To supercharge or not to supercharge in CO

M3 JP · 02-16-2013, 04:41 AM

Hey all, as the thread title states, I'm torn between putting a SC on my car. I have a 2010 E90 with about 37k miles. I only dog my car when I'm on the Nurburgring (I'm still in GE for a few more weeks, unfortunately my M is somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean heading for CO) running it stock.....I'm just curious if coming from Germany, which most times is only a couple hundred feet above sea level....to Colorado Springs which is almost 7000' above sea level.

My question is: does anyone have a SC and find that their engine is working harder, or running hotter, because of the SC?

I've lived in CO since I was 7. I remember a time when my dad would take us to the top of Pikes Peak, but would leave the car running (it was an old, carburated car). I didn't understand why he'd leave it running, but as I got older I figured it out.....the altitude and thin air! So it makes me wonder if a SC would do more harm then good on my M.

Thanks for any input!

JP

Bmw135er · 02-16-2013, 03:43 PM

I've installed and driven several on E9x M3s. They really like the extra air, but the power output is not what it is at the lower altitudes. Don't get me wrong, it's no slouch with a ~600hp kit! The thin air does present it's own tuning issues that cannot be overcome without on site tuning. Nothing major, but slight hiccups here and there. I may be able to set up a ride if you like, once you are here. As far as does it work the car harder, not any more so that at or close to sea level. I've owned multiple supercharged vehicles, but the only M I did that to was my E36. Never had an issue with engine damage on any platform and I know I see more of them than anyone in the springs.
What kit are you looking into?

Vic311 · 02-16-2013, 03:44 PM

There are definitely diminishing returns on boosting in high altitudes.

M3 JP · 02-16-2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

I've installed and driven several on E9x M3s. They really like the extra air, but the power output is not what it is at the lower altitudes. Don't get me wrong, it's no slouch with a ~600hp kit! The thin air does present it's own tuning issues that cannot be overcome without on site tuning. Nothing major, but slight hiccups here and there. I may be able to set up a ride if you like, once you are here. As far as does it work the car harder, not any more so that at or close to sea level. I've owned multiple supercharged vehicles, but the only M I did that to was my E36. Never had an issue with engine damage on any platform and I know I see more of them than anyone in the springs.
What kit are you looking into?

More than likely an ESS, but I'm not sure if I want to get a kit in the mid 5's, or opt for a 6 or higher. Here in Germany, with a higher kit, it only enhances the thrill of coming off a tight turn on the Nurburgring and putting your foot on the floor....thank god for traction control!!

But in CO, there's not really any need for a kit that would crush the competition, unless I'm tracking or running the 1/4 mile at the NHRA strip in Denver.

Bmw135er · 02-16-2013, 08:51 PM

Easy response here. There's also no need for an M3, but you bought one! The ESS kit makes good power, but looks like it was made with Home Depot parts IMO. There are pros and cons to all of them, it just depends in which kit beer suits your needs. ESS is definitely the kit of choice on this forum. A lot of fan bois here!

M3 JP · 02-17-2013, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

Easy response here. There's also no need for an M3, but you bought one! The ESS kit makes good power, but looks like it was made with Home Depot parts IMO. There are pros and cons to all of them, it just depends in which kit beer suits your needs. ESS is definitely the kit of choice on this forum. A lot of fan bois here!

OH MY, HOW DARE YOU!!! Of course there's a need for an M3!

I can also purchase a Gintani right now with only ~1200 miles on it....but its used and I'd have to also pay for the install/tune.

Bmw135er · 02-17-2013, 03:29 PM

That's how I roll! If that doesn't work, then how about this one. If cost is a concern, then don't do it. Haha you'd think I'm a sales guy sometimes...
If you buy for price, you'll pay twice!

M3Denver · 02-25-2013, 01:46 AM

shouldnt even be a question!! YES FI is needed

SHADY1 · 03-03-2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3 JP

OH MY, HOW DARE YOU!!! Of course there's a need for an M3!

I can also purchase a Gintani right now with only ~1200 miles on it....but its used and I'd have to also pay for the install/tune.

Hey JP M3 check out this thread:

http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17270

a limited edition Mod for MFest 7

jump on the band wagon let them know Shady1 sent you

SAINT VAN ROCK · 03-03-2013, 02:54 PM

BMW135er & JP, let me know when you both are available to link up...we can do a small meet & greet at my house. Hit me up!

Bmw135er · 03-03-2013, 07:12 PM

Weekends are best for me. We can grab baliano also. He can detail all of our rides

SAINT VAN ROCK · 03-03-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

Weekends are best for me. We can grab baliano also. He can detail all of our rides

M3 JP · 03-03-2013, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHADY1

Hey JP M3 check out this thread:

http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17270

a limited edition Mod for MFest 7

jump on the band wagon let them know Shady1 sent you

Dude, that would be an awesome thing to get on board with. I just can't afford those prices.

JABSprings · 03-05-2013, 09:15 PM

135er... Aside from the Home Depot ESS, what other manufacturers do you recommend or have installed?

Bmw135er · 03-06-2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JABSprings

135er... Aside from the Home Depot ESS, what other manufacturers do you recommend or have installed?

Active Autowerke on the E9x platform

SAINT VAN ROCK · 03-14-2013, 09:18 AM

Speaking of detailing...anyone have experience with any of these local mobile wash companies in CoS? I'd like to wash the beast; however, doing so on crutches would be a bit cumbersome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

Weekends are best for me. We can grab baliano also. He can detail all of our rides

baliano · 03-16-2013, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

Weekends are best for me. We can grab baliano also. He can detail all of our rides

Haha, I like that my detailing skills are being volunteered! I’m down for a meet up.

baliano · 03-16-2013, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAINT VAN ROCK

Speaking of detailing...anyone have experience with any of these local mobile wash companies in CoS? I'd like to wash the beast; however, doing so on crutches would be a bit cumbersome.

The only mobile service I would let touch my car is Aloha Detailing. Kerwin is the owner and knows his stuff. The Exotic Image and The Man Cave in Denver are also high quality. I am local and I have an obsession with detailing, if you need something done I have nearly all of the products on the market- polish/sealants/wax and a professional D/A with the correct pads. I don't do it for a living but I would be happy to help you out...PM me, we can work out a 12 pk or something of the sort

Bmw135er · 03-16-2013, 07:54 AM

I told you Kevin!

SAINT VAN ROCK · 03-16-2013, 10:00 AM

PM on the way for a meet

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmw135er

I told you Kevin!

02-16-2013, 04:41 AM	#1
M3 JP 2nd place is just the first loser! Drives: '10 BMW M3 E90 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 218 iTrader: (1)	To supercharge or not to supercharge in CO Hey all, as the thread title states, I'm torn between putting a SC on my car. I have a 2010 E90 with about 37k miles. I only dog my car when I'm on the Nurburgring (I'm still in GE for a few more weeks, unfortunately my M is somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean heading for CO) running it stock.....I'm just curious if coming from Germany, which most times is only a couple hundred feet above sea level....to Colorado Springs which is almost 7000' above sea level. My question is: does anyone have a SC and find that their engine is working harder, or running hotter, because of the SC? I've lived in CO since I was 7. I remember a time when my dad would take us to the top of Pikes Peak, but would leave the car running (it was an old, carburated car). I didn't understand why he'd leave it running, but as I got older I figured it out.....the altitude and thin air! So it makes me wonder if a SC would do more harm then good on my M. Thanks for any input! JP __________________ 2010 E90 ALPINE WHITE DCT/ MS STAGE II/ MS UNDER DRIVE PULLEY KIT/ KW SLEEVE KIT/ AKRA EVO/ ROHANNA RC-10 20's MATTE BLACK/ VERTICE FRONT BUMPER/ ARKYM CF DIFFUSER/ 15% TINT
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03-03-2013, 02:54 PM	#10
SAINT VAN ROCK ///M Enthusiast Drives: 2012, Space Gray ///M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado Springs/Black Forest, CO Posts: 311 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2004 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2004 BMW 325i [0.00]	BMW135er & JP, let me know when you both are available to link up...we can do a small meet & greet at my house. Hit me up! __________________ E92 M3 Space Gray Coupe' Colorado ///M Flight Colorado http://www.facebook.com/groups/403141303104943/

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02-16-2013, 03:43 PM	#2
Bmw135er Major Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,377 iTrader: (9)	I've installed and driven several on E9x M3s. They really like the extra air, but the power output is not what it is at the lower altitudes. Don't get me wrong, it's no slouch with a ~600hp kit! The thin air does present it's own tuning issues that cannot be overcome without on site tuning. Nothing major, but slight hiccups here and there. I may be able to set up a ride if you like, once you are here. As far as does it work the car harder, not any more so that at or close to sea level. I've owned multiple supercharged vehicles, but the only M I did that to was my E36. Never had an issue with engine damage on any platform and I know I see more of them than anyone in the springs. What kit are you looking into?

02-16-2013, 03:44 PM	#3
Vic311 Zen Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: CA Posts: 850 iTrader: (0)	There are definitely diminishing returns on boosting in high altitudes.

02-16-2013, 08:51 PM	#5
Bmw135er Major Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,377 iTrader: (9)	Easy response here. There's also no need for an M3, but you bought one! The ESS kit makes good power, but looks like it was made with Home Depot parts IMO. There are pros and cons to all of them, it just depends in which kit beer suits your needs. ESS is definitely the kit of choice on this forum. A lot of fan bois here!

02-17-2013, 03:29 PM	#7
Bmw135er Major Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,377 iTrader: (9)	That's how I roll! If that doesn't work, then how about this one. If cost is a concern, then don't do it. Haha you'd think I'm a sales guy sometimes... If you buy for price, you'll pay twice!

02-25-2013, 01:46 AM	#8
M3Denver First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 BMW M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Denver CO Posts: 329 iTrader: (0)	shouldnt even be a question!! YES FI is needed

03-03-2013, 07:12 PM	#11
Bmw135er Major Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,377 iTrader: (9)	Weekends are best for me. We can grab baliano also. He can detail all of our rides

03-05-2013, 09:15 PM	#14
JABSprings New Member Drives: '11 E92 / ESS VT2-625 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Colorado Springs/Black Forest Posts: 26 iTrader: (0)	135er... Aside from the Home Depot ESS, what other manufacturers do you recommend or have installed?

03-16-2013, 07:54 AM	#19
Bmw135er Major Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,377 iTrader: (9)	I told you Kevin!