[Louzy77]

Those original 2016 M2 owners who have upgraded their turbo here's my question for you: have you found it worth the while for daily driving or track use? My mods are bm3, Wagner IC, akra exhaust, charge pipe and 200 cell downpipe. Appreciate your inputs!

[Bimmer28312]

I upgraded my OG M2 when I had it with Dinan big turbo setup alongside having full bolt on. Some decent power but if I had to do it again I would if gone with pure. Ultimately I don't think it was worth it for me. I know have a M2C

[BostonM235xi]

Originally Posted by Bimmer28312

I upgraded my OG M2 when I had it with Dinan big turbo setup alongside having full bolt on. Some decent power but if I had to do it again I would if gone with pure. Ultimately I don't think it was worth it for me. I know have a M2C

M2c is a beast, good upgrade 👍🏻

[BostonM235xi]

Originally Posted by Louzy77

Those original 2016 M2 owners who have upgraded their turbo here's my question for you: have you found it worth the while for daily driving or track use? My mods are bm3, Wagner IC, akra exhaust, charge pipe and 200 cell downpipe. Appreciate your inputs!

Not worth it if your only upgrading the turbo, (Depending Brand) - your looking at 30 hp gain for 3k and potential issues.... With your current set up it's plenty fast.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by BostonM235xi

Not worth it if your only upgrading the turbo, (Depending Brand) - your looking at 30 hp gain for 3k and potential issues.... With your current set up it's plenty fast.

If OP is going to upgrade his turbo, i dont see why he would keep the same map

There is a lot more power to be gained by changing the map

[BostonM235xi]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

If OP is going to upgrade his turbo, i dont see why he would keep the same map

There is a lot more power to be gained by changing the map

Agree, I'm assuming he's Stage 2 now. He can go Stage 2H if he upgrades his turbo.

[O Haiii]

Originally Posted by Bimmer28312

I upgraded my OG M2 when I had it with Dinan big turbo setup alongside having full bolt on. Some decent power but if I had to do it again I would if gone with pure. Ultimately I don't think it was worth it for me. I know have a M2C

Can you elaborate as to why you would go with a pure setup? I probably will be upgrading my turbo in the future and want as much knowledge as possible. Thanks!

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by O Haiii

Can you elaborate as to why you would go with a pure setup? I probably will be upgrading my turbo in the future and want as much knowledge as possible. Thanks!

Pure (stage 2 turbo) is used when ~400 whp just doesn't cut it as with a stage 1 turbo (Dinan or Pure S1). Pure S2 can provide ~500 whp with supporting mods which makes for an absolute beast of a car. The main drawback is increased lag which can be irritating for daily driving. Another drawback is traction issues. For the street, a stage 1 turbo (Dinan or Pure S1) is more than sufficient. I'm running 295 PS4S rear rubber and still break loose in the first 3 gears during WOT in hot temps. I could only imagine what sort of havoc another 100 whp would do.

[O Haiii]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Pure (stage 2 turbo) is used when ~400 whp just doesn't cut it as with a stage 1 turbo (Dinan or Pure S1). Pure S2 can provide ~500 whp with supporting mods which makes for an absolute beast of a car. The main drawback is increased lag which can be irritating for daily driving. Another drawback is traction issues. For the street, a stage 1 turbo (Dinan or Pure S1) is more than sufficient. I'm running 295 PS4S rear rubber and still break loose in the first 3 gears during WOT in hot temps. I could only imagine what sort of havoc another 100 whp would do.

Gotcha. So i'm assuming you're running stage 1 turbo? Which brand? What other supporting mods do i need with stage 1 turbo? driveability and reliability is factory-like with stage 1? I want 450 whp with good top end. What should i go with?

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by O Haiii

Gotcha. So i'm assuming you're running stage 1 turbo? Which brand? What other supporting mods do i need with stage 1 turbo? driveability and reliability is factory-like with stage 1? I want 450 whp with good top end. What should i go with?

