E46 m3 Supercharger

[JDS 123]

Hi has any one super charged their e46 m3, if so would you recommend it and is it still reliable?

Thanks

[m30dus]

Yes - I've got the ESS VT2-550 kit on mine which has subsequently be extensively re-worked along with a low compression motor etc, now running about 600hp depending on which RR you use and how much wheelspin due to motorsport diff and lower g/box ratios.

Are you planning to use yours on the road or an all out track car/ racer?

A few damp laps of Oulton Park in mine on treaded tyres: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9crr7pL-JA

[JDS 123]

I am seriously thinking about fitting one to my track car. Does the standard clutch and diff etc put up ok with the extra power and does the extra power really increase the cars performance??

Thanks

Jay

[Beedub]

hi OP i have a z4m running a modded stage 2 kit with meth etc.... car runs flawless but lots of work has needed to be done to the car to make it what i class as ultra reliable.... Fantastic upgrade if you can stretch to it and will endow your m3 with some serious performance.

[m30dus]

I changed the clutch and flywheel on mine at the time of charging it and to be fair wouldn't expect the standard clutch to last at all well, esp as you will be using it on track. UUC make a very nice flywheel and clutch kit for the S54.

I've got the standard diff housing on mine fitted with 4.1 BMW motorsport ratio - not monitored the oil temps but expect I should really be fitting a cooler. My Quaife sequential box sees temps of 130+ when pushed hard and thats with an oil pump and cooler!! God knows what temps the standard box must have been getting to (not cooled), but that said never had any problems with mine in 6 months of hard track use.

Problems with the standard ESS kit I've had to address the following:

Have upgraded intercooler from standard kit as the standard one is crap - I was loosing 4psi of boost through the standard cooler! That 4psi of boost is equivalent to around another 60-80hp!

The standard charger bracket has way too much flex, I've had a support arm built to give it additional support off the bottom engine mount. It was chucking belts 2 or 3 times every track day before this mod (very frustrating!!).

Fit an AEM methanol kit to help keep intake temperatures under control.

Get a larger oil cooler, the standard one is not up to the job. I was seeing oil temps nearing 150 degC before this and thats BAD news.

Get an oil diverter valve from CA Automotive which directs all oil flow to your oil cooler, as standard setup only sends some of it that way.

Don't trust the standard oil temp sensors - I was having major problems trying to keep oil temp anywhere under 140 degC on standard sensor and was a big worry. Have now fitted stand alone sensor which reads higher when the engine is colder but there is a crossover point around 90 degC where the standard sensor rockets but the aftermarket one stays steady (weird but true).

If your really keen on keeping temperatures down fit a PWR radiator for some additional cooling.

Think that's about it. And what ever you do don't add it all up, I've spent at least the same again on my car getting the S/C kit reliable as it was to buy the kit in the first place.

As for speed, yes, it's amazing and a million miles removed from a stock S54.

Oh do the 4.1 diff mod before anything else, without exception.

[JDS 123]

Thanks for that looks like it is not quite as straight forward as just fitting the kit then. I am still very tempted tho, do you ever bring your car down to the south, Goodwood or Brands hatch as would be good to see how she goes!

[m30dus]

JDS 123 said:

Thanks for that looks like it is not quite as straight forward as just fitting the kit then. I am still very tempted tho, do you ever bring your car down to the south, Goodwood or Brands hatch as would be good to see how she goes!

Sure thing - will keep you posted although I frequent Knockhill, Croft and Oulton more than anywhere.

[Beedub]

modus any pics of your new intercooler??? would love to see what youve had made up?? i had my stock unit flow / pressure tested and it it performed very well, the only part i hate is the abrupt inlet/outlet tubing angle's.

Edited by Beedub on Tuesday 5th November 19:20

[m30dus]

Beedub said:

modus any pics of your new intercooler??? would love to see what youve had made up?? i had my stock unit flow / pressure tested and it it performed very well, the only part i hate is the abrupt inlet/outlet tubing angle's.

Edited by Beedub on Tuesday 5th November 19:20

Hi beedub - sorry I don't have any pics, it literally arrived from the states, I headed to the track on the Saturday morning and the Mrs went off to collect it from ParcelForce depot and fitted at the trackside as I was so keen to see the difference, and wow, what a difference. Think their standard coolers are bar and plate design with a lower-end of the market core, and like you say, yet the tanks are very abrupt. Mine are much larger now.

[Beedub]

m30dus said:

Hi beedub - sorry I don't have any pics, it literally arrived from the states, I headed to the track on the Saturday morning and the Mrs went off to collect it from ParcelForce depot and fitted at the trackside as I was so keen to see the difference, and wow, what a difference. Think their standard coolers are bar and plate design with a lower-end of the market core, and like you say, yet the tanks are very abrupt. Mine are much larger now.

any links for which unit you choose????