The Most Desirable BMW Engine Right Now? A Comprehensive Guide to Tuning Your BMW S58 Engine

The Most Desirable BMW Engine Right Now? A Comprehensive Guide to Tuning Your BMW S58 Engine

The S58 Engine, what makes it special?

The S58 engine is a high-performance turbocharged inline-six engine produced by BMW. It is part of BMW's "S" engine family, which includes some of the company's most powerful and advanced engines. The S58 engine is based on the B58 engine, but it has been extensively upgraded and modified to deliver even higher levels of performance.


The S58 engine is currently used in several high-performance BMW models, including the BMW M3 and M4. It features a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing, which helps to optimize power delivery and efficiency. The engine produces up to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in its highest state of tune, making it one of the most powerful production six-cylinder engines available.


In addition to its impressive performance figures, the S58 engine is known for its smooth power delivery, excellent throttle response, and refined character. It is also relatively fuel-efficient compared to other engines in its class, thanks to its advanced technology and efficient design. Overall, the S58 engine is a highly capable and impressive powerplant that delivers world-class performance and driving dynamics.

Which Cars Have The S58 Engine?

Currently, the BMW S58 engine is used in several high-performance BMW models, including:


  1. BMW M3 (G80/G81): The S58 engine is the standard powerplant in the new BMW M3 sedan/touring. It is one of the most powerful six-cylinder engines ever produced by BMW.

  2. BMW M4 (G82/G83): The S58 engine is also the standard powerplant in the new BMW M4 coupe and convertible. It delivers the same power and torque figures as the M3 sedan in the regular and Competition trims. 

  3. BMW X3 M (F97): The S58 engine is used in the BMW X3 M compact crossover SUV.

  4. BMW X4 M (F98): The S58 engine is also used in the BMW X4 M compact crossover SUV. It delivers the same power and torque figures as the X3 M.

All of these models are high-performance vehicles that feature advanced technology, impressive driving dynamics, and luxurious amenities. The S58 engine is a key component of their performance capabilities and is highly regarded for its smooth power delivery, quick throttle response, and impressive power and torque output.

The incredible Sound From the BMW S58 Engine

How To Tune The S58 Engine?

Tuning the BMW S58 engine is similar to tuning other modern engines, and there are several approaches that can be taken depending on your goals and budget. Here are some common methods:


  1. ECU tuning: The most common approach to tuning the S58 engine is to adjust the engine control unit (ECU) software. This can be done by flashing the ECU with a new map that changes the fuel injection, ignition timing, and other parameters. This approach is popular because it's relatively affordable and can provide significant performance gains. It is usually called a Stage 1 ECU tune, which results in more power, while mainly using stock engine and exhaust parts.

  2. Performance exhaust system: Upgrading the exhaust system can help increase the power output of the S58 engine. A high-performance exhaust system can reduce exhaust back pressure and improve exhaust flow, resulting in better power and torque delivery. Downpipes with a less restrictive Catalytic Converter or full catless Downpipes will result in a quicker spooling turbo, faster throttle response and more power and torque.

  3. Performance air intake: Another way to increase the engine's power output is to install a high-performance air intake system. This can improve airflow to the engine and increase the amount of oxygen available for combustion, resulting in improved performance.

  4. Upgraded intercooler: The intercooler is responsible for cooling the intake air charge before it enters the engine. An upgraded intercooler can provide better cooling, which can improve engine performance and reliability.

  5. Upgraded turbochargers: If you want to maximize the power potential of the S58 engine, upgrading the turbochargers is an effective option. This can increase the amount of air that is forced into the engine, resulting in more power and torque. However, even with the stock turbos, tuners have already managed to reach 800+ horsepower. With upgraded turbos, the 900-1000 horsepower is reachable. 

It's important to note that some of these modifications may require additional supporting modifications, such as upgraded fuel injectors, a stronger clutch, or a more robust cooling system, to ensure reliability and optimal performance. Working with a reputable tuner or performance shop can help ensure that you get the best results from your S58 engine tuning efforts.

Bmw g81 m3 touring

BMW S58 Downpipe Upgrade

Choosing a downpipe for the BMW S58 engine can provide several benefits:

  1. Improved Exhaust Flow: A downpipe can improve exhaust flow by increasing the diameter and reducing restrictions in the exhaust system. This can help the engine breathe better, allowing for improved horsepower and torque.

  2. Increased Power: By improving exhaust flow, a downpipe can increase power output in the S58 engine. This can lead to a more responsive and exciting driving experience.

  3. Aggressive Exhaust Note: A downpipe can also change the exhaust note of the S58 engine, making it louder and more aggressive. This can provide a sportier sound and enhance the driving experience.

  4. Supporting Modifications: A downpipe can also be a supporting modification to other performance upgrades such as a turbo upgrade, intercooler upgrade, and ECU tune.

A downpipe is a popular and effective modification for the S58 engine. It can provide improved performance and a more aggressive exhaust note, making it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their BMW S58 engine.