Yep, Dinan "big turbo" which is basically a stock turbo with a larger compressor. The only mods that you'll "need" is a tune and larger intercooler. Exhaust (including downpipe) and intake are purely optional. It pulls really well to redline while maintaining driveability. With a proper tune and downpipe, ~400 whp is achievable.

450 whp isn't possible with this setup, no matter how good the tune is. Gotta go stage 2 with perhaps upgraded fueling. I think the M2's N55 with its forged internals can handle the added boost, just not sure how long before problems arise.

[Saanen]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Pure (stage 2 turbo) is used when ~400 whp just doesn't cut it as with a stage 1 turbo (Dinan or Pure S1). Pure S2 can provide ~500 whp with supporting mods which makes for an absolute beast of a car. The main drawback is increased lag which can be irritating for daily driving. Another drawback is traction issues. For the street, a stage 1 turbo (Dinan or Pure S1) is more than sufficient. I'm running 295 PS4S rear rubber and still break loose in the first 3 gears during WOT in hot temps. I could only imagine what sort of havoc another 100 whp would do.

Did you set your car up all at once or step by step? I am curious as I am currently pretty happy with my Dinantronics Stg 1 map, Fabspeed sport cat, Dinan Intercooler and CAI (figure I am close to 400 whp now?)....but I am starting to get the itch for one more bump in power... curious how much of a bump I can expect with the Dinan Turbo and Stg 4 Dinantronics map?...

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by Saanen

Did you set your car up all at once or step by step? I am curious as I am currently pretty happy with my Dinantronics Stg 1 map, Fabspeed sport cat, Dinan Intercooler and CAI (figure I am close to 400 whp now?)....but I am starting to get the itch for one more bump in power... curious how much of a bump I can expect with the Dinan Turbo and Stg 4 Dinantronics map?...

Stage 1 advertises 31 max gain (~27 whp figuring 12% drivetrain loss), sport cat dynos +16 whp, intercooler and CAI have negligible gains. Therefore, if a stock M2 is 330 whp, yours should be somewhere around 370.

Adding stage 4 tune (with turbo) should net you 62 more whp (89whp [101 max advertised gain] for stage 4 minus 27 after removing stage 1).

All of this math allegedly gets you to 430 whp which just isn't right. It's too high of a number. Dinan's advertised 101 bhp increase is too generous.

Again, ~400 whp with stage 4 plus the downpipe is pretty accurate.

[O Haiii]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Yep, Dinan "big turbo" which is basically a stock turbo with a larger compressor. The only mods that you'll "need" is a tune and larger intercooler. Exhaust (including downpipe) and intake are purely optional. It pulls really well to redline while maintaining driveability. With a proper tune and downpipe, ~400 whp is achievable.

450 whp isn't possible with this setup, no matter how good the tune is. Gotta go stage 2 with perhaps upgraded fueling. I think the M2's N55 with its forged internals can handle the added boost, just not sure how long before problems arise.

Thank you for the simple yet informative info - makes a lot of sense now. I wish you were local to me so I can ask you for a test ride haha. How extensive is the installation of the "big turbo"? Something you can diy?

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by O Haiii

How extensive is the installation of the "big turbo"? Something you can diy?

Unless your're really skilled, go to a local mechanic or BMW dealer. It shouldn't take long as it's a bolt-on component.

[cecaa850]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Unless your're really skilled, go to a local mechanic or BMW dealer. It shouldn't take long as it's a bolt-on component.

The Dinan web site has installation instructions (with pictures) for everything they sell. One can read through them and determine if this is something you really want to tackle or not.

[GerardzM]

Originally Posted by Louzy77

Those original 2016 M2 owners who have upgraded their turbo here's my question for you: have you found it worth the while for daily driving or track use? My mods are bm3, Wagner IC, akra exhaust, charge pipe and 200 cell downpipe. Appreciate your inputs!

If you want a faster vehicle....yes sure it's worth it. You will get just that.

