HOW TO GIVE YOUR BMW N63TU3 700AWHP!

In this article we show you the real-world power and performance available from the potent N63TU3 engine!  The N63TU3 is the latest version of BMW's 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo N63, bigger turbos, better fueling, forged rods, and a revised turbo inlet and intake system are the most notable improvements.

WHICH BMW's HAVE THE N63TU3?

Our N63TU3 came in the form of a 2019 M850i equipped standard with BMW's AWD xDrive system.  All of the testing performed in this article was done with this vehicle.  If you have any of the BMW's listed below, consider yourself lucky enough to have the best version of the N63 to date!

2020–2023: G30/G31 M550i xDrive
2018+: G14/G15/G16 M850i xDrive
2019–2022: G11/G12 750i/750Li sDrive/xDrive
2020–2022: G07 X7 M50i
2021+: G14/G15/G16 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe

STOCK DYNO RESULTS

BMW claims its N63TU3 makes 523hp and 553tq at the crank in stock form. Based on these numbers and about a 20% drivetrain loss due to the AWD xDrive system we would expect the N63TU3 to make around 420awhp and 450awtq.  However, we've been around this block many times before where tested power is higher than claimed power, so we weren't too surprised when we saw our M850i put down 480awhp and 566awtq in stock form, making crank numbers closer to 575hp and 680tq.

STOCK PERFORMANCE TESTING

Despite having a curb weight of 4,478lbs, the M850i is no slouch as-is from the factory, completing the 1/4 mile in 11.45 sec @ 119mph.  If you want to shave off about 100lbs, the M550i weighs in at only 4,372lbs and is the lightest of the BMW's sporting the N63TU3.  The M850i was able to gap 60-130mph in 10.2  seconds. 

1/4 Mile: 11.45 sec @ 119mph
60-130mph: 10.2 sec

BMW engineered the N63TU3 to handle much more power than it comes with from the factory and to unlock that power we need updated software.  Software is just as critical in the N63TU3 as it is in most other turbocharged BMW engines.  We used Bootmod3 to unlock this power, as they offered several calibrations.  The ones we were most interested in were the Stage 1 93 octane to get an idea of what power the M850i could make without any hardware upgrades, and the Stage 2 E30 file which requires high-flow downpipes.  



But first, we had a little problem that many newer-model BMW owners have.  The DME was locked from the factory so we had to unlock the DME using the same unlocking process we offer to all of our customers.  With the DME on our M850i unlocked and the Stage 1 tune file flashed we were off to the dyno to see what it could make.

STAGE 1 DYNO

All dyno runs were performed in 4th gear.  On the Bootmod3 Stage 1 93 octane software, our N63TU3 was able to put down an impressive 574awhp and 650awtq, 94awhp and 84awtq gains over stock.  

STAGE 2 E30 DYNO

1. ARM N63TU3 Downpipes
2. ARM N63TU3 Intakes
3. ARM N63TU3 Charge Pipes

After installing our hardware upgrades and flashing the Bootmod3 Stage 2 E30 tune file, our M850i put down a massive 695awhp and 723awtq, that's a huge 121awhp and 73awtq over the Stage 1 tune!  Surprisingly, the largest area of improvement is at redline, which is exactly where we want to see peak hp gains.  

As you can see in the dyno graph below, the largest gains over the stage 1 tune are around 5,700rpm where the stage 1 tune dipped.  

Summary of Gains Across Stages

• Stock to Stage 1:
  • +94awhp (19.6% increase)
  • +84awtq (14.8% increase)
    
    
• Stage 1 to Stage 2 E30:
  • +121awhp (21.1% increase)
  • +73awtq (11.2% increase)
    
    
• Stock to Stage 2 E30:
  • +215awhp (45% increase)
  • +157awtq (28% increase)

These improvements show the power potential of the N63TU3 when upgraded with the right tuning and hardware upgrades. Each stage adds substantial power and torque over the one below it.  

STAGE 2 E30 PERFORMANCE TESTING

With the Stage 2 E30 tune we were able to make a 1/4 mile pass in 10.87 seconds @ 128mph.  While it is impressive to shave almost .6 seconds off, what's really impressive is the trap speed increased by almost 10mph!  This top end power is reflected in the 60-130mph time of only 7.55 seconds, almost 3 full seconds faster than the stock numbers.  

1/4 Mile: 10.87 sec @ 128mph
60-130mph: 7.55 sec

The BMW N63TU3 is a wolf in sheep's clothing, with the potential to unlock massive amounts of power with the right upgrades. From our testing, it’s clear that the combination of hardware upgrades and tuning can significantly transform the N63TU3 into a real beast that can be daily driven. With the ARM Downpipes, Intakes, and Charge Pipes installed, coupled with the Stage 2 E30 tune, this engine shows just how much potential BMW has packed into this V8 twin-turbo platform.

If you're looking to take your BMW to the next level, don't hesitate to reach out to us at ARM Motorsports. From hardware upgrades to expert advice, we've got what you need to unlock the full potential of your BMW!  For a list of upgrades for the N63TU3 >CLICK HERE<.