Installing a ESS Gen 2 S/C in N51

[Sdracing]

DO NOT BUY THIS KIT FROM ESS. I HAD THE WORST TIME WITH THESE PEOPLE EVER. I ENDED UP LOSING A LOT OF MONEY.


Long time lurker....My 128i has been basically my daily since I purchased it several years ago. It's one of the few cars that I've been very happy with out of the factory - also one of the few that I haven't tracked. As such it has seen zero modifications - that's all about to change. My goal is to track the car and do some time trials. Its being decommissioned as daily driver. Being one of my favorite cars that I've ever owned, I hope to keep this car as long as I can - which is why I do not want to get a 135i.

I am installing the ESS S/C here in the next couple of weeks. I am also doing the M3 control arms front and rear, aluminum subframe busings, f30 calipers, a couple other things.

I'll update this post as the car progresses and answer any questions I can.

[asbrr]

Interesting, not too many people go the S/C route, very curious to see how it all works out. Best of luck.

[desertman123]

Would love to see this!!

[ShocknAwe]

Best of luck. May want to consider upgrading internals or the block if you can as well for futureproofing.

[Sdracing]

Install is "almost" done. I have a couple question for ESS regarding the install since the directions are for the GEN 1.

The main question being is does this kit require the: "lower idler pulley bracket and pulley" for GEN 2 - cause it aint in the box, yo.

I'll go back and update with some pics when I'm done.

EDIT: For others installing thsi kit, it worked without "Step 40" lower idler pulley bracket and pulley


I removed the bumper for better access.





Stock Fuel Injectors- Pelican Parts has a good guide as to how to get these out.

[JayTriggy14]

Looking forward to progress & updates! May want to check the throttle body, and fueling as well. Best of Luck!

[Sdracing]

Got it all buttoned up. This install took me
5-6 hours on Friday and another 10 on Saturday. I went slow and took my time.

Couple of short cuts to significantly reduce install on this: When accessing the throttle body - remove the power steering reservoir to access the throttle body - it's only held in place by two 10mm bolts and washers. Move it to the side.

2nd - Pelican Parts has a good write up on removing the injectors.

3rd. Extend the MAF sensor wires BEFORE installing the S/C.

4th I almost completely removed the undertray, so when I dropped bolts and flash lights I could easily get them and not fish them out. In addition, it allowed additional vantage points.


Things I needed in addition to handtools: 1. Copper Paste, Silicon for the intake (I interpreted this to mean silicone gasket maker). Torx T60 (Home Depot didn't stock - got it at Napa.

[JayTriggy14]

Originally Posted by Sdracing

Got it all buttoned up. This install took me
5-6 hours on Friday and another 10 on Saturday. I went slow and took my time.

Couple of short cuts to significantly reduce install on this: When accessing the throttle body - remove the power steering reservoir to access the throttle body - it's only held in place by two 10mm bolts and washers. Move it to the side.

2nd - Pelican Parts has a good write up on removing the injectors.

3rd. Extend the MAF sensor wires BEFORE installing the S/C.

4th I almost completely removed the undertray, so when I dropped bolts and flash lights I could easily get them and not fish them out. In addition, it allowed additional vantage points.


Things I needed in addition to handtools: 1. Copper Paste, Silicon for the intake (I interpreted this to mean silicone gasket maker). Torx T60 (Home Depot didn't stock - got it at Napa.

Wow looks great!!!!! How does it drive?? How is the tune straight outta the box? No check engine lights? Can you tell a significant difference?

[Sdracing]

Thanks! Haven't even started it yet. I need to first copy the ECU info (takes about an hour they say), then upload it to ESS and then they send the modified tune back, and then installed.

[JayTriggy14]

Awesome! Please update us with your impressions!

[jonwilli]

Is your car going to be running the Alpha N tune or the MAF tune? From what I hear it seems ESS still send the MAF tune first and if there are idle issues they then send an Alpha N tune and ask you to cut the MAF sensor wire.

Do you have any info on the Bosch injectors that ESS are using in the Gen 2 kit? I heard on the grapevine that they are the E92 M3 injectors which (I thought) were only slightly higher flow rate than the OEM N52 Bosch injectors.

Hope you enjoy the 'new' car, imagine it will be really good fun !!

[Sdracing]

I'm assuming based on what you've stated its the Alpha N tube since the directions had me
Cut the yellow line from the MAF. I'll ask though.

I'm not sure about the injectors - I didn't take a picture. They had a blue ring on them if that means anything.

[jonwilli]

Originally Posted by Sdracing

I'm assuming based on what you've stated its the Alpha N tube since the directions had me
Cut the yellow line from the MAF. I'll ask though.

I'm not sure about the injectors - I didn't take a picture. They had a blue ring on them if that means anything.

Yeah, that sounds like the AlphaN tune is standard now. From what other users have found that shouldn't have any problems at all.

Mmm I think the blue ring is on the M3 injectors. Do you have the box that they came in? That'll have the Bosch part number...my guess is 0280 158164.

Good luck and enjoy the car!!!

