M54b30 manifold swap tune

[Dorito]

I am currently ordering parts to refresh my 99 2.8 and was starting to get together intake manifold parts when I noticed some posts saying that I could gain some HP by swapping a manifold from an m54b30.

I have more e46s than I know what to do with and this have many extra parts. I have a spare b30 manifold and all the fixins to seal the whole thing back up tight (new disa, ccv parts, gaskets, blah, blah). I would much rather use the stuff I have and spend the extra $$ on suspension.

I am wondering if I can run it without a tune and just not get maximum benefit or if I will need a tune to get the m54 disa and sensors to work properly?

 

[andyglym]

It's reportedly the best bang for buck for HP gain, however, you apparently give up some of the torque for that gain.

 

[Delk]

Hello, I grew up in the Seattle area and still have family there.

The B30 manifold is an easy swap and you just need the addaptor for the throttle body if I remember. I did it years ago without a tune and there was a little noticable difference. Not sure how much a tune would change that.

After spending time on NA mods I ended up diving head first into forced induciton instead so gave my 3.0 manifold to Steveo.

 

[Dorito]

Its good to know that you didnt NEED a tune to make it run. Im still on the fence. I can only find adapter plates for b25 manifolds and not the b30 so I may abandon this idea and just fork out for a new disa on the b28 manifold.

 

[Daz7401]

Its good to know that you didnt NEED a tune to make it run. Im still on the fence. I can only find adapter plates for b25 manifolds and not the b30 so I may abandon this idea and just fork out for a new disa on the b28 manifold.

Hi, This is the 3.0 adapter I used. They do ship to the US if you don’t have a supplier over there. https://bimmertune.com/bmw-m54-manifold-swap-conversion-plate-m52tu

 

[Sajk]

Do. It's worth it and while you are in there add the 3.0 intake cam. You should have an m52tu based on your model year. Shares a head with the m54. The cam and manifold put you near to m54 3.0 power. Work out the hp p/litre of displacement of m54 vs m52tu and you will see what I mean.

I did this mod then wasted money going further on cams with cat cam sport cams. Pulls a bit harder at the top but not really worth the extra money.

I have an almost brand new m54 3.0mintake cam in my garage as a result.