Page 1 of 1
M54 with m50 manifold
Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2024 10:47 am
by Sidewaysbmw389
Building a m54b30 to go into my e30 .reading up a good mod is the m50 manifold .if i use the manifold can i use the m50 /52 fuel rail with the fuel pressure regulator on it and can I use the cable operated throttle body ? I no i will have to get the electronic throttle pedal coded out but is the rest ok . Thanks
Re: M54 with m50 manifold
Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2024 11:53 am
by flybynite
2.5 manifold is a good mod for the M50/52 as the 2.8 is a higher revving engine. M54B30 does not like to rev that high and adding that M50 manifold gets rid of its best attribute which is low down torque compared to the standard DISA manifold.
IMHO You are better off leaving it as designed with dual vanos and DISA, Get an updated aftermarket DISA flap that does not break, renew the PCV and run it on MS43.
This is what I am planning and that is coming from a good few years driving my 330i

Re: M54 with m50 manifold
Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2024 7:59 am
by DanThe
All the M50 intake does is give it a bit of top end power, there are far more downsides as explained above
Race car yes
Road car no
Re: M54 with m50 manifold
Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2024 4:06 pm
by Sidewaysbmw389
Car is used for track days etc so lives in the top of the rev range most of the time .i read that there is a slight loss of low down torque but I’m ok with that if it helps with the fuel pressure reg plumbing and not having to use a electrical throttle pedal .
Re: M54 with m50 manifold
Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2024 4:37 pm
by flybynite
Sidewaysbmw389 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 01, 2024 4:06 pm
Car is used for track days etc so lives in the top of the rev range most of the time .i read that there is a slight loss of low down torque but I’m ok with that if it helps with the fuel pressure reg plumbing and not having to use a electrical throttle pedal .
Well if it lives at the top of the rev range, I'm afraid you've picked the wrong engine. The crank in the M54B30 gets a whip on at high revs and often does not last long. Just ask the guys that used to race E46. Best pick an engine that is made for it M54B30 is made for low down torque, M54B25 or M50/52B28 are better if you can't stretch to an S engine
Sidewaysbmw389 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 01, 2024 4:06 pm
.i read that there is a slight loss of low down torque but I’m ok with that
It is a slight loss on the M50/52 but on the M54 it is significant compared to standard inlet manifold