To the AA guys, the best way to spice up the 330iA was, naturally, to give it more power-albeit in an unnatural way.

But that's exactly what Active Autowerke in Miami has done with the very nearly perfect 3-series-in this case, a 2002 330i model with a five-speed automatic (the kit is available for any E36 or E46 3-series with a manual or automatic transmission). Messing with perfection is always a risky proposition. That is, after all, why we call them 'benchmarks.' We've awarded the sporty Bavarian cars enough 10Best trophies to bow a 10-inch-thick oak mantel and likely enough comparison-test victories to swell the engineers' heads to the size of beach balls. So to the OP, I would agree with Gizmo, if you can afford the supercharger, I would consider rather changing your car to something you might be happier with in order to solve the crave for power, be it an X35 or golf gti or focus.Our affection for the BMW 3-series is no secret. Only the normal services and wear and tear. My bro has a stock x35, a complete 2006 Virgin of which the engine bay looks like it just rolled off the floor yesterday, and he barely spent money on keeping her in that condition. I go on and on about these things, but you get the idea. That is fact when modding any platform or any car. You modding the car, sp you opening yourself up to whole new level os possible expenditure IF something goes wrong. Click to expand.I think the stigma that some attach to owning an X35 engine is completely wrong.ġ.) Most of the recalls for the cars such as hpfp and injectors are carried out during its first 5 years so that's takes csr of that.Ģ.) The waterpump story, is an e90 problem, same as the e46 has its very weak cooling system as well.ģ.) If you buy a car, any car that is, do you homework and check the history to get an idea of what maintenance work was carried out and still needs to be carried out on it so you know what cost are still going to be incurred.Ĥ) Most the x35 running around are modded, and again as with any car, when you mod it, you pushing the boundaries and weak components that were already on the car, ie, the charge pipe of X35 fail even under stock boost, will need to be replaced before they pop.

E46 330i supercharger