ESS Tune for 128i

[tuphdc]

Does anyone have any info on ESS Tuning? I shot them an email asking about an N52 tune for the 128i and they replied:

Hi,

Yes, we do. We also have a brand new SC system in development for this car.

Regards,

Asbjorn Bohn
ESS Performance Products USA Inc.

[ChrisCote]

an n52 will blow with forced induction. It simply is not designed to handle the heat.

[631twentyeighteye]

I won't let them use my car for testing, but if it holds up on somebody else's motor i'd be interested. haha.

[kobeballer96]

this community is so scared, whats wrong with the bmw community. seems like lots of ppl are all show no go. if i could let them do testing on my car i would

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by kobeballer96

this community is so scared, whats wrong with the bmw community. seems like lots of ppl are all show no go. if i could let them do testing on my car i would

Many of us are long time BMW owners. We know how difficult it is for the aftermarket to truly make a product that is actually a performance upgrade with stock reliability and daily drivability. This isn't a Corvette where you can just slap on an intake, exhaust, and tune and expect 50hp without detriment. Companies like HPF and Gintani have made a living on destroying these cars and scamming their test subjects.

Upside of being a tester:
-Discount on product

Downside of being a tester:
-$10,000+ for engine failure(effectively totalling the car)
-Long period of time without the car
-Experimental kit without long term reliability testing
-Experimental kit fit and finish(poor)

If you want to own your car for a long time and have it be reliable, you need to be conservative in your modding. By the very nature of the car, 128i owners are looking for something more than just power power power above all other priorities. Otherwise they would own a 135i.

[mike@x-ph.com]

ESS is a very reputable company. Wait until they release the product,check reviews on it and get it

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

ESS is a very reputable company. Wait until they release the product,check reviews on it and get it

They are fairly reputable. They have had a few stumbles here and there but are pretty sound as a company.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

By the very nature of the car, 128i owners are looking for something more than just power power power above all other priorities. Otherwise they would own a 135i.

THANK YOU! The 128i is such a great car, but not because it is the fastest thing out there in the 1/4 mile. If that's your thing, fine, but there are way better platforms to be playing with than the E82 N52.

That said, I welcome the possibility of a reliable SC kit for our cars. I sure as hell won't be an early adopter for one, but if a reputable vendor could prove to me that they figured it out and the engine could handle it, I might be interested one day. I don't believe in the blind pursuit of power above all else, but if it can be done safely, reliably, and relatively affordably, well, you have my interest. So far, the only mod that fits the bill is the DISA manifold + tune. And to be honest, 260+ HP is pretty good for this platform IMO. There are lots of proven suspension mods that transform this car; add the DISA manifold (& maybe an LSD with a more aggressive final drive) & you have a pretty sweet modern car that retains traditional BMW values.

[NorthernDancer]

"Many of us are long time BMW owners" etc - well said The ST/G

[Downeaster1]

As long as the boost isn't crazy, there is no reason why the motor wouldn't take a S/C. Granted, you are bound to get that one guy who tests the limits who will end up blowing it up...but hey...live and learn.