Not sure why so many people are against. BMW builds a solid engine.

Only upside to the N-series is the fact that it's a simpler design to work on....less to go wrong....but it certainly can make enough power that it becomes stupid on this platform.

Why some folks want 600+ hp when more capable vehicles(better brakes/lighter weight/better layout) have less is beyond me.....think the new Vette.

[SeanWRT]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Again, ~400 whp with stage 4 plus the downpipe is pretty accurate.

Piggyback won't get M2 to 400whp even with STG1 turbo unless supported by meth, assuming 330-340 stock. From what I've seen, on good pump gas, at maximum DinanSTG4 + DP nets you 50whp.

The issue is in the M2 stock calibration which dumps too much fuel up top, trading power for a cooler in-cylinder temp so it can last WOT for a little longer. And piggyback can do very little about the AFR. There're many lesser N55s (even the PWGs), when flashed, making more power with less boost than M2 stock. The leaner AFR is one key to that. Among all N55s, the M235i works with Piggyback the best thanks to its good AFR setting from the factory. M235i is fact closer than M2 to obtaining 400whp from Dinan STG4 PKG.

It's a very old and nerdy topic (piggyback vs flash) so I'll stop there. As matter of a fact, piggyback solution is long gone. The only market for it should be the PI/WMI integration and/or very high boost (22+psi) applications.

@op

Is M2 N55 turbo upgrade worth it? No, the M2 N55 is a very low tuning value in the first place. I started a thread last year for it, go check out.
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1551866

However, if we don't look outside of N55 platform, the fact that downpipe adds 10~15whp for 500~1000 USD and intercooler/intakes zero, makes the turbo upgrade look not bad.

Going for 400+whp, bigger turbo is pretty much a requirement. And 450+whp is STG2 turbo territory. Between 400~450whp, there're various setups for different purposes. Below are a few setups I recommend with rough cost estimate.

~400whp: FBO + Flash + Good octane/Ethanol = 2k5 USD + Labor.
~420whp: FBO + STG1 turbo + Flash + Ethanol = 4k + Labor.
450+whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + HPFP+ Ethanol/Race Gas = 6~7k + Labor
500whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + Piggyback + WMI = 7k + Labor
500+whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + Piggyback +WMI + HPFP+LPFP + Ethanol/Race Gas = 9k + Labor

Apparently there's diminishing gains like every other platform going up on power, especially above 400whp. Worth it or not everyone has an angle of looking at it. To each its own.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

Piggyback won't get M2 to 400whp even with STG1 turbo unless supported by meth, assuming 330-340 stock. From what I've seen, on good pump gas, at maximum DinanSTG4 + DP nets you 50whp.

The issue is in the M2 stock calibration which dumps too much fuel up top, trading power for a cooler in-cylinder temp so it can last WOT for a little longer. And piggyback can do very little about the AFR. There're many lesser N55s (even the PWGs), when flashed, making more power with less boost than M2 stock. The leaner AFR is one key to that. Among all N55s, the M235i works with Piggyback the best thanks to its good AFR setting from the factory. M235i is fact closer than M2 to obtaining 400whp from Dinan STG4 PKG.

It's a very old and nerdy topic (piggyback vs flash) so I'll stop there. As matter of a fact, piggyback solution is long gone. The only market for it should be the PI/WMI integration and/or very high boost (22+psi) applications.

@op

Is M2 N55 turbo upgrade worth it? No, the M2 N55 is a very low tuning value in the first place. I started a thread last year for it, go check out.
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1551866

However, if we don't look outside of N55 platform, the fact that downpipe adds 10~15whp for 500~1000 USD and intercooler/intakes zero, makes the turbo upgrade look not bad.

Going for 400+whp, bigger turbo is pretty much a requirement. And 450+whp is STG2 turbo territory. Between 400~450whp, there're various setups for different purposes. Below are a few setups I recommend with rough cost estimate.

