Aussie E36 - Euro Spec or Us spec?

[rattymussell]

Sup fest?

I have a E36 323i manual and i'm starting to mod.

I was look at ordering a Shark Injector, I was reading through the FAQs and it said that it is only available for US-spec cars. I can only find them sold in the US so shipping will be a killer, there for a don't really want to take a chance.

Any one know what type we got here down under. Or is there a way to check?:dunno:
If it turns out its a US spec. Whats the alternative?

I also looked into a nice K&N kit for this model, result = $336 and 8-12 weeks. Cough.
So the next question is, does any one know a good performance center who know BMWs. I live in W.A. so in and around the Perth region.

Thank you

Matt

[e36m34life]

Welcome!

For the shark injector, I would say 99% sure that it won't work for your car because you guys have different fuel, different emmisions requirements, and therefore your 323 ECU won't be the same as a 323 ECU from here in the states. But if you want to be 100% sure, just call the seller, they will know. (I'm assuming your looking at it in Turnermotorsports?)

For the intake, look into a cosmos intake, it is a silicone 3.5 inch tube that repels and disperses heat better then any kind of metal, and it comes with the filter, all seals/connections, and ring connectors for about $160. Of course it may be a bit more for you, but nonetheless I would highly recommend it as my friend bought it for his 95 M3, and it's a good qaulity piece.

[eclipse]

euro spec
after being in Western Australia the last month had a look at a few E36's

[E36 Phantom]

Only cars in the US are US Spec. US Spec is not a good thing, trust me.....

And, NO K&N. They are TRASH. The Cosmos intake has a choice of the K&N or Amsoil. I know nothing about Amsoil, but it is dry and not wet. The oiled K&N may fvck up your MAF.

[rattymussell]

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

Any suggestions on ulternative chips. From my research performance gear for the 323i is pretty rare in comparison to the other models.

[eclipse]

the 323i is the same as the 325i just slower and less bhp there are mods you can do to get it to the same (i think not sure but you can change the inlet manifold from the M50 engine on to the M52 and other things) do a search on them is your best bet

[jason_recliner]

All the US Spec cars have the steering wheel on the wrong side.
AUS = UK = RHD

[B/\/\W]

The 323 is a detuned and smaller capacity 328, it shares more in common with that than the 325, which was an earlier engine design. You should be able to increase the power of the 323 to or close to the 325 level though with an exhaust, CAI, possibly new manifold, superchip etc.

[rattymussell]

Its a shame that the 323i a newer engine but there is less upgrade gear.

What do the euro folk use for chips?

Correct my if im wrong, but all the chip upgrades and stuff are all US spec. (three genuine looking ones ive found are the Shark Injector, The Dinan and the Mark D'Sylva, not even sure if Marks chip is for the e36)

Ive been doing so much reading over the past for days, getting to the point of major confusion. Hehe.

[devilpro]

I bought a E36 323i recently as well. Must say, quite disappointed with the performance. Rattymussel, have you had any success with chips? Mine still has a standard exhaust with catalytic converter I believe and no mods except M3 wheels. Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm in the sticks in Queensland, Australia.

[playz]

stroke it, m cams, new exhaust, new chip, air box, body kit...plenty of things to do with it....

[rattymussell]

Hey guys, thanks for the help so far.
No such luck with finding a chip yet devilpro, but ill keep looking.

hey playz, already got a MagnaFlow muffler and 2 1/2 inch Mandral Bent Exhaust, i am waiting on a new K&N Cold air intake and air box to come in. After that i want to get a new M50 minifold.

If you could suggest a new chip that would work on 323i that would be great. but so far its not as easy as you think.

BTW playz what rims are those on your car?

[playz]

Z3 info
In 1999, the 1.9 L 4-cylinder engine was replaced with a 2.5 L straight-6 M52TUB25, producing 170 hp (130 kW). Due to marketing, BMW wanted to differentiate the 2.8 L engine from the 2.5 L engine, so it was badged it 2.3 just like the 3-Series 323i, which also has a 2.5 L engine.
so by that logic I would be looking for a z3 2.3ltr chip...?????
http://www.speedofixer.co.uk/chip_tuning.htm

I am only guessing but!!!!!, so call/email and ask? The site above is in the UK, so it's not us spec.

I have never looked into getting 323 up to speed. So never knew chips were scarce.
You could if you wanted to....cause the motor is basicaly same as the 328 with smaller stroke, source a 2.8 crank or even a 1995-2000 M3 - 3.2 L S50B32 crank and rods and stoke the motor...Or if re-doing the bottom end is too much just get some new cams and then get a custom chip made...
There is a place in Brisbane that can do that
If you need local info try this site > http://www.eurocca.net/forums/index.php
I'm a member there, aussie site not solely for bmw but plenty of bmw owner with knowledge and could help.

And here is a place in WA > http://bmauto.com.au/links.html
I hope that help....:thumbup:

My wheels, there from the current 3series range.


ps; lets see some pics :)

[rattymussell]

Cheers mate for your help. :)

The funny thing is, i remember reading some where that it was the same engine as the Z3 but i just didnt make the click. silly me :dunno:

Yer ive been meaning to take some pic. Im waiting for some nice weather to come our way.
Ill try and get some up here soon.

Thanks again mate.

[playz]

NP glad to help...good luck!!!!!!

[rattymussell]

For people that are interested heres the story so far.

From my understanding (and correct me if im wrong) commonly there are 3 different types of software upgrades.
Reflash - using your exisiting computer, you ECU is "flashed" with a new map. Products such as the shark injector and the dinan injector are some examples. Good thing is they are fairly cheap and easy to do. Great news if you live in the US, these products are specific to US spec BMWs. I repeat. US spec only.

Piggy back system - A device that connect along side your excisting ECU and does cool stuff (not completely sure how it all works:p) Products such as Powerchip (http://www.powerchipgroup.com/) and Superchip (http://www.superchip.com.au/index.php?option=com_superchipdetails&Itemid=28). You should read this (http://www.eurocca.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8691&highlight=e36+chip) before you order. Make up your own mind. Powerchip is $990 and Superchip is $881.25 (exact hehe) for the 323i. Im not sure if this is good prices or not. I guess it depends if they do what they say.

Finally. Fully programable engine management systems. Companies like Motec make them. Basicly a new computer that allows you to make new maps and stuff. Plus side, is you get total control over the engine management, down side is they are fairly expensive and you need some one who knows what their doing to set it up.

Now im not a mechanic. Im fairly new to BMWs. This is just my understanding from what i have read. So please if im completely wrong, let me know and set the story staight.

If any one has tried any of these products on a 323i, please give us your advice, opinion and details.

Hope this helps. :thumbup:

[playz]

I think on obdII cars you can only flash the chip, pre that you can just chip the ecu.

If you are keen http://www.megasquirt.info/
MegaSquirt® EFI Controllers are intended as an educational project for those who want to learn about electronic fuel injection. It is an experimental Do-It-Yourself programmable electronic fuel injection controller that you build yourself. MegaSquirt® will work on virtually any liquid fueled spark-ignition engine, naturally aspirated or boosted (up to 21 psi boost with the standard MAP sensor)