the 2 engines different if it has the same engine code. It's more development time for no reason.

Maybe there is a bigger cooling radiator or something like that in the 330i, that's possible. Because the stock PS in the 330e of the petrol engine is 184 while in the 330i +- 250.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by BlackG20E

I have a 330E and the B engine. I think the engine's are exactly the same. I can't see why BMW should make the 2 engines different if it has the same engine code. It's more development time for no reason.

Maybe there is a bigger cooling radiator or something like that in the 330i, that's possible. Because the stock PS in the 330e of the petrol engine is 184 while in the 330i +- 250.

It is the same engine block but the rest of the engine may have some difference to account for the higher HP

[FrostNixon]

From what I've heard BMW seem to be switching to the single engine block across the range, which is logical since it reduces production costs. They don't mind some people being able to get more performance from cheaper spec since this voids the warranty which is more beneficial than simply selling a more expensive spec.

[eddiehaug]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

It is the same engine block but the rest of the engine may have some difference to account for the higher HP

Yes, this is what I'm afraid can be the case. As the BMW engineer noted, the parts are seemingly the same, but the actual materials from which these parts are produced make all the difference, which in turn allow for more power without the risk of breaking anything in the engine.

[BlackG20E]

Originally Posted by eddiehaug

Yes, this is what I'm afraid can be the case. As the BMW engineer noted, the parts are seemingly the same, but the actual materials from which these parts are produced make all the difference, which in turn allow for more power without the risk of breaking anything in the engine.

I don't think you need to worry. If you care and you warm up correctly it's still better for the car than a guy who doesn't care and full throttle when the car is cold.

It's a total package of +- 400hp. It's not 400 hp on the petrol engine. If the transmission can handle this. There shouldn't be a problem.