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      12-02-2018, 03:47 PM   #1
sledg77
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2011 E89 sDrive30i Supercharged

I've been playing with my Z4 the last couple years to extract more HP. My journey started by installing an ESS Vortec S/C kit and has since advanced to installing a smaller blower pulley than ESS supplies, adding a methanol-injection kit, a new tune to take advantage of the smaller pulley and meth, and installing the xHP TCU tune to enable true manual shifting of the Steptronic. I'm thrilled with the results - 339 HP, 278 lbs torque @ 6600-6700 rpm at the rear wheels (blue lines). The torque curve is nice and flat and I'd be pulling more power but the injectors that came with the ESS kit are maxing out at 6700 rpm. Just wanted to share what the N52 is capable of without crazy mods. The stock motor before any mods was putting out 208 HP/192 torque.

Still running stock exhaust as well. If I went the next mile and installed larger injectors and custom exhaust, I believe I'd be approaching 400 WHP.
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      03-06-2019, 04:06 PM   #2
rjze89
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WOW

Those are some serious numbers! I have a E89 30i also and have been very tempted to get the ESS kit for it but haven't seen one post about it until now. Would you happen to have any videos? I'd greatly appreciate.
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      03-06-2019, 05:57 PM   #3
sledg77
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I tried to upload a video and got some vague security error message. The ESS kit is a good one but I'm pretty sure mine was the first E89 30i that has the kit installed. It wasn't plug and play and I had to have them ship me some different parts and modified ECU tune to make it work. Ultimately, I had to take the car to a local BMW performance shop to get at tune that would produce the advertised (80-100) HP boost. I have about $8k wrapped up in all the mods to pull an additional 130 WHP over stock.
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      03-06-2019, 06:18 PM   #4
rjze89
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I really appreciate the feedback, yes I'm sure you're the very first E89 Z4 with a supercharger in the states which is the really why it really sparked my interest. I've always wanted to purchase the kit but never saw anyone do it. How does the power feel now? Have you gone to the drag strip? Would love to see some videos or pictures if you ever get the chance to post some.
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      03-07-2019, 10:13 AM   #5
sledg77
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I haven't had it to the drag strip yet but the seat of the pants feel is amazing. I had a Yamaha VMax a few years back and when you cracked the throttle on that bike, you'd better have a tight grip on the handlebars. Now, that's what the Z4 feels like - when the blower kicks in - hang on.

All the pics I have of the installation are in a Word doc that I put together for ESS documenting everything I had to do to make the kit fit and work. I'm happy to send that to you if you want to email me - sledg77@gmail.com. Maybe I can even zip the vids and email them as well.
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      07-02-2019, 07:00 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sledg77 View Post
I tried to upload a video and got some vague security error message. The ESS kit is a good one but I'm pretty sure mine was the first E89 30i that has the kit installed. It wasn't plug and play and I had to have them ship me some different parts and modified ECU tune to make it work. Ultimately, I had to take the car to a local BMW performance shop to get at tune that would produce the advertised (80-100) HP boost. I have about $8k wrapped up in all the mods to pull an additional 130 WHP over stock.

Hi, I have just bought a 30i and am interested in what power upgrades are possible but for $8k wouldn't it have been better to sell the car and get a 35i or 35is? Just curious about this.
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      07-02-2019, 07:03 PM   #7
sledg77
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It was more about the process, the experience, doing something that hasn't been done before, and having somewhat one-of-a-kind vehicle. Plus I don't have to worry about failing turbos or high pressure fuel pumps.
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      07-12-2019, 01:09 PM   #8
SCZ4
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How does the car idel and perform when cold? The ESS Twin Screw I had on my E85 many years ago was awful, almost un-driveable unless you let it warm up for 5 minutes before driving off.
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      07-12-2019, 01:45 PM   #9
sledg77
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My car drives as from factory in all conditions, with the exception of crisper shifts due to the xHP TCM tune and of course, much enhanced performance overall. I think that's the result of spending about 12 hours being dyno-tuned and tested over a couple days by a shop that really knows what they're doing. The car would not have been driveable by just bolting on the blower kit with the tune ESS provided.
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