Tuning · BMW 335i (E90) (E90 / E92 / E93)
335i (E90)
N55
The LCI N55 in E90 saloon, E92 coupe and E93 convertible form, the analogue 3 series with the inline-six turbo. Hand-calibrated from Stage 1 through to hybrid and big-turbo builds.
Engine
N55
Stock
302 bhp · 400 Nm
Stage 3 ceiling
302 bhp
About this tune
The E90 / E92 / E93 335i (LCI N55 production, 2010-2013) is the analogue 3 Series with the N55 underneath, replacing the older N54 twin-turbo from the pre-LCI cars. Stock is 302 bhp / 400 Nm, sent through the ZF 6HP automatic or a 6-speed manual. Available as the E90 saloon, E92 coupe and E93 convertible. The last 3 Series before the F30 generation, and a hugely popular tuning platform precisely because of its analogue feel and N55 hardware ceiling.
BMW 335i (E90) tuning
If you want a turbocharged 3 Series from before the F30 era, this is it: the LCI E90 saloon, E92 coupe and E93 convertible of 2010-2013, the cars that replaced the pre-LCI's twin-turbo N54 with the single-turbo N55. Prices sit well below the newer generation, the driving experience is more analogue, and the tuning potential is identical — which explains the platform's enduring following.
All three bodies leave the factory with 302 bhp and 400 Nm, driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or the ZF six-speed automatic. Samuel's Stage 1 calibration lifts the E9x to 380 bhp and 500 Nm using only the standard hardware; Stage 2 then asks for a downpipe, an intake or panel filter and an intercooler in exchange for 420 bhp and 550 Nm.
Because the engine hardware matches the later F-chassis cars, the E9x's ceiling is the same 800 bhp on a full-frame turbo with port injection and supporting fuelling. Files are built to order and delivered remotely — MHD, bootmod3 or MG Flasher handle the flash over OBD, turnaround is under 24 hours, and reverting to BMW's original calibration takes one flash.
Configurator
Build your 335i (E90) tune
Choose your stage — Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3 — add the options that fit your car, and send the full build to Samuel for a custom remote remap. He'll quote, schedule, and personally calibrate within 24 hours of confirmation.
Add a stage or add-on
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Engine guide
BMW 335i E90 / E92 tuning, stages, hardware and what to expect from the N55
The E90 / E92 / E93 335i ran with two different engines depending on production year, the N54 twin-turbo (2006-2010) and the N55 single-turbo (2010-2013 LCI). This page covers the N55 LCI cars specifically. From the factory, BMW set the E9x 335i N55 at 302 bhp / 400 Nm; the hardware ceiling sits considerably higher and is shared across every N55 chassis. BMW 335i E90 tuning with Samuel (and BMW 335i E92 tuning for the coupe / BMW 335i E93 tuning for the convertible) applies the same Stage 1 / Stage 2 / Stage 2+ map family used on the F30 335i, 435i and 535i.
Stage 1
380 bhp · 500 Nm
No hardware required. The MEVD17 DME is flashed via the OBD port. BMW 335i E90 / E92 N55 Stage 1 unlocks 380 bhp and 500 Nm from the OEM hardware (up from 302 / 400 stock). The BMW 335i E92 chip tuning starting point for almost every LCI N55 owner.
Every E9x 335i N55 tune Samuel produces is calibrated individually for the specific car, fuel grade and installed hardware, not a base map loaded and left. BMW 335i E92 tuning done correctly accounts for the E9x chassis behaviour, the ZF 6HP automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox calibration, and UK fuel quality; the map is reviewed against your data logs after the first flash and revised before sign-off.
Compatibility
Platform and hardware compatibility
Bootmod3 (BM3)
Full N55 support across every chassis in the family (M135i, M235i, 335i, 435i, 535i, 135i, X3 / Z4 35i, M2 N55). MEVD17 DME OBD flashing, realtime monitoring via the BM3 app. One of the most mature N55 tuning platforms.
