98–00 E46/Z3/E39/E38 M52TU MS42 CUSTOM N/A TUNE (S1/S2/S3)

BMW E46 323i/328i, E39 523i/528i, E38 728i, and Z3 2.3/2.8 (1998–2000) custom MS42 ECU tuning for the M52TU by Poverty Built. Stage 1 (OEM+), Stage 2 (headers & intake), and Stage 3 (M50 manifold/advanced bolt‑ons) deliver OEM‑smooth drivability, sharper throttle response, and conservative, data‑driven gains on naturally aspirated setups.

Fits:

• 1998–2000 E46 323i / 323Ci / 328i / 328Ci — M52TU, MS42

• 1998–2000 E39 523i / 528i — M52TU, MS42

• 1998–2000 E36/7 Z3 2.3 / 2.8 — M52TU, MS42

• 1998–2000 E38 728i — M52TU, MS42

What Poverty Built does for this platform: Poverty Built focuses on smooth drivability and real, conservative gains. For MS42 + M52TU we calibrate:

• Throttle mapping (drive‑by‑wire) for sharper but controllable response

• Fueling (lambda targets) and ignition timing across part‑ and full‑load maps

• VANOS set‑points for intake cam advance vs. RPM/load

• Air/load model, torque arbitration, and DISA‑aware torque shaping

• Idle control, fan temperature targets, rev limiter, and optional Vmax (top‑speed limiter)

• MAF/injector characterization when hardware changes warrant it

• Diagnostics alignment so plausibility checks match your hardware

STAGES, GAINS & PRICING

(Gains depend on health, fuel, altitude, hardware; we quote conservative deltas.)

STAGE 1 — OEM+ Performance (Stock Hardware)

• Gains: ~+10–15 hp / +10–15 lb‑ft (crank)

• Price: $180

• Hardware: 100% stock is fine; healthy sensors; no vacuum leaks; fresh filters/plugs.

• What we change: Throttle mapping, fueling/timing, VANOS set‑points, air/load model touch‑ups, rev limiter & Vmax (optional), fan/idle refinement. EWS alignment/delete on request.

• Use: Street. Emissions systems remain active.

STAGE 2 — Headers & Intake Optimized

• Gains: ~+15–25 hp / +15–25 lb‑ft (with intake and catless headers/expanded exhaust)

• Price: $220

• Hardware: Intake and exhaust upgrades; catless headers for off‑road use; tight vacuum/charge system.

• What we change: All S1 items plus airflow model updates for headers/intake, optimized VANOS and throttle maps for top‑end, and WOT fueling/timing tailored to your hardware. Rear O2/SAP handling for off‑road only.

• Use: Street (with emissions present) or off‑road when components are removed.

STAGE 3 — M50 Manifold / Advanced Bolt‑Ons (Custom)

• Gains: Hardware‑dependent; commonly +25–35 hp / +20–30 lb‑ft with M50 manifold + headers + free‑flow exhaust, more with mild cams

• Price: $280

• Hardware: M50 manifold, performance headers*, freer exhaust; mild cams optional; strong cooling/maintenance.

• What we change: Full custom high‑load fueling/timing, VANOS advance/retard per cam profile, DISA/manifold‑specific torque modeling, idle stabilization for aggressive hardware, rev limit/Vmax, and diagnostics aligned to modifications.

• Use: Street (with emissions present) or off‑road when components are removed.

* Observe local laws when changing catalytic converters or installing headers.

WHAT YOU GET

• OEM manners, quicker response, stronger midrange without weird surging

• VANOS‑aware tuning for a broad, usable torque curve

• Revisions until it’s dialed (we’ll specify the minimal data to capture)

RECOMMENDED SUPPORTING MODS

• Stage 1: Fresh filters/plugs, tight vacuum system, healthy O2s/MAF, quality fuel

• Stage 2: Intake and freer exhaust, catless headers (off‑road), strong cooling

• Stage 3: M50 manifold + headers, high‑flow exhaust, optional mild cams, upgraded cooling; wideband recommended for data

HOW ORDERING WORKS

1. Choose S1 / S2 / S3 and list your hardware in order notes.

2. Provide your MS42 read.

3. Flash with your preferred tool (simple step‑through available).

4. Send logs → we iterate to finalize.

LEGAL & OFF‑ROAD USE

Any calibration that affects emissions equipment (e.g., secondary air injection, catalytic monitor readiness, rear O2 reporting) is for closed‑course competition/off‑road use only. You are responsible for knowing and following local laws.

POVERTY BUILT DISCLAIMER

By purchasing this product, you agree that Poverty Built LLC is not liable for any damages including, but not limited to: engine failure, drivetrain damage, emissions violations, incomplete tuning results, or any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from tuning services. All tuning is intended for off-road or motorsport use only and is not certified for use on public highways or as a method of emissions defeat. You also agree to our posted refund policy, and acknowledge that tuning results may vary depending on vehicle condition, modifications, and installation quality. It is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and properly maintained before and after any tuning service.