Q: I have a stock 97 BMW 328is w/ standard transmission, that I am wanting to make faster. My fiance has a 400+ hp Trans Am, and I want to hang with him in my car. Is this possible with a Turbo? How much horsepower will a turbo give my car? This is what I'm thinking of: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Universal-Turbo-Kit-BMW-E30-E36-E46-E39-328i-325i-330i_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33742QQihZ025QQitemZ380050113140QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW Plus a turbo manifold. Is there anything else I can add to this car? (never had a foriegn car before, just used to Chevy LOL) Oh, and does anyone know the stock hp for this model? Thanks for any help! Nope, not rich, just trying to avoid selling the car. I really like it, its nice and will be good to have when I have kids in a couple years but I want speed now! I used to have a Chevy 1/2 ton with a 300+ hp 350V8 and now I'm driving a car! I just want my fiance's car! I got the car cheap, kbb value at $8000 give or take $500, and bought it for $5000. Ok, rgh & insomniac: Can you both provide me with a website or email me privately telling me all about your preferred part? And why I should get that one versus the other? You both have good comments but they are contradicting, so I'm lost. But don't get carried away arguing on YA, just so we don't get into trouble. Thanks again! :-)
A: The '97 328is has about 190bhp stock. If you want big power...the turbo is your best bet. It should bump you up to about 300 to 400 hp (which is plenty to keep up with a Trans Am since your car is much lighter). Also, unlike a supercharger, a turbo is only on when you want it to be, so it wont tear up your engine. However, because of this, you will have a bit of a lag with a single turbo...if you want to get rid of the lag, you'll have to go with a twin turbo, which will only cost a little bit more. As for your car in the long run...KEEP IT! BMW makes some of the most reliable cars out there, along with Toyota and Honda, but the beemers have much more style. I'm currently throwing a twin turbo in my 1988 325is with absolutely no hesitation at all because these cars run forever. I've had plenty of E30's that have gone to 300,000 and 400,000 miles. Sorry, I got a little carried away...I'm a BMW fanatic :)