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Performance Modifications
This BMW X5 is a 2015 X5 35i. It is equipped with an N55 motor: one of BMW's iconic inline 6 cylinder engines equipped a single twin-scroll turbocharger. The performance modifications listed below in chronological order gave this car a near 30% horsepower upgrade from the stock 300hp to a whopping 385 HP.
Charge Pipe Upgrade
This is the first performance upgrade I did to the X5. The charge pipe is the pipe connected to the throttle body and is leading turbocharged, highly pressurized air into the engine block. The stock chargepipe was made of plastic as it would suffice for the low turbo PSI numbers out of factory. To be able to push for more boost in the ECU tuning, this charge pipe was upgraded to a fully aluminum version to be able to withstand the near 75% increase in PSI to the engine block.
One Step Colder Spark Plug
& Performance Ignition Coil Packs
This upgrade is another resilience upgrade to account for the higher levels of PSI and boost. One step colder spark plugs and performance ignition coil packs are needed to withstand the higher levels of air pressure within the cylinder and it gives more confidence in the tuning process to not have preignition or knock in the engine.
Cold Air Intake
This upgrade allows for free flowing air into the engine block. By removing the restrictive OEM airbox, this cold air intake allows for a higher volume of cold air to enter the engine, and it also gives a great turbo spooling sound given its open design.
High Flow Downpipe
Although this modification was also listed in the exhaust mods, it is a crucial element to any turbocharged vehicle's power output. Being one of the most restrictive parts of an exhaust system, the OEM downpipe greatly reduces how efficiently air can leave the system post combustion. By replacing the OEM downpipe with its aftermarket high flowing counterpart, the backpressure in the exhaust system is highly reduced, allowing for freer flowing air and a near 50hp boost to the motor.
