My first experience with an ESS SC'ed M3...

chris s · 06-14-2011, 09:37 AM

My apologies, this is long overdue...

I've always been one of those enthusiasts that has flirted with the idea of Super Charging my M3. That being said, I'm also one of those "seeing is believing" types! It's all fine and good on paper and in videos, but there was no way i was ever going to take the plunge without actually seeing first hand what one can do.

Rewind to March...somehow I had the "good luck" of being referred to "IMG", aka Islam. We texted a few times and decided to meet up one Saturday so I could check out his IB e90 VT2-600 (at the time).

First thing you notice about IMG's car is the tone of his Gintani Race exhaust and challenge pipe. Talk about loud and aggressive...this thing sounds insane! I followed him to a place where I was able to park and leave my car for a bit. Jumped into his car and proceeded to cruise around town towards the highway.

From outside and inside the cabin, i noticed no audible evidence of a Super Charger kit. I suppose if you stand and listen closely you can hear the distinct whine of the SC, but it's nothing bothersome, IMHO.

Driving "normally" around town...again...not much indication that there is this beast that lives under the hood, waiting to be unleashed. Fast forward a bit to the highway entrance... Islam proceeds to gradually push the throttle up past 4k... WOW...was all i could say. I think i said it a few times in fact. This thing pulled like a friggin freight train above 4k....5k, 6k...we were into triple digits in no time. This car was eating up the open road...and in a hurry!

A few more exits, we loop back around and Islam pulls onto the shoulder. I'm thinking something is wrong... He jumps out and tells me to switch places with him. I was shocked...I thought it was pretty cool of someone I just met to hand me the keys to his car... Not sure I would do the same, but he's cool like that!

I'm a pretty respectable guy though...and i didn't plan to push his car hard...but it was nice to actually get a chance to feel it from the drivers seat. What an absolute beast of a car... The delivery feels "stock-like"...so linear and smooth...again, after 4k...this car is transformed into a whole different beast. It just pulls and pulls....HARD!

Needless to say, I was sold on ESS...and it didn't take much! As many may know, Islam is a devout ESS supporter...once you feel this kit on a car, first hand, there's no questioning why that is. It's an insane setup...one which I plan to have sooner than later!

Thanks again for the test drive Izzy!

Sal@AUTOcouture · 06-14-2011, 10:01 AM

Whenever ur ready....

chris s · 06-14-2011, 10:02 AM

img · 06-14-2011, 10:08 AM

I think its been a while Chris since that test drive,i think u need another ride with the updated Tune !!!!
I will most likely sell u a kit while u r in the car,hahahah

Team Plutonium · 06-14-2011, 10:08 AM

Thanks for the little review! I'm getting the ESS 535 kit later next month... I can't wait!

chris s · 06-14-2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by img

I think its been a while Chris since that test drive,i think u need another ride with the updated Tune !!!!
I will most likely sell u a kit while u r in the car,hahahah

True, true... This weekend!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Thanks for the little review! I'm getting the ESS 535 kit later next month... I can't wait!

No prob... Good luck with yours. You must be psyched!!!

studntloan · 06-14-2011, 10:13 AM

That thing is a beast!!!!

Bart@AUTOcouture · 06-14-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sal@AUTOcouture

Whenever ur ready....

chris s · 06-14-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shift@red

Good write up...Im pretty sure I said 'wow', and 'holy shit' a few times the first time I was in his car too.

Yep...it was definitely a 'wow' followed by a few choice words....then repeated. lol

flipm3 · 06-14-2011, 04:05 PM

Thanks for sharing the review! What I like is that you describe the driving experience and power deliver as "stock-like." For a guy that tracks his car, this is something that has always been a crucial characteristic for me. I am a pretty diehard N/A guy, simply because of the power delivery, predictability, and smoothness. Seeing all these ESS SC'd E46 and E90s is definitely quite tempting.

Hopefully one day, I'll be able to experience the boost just as you all have...

img · 06-14-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Thanks for the little review! I'm getting the ESS 535 kit later next month... I can't wait!

535 Kit with the 4.10 should be fun !!! Good Luck !!!

Team Plutonium · 06-14-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by img

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Thanks for the little review! I'm getting the ESS 535 kit later next month... I can't wait!

535 Kit with the 4.10 should be fun !!! Good Luck !!!

Thanks! I'm actually tempted to get the 575 kit... but then I'd probably have to get cup sports to make it work with the 4:10 gearing...

stega · 