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MHD
Full N55 support, historically the dominant platform on the N55 before BM3 caught up. Suitable for Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 2+. Excellent data-logging toolset.
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MG Flasher
Full N55 support. Clean interface and reliable flash process on the MEVD17 DME. A common alternative to BM3 / MHD for owners who prefer the MG ecosystem.
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xHP Flashtool
Compatible with the ZF 8HP gearbox fitted to F-series N55 cars (M135i, M235i, 335i F30, 435i, 535i, X3 35i F25). Strongly recommended at Stage 2 and above. E-series N55 cars (135i E82, 335i E90 / E92 / E93, Z4 35i E89) use the ZF 6HP automatic or a 6-speed manual, xHP does not cover those gearboxes in the same way.
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ECU: MEVD17.2 DME across most N55 production. Accessible via OBD port for Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 2+; bench-flash only required for some Stage 3 hybrid setups.
335i (E90) specs & stage targets
BMW 335i (E90) tuning at a glance
- Engine
- N55
- Body styles
- E90 Saloon · E92 Coupe · E93 Convertible
- Chassis codes
- E90 / E92 / E93
- Production
- 2005–2011
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Stock output
- 302 bhp · 400 Nm
- Tuning ceiling
- ~800 bhp on the right hardware
| Stage | Target |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 380 bhp · 500 Nm |
| Stage 2 | 420 bhp · 550 Nm |
| Stage 2+ | 440 bhp · 600 Nm |
| Stage 3, Hybrid Turbo | Up to 800 bhp depending on spec |
| Stage 3, Big Turbo Kit | Up to 800 bhp depending on spec |
FAQ
335i (E90) tuning — frequently asked questions
Production is the giveaway: LCI cars built from around 2010 to 2013 carry the single-turbo N55 this page covers, while earlier pre-LCI examples run the twin-turbo N54, a different tuning platform. If the build date sits near the changeover, check the engine code before ordering — or send Samuel the car's details and he will confirm which family it belongs to.
The jump is from 302 bhp and 400 Nm to 380 bhp and 500 Nm, on wholly standard hardware. Because the E9x is lighter and more analogue than the F30 that replaced it, the same figures feel more vivid from the driver's seat. The flash is done at home over OBD and takes minutes rather than a workshop day.
A sensible precaution on any car of this age. Prioritise ignition components, the health of the high-pressure fuel pump and a scan for stored codes, and consider walnut blasting the intake ports — carbon build-up is normal on direct-injection engines from this period. None of it is a barrier to tuning; it simply ensures the calibration works with an engine at its best.
Yes — the 6-speed manual and the six-speed automatic both support the full Stage 1 and Stage 2 programme at identical power targets. The calibration is prepared for the specific transmission you declare, so torque delivery behaves properly for your drivetrain. Neither gearbox restricts the tune at these stages.
Around 800 bhp, the same ceiling as every N55. The route runs through Stage 2+ fuelling, then a hybrid turbo, then a full-frame kit with port injection and an uprated low-pressure pump. Plenty of owners choose the E92 specifically for this journey — the older body is the cheapest way into a very serious N55 project.
Keep exploring
Keep exploring 335i (E90) tuning
Other N55 models we tune: M2 (N55), M235i, M135i, 135i, 335i, 435i.
Engine guide
N55 tuning
Every N55 BMW we calibrate, with the full Stage 1, 2 and 3 breakdown for the engine.
Learn moreStages
Stage 1 & Stage 2 explained
What separates Stage 1 from Stage 2 on the 335i (E90), the real-world gains and the hardware each one needs.
Learn morePricing
How tuning is priced
How the licence, off-the-shelf maps and custom calibration are priced. We quote your exact spec, never a fixed menu.
Learn moreGuide
What is bootmod3?
New to remote flashing? A plain-English explainer on the platform and how a custom map reaches your car.
Learn more