BMW B58 – the modern day JZ?

B58 Tuning

At Futurez, we offer a range of well-proven and functional updates for the B58 engine, designed to increase its performance step by step. Our team is highly familiar with this engine and regularly builds and adjusts it at our office in the capital region.

The B58 engine is available in several different power versions, depending on the body model and powertrain. The most common variants are often called the “Gen1” and “TU” engines. The “Gen1” refers to the initial production, and can be found in models such as the M140i, M240i, M340i, 440i, and partly 540i. The “TU” variant is the later version and is seen powering the GR Supra and BMW Z4. This version features slight differences such as higher fuel pressure (350bar vs. 200bar), more capable high pressure fuel pump and subtle differences in components and structure.

While the division of engine types is not all that simple, the differences do not play a significant role in typical tuning for the car enthusiast – at least before reaching the highest peak power levels.

(Check our customs shop projects at Vantaa, Finland. Coffee machine is always on, both offline and online!)

Facebook -> ECU HELSINKI)

Level 1 – Tune your B58

For many, the first step in tuning their engine is a software upgrade. Our team at Futurez can make adjustments to the program side to increase the engine’s power to around 430hp/580-600Nm. This is obviously done mostly locally, since the process involves a great amount of testing and data logging. However, depending on the case we are able to provide remote tunes via MHD platform as well. Feel free to contact us and ask for more info.

In addition to the ECU tune we also recommend updating the gearbox software with xHP Flash, which improves its operation and makes it more suitable for future tunings. These we fit locally as well, authorized by xHP Flash.

While a standard Stage 1 B58 tune such as this can provide a significant increase in power, it does not fully capture the aggressive character that is typically associated with a BMW engine. Let’s enjoy it for a while, and then move on to the next level!

Level 2 – Few bolts and nuts

For technical upgrades, we recommend starting from a high-performance downpipe to improve exhaust flow and lower the EGT and backpressure. All of this helps you to use your stock turbo with better efficiency. The factory downpipe and catalytic converter can quickly become a bottleneck when increasing power levels.

Replacing parts on the B58 engine is relatively straightforward, and can be done even by the DIY enthusiast with enough time and energy.

–> VRSF downpipe for B58 engine

–> NEW! Our F* Race Essentials downpipes for BMW B58 engine

While the peak power doesn’t radically increase with downpipe, it gives a nice touch for the performance and allows us to proceed further on with the tuning of our B58.

Level 2.5 – Wet the B58 whistle – Fuel it is!

One of the main limitations of the Gen1 B58 engine can be found in its HPFP (high pressure) fuel pump. The pump’s output may not be sufficient, especially at the middle range of RPMs (approximately 3000-5000) where the demand is high but rpm’s running the pump are still rather low. When driving with an aggressive tuning, the fuel pressure may drop unsteadily under full load. This can be observed in data logs and is eventually often noticed in the form of random misfires or even a fault light.

The HPFP pump’s mechanism rotates in conjunction with the engine’s revolutions, making it more challenging for the pump to maintain output at lower and middle RPMs. This is the reason you might see tunes with a lot of top end power, but flattened torque curve.

Luckily, a direct injection engine like the B58 does not require an excessively rich fuel mixture like older engines. In fact, it responds better to a leaner mixture and spools up faster. The mixture ratio used on the tune and the permissible mid-range torque largely determine the limit of the pump.

Let’s fix the issue. For gasoline tunes, you’ll manage with the revised TU-type OEM pump, but our recommendation is to do this upgrade properly at once. This can be done with Dorch Stage2 HPFP for B58.

If you decide to go with TU pump, that can be done even without tune changes. For Dorch (which we recommend) you’ll need proper parameters in your software to control the pump. Worry not, these can be found from all the popular tune systems (such as MHD Flash, etc.) and needed adjustments can be carried by knowledgeable tuner as well.

Where we at now? 1000whp yet?

Not quite, at this point a 450-460hp / 680-700Nm (Crank) are to be expected with stock turbo, with ethanol blends this can be stretched a touch over 500hp.

