[Shayaan]

Guys please help me in choosing the best n52b30 for my e90.Heard there are lots of varients from 215-272hp.Can anyone let me know how to identify higher or highest output versions like exact engine codes etc.
Secondly what's the difference between the n52s with black covers and ones with silver covers,which ones are better?
And the setups with msv70 or msv80s which ones are usually higher output varients?

[chris55552]

I cant answer all of that so Ill share with you what I do know....First off you cant go wrong with any N52 every single variant is just a wonderful engine in my opinion. My understanding is the first variant with the silver cover is the best because the valve cover is metal or magnesium vs the black being plastic. The silver version that went into the 330i has the best of all worlds, high output version with metal valve cover. But keep in mind even if you ended up with the silver version with 215 hp, you can convert it to high output by swapping the intake manifold from the single which came on the 325i, to the 3 stage intake on the high output version that came on the 330i, the e83 x3 3.0si, the z4, 5 series of that time and I think a few other models that got it. I have a n52k that came in the 328i and I added the 3 stage intake manifold that bumped it up from 230 to 255 I think, now you might not think thats a big deal but trust me when I say it is, its not just about the extra hp but the low end power it adds and just over all wakes it up and makes it run like a top. I literally dont even use the radio because I enjoy hearing the n52 sing that velvety deep inline 6 tone that is just so satisfying to me. There is a video on youtube by bmwdoctor that explains the variants pretty well I would check out, hes more knowledgable than I am.