Technical Apr 2020 update: Maintaining a 600awhp 335xi Pure Stage 2 - Long term- CAR FOR SALE NOW!!

[zmon1300]

Update:

So I got some time to mess with the car regarding the EKP module. Pulled mine off and found it to be a EKPM3, which seems to be the most updated, robust version. Ive had a upgraded lpfp for about 3 years, so it's held up for quite some time. Went to my buddies place, and ripped off his and found that it was a EKMP2. Was a little worried if it would be compatible but I installed it anyways. Better than paying $300 for a new one and waiting a week to get it LOL. Free shit is ALWAYS good shit haha. Installed it quick, got a friend to remotely login to my laptop and code it to my car. Started her up and BOOM, back in action. No hiccups, no weird codes, no weird noises. It almost feels too easy of a fix LOL knowing my history with this car.

I installed it on friday night, and now it's monday and no issues ever since. I do a WOT pull every time i drive my car and it hasn't shut off yet so Im pretty sure we are all good!

I was thinking of renaming this thread to "Maintaining a 600awhp 3900lb 335xi". What do you guys think? What do you guys wanna see? Videos, pics? More detailed DIYs? Im open to any and all suggestions. I created this thread just to document the history of my car and I do enjoy writing about everything when I get time. I do have a Nikon D5300 just sitting around, might have to put that into use and upload some nice pictures of the car and stuff. Let me know what you guys think!


Happy monday!
Z

 

[zmon1300]

Getting ready for 2k18 season:



I FINALLY ordered some suspension components. Ive been putting this off for too long now, and I am so glad I pulled the trigger recently. So heres the breakdown of what I ordered:

UUC F+R Sway Bars
UUC bushings
Megan Racing adjustable rear camber arms
M3 upper rear control arms
M3 lower rear control arms

Thanks to @topgearsolutions for shipping them out quickly. Got my UUC stuff in the matter of 4 days from when I ordered to when it came in. Really pleased with how quick they shipped it out. I got my Megan camber arms hopefully to fix my issue with the rears eating up tires every month. I just ordered them off eBay. M3 control arm kit I got from @fcpeuro. They have a lifetime warranty on literally everything and therefore I want to eventually take advantage of that if needed. I am just waiting on the M3 parts and Megan camber arms and I will provide an update on install etc. Hopefully this makes me fall in love with the car again because I am getting bored of it LOL. I also ordered a new high kick CF spoiler and some new bmw emblems for my apex wheels so it looks more OEM. Putting an order in for a new m-tech bumper because my current one is torn apart! So hopefully, car will look really good this upcoming season!

I will post pictures of everything once all my new parts come in!

Thanks for reading,
Z

 

[zmon1300]

Getting ready part 2!,

So I am basically rebuilding a low mile used trans I picked up locally. Got some awesome stuff that will be going into that along with the suspension stuff and the apex wheels being refinished and fresh tires...also going to be updating the look of the car as well. Headlight modifications and interior trim pieces and steering wheel. It should be a completely different car this year. Stay Tuned, if this works, I will have some exciting stuff to share with everyone!

Stay Tuned
Z

 

[Jeffman]

Very interested. Subscribed. I also have a 2008 335xi E90 and am very interested in hearing about your suspension upgrades, how the install went, and what performance / handling improvements you noticed.

 

[fmorelli]

You had a really good post on the longevity thread. Really nice build. You mentioned not running outlets. You seem to have a really good handle on reliability. I noticed you are not running outlets - I wonder if outlets would help you get the same power but drop a couple PSI on the turbos? I'm thinking in the longevity dimension ...

Filippo

 

[zmon1300]

You had a really good post on the longevity thread. Really nice build. You mentioned not running outlets. You seem to have a really good handle on reliability. I noticed you are not running outlets - I wonder if outlets would help you get the same power but drop a couple PSI on the turbos? I'm thinking in the longevity dimension ...

Filippo

Probably would make more power if I stayed on the same tune and just added outlets. Currently, I am focusing on the trans rebuild and the suspension and overall handling of the car. I drove a e92 m3 a few months ago and fell in love with how tight and nimble it was. I want that for my car.

 

[noorj]

You ever run in that half mile event? Curious what it trapped

 

[zmon1300]

You ever run in that half mile event? Curious what it trapped

No, I did not run in the half mile sadly..the trans wont hold 5th gear and my shop is SLAMMED since its race season. I have just been gathering parts lately. Waiting for that call from the shop to drop off the car...I do have a small update though. It has been in the 90s these past few weeks in chicagoland and the car hasn't skipped a beat. Yeah, it does get heatsoaked a bit after a few pulls, but other than that, no issues. No misfires, no codes, no cel. Car has been pretty good for everything that its been through. I do want to take it on a long road trip, like one of those rallies or something pretty soon. Just want to get the car in the shop already before I mess with it too much. Been eye-ing the Nelson steering wheel and trim lately too. LOL, add that one to the list.

