Announcement that probably does not concern you...

"JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7" (jayzayeighty)
10/30/2014 at 20:55 • Filed to: None

ESS is now shipping N52 superchargers. +80 whp for $5k, easily tunable (and reliable) to +100. Combined with headers, E85, a higher pressure tune, a cat-back exhaust, and some minor mods to the SC system, 400 HP should be within reach for 30i cars for around $7,500. That means your silky-smooth 128i would probably be able to put a 1M to shame on the track for under $10,000, reliably. Which is impressive to say the least—considering that should account for a supercharger, supporting components for reliability, other power enhancing modifications, tuning, chassis improvements, new suspension pieces, and tires to put the power down. And a clutch, of course. If you live in or around Southern California, EAS is willing to do a free install if you let them test the results!

And, no, EAS is not ESS. EAS is a vendor looking for data on different N52 variants.

DISCUSSION (29)

macanamera > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 20:58

If you live in or around Southern California, EAS is willing to do a free install if you let them test the results!

Yikes.

E92M3 > macanamera
10/30/2014 at 20:59

I would hope it's already HAD lots of testing.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > macanamera
10/30/2014 at 21:00

"Turns out there are no power gains, but it was free!"

To be fair, both companies are among the most reputable in the industry and you're saving plenty of time, energy, and wondering...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > macanamera
10/30/2014 at 21:02

There is nothing more confidence inspiring than testing a product a company hasn't.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
10/30/2014 at 21:04

EAS=/=ESS. I misunderstood the comment. One is a vendor who has had inquiries about dyno results on different variants.

Arben72 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:04

Ess makes a good product, add some meth and everything will be even better. Only one more warranty year til I get mine.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:05

TIL that ESS Tuning actually is somewhat of a "big deal" in the US.. huh, YEAH Norway I guess :P

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:05

Didn't notice the difference between EAS/ESS. Either way, I wouldn't want my vehicle to be a test subject.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > macanamera
10/30/2014 at 21:05

I misunderstood your comment. EAS=/=ESS. EAS is an ESS vendor that has had inquiries regarding the effect of the modification on different variants of the engine, so they are willing to do free installations to figure out differences.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > E92M3
10/30/2014 at 21:07

ESS is the manufacturer. They are a very reputable company, while EAS is just a vendor looking to gather some info.

twinturbobmw > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:09

The only problem I see with supercharging an N52 is that most cars with that engine were also available with the N54 which can achieve that kind of power for around $1,000.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
10/30/2014 at 21:10

I'd hope that I wasn't the first car they installed the system in, but depending on the sophistication of the kit it could be a good deal.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Arben72
10/30/2014 at 21:11

Awesome! I'd love to read about it. What's the application?

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
10/30/2014 at 21:12

Norway is pretty much seems like the best place on earth to me, and I'd get to pick up my superchargers straight from the factory!

N51fanatic > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:18

the 128i doesnt have the DISA intake manifold, pretty sure you would need that first.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > twinturbobmw
10/30/2014 at 21:18

That's true, but look at it this way; the N54 generally costs a lot to maintain, and gets gunked up about as regularly as it needs a new air filter. DI is not made to handle our high sulfur content gas, and costly component failures on the engine have to be budgeted for. The N52 has classic BMW power delivery, weighs less than any other 2l+ engine ever made by BMW, and is so much fun to wring out. Also, a 2007 335i used should cost around $5,000 more than an equivalent 330i. It mostly comes down to feel, weight, and upkeep costs but either engine is a good option depending on the person. Having been able to drive a high output N52 and an N54, I'd take an N52 car.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:19

Norway is pretty great, I'm still thinking of moving to Croatia or the UK though :P

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > N51fanatic
10/30/2014 at 21:20

Actually, it doesn't matter at all! A lot of people thought they would need to uninstall the. 3-stage intake and swap in the 28i one due to complications, but it doesn't make a difference. Separate kits will be sold for each config.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
10/30/2014 at 21:21

Cool! Out of curiosity, why Croatia?

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:25

It's beautiful down there, and it's cheap. Oh, and they've got pretty girls :P

Dubrovnik (if I'm moving to Croatia it'll be there.)

Kinja'd!!!

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
10/30/2014 at 21:29

That is gorgeous, and sounds like you have tons of good reasons. Can I take your place in Norway, maybe? ;)

N51fanatic > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:32

i drive an n52 128 msport 6 speed with a BMW PE and some apex wheels, conti tires and a bilstein swift setup. Honestly, the car is golden as is. Could it use more power? Of course? Do i miss the power in my daily driving, nope. Car rocks. Future classic. Last BMW NA inline 6

Arben72 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:33

It will probably be an ess 625 kit plus meth for my m3. Decided to wait til the warranty period is over.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:37

Sure, not sure you want to though, I live in a tiny apartment (360 square feet), it IS smack in the middle of town though :P And cheap, $750 a month.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > N51fanatic
10/30/2014 at 21:46

Definitely! We have had a couple of discussions on the topic. Unfortunately, my only experience has been with my mom's 30i Z4 6MT M sport, but it's a 3000 pound car with that perfect NA I6 and 50:50 weight distribution. It does have EPS, but it's still nice to drive. I agree that your car is a future classic, though. I think you're the only person I have discussed the magic of the N52 with, haha

With a bit of extra power, some stiffening of chassis and suspension, an LSD, and non-runflats, the Z4 would be a total riot. Trackday ready convertible at the touch of a button, but the cost of weight. Nonetheless, I plan to do some stuff to the car if I ever have the chance to buy it; its character sharply contrasts with that of my car but I find both cars to be really enjoyable.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Arben72
10/30/2014 at 21:48

Certainly a smart move. And that will be unbelievably fun, I'm sure! Last of the great M cars in my opinion.

N51fanatic > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 21:51

i agree, the kids these days simply want moar power, and thus will take a flier on a high mileage n54. I wasnt looking for the maintenance headaches, and saved $7k by going with a 128 over a 135i. I really do love my car. I'm planning on doing a disa swap once my cpo is up, i'll take the 30hp bump for $1500

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > N51fanatic
10/30/2014 at 21:59

Definitely. Your car must sound fantastic with the performance exhaust. Have you seen pictures of N54/55 carbon buildup every 50k miles? It seems like a nightmare. Not to mention the fact that it's more fun to have a car that you can drive harder regularly and enjoy more from the standpoint of involvement, sound, and response. If you're paying all of that extra money for torque that a 1er or Z4 doesn't need or benefit from (from a fun standpoint), you probably aren't so interested in driving feel so much as pure numbers.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
10/30/2014 at 22:53

I thought about their prima plus kit for my M3 but I'm leaning towards Schrick cams and CSL intake plenum, then somsome Dinan oversized throttle bodies.