Stock intake in B58 ain’t bad at all, we’ve seen +600hp done with that and free flow panels. However, if you happen to be after more aggressive intake sound and you want to ensure the maximal airflow for your engine – this can be done with:

A) Cost-effective MST B58 Intake kit solution which we have tested to perform very well 

B) With the best intake money can buy, EVENTURI Full carbon intake kit for BMW B58

Level 3 – Where the magic starts.

Once the foundation for fuel supply and exhaust flow has been established, it’s time to consider more significant changes to enhance performance.

While the engine’s standard turbocharger provides comfortable power and has been proven very reliable, it lacks the aggressive character that is desired. Upgrading to a high-performance hybrid supercharger can radically change the engine’s character, providing a noticeable increase in power and fury also in the RPM range of 4500-7000 without compromising sensitivity and low-end torque.

At the moment, we prefer to options – either Pure 800 (or it’s CAST race variant if needed) or the Turbosystems Stage2+ or Stage3 units which have shown an exceptional price/quality ratio and function. When you purchase your unit from us, you can be sure we take care of all risks, quick delivery and offer you a competitive pricing.

At this point (if not sooner), it’s highly recommended to service and adjust your spark plugs, setting the gap slightly smaller to approximately 0.50mm.

We are building a powerful engine, this is not the place or the time to stint with the lubrication. Our recommendations to ensure the long and healthy life for your pistons, bearings and other components:

–> AMSOIL 0W40 Signature
–> AMSOIL 5W30 Signature

From us you’ll get the needed OEM parts and accessories as well, ask for a full quote.

Where we at, now at 2000whp already??

Soon, my friend. Soon.

• Gasoline around 540hp / 700Nm (Crank)
• Ethanol blends around 650hp / 850Nm (Crank)
  
  Performance level:
  
  
• e.g. M140i will be capable of  2,xx sec 0-100km/h 
• e.g. M140i 5,5-6,0sek 100-200km/h acceleration

That’s it, I’m grabbing a cold one.

Alcohol. The source of many peculiar things. One of them being a beast of a B58 when we hop up to the world of ethanol.

It is important to note that the B58 engine, like other modern high-compression BMW engines, requires high-octane fuel to perform. Attempting to increase ignition advance or boost pressure beyond the limits will only result in the engine’s control system limiting power output due to the potential for knocking.

However, adding a mild ethanol mixture to the fuel can significantly improve performance by allowing for cleaner ignition advance in relation to boost pressure. Even 20% of Ethanol will make a world of difference.

Given this, it is worth considering a switch to a B58 Flexfuel adjustment for optimal results.

–> MHD ECA B58 Flexfuel set

Converting to Flexfuel means installing a sensor in the fuel line that continuously transmits the ethanol content to the car’s CAN bus. This allows the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust the power output in real-time based on the quality of the fuel. Let’s praise the modern technology!

As the ethanol content increases, the power output increases accordingly.
It’s important to note that ethanol requires more output from the pump and injectors than gasoline. “Pure” E85 requires approximately 30% more capacity.

To ensure adequate fuel supply, the adjustment is often set to maximize power when using a 50/50 (E40-E45) ethanol to gasoline mixture, and slightly limit power with higher ethanol concentrations.

High pressure fuel system of B58 is able to take you up to around 650 realistic horsepower from the crank. Anything over, you might want to check our B58 Port Injection for additional injectors and controller. With this, the fuel supply is supported by a fresh set of regular, low pressure injectors located in in between the cylinder head and intake manifold.

Level 4 – Beyond Big Turbo?

Like the previously mentioned Toyota JZ, the B58 engine has all the potential to reach power levels of up to 1000hp. However, owners of the Gen1 variant should be aware of the increased risks to the engine’s internals when pushing beyond these limits.

To achieve power levels close to 1000hp, it becomes necessary to upgrade the rotating parts and fit an even larger turbocharger. At Futurez, we do offer custom solutions, from the largest hybrid superchargers to even larger large-frame superchargers equipped with an external waste gate. If you’re interested in taking your engine to the next level, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

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