Thanks
Z

 

[doublespaces]

No, I did not run in the half mile sadly..the trans wont hold 5th gear and my shop is SLAMMED since its race season. I have just been gathering parts lately. Waiting for that call from the shop to drop off the car...I do have a small update though. It has been in the 90s these past few weeks in chicagoland and the car hasn't skipped a beat. Yeah, it does get heatsoaked a bit after a few pulls, but other than that, no issues. No misfires, no codes, no cel. Car has been pretty good for everything that its been through. I do want to take it on a long road trip, like one of those rallies or something pretty soon. Just want to get the car in the shop already before I mess with it too much. Been eye-ing the Nelson steering wheel and trim lately too. LOL, add that one to the list.

Thanks
Z

I've been wanting to do a west coast camping road trip. From socal up to washington.

 

[zmon1300]

July update:

Finally got around to installing the M3 Rear Control Arms and the Megan Racing Adjustable Camber Arms. Had some issue with the shop not doing the alignment correctly but I had them re-align it from Firestone and all seems to be well. They aligned it back to factory specs for a 335xi and firestone apparently claimed they needed “special tools” to adjust the front camber which I confirmed with bmw as bullshit. Apparently the Hunter alignment machine most shops use, show this warning when you actually can ignore it. Can’t blame Firestone techs, they were just doing their job. Anyways onto the first impressions of the new rear suspension.

F*#! This is one of the best modifications I’ve done to the car. Initial turn in is seamless and the car feels likes it’s on rails. No more body roll, car feels SOLID on turns, going over bumps etc. IF YOU HAVENT DONE THE M3 CA RETROFIT, PLEASE DO IT BEFORE ANY OTHER SUSPENSION MODIFICATION! Yes folks, it’s that good. And I’ve only done the rear cuz The m3 fronts don’t fit the XI. Quick tip for those who are installing the Megan racing adjustable camber arms. There is a heimed side of the arm, and that side should go TOWARD the wheel. If you install it incorrectly, the bolt will loosen causing issues down the road. I found that out searching the forms for an install guide. Sucks that there isn’t any documented install of this product. Anyways, I also got a fresh MTech front bumper painted and installed since the Chicago winters literally ate my old one. I’ll attach pics. LOL.

I just saw that xHP got a 6HP28 to work with the XI. That seems VERY PROMISING. Waiting for the thread to pop here any day now documenting what’s needed for the swap. Seems like they cut/welded the 6hp21 bell housing to the 6hp28. The person I spoke to also said his car was an XI so it really gives me hope. The 6hp28 has the same intervals as the 6R80 which can hold enough torque for the power level I am at. I am tossing the idea of going that route because it seems ALOT more simple than rebuilding a 6hp21 with all the crap I have ready to install.

Thoughts on the 6HP28 swap? Better longevity?

Lastly, I ran a tank of 93 in the car just to clean up the fuel system. Refilled with pump E85 and my sensor shows E69-70. Dammit. Well I did a log and it shows significant correction on cylinder 2,3 and 5 only on multi gear pulls. I know cylinder 5 is very noise, I am a little nervous about the others. Maybe tuners can chime in? @doublespaces @V8bait

I spoke with my current tuner and friend Ken, he states it’s probably the injectors. I have never seen a documented case of index 12 injectors going bad so I am assuming it’s the knock off bosche MMP injectors that are going bad. I have no codes or anything. I’ll post a log here so you guys can take a look too.
Log - https://datazap.me/u/zmon1300/log-1533699466?log=0&data=3-21

Should I replace my PI injectors? Maybe sell my MMP PI GEN1 and get the new DOCRace manifold with PI? What do you guys think.

Cosmetically, I got the bmw center caps to replace the apex ones and CF spoiler lip to hide the scratches on my trunk LOL. Haven’t installed the lip yet.

Still have to figure out trans situation, oil cooler and trans cooler and sway bar links. Seems like the list is kind of getting shorter. Maybe that’s a good thing LOL unless you add new PI injectors or manifold.

Thanks for keeping up this far,
Z

 

[ajpagosa]

Great build.

On the suspension side, if you haven't replaced the big front fluid-filled bushings in the traction strut, give these a try. Completely changes the steering feel and tightens up the front end quite a bit. Install is pretty easy if you have access to a hydraulic press. Been running them for couple of years no issues:

https://www.strongflex.eu/en/e90-e9...nt-wishbone-bush-4x4-sport-5902553503470.html

 

[fmorelli]

If you are talking about the tension strut, I'd suggest the AKG bearing or Turner monoball. I'm personally fan of polyurethane in suspensions. I run the AKG on my car, with electric steering, and car has pretty good feel and excellent response with no noticeable NVH.

Filippo

 

[ajpagosa]

If you are talking about the tension strut, I'd suggest the AKG bearing or Turner monoball. I'm personally fan of polyurethane in suspensions. I run the AKG on my car, with electric steering, and car has pretty good feel and excellent response with no noticeable NVH.