We recommend to go for a 200 Cell or 300 Cell High Flow Catalytic Converter to remain street legal (always check with your local authorities) and with a Catless Downpipe if you wish to track your car only.

G80 m3

BMW S58 Cold air Intake Upgrade

Upgrading the air intake system on your S58 engine with a cold air intake is a popular modification that can improve engine performance by increasing airflow and reducing intake air temperatures. A cold air intake system is designed to draw cooler, denser air into the engine, which can help to improve throttle response, increase horsepower and torque output, and produce a more aggressive engine sound.

A cold air intake typically replaces the factory air intake system, including the air filter, airbox, and intake tube, with a high-performance system that is designed to improve airflow and reduce restrictions. Cold air intake systems are usually made from high-quality materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum, which can help to reduce weight and improve the appearance of the engine bay.

There are several benefits to installing a cold air intake on your S58 engine:


  1. Improved airflow: A cold air intake can increase the amount of air that enters the engine, which can improve performance by increasing horsepower and torque output.

  2. Reduced intake air temperatures: A cold air intake can draw cooler, denser air into the engine, which can help to reduce intake air temperatures and improve engine performance.

  3. Enhanced engine sound: A cold air intake can produce a more aggressive engine sound, which can enhance the driving experience.

  4. Easy installation: A cold air intake is a relatively easy modification to install, and can usually be done with basic hand tools in just a few hours.

When choosing a cold air intake for your S58 engine, be sure to select a high-quality system that is designed specifically for your vehicle. Some popular brands of cold air intake systems for the S58 engine include Eventuri. It is also important to ensure that the cold air intake you choose is compatible with any other modifications you have made to your engine, and that it is tuned properly to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

BMW S58 G8X Exhaust Upgrade

Upgrading the exhaust system on your BMW G80 M3 with an aftermarket exhaust can improve engine performance and produce a more aggressive exhaust note. The G80 M3 already comes equipped with a performance exhaust system from the factory, but upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust can further improve exhaust flow, reduce backpressure, and increase power output.

There are several benefits to upgrading the exhaust system on your G80 M3:


  1. Improved engine performance: Upgrading the exhaust system can increase horsepower and torque output by reducing backpressure and improving exhaust flow.

  2. Aggressive exhaust note: An aftermarket exhaust system can produce a more aggressive exhaust note, which can enhance the driving experience and make the car sound more sporty.

  3. Reduced weight: Aftermarket exhaust systems are often lighter than the factory exhaust system, which can help to reduce the overall weight of the car and improve performance.

  4. Enhanced appearance: An aftermarket exhaust system can improve the appearance of the car by giving it a more sporty and aggressive look.

When choosing an exhaust system for your G80 M3, you have several options to consider, including:


  1. Cat-back exhaust system: This type of exhaust system replaces the factory exhaust system from the catalytic converter back to the rear of the car. A cat-back exhaust system is usually the easiest to install and can provide a noticeable increase in power and a more aggressive exhaust note.

  2. Axle-back exhaust system: An axle-back exhaust system replaces only the mufflers and tips at the rear of the car. This type of exhaust system is less expensive than a cat-back system but provides less of a performance gain.

  3. Downpipe: A downpipe replaces the factory catalytic converter and can improve exhaust flow, increase horsepower and torque output, and produce a more aggressive exhaust note.

Some popular aftermarket exhaust brands for the G80 M3 include Akrapovic, Armytrix, Milltek, DCE Parts, and Remus. Be sure to choose an exhaust system that is compatible with your vehicle and any other modifications you have made to the car. It is also important to ensure that the exhaust system is properly tuned to maximize performance and reliability. Please note that removing the OPF on cars with OEM OPF exhausts will require software enhancements or emulators and is usually not road-legal.

Why Is The BMW S58 So Good For Tuning?

The S58 engine is a highly capable engine for tuning due to several reasons:


  1. Strong foundation: The S58 engine is based on the B58 engine, which is known for its strength and durability. The S58 engine features several enhancements over the B58 engine, including a reinforced crankshaft, larger turbochargers, and upgraded cooling and lubrication systems, making it even more capable of handling high levels of power.

  2. Easy to modify: The S58 engine is relatively easy to modify compared to other high-performance engines. Many modifications can be done without the need for major engine modifications, such as swapping out the air intake or exhaust systems, which can yield significant power gains.

  3. Tuning support: There is a large aftermarket tuning community that supports the S58 engine, with many reputable companies offering tuning solutions that can increase power output while maintaining reliability. This includes ECU tuning, piggyback modules, and standalone engine management systems.

Overall, the S58 engine is a highly capable engine that is well-suited for tuning. With its strong foundation, advanced technology, ease of modification, and tuning support, it is possible to achieve significant power gains while maintaining reliability. However, it is important to note that any modifications should be done carefully and with the help of a professional to ensure that the engine is properly tuned and reliable.


Feel free to contact us for more information for improving your BMW S58 Engine.

BMW S58 engine eventuri
BMW g80 m3