Ok, so I am on a business trip reading the October issue of European Car. In it there is an article about some things Hamman has to offer for the E46 M3.

The part of the article that caught my eye were the engine performance enhancements. According to the article, Hammon reprograms the ECU to get an additional 65-70 HP out of the engine (when used with a few other components including a new air box, very cool BTW, and a new exhaust). But then the numbers could not be verified on the Dyno since the E46 M3 has to sense movement on all 4 wheels or else it will shift into "limp home" mode.

This seems unbelievable to me. I was wondering what you guys, with or without E46 M3's, thought about the engine claims of that article.

I would not believe it for one second. Until an independant company does a dyno test of the cars (It can be done) I would take their claims with a grain of salt.

Kelleners did a full race exhause, cams, and ECU and was only able to tweek ~30hp out of the car. This is with tuning the ECU to that ONE car, not a pre-packaged unit.

I would doubt the claims, however, it depends what type of intake you are refering to. Are you talking about a standard CAI, or a large CF airbox? I know the big CF airbox that replaced the stock intake manifold was good for a LOT of horsepower on the Euro E36 engines. But, seeing as they require individual throttle bodies, the only cars running such an intake in the U.S. were PTG race cars and a few privateer race cars with Euro engines.

I believe the hamann setup is a CF airbox/ CAI, cams, and header back exhaust; so *perhaps* they could see 60 hp gains. Engine longevity? who knows, and you know they prob dont care

I beleive it Richard Hamman and his boys know how to tune BMWs.

H&S has a chip that adds 30 HP with only ECU tweaking. (I attached the link below)
http://www.hs-elektronik.com/datenblatt-e/bmw-e46-m3-343ps-365nm.html

So 70 is not such a far fetch with a wicked intake added.

Brian

Hamman has the airbox, exhaust and chip, that yor read about that suppose to be good for 60-70HP. Nowack has a 400HP upgrade that involves opening the engine and changing out the rods, pistons and I think the cams as well. You'll also need 100 Octane fuel and it revs to 8400 RPM... don't know how good an idea that is but at least the internals are strengthened, unlike the Hamman software that also increases the redline to 8400. I find it VERY difficult the believe the "M" division would leave that much power in the engine with such simple add on's... and Nowack has to open the engine and use 100 octane gas to get similar gains????

Originally posted by BMWRacerITS
I would doubt the claims, however, it depends what type of intake you are refering to. Are you talking about a standard CAI, or a large CF airbox? I know the big CF airbox that replaced the stock intake manifold was good for a LOT of horsepower on the Euro E36 engines. But, seeing as they require individual throttle bodies, the only cars running such an intake in the U.S. were PTG race cars and a few privateer race cars with Euro engines.

The base engine already has a substantial intake and 6 throttles. The CSL which has the HUGE CF intake is only susposed to have 5-10 more hp.

A while back I talked with a foreign tuner. Word was there was about 20hp in a chip IF you didn't care about pasing emissions.

But 70hp :bs:

Bullshit.

Let's assume it's true. Also, remember that the current M3 engine is extremely high output, and a lot of people have been having problems with their engines. And, BMW is always sure to check the ECU before honoring its warranty. I wouldn't touch that.

Originally posted by TC M3
Bullshit.

Speaking of...

When are you going to provide your proof concerning the warranty and lauch control on U.S. SMG's?

As for whether or not an intake can add that much power, I can say from first hand experience that the big CF intake box was good for a solid 40hp on the Euro E36 engines.

Ya'll talk about whether BMW would "leave" that much power in the engine. Heck, there are a few U.S. 3.2's putting out 390hp naturally aspirated. So, in essence, BMW left 150hp in the engine, right?

well the m3 csl concept is upped 70 hp why not? uses the same engine? so i think its possible.

Originally posted by porkyzilla
well the m3 csl concept is upped 70 hp why not? uses the same engine? so i think its possible.

Where did you hear this? Every report I have seen is saying +5-10 hp.

Originally posted by porkyzilla
well the m3 csl concept is upped 70 hp why not? uses the same engine? so i think its possible.

BMW Car Mag said it's going to be around 350 DIN HP (stock is 343), so it's not much of an increase.

BMWRacer, I'm sure any engine making 390HP NA had some MAJOR internal changes made. I do believe it's possible to get more power, like Nowack getting 400HP out of the S54 by opening it up changing out just about anything that moves inside. I just don't believe anyone can get 60-70HP just by adding an intake, chip and exhause. BMW would not leave that much on the table that easily... and the CSL has a big CF intake too.

Originally posted by BMWRacerITS


Speaking of...

When are you going to provide your proof concerning the warranty and lauch control on U.S. SMG's?

As for whether or not an intake can add that much power, I can say from first hand experience that the big CF intake box was good for a solid 40hp on the Euro E36 engines.

Ya'll talk about whether BMW would "leave" that much power in the engine. Heck, there are a few U.S. 3.2's putting out 390hp naturally aspirated. So, in essence, BMW left 150hp in the engine, right?

Soon, I talked to the guy again and he confirmed the 7 times limit. I'm waiting to get a copy of the notice.

Originally posted by TC M3


Soon, I talked to the guy again and he confirmed the 7 times limit. I'm waiting to get a copy of the notice.

How much longer another 6 months?


Brian

It could very well be possible. First the EVO kit includes.

CF Airbox, headers w/ racing cats, exhaust, chip tuning, but it also comes with a new mass airflow sensor to work with the new airbox, due to the fact that E46 M3 mass airflow sensor is part of the factory airbox, meaning they are one whole piece, so the meter alone is probly good for a decent amount of ponies with the tuning. Either way its not worth the $14k Wheel Power quoted me on the kit, and two weeks down time for the ECU to be sent to Hamann for tuning, but if i had that $ to throw away i buy it real quick.

-Walter