[JayTriggy14]

Originally Posted by Sdracing

I'm assuming based on what you've stated its the Alpha N tube since the directions had me
Cut the yellow line from the MAF. I'll ask though.

I'm not sure about the injectors - I didn't take a picture. They had a blue ring on them if that means anything.

Interesting. I think that is because ESS hasn't fully cracked tuning with the MAF. I suspect that one would have to get a dyno tune done to utilize the full power of this kit. However still good out of the box! How does it drive? Impressions?

[jonwilli]

I thought most tuners would recommend Alpha N for a supercharger installation. I would have thought it would also result in the most power if done well. Just means owners have to keep on top of maintenance of filters etc

[JayTriggy14]

Originally Posted by jonwilli

I thought most tuners would recommend Alpha N for a supercharger installation. I would have thought it would also result in the most power if done well. Just means owners have to keep on top of maintenance of filters etc

Alpha N is the most reliable tune as the ecu has multiple maps stored that switch depending on the throttle position and rpm. The MAF tune would help with calibration if there are additional bolt-ons such as headers, upgraded fueling system, etc. If you added more bolt-ons after, then you would have to get the alpha n tune re-calibrated with another map to compensate.

[jonwilli]

Originally Posted by JayTriggy14

Alpha N is the most reliable tune as the ecu has multiple maps stored that switch depending on the throttle position and rpm. The MAF tune would help with calibration if there are additional bolt-ons such as headers, upgraded fueling system, etc. If you added more bolt-ons after, then you would have to get the alpha n tune re-calibrated with another map to compensate.

Fair point about having to have retune the Alpha N map for additional bolt on's. Even so a good Alpha N tune should provide the same if not more power than a MAF tune given the same engine and hardware?

I can see now why ESS don't want users of the kit to have additional hardware if their Alpha N tune is standard out of the box.

[JayTriggy14]

Originally Posted by jonwilli

Fair point about having to have retune the Alpha N map for additional bolt on's. Even so a good Alpha N tune should provide the same if not more power than a MAF tune given the same engine and hardware?

I can see now why ESS don't want users of the kit to have additional hardware if their Alpha N tune is standard out of the box.

Yes! Both methods put down around the same power. The Alpha N tune gives the ecu instructions which are preprogramed by the tuner on what to do in different scenarios, while the MAF tune works in conjunction with the ecu to adapt to different scenarios.

I plan on going the supercharger route so to maximize the horsepower I will probably get a dyno tune specifically for my car. I probably won't get headers since I am in Cali. I have also been reading different threads that suggest with a stronger fuel pump like a walbro you can run a blend of e85 which will pick up significant horsepower over pump gas.

[Sdracing]

I think I would rather go with the MAF tune then - no? Don't you want the ECU to adapt?

Also, I am thinking that the MAF tune is the new tune and the Alpha is the old tune. I had the old directions and they indicated the install required cutting the yellow wire going to the MAF.

[JayTriggy14]

Originally Posted by Sdracing

I think I would rather go with the MAF tune then - no? Don't you want the ECU to adapt?

Also, I am thinking that the MAF tune is the new tune and the Alpha is the old tune. I had the old directions and they indicated the install required cutting the yellow wire going to the MAF.

Both tunes should be designed to put down the same amount of power. The out of the box tune is sufficient for most people, but some people want the absolute limit so they go and get it dyno tuned just so it is specific to their car. The Gen 1 supercharger did not have the injectors so they disabled the MAF for that reason. I would call ESS first though just to confirm though.

[Sdracing]

First, I have to state that the customer service at ESS is horrible.

I tried the Alpha N tune but ended up going with the MAF tune, which is the newer one, and reconnected all four MAF wires. The directions are unclear and indicate the wrong way to set up the sensor. ESS blames the customer.

They say the computer takes a little time to get use to the new tune but its BS. The car would constantly die at stop lights and while decelerating with the cluth in.

I'll try to do some 0-60 pulls when everything settles in. I should be tracking the car as soon as I update the suspension and brakes, and can give my feedback there as well.

The car has never run right. It dies constantly

[jonwilli]

Originally Posted by Sdracing

First, I have to state that the customer service at ESS is exceptional. I had a couple of technical issues, most likely because I mixed up two MAF wires, and I was assisted in getting those resolved. On Tuesday and then tonight they emailed me after hours and made a phone call to give me some additional options. I definitely did not feel hopeless or that ultimately a solution would not be found.

I tried the Alpha N tune but ended up going with the MAF tune, which is the newer one, and reconnected all four MAF wires.

The computer takes a little time to get use to the new tune so I didn't beat on it on its madden voyage. I can say its a night and day difference and I am very pleased. The car is a lot of fun to drive, and despite some reviews, I have to say I definitely felt the power at the 3-4k RPM range.

I'll try to do some 0-60 pulls when everything settles in. I should be tracking the car as soon as I update the suspension and brakes, and can give my feedback there as well.

That's great news! Hope you enjoy the new power

Its interesting that ESS have gone back to a MAF tune. I thought in early testing they were having problems with turbulence across the MAF.

Did you have a chance to check the part numbers on the injector boxes?