[Ghozt_Espada]

Hey everyone

I just bought a 2012 328i xdrive used with a 2 year ext. Warranty covering everything. It is not a turbo. It has a 3.0 inline 6. My trouble is i am trying to figure out if it is an E92 and if it has a N54 or N55 because I would like to start aftermarket mods.

[e91Owner]

The N52 is the non-turbo version of the inline 6 engine in most of the world. N54 and N55 are turbo engines.

E90=sedan
E91=wagon
E92=coupe
E93=convertible

[Ghozt_Espada]

Thank you so much for the help

[Fiasco]

You have an LCI E92. It has neither the N54 or the N55 in it. You either have an N51 or an N52.

Before you begin with aftermarket mods you should do some preventative maintenance. Check your oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket for leaks and replace as needed. Replace both the engine and cabin air filter, check your coolant levels and address any other issues you find.

There are maintenance guides available in the maintenance section of the site. I'm guessing its going to have some issues because it seems like you did zero research before buying this car. Hopefully its nothing major.

[StradaRedlands]

Just drive and enjoy the car. Stay on the forum and soak up info and opinions. Then consider selling/trading in the X drive car and getting a RWD toward the end of the warranty period in two years. You're in for a maintenance surprise with that car, and you're carrying around an AWD system in TX, probably the last place you'll need it.

There aren't a ton of mods for the N52 engine, probably less for the N51. Three stage manifold plus a tune, Euro airbox, performance exhaust. The latter two are probably more cosmetic/sound-improvement than actual performance.

Whatever you do to liven up the car will be sapped by the AWD system and heavy steering, so consider a X Delete flash for the car to turn off or change % going to AWD that you won't need around DFW.

So take some time and figure out what your needs and budget will be. This car is probably a stepping stone to that. Then get a 335i if you want to stay in the BMW world, or get something like a GTI or Civic if you want something less expensive to maintain and lots of mod options. Turbo engines are the ones that you can really play with, NA engines not so much so.

[Ghozt_Espada]

Once again thanks for the info

[Ghozt_Espada]

All fluids, seals, and housings check out with no leaks.

[Ghozt_Espada]

Since im limited in the way of performance would i need to do use a m3 bumper to convert my exhaust to dual?

[Serf27]

Is it a coupe or sedan?

You need an m3 replica bumper with some custom exhaust work to get dual exhausts

[jbellk75rt]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Then get a 335i if you want to stay in the BMW world,

Yikes, I just bought a 328xi, do I have an expiration date?

[Ghozt_Espada]

I understand. With the hp lacking i will just make it a show car.

[Ghozt_Espada]

Its a coupe

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by jbellk75rt

Yikes, I just bought a 328xi, do I have an expiration date?

That clock's a' tickin!

[Serf27]

M sport or m3 front and rear bumpers would give it a better look.

As said, not much power to squeeze out.
N51/2 maintenance isn’t that bad.

Account for some possible leaking gaskets and water pump.
Not sure if the vanos issue was fixed for the 2012 models.

[Ghozt_Espada]

Thanks for the input

[Fiasco]

Originally Posted by jbellk75rt

Yikes, I just bought a 328xi, do I have an expiration date?

Not even a little bit. Be happy that you bought one, that engine will last 2-3 times longer than an N54 if properly maintained. The N52 is a beast of a powerplant and I am extremely pleased with mine.