N52 ESS supercharger kit

[MarkkyyMan]

This all reminds me of a local kid who was pushing 5xxhp in a 3V Mustang GT with a single turbo (Stock rotating assembly). After about 6/8 months he put a rod through the oil pan while doing a highway pull.

[topaz557]

Does anyone know if it was the 40bwhp or the 60bwhp kit that is having issues or both? I'm assuming its the 60..

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Good post, all reasonable points.

I'm not suggesting a swap, realistically. I'm suggesting ditching an N52 powered car if you want to boost a BMW and make power that is worthwhile. Totally agree it's a terrible value proposition no matter how you slice it - but aren't all big power builds?

Here's my point

This is a block meant to see boost

This is a rod meant to see boost



The 52 is simply not built for it. Will it wilt at 5 PSI? I have no idea, probably not. But why risk it for relatively modest gains? It's not like there is some incredible redline or VE to chase with boost with the 52. The S65 likes a bit of boost but absolutely 100% is at risk on a stock motor. Decent number of folks are dropping rods, smoking bearings, etc etc on stock motors with blowers.

Bottom line: I don't see the sense in throwing substantial money at a motor that won't make a ton of power with modest boost, and will constantly be pushing the boundaries of back pressure and EGT. It's not like an S65/85 where at least you'll get a heroic redline and power curve. It'll look like an N54 curve....just worse. My 2C, certainly don't mean to insult the motor or anyone who likes boost. When it warms up i'll be upping it to about 25 pounds through my N54, so I certainly understand the desire.

Are they tuning off the stock DME? I plead ignorance on that front.

I appreciate your point and in no way am I disputing the engineering logic involved, I've owned various built NA and turbo engines (including from Nissan's SR and RB series) and understand the issues; but for Australians 130i owners the issue is a little different to US 330i owners, we have a few options, but first, the value of the cars:

130i - 20k (ouch)
135i - 40k
335i - 40k
e9x M3 - 80k
1M - 80k
996 GT2 - 120k

For a 130i owner where the only thing lacking in the E87 is power, an N54 swap makes financial sense although it then breaks WTAC and Club (SAU, WRX etc) rules, pushing you up a bracket.
An N52 with FI keeps you in the same bracket, hence only looking at modest power.
The N52 engine is also cheap if it pops...

For me, it makes financial sense to move up to a 135i as my mods carry over, but there are a few points against it for me- I need more doors, I already own a car with a low replacement value.
Another point to keep in mind is that when we put it into a wall, we can get an E87 120i for <10k...

Plus it's a lighter and arguably stiffer chassis- check out some of the E87 S65 builds for track cars in the EU.

In short- in the US, don't waste your money on the S/C at this point in time. In AU, consider it if it makes sense to you.

I still want to know what ESS broke!

[topaz557]

anyone got an update on what ess broke?

[Killswitch]

Originally Posted by kevin @ eas

We just got our first kit in stock and will be doing an install next week. We'll be sure to post up a bunch of install pictures for you guys and hopefully dynos

Looks like its here finally ...i guess well have to wait and see how things unfold.

[mrvco]

Any further updates on this kit?

[Kturbos]

Any updates on this kit? My buddy bought the kit (ESS Tuning VT1 Supercharger Gen 2) but ended up getting job in Japan and is moving there this summer. I am currently doing a build and did not have intention of adding a supercharger..... But for FREE?? I might consider it. Whats the verdict on the VT1 Gen 2?

[jonwilli]

Here's the latest update on the kit. Most of the reviews seem to be on the 3 series pages. If I were you I'd definitely fit for free!! You might find the software is specific for your mates VIN so you may need to pay a supplement to ESS to unlock the software for your car.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1385828

[Kturbos]

Originally Posted by jonwilli

Here's the latest update on the kit. Most of the reviews seem to be on the 3 series pages. If I were you I'd definitely fit for free!! You might find the software is specific for your mates VIN so you may need to pay a supplement to ESS to unlock the software for your car.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1385828

Done and Done. I am going to go pick it up at least. Free why not. If I do fit it, I will wait until the very end of my build anyway. Thanks!