~400whp: FBO + Flash + Good octane/Ethanol = 2k5 USD + Labor.
~420whp: FBO + STG1 turbo + Flash + Ethanol = 4k + Labor.
450+whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + HPFP+ Ethanol/Race Gas = 6~7k + Labor
500whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + Piggyback + WMI = 7k + Labor
500+whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + Piggyback +WMI + HPFP+LPFP + Ethanol/Race Gas = 9k + Labor

Apparently there's diminishing gains like every other platform going up on power, especially above 400whp. Worth it or not everyone has an angle of looking at it. To each its own.

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1371668

Check out post 56...It shows a 63 whp over stock with stage 4 plus downpipe. Baseline is 319whp (low reading). Therefore, if 330whp is a typical baseline, adding another 63 gets you to 393whp which is ~400.

[Louzy77]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

Piggyback won't get M2 to 400whp even with STG1 turbo unless supported by meth, assuming 330-340 stock. From what I've seen, on good pump gas, at maximum DinanSTG4 + DP nets you 50whp.

The issue is in the M2 stock calibration which dumps too much fuel up top, trading power for a cooler in-cylinder temp so it can last WOT for a little longer. And piggyback can do very little about the AFR. There're many lesser N55s (even the PWGs), when flashed, making more power with less boost than M2 stock. The leaner AFR is one key to that. Among all N55s, the M235i works with Piggyback the best thanks to its good AFR setting from the factory. M235i is fact closer than M2 to obtaining 400whp from Dinan STG4 PKG.

It's a very old and nerdy topic (piggyback vs flash) so I'll stop there. As matter of a fact, piggyback solution is long gone. The only market for it should be the PI/WMI integration and/or very high boost (22+psi) applications.

@op

Is M2 N55 turbo upgrade worth it? No, the M2 N55 is a very low tuning value in the first place. I started a thread last year for it, go check out.
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1551866

However, if we don't look outside of N55 platform, the fact that downpipe adds 10~15whp for 500~1000 USD and intercooler/intakes zero, makes the turbo upgrade look not bad.

Going for 400+whp, bigger turbo is pretty much a requirement. And 450+whp is STG2 turbo territory. Between 400~450whp, there're various setups for different purposes. Below are a few setups I recommend with rough cost estimate.

~400whp: FBO + Flash + Good octane/Ethanol = 2k5 USD + Labor.
~420whp: FBO + STG1 turbo + Flash + Ethanol = 4k + Labor.
450+whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + HPFP+ Ethanol/Race Gas = 6~7k + Labor
500whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + Piggyback + WMI = 7k + Labor
500+whp: FBO + STG2 turbo + Flash + Piggyback +WMI + HPFP+LPFP + Ethanol/Race Gas = 9k + Labor

Apparently there's diminishing gains like every other platform going up on power, especially above 400whp. Worth it or not everyone has an angle of looking at it. To each its own.

Sean, any reason why you did not include wmi in the list at an earlier stage?

[SeanWRT]

Originally Posted by Louzy77

Sean, any reason why you did not include wmi in the list at an earlier stage?

Providing cooling, fueling and octane at the same time, WMI is so powerful that STG1 turbo quickly becomes bottleneck, so you end up installing turbo twice.

If you install WMI on stock turbo, better try ethanol and/or octane booster first as they work just as well if not better and they're free.

[PLF69]

Having been trough all this with my past 135i N54, Stage 2 Turbos, wmi etc etc. The more I think about it, ordering an M2cs or buying a used M2 Comp would almost make more sense in my track/wknd car ownership..

[GerardzM]

Originally Posted by PLF69

Having been trough all this with my past 135i N54, Stage 2 Turbos, wmi etc etc. The more I think about it, ordering an M2cs or buying a used M2 Comp would almost make more sense in my track/wknd car ownership..

If you haven't purchased an M2 yet....absolutely go for the 'C'.

Some of us can't justify the financial loss from trading in...but it is nice to see there are options to upgrade for us.

Just have to be willing to pay to play.