[ZeroEscape]

Hello, my name is Gary and I'm new here. I own a 2014 BMW 328i (which is a f30 if I'm not mistaken) and I would like to apply a stage 2 tune to the car to increase performance. But if I'm going to do that it's my understanding that I need to have an aftermarket intake and exhaust system. If that is indeed the case, then can some of you please make recommendations on what intake and on what exhaust I should get? Once again, forgive me but I am new here and I'm not very well-versed in the car seen.
Thank you in advance!

[alohasurftoad]

Your understanding is incorrect. You need a downpipe and a better fmic.

Intakes and exhausts add on little in the way of performance and mostly enhance sound. Thus not very good in performance value.

Posting this in the n20 engine sub-forums would appropriate

[Luverse]

Originally Posted by ZeroEscape

Hello, my name is Gary and I'm new here. I own a 2014 BMW 328i (which is a f30 if I'm not mistaken) and I would like to apply a stage 2 tune to the car to increase performance. But if I'm going to do that it's my understanding that I need to have an aftermarket intake and exhaust system. If that is indeed the case, then can some of you please make recommendations on what intake and on what exhaust I should get? Once again, forgive me but I am new here and I'm not very well-versed in the car seen.
Thank you in advance!

for n20 engine, highly recommended hardware mod for stage 2 tune is high-flow downpipe (catless) and front mount intercooler

aftermarket air intake just give a little to none performance gain, while full exaust replace will give quite performance gain

when i'm using n20 engine, i install wagner intercooler, armytrix downpipe, and injen evolution cold air intake before going to stage 2 BM3

[davidr3]

Hey Gary, it is an F30 so you're correct. For stage 2 It's the Front mount intercooler, & Downpipes. Intake won't do you much right now. One thing not mentioned is a chargepipe, the current one in your N20 engine is purely plastic and will blow eventually leaving you on limp mode. You MUST upgrade the charge pipe I would do that before even going stage 1. Best of luck to you brotha.

[chowser51]

Yep for N20, charge pipe even if no tune and FMIC and downpipe for stage 2. For stage 1, you won't need anything (but still recommend the charge pipe).

If you're under emissions testing garbage, you can get a catted downpipe.
You might pass emissions that way.

[ZeroEscape]

I greatly appreciate all of your inside guys, please note that I still want to be able to smog the car legally. And I would like to get better acoustics as well. So if I do a downpipe and a FMIC, I can then proceed with a stage 2 tune and not only see better performance but also better sound?

And I'll make sure I do a better charge pipe first

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by ZeroEscape

I greatly appreciate all of your inside guys, please note that I still want to be able to smog the car legally. And I would like to get better acoustics as well. So if I do a downpipe and a FMIC, I can then proceed with a stage 2 tune and not only see better performance but also better sound?

And I'll make sure I do a better charge pipe first

If you want to pass smog, you'll have to opt for a catted downpipe, meaning it's an aftermarket downpipe with a high flow catalytic converter. Be aware that catted downpipes are SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive than catless.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by ZeroEscape

I greatly appreciate all of your inside guys, please note that I still want to be able to smog the car legally. And I would like to get better acoustics as well. So if I do a downpipe and a FMIC, I can then proceed with a stage 2 tune and not only see better performance but also better sound?

And I'll make sure I do a better charge pipe first

is CA smog a sniffer? catted downpipes available for N20 may throw a CEL which can be hidden with a flash tune, however they are not guaranteed to pass smog in CA if they sniff. FYI, a downpipe will also make the car louder, something to think about for CA noise laws as well. here is a catted downpipe, it's not cheap. maybe you can "take one for the team" and let us know how it works out? haha... https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ght=stone+eddy

imo, it sounds like a stage 1 flash would be better for you to start with
stage 1 flash tune such as BM3 or MHD
wagner evo 1 competition intercooler
upgrade the air filter to an afe drop in dry filter(not absolutely necessary)
axle back exhaust for a little sportier sound(lot of $$$ for sound, though)

when you find a suitable catted downpipe, upgrade to stage 2 flash

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

is CA smog a sniffer? catted downpipes available for N20 may throw a CEL which can be hidden with a flash tune, however they are not guaranteed to pass smog in CA if they sniff. FYI, a downpipe will also make the car louder, something to think about for CA noise laws as well. here is a catted downpipe, it's not cheap. maybe you can "take one for the team" and let us know how it works out? haha... https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ght=stone+eddy

imo, it sounds like a stage 1 flash would be better for you to start with
stage 1 flash tune such as BM3 or MHD
wagner evo 1 competition intercooler
upgrade the air filter to an afe drop in dry filter(not absolutely necessary)
axle back exhaust for a little sportier sound(lot of $$$ for sound, though)

when you find a suitable catted downpipe, upgrade to stage 2 flash

No sniffer in CA. OBD readiness only, afaik.

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

...imo, it sounds like a stage 1 flash would be better for you to start with
stage 1 flash tune such as BM3 or MHD
wagner evo 1 competition intercooler
upgrade the air filter to an afe drop in dry filter(not absolutely necessary)
axle back exhaust for a little sportier sound(lot of $$$ for sound, though)

when you find a suitable catted downpipe, upgrade to stage 2 flash

+1
Stage 1 tune add the exhaust to enjoy now, while the other items get $$$ fast, add one at a time.

[davidr3]

Yeah, maybe start with a chargepipe and stage 1 tune to get a feel

[nbay89]

If you absolutely have to get an intake...CTS Turbo intake is fantastic. Have one on my 435 and it sounds great. But as others have said, don't expect performance gains.

[mike@x-ph.com]

OP,
You need a charge pipe, downpipe, and intercooler for stage 2.

If downpipes are not legal in your state, I recommend getting a charge pipe and intercooler + a custom map

Best sounding intake is Injen
The best sounding exhaust is the REMUS exhaust, Active Autowerke is a close second

Originally Posted by nbay89

If you absolutely have to get an intake...CTS Turbo intake is fantastic. Have one on my 435 and it sounds great. But as others have said, don't expect performance gains.

he's got a 328 not an N55

[nbay89]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

OP,
You need a charge pipe, downpipe, and intercooler for stage 2.

If downpipes are not legal in your state, I recommend getting a charge pipe and intercooler + a custom map

Best sounding intake is Injen
The best sounding exhaust is the REMUS exhaust, Active Autowerke is a close second

he's got a 328 not an N55

I realize this, was just stating that myself as well as others have had good outcomes with the CTS.