This 328i owner was looking to add some extra power to his already stout track proven E92. The ESS Tuning Gen.2 Vortech V3Si based VT1 supercharger kit is the only off the shelf solution that provides a massive increase in power over stock and is exactly what our customer was looking for. A direct bolt on kit featuring the best proven technology from ESS Tuning turns this 328i into a road and track beast! ESS Tuning is also the only tuner who has developed and proven a supercharger kit that can work on the N51 SULEV engines. These Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle engines can be tricky to modify, however ESS Tuning has put in countless hours perfecting their kit. They have shown proven results both in perfect fit and finish and the performance on the road & track.
The ESS Tuning N51/52 Supercharger Kit features:
- Vortech V3 supercharger: This supercharger system incorporates the Vortech V3 self-lubricating supercharger unit running 6-6.5PSI boost. With a completely sealed supercharger system there is no concern of having to run additional oil lines to and from the engine. Also, the V3 supercharger is a much quieter unit than previous models.
- Larger Bosch fuel injectors (3.0) with identical spray pattern and angle as OEM to ensure 100% perfect driveability with valvetronic reduced valve lift.
- Custom molded silicone discharge system.
- Custom molded plastic intake assembly with direct connection for PCV, ICV and MAF sensor.
- Billet CNC main SC bracket made from high grade aluminum and anodized to a perfect black finish that will look excellent for decades to come.
- CNC precision pulleys and beltdrive system.
- ESS E-Flash OBD2 cable. This allows the end user to upload the supercharger ECU software directly to the car from any PC running Windows XP or newer. The system also includes full diagnostic and code clearing capability. Any future ESS software updates can be received by email and loaded directly to the car. The stock ECU software will be saved and can easily be restored in the future.
To supplement the supercharger kit and to keep oil temperatures down on the track and windy mountain roads we installed an Evolution Racewerks Sports Series Oil Cooler Upgrade Kit. This kit is typically meant for an N54/55 however with some light modifications the oil cooler kit was installed on the N51 328i. Also installed at the time of the supercharger was a BMS N55 Turbo Double Baffle Oil Catch Can. Again this is not a direct bolt on application for the N51 however with some modifications it was also installed on the N51. And to finish it all off, an brand new OEM M-Sport steering wheel was installed to replace the aging non M-Sport wheel. A metal paddle shifter retrofit was installed and the proper BMW coding was completed.
Modification list:
- ESS Tuning Gen.2 Vortech V3Si based VT1 supercharger kit
- ESS N51 SULEV Supercharger Software
- Evolution Racewerks Sport Series Oil Cooler Upgrade Kit, modified for the N51
- BMS N55 Turbo Double Baddle Oil Catch Can, modified for the N51
ESS Tuning supercharger kit all laid out for inspection prior to installation.
Here is a close view of the Gen.2 Vortech V3Si Supercharger.
Brand new OEM M-Sport steering wheel with paddle shift retrofit and upgraded metal paddles prior to installation.
The Evolution Race Werks Sport Series Oil Cooler Upgrade Kit prior to installation.
Up on the lift and ready to get started with the installation.
First to be installed is the Oil Cooler Upgrade from Evolution RaceWerks. This will help keep temps down on the street & track due to the additional heat created by the supercharged engine.
The Evolution Race Werks Oil Cooler Upgrade is completed, now onto the supercharger installation!
With the intake manifold removed we installed the BMS Catch Can. Also a good time to inspect the intake valves as seen here.
The supercharger is bolted up, all that is left is to flash the software onto the car and the installation is completed!
And the supercharger is installed! A simple and direct bolt on application. ESS Tuning’s fit and finish is perfection.
Back on the ground, and test driven. A clean bill of health! Next is the OEM M-Sport steering wheel installation with paddle shifter retrofit.
Last but not least is the OEM M-Sport steering wheel installation with metal paddle shifter retrofit.