Introduction
The B48 four-cylinder engine (found in 118i, 120i, 125i, 320i, 330i, 430i, Mini Cooper S, Toyota Supra 2.0 and more) is a very tunable and efficient turbo engine. With simple upgrades it can achieve big gains while remaining economical and reliable.
Stage 1 Upgrades (230–270+ bhp)
Great for daily drivers who want more power without heavy mods.
Typical Stage 1 mods:
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Performance air intake
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High-flow panel filter
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Charge pipe upgrade
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Catback exhaust (optional)
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ECU tune (BM3 / MHD / Ecutek)
Benefits:
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Stronger throttle response
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Better turbo spool
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Safe, reliable power increase
Not sure which parts you need?
Message us with your registration number, power goal and budget and we’ll spec the right setup for you.
Stage 2 Upgrades (270–320+ bhp)
Stage 2 focuses on improving airflow and turbo efficiency on the stock turbo.
Typical Stage 2 mods:
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Sports cat or decat downpipe
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Front mount intercooler upgrade
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Boost pipe upgrade
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Intake upgrade
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ECU tune (Stage 2)
Benefits:
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Higher torque
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Better top-end power
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Strong, smooth daily-drivable power
Not sure if Stage 2 is right for your setup?
Message us with your registration number, current mods and power goal and we’ll advise the best next step.
Hybrid Turbo / Stage 3 (350–420+ bhp)
For owners who want serious performance.
Typical Stage 3 mods:
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Hybrid turbo
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Upgraded HPFP
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Larger intercooler
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Full supporting mods
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Custom tune
Expected power: 350–420bhp depending on turbo and fuel.
Hybrid and big-power setups vary from car to car.
Message us with your registration number, turbo choice and power goal for a tailored recommendation.
Recommended Brands
We supply premium hardware for B48 builds:
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VRSF
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MST
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RDM Performance Turbos
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Torefi Sports
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Forge Motorsport
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NGK
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Torefi Coils
Expected Gains
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Stage 1: +30–50bhp
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Stage 2: +50–80bhp
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Hybrids: +100–150bhp
Why Choose RDM Performance?
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Specialists in BMW tuning platforms including N54, N55, B58, S55, S58, B48 and more
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Fast UK delivery with reliable shipping and real-time order updates
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Carefully selected brands that we trust and use on our own vehicles
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Clear, honest advice — no upselling, no pressure
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Proven power upgrade paths with safe, reliable recommendations
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Excellent customer support through Instagram, WhatsApp and email
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UK-based business focused on quality, value and customer satisfaction
Disclaimer:
All performance figures are estimates and will vary depending on vehicle condition, supporting modifications, fuel quality, tuning software and installation quality. Some upgrades, such as decat downpipes, are not road legal in the UK and are intended for off-road or track use only.RDM Performance uk ltd is not responsible for any mechanical issues that arise from improper installation, aggressive tuning or pre-existing vehicle faults.For best results, always use a reputable tuner and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained.