Filippo

It's an XI so it is called a "traction strut" for some reason, the big arm that connects from behind the front axle and attaches forward to the hub with a ball joint. Not same as the tension strut in non-XI (which go from ahead of the axle to the back) and bushings are different size. I haven't been paying attention since I got these but at the time no one else was making poly for this spot and at less than $50/pair shipped a deal. Somebody was making a monoball in very small quantities but it was like $400 for 2. I am generally not a huge fan of poly but in this case it has worked out very well, esp considering cost.

My stock fluid filled bushing had blown, along with an axle, and I did not want to put in another stock one. Took a chance on these from Poland and for once it worked out. I got them a week after ordering.

 

[fmorelli]

Ahhhh ... sorry I don't know the AWD configuration. BMW old school cars had a "thrust arm" which cam from behind, hence the name. The tension strut is called, as such, since it come from the front and is pulled on not pushed on, so to speak. I just looked up the xi suspension and they call it a "traction strut" but it is a thrust arm from the rear. So all that said, curious do you know what's the diameter of the hydrobearing sleeve?

Filippo

 

[ajpagosa]

Ahhhh ... sorry I don't know the AWD configuration. BMW old school cars had a "thrust arm" which cam from behind, hence the name. The tension strut is called, as such, since it come from the front and is pulled on not pushed on, so to speak. I just looked up the xi suspension and they call it a "traction strut" but it is a thrust arm from the rear. So all that said, curious do you know what's the diameter of the hydrobearing sleeve?

Filippo

Actually I do know, they are just under 71 mm in diameter and very wide along the axis where the bolt slips through, the sleeve width there is about 61 mm. There is a smaller aluminum sleeve gizmo embedded in the center bore of the rubber part, which is a few mm wider at each end, where the bolt slips thru. That is approx 66 mm.

The width of the tension strut opening along the bolt axis that the bearing sleeve fits into is of course smaller, the stock sleeve sticks out either side a bit. The poly bushing's outer center channel is same size as this and fits snug, and is larger outside (see pic on website). The stock sleeve is just smooth and very slightly rounded on each end. Pressing the poly in you have to pop the raised lip thru then over the traction strut opening if that makes sense, and the strut bore hole sits inside the channel in the bushing when done.

There is a long thread over on e90post about them, I don't go over there anymore though.

 

[shushikiary]

You have a very similar setup to my car, except I'm GC lite 2.0's, and a manual XI.

I'm maxing out my spec 3+ though, if my IAT's get under 90 when I do a 3rd or above gear pull she slips. New clutch is coming in.

On the suspention (I also have the M3 rear setup, and the ECS tuning solid trailing arms (they help a lot too!)) but the biggest difference I found was putting poly mounts in the tension strut. Funny enough I had a lot of posts in the E90 thread.

I personally also found that my stage 3 PR fuel pump could flow enough fuel on E85, but that the fuel filter and line from the tank wouldnt let me flow enough, replaced those and I can hold 60 PSI fuel pressure even on 26 PSI of boost.

Currently my IAT's climb like mad though, new PSP 900 FMIC coming in.

 

[Torgus]

I'm maxing out my spec 3+ though, if my IAT's get under 90 when I do a 3rd or above gear pull she slips. New clutch is coming in.

How old is the stage 3+ ?

What clutch are you going with?

 

[shushikiary]

Its about 3 years old, 80k miles on it (mostly highway miles). I'm going with the xtreme clutch 6 puck per disc 230mm ceramic twin disc, rated to hold 1350 ft lbs. Same price pretty much as a 3+ with SMFW.

I think I'm just exceeding the torque limit on the 3+, combined with some miles and age. She was 100% fine until I had a few colder days when my IAT's wernt stupid hot. So I think I'm just riding the edge of its torque limit.

 

[noorj]

Its about 3 years old, 80k miles on it (mostly highway miles). I'm going with the xtreme clutch 6 puck per disc 230mm ceramic twin disc, rated to hold 1350 ft lbs. Same price pretty much as a 3+ with SMFW.

I think I'm just exceeding the torque limit on the 3+, combined with some miles and age. She was 100% fine until I had a few colder days when my IAT's wernt stupid hot. So I think I'm just riding the edge of its torque limit.

Link to this clutch? I'm also starting to exceed the limit of my spec 3+ and have been looking at options to do this winter

 

[shushikiary]

Their online catalog uses a script so I cant link straight to it there (for the USA web site), but here's the clutch on their euro web site. You have to email them to get a quote and they will ship straight to you from Australia, the Euro price listed here is more than they charged me for it straight from Australia, I suspect VAT might have something to do with that .

https://www.xtremeclutch.eu/product/58632/KBM23595-2E/

They dont seem to have their build dates right, but they do make a 6 bolt and an 8 bolt version. If you're an 09 build date or later you're 6 bolt, before 8 bolt. They also put a very clear set of instructions on their web site to put the TOB in the low position (on the US web site), but given history in dealing with that Euro spec cars are likely to need the high position. I'd just use what ever your TOB was set to when you pull it out.