SI B 12 10 08: N54 – Aftermarket "Engine Performance Tuning" Kits

[Mad Dragon]

SI B 12 10 08
Engine Electrical Systems
April 2008
Technical Service

SUBJECT
N54 – Aftermarket "Engine Performance Tuning" Kits

MODEL
E60, E61 with N54 engine E90, E92, E93 with N54 engine E82, E88 with N54 engine E71 with N54 engine

SITUATION
Various aftermarket "N54 – Engine Performance Tuning" kits are being aggressively advertised to BMW owners.

Depending on the manufacturer, these modifications may consist of a "turbo-tuner control module" (piggyback box) plugged directly into the TMAP sensor / DME connector, waste-gates vacuum plumbing alterations, or the DME "performance" software programming.

In general, each aftermarket tuner claims a significant increase in engine power and torque of up to 40% over the stock N54 engine specifications (which are, respectively, 300 hp and 400 Nm).

These alleged performance gains are achieved by an increase of the turbochargers boost in a wide range of engine speeds, in some cases exceeding the maximum designed turbo pressure of 8.8 psi by 50%.

INFORMATION
None of the aftermarket "N54 Engine Performance Tuning" kits has been evaluated, tested, approved or endorsed by the BMW Development or Service Departments.

Any alterations to the originally designed and installed turbochargers control system or to the DME software may increase a vehicle's emission levels and may compromise its OBD II compliance.

Moreover, to the best of BMW NA knowledge, none of the aftermarket "N54 Performance" kits have been certified (homologated) by the appropriate federal and state authorities (EPA/CARB) to meet street-legal emission requirements. BMW vehicles equipped with such "performance enhancement devices" without these certifications are not in compliance with EPA/CARB emission anti-tampering laws.

Excessive turbocharger boost increases engine temperatures resulting in pressures and forces which may damage engine internal components and or may cause premature turbochargers failure.

Due to increased engine output and the altered emissions characteristics, severe damage may be inflicted on emission control components, such as oxygen sensors and catalytic converters.

Excessive engine loads, above the designed levels, may also compromise long term reliability and longevity of other drivetrain components, such as: clutch transmission, transfer case, differentials, etc.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Modification of the vehicle or installation of any non-approved performance accessories or components attached to the vehicle which alters the original engineering and/or operating specifications or which results in damage to the other original components voids the warranty coverage on the affected original Drivetrain and Emission Control components.

In general terms, the BMW warranty on Drivetrain and Emission Control components is void due to a modification where the modification, alteration or installation of a non-approved aftermarket part was responsible for the failure.

Please make sure to inform BMW customers considering purchase of an aftermarket "N54 Engine Performance" kit of the above legal and technical implications.

[TunedM2C]

Tell me something I don't already know.
As the other forum has eluted to, it sounds like their first concern is emissions related.

It does make the Dinan option more tempting.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Tuned1

Tell me something I don't already know.
As the other forum has eluted to, it sounds like their first concern is emissions related.

It does make the Dinan option more tempting.

Honestly I'd guess their first concern is warranty cost, but emissions tampering has more "bite" for the consumer. All BMW can do is void your warranty. Altering the emissions controls could carry fines from the federal government.....but I'm not sure when they'd ever have reason to check unless you're in a state that's doing smog testing.

I would imagine the same applies for Dinan. Anyone know if they've gone through the trouble of CARB certification?

[TunedM2C]

I believe Dinan is "working" on it.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Tuned1

I believe Dinan is "working" on it.

Dinan's tune has always voided the factory warranty though.

[TunedM2C]

Right, but they cover anything their parts break.

[SlickShift]

Do you think dealerships will be actively searching for piggyback systems?

[john970]

How ironic this will be when the 135i tii has the same engine with more boost....

[EINSER M]

from a technical standpoint what is "excessive boost increase"? 11psi excessive????

[TunedM2C]

^ No, even at 12psi you're probably be safe.

[Neo187H]

I would say this is good news compared to what they could be doing. If they were specifically saying installing this part will void your complete power-train warranty that would be much worse than this "if the aftermarket component affects the broken component"

[Mad Dragon]

Originally Posted by Neo187H

If they were specifically saying installing this part will void your complete power-train warranty...

That's exactly what they're saying.

[Neo187H]

Originally Posted by Mad Dragon

In general terms, the BMW warranty on Drivetrain and Emission Control components is void due to a modification where the modification, alteration or installation of a non-approved aftermarket part was responsible for the failure.

That says only parts that could have been influenced by the modifications have there warranty voided. Complete powertrain warranty being voided has MANY more things in it than just those specific components. Like say, engine sensors or leaking seals. Whereas if they stated that the complete powertrain warranty is voided when these aftermarket components are installed and have you agree to this condition they could void your complete and total powertrain, including those items that would never be affected by your mods.

If I'm reading this all correctly? Feel free to set me straight if I'm not.

[Thud]

Isn't BMW Performance going to have a software upgrade for the N54 engine?

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Thud

Isn't BMW Performance going to have a software upgrade for the N54 engine?

Supposedly they are. I wonder if aftermarket tuners will have a very good base for an antitrust case if BMW does offer a tune, yet block everybody else from offering any tune, under the thread of voided warranties, unless you buy their tune.

In general terms, the BMW warranty on Drivetrain and Emission Control components is void due to a modification where the modification, alteration or installation of a non-approved aftermarket part was responsible for the failure.

Basically, they quote the Magnussen-Moss Act in summary here.

[Ferdinand]

For the power addict: http://www.noellemotors.de/

401bhp
530nm

[john970]

So all of these are basically radio shack parts you can get for a few bucks that drop the TMAP signal being fed into the ECU?

[Papito135]

They all worry mostly about emissions instead of performance. Its the tree huggers controlling the auto industry.
The only difference I see is that a bimmer tune cost way too much compared to a tune done on a Mitsubishi or Subaru. Or even on a GTO