523i performance increase?

[derin100]

I drive a '98 523i with Steptronic as a daily driver.

I'm not too worried about outright performance as I also have an E30 M3, E31 840Ci Sport and an E32 735i...all quicker than my 523i but not used as daily drivers.

I find the 523i smooth fast enough most of the time but on occasions when it's really 'questioned' with the right foot I find it 'struggles for answers' a little?

My wife drives an E34 525i Touring with 192 bhp. Surely the engines are basically the same? Am I right in thinking that BMW de-tuned the engine in the 523i for tax reasons? If so are there any simple (and cheap!) ways to release those hidden horses or is it more complicated than that?

Thanks in advance.

[swansea v6]

The 2.5 6 cylinder engine as found in your 523i was basically "strangled" by BMW....an easy and cheap upgrade is a large bore throttle body and the manifold from a 325i, these will give you another 20bhp. for more info check out www.e36coupe.com

[derin100]

Many thanks, I'll check out the link!

[derin100]

Hmmm...doesn't seem too hard a job...but now where to find those parts?

[r988]

derin100 said:

Hmmm...doesn't seem too hard a job...but now where to find those parts?

breakers yard, gullible 325i owner

[Mark M]

Try replacing the throttle / Accelerator Cable.

This engine (especially in E46 3 Series) has a tendency to wear the cable and make the throttle very Mercedes like.

Cheaper than a new throttle body....

[swansea v6]

take a look on www.e36coupe.com and find the reviews on the dave f induction kit and the large bore throttle body........apparently the induction kit has given 13bhp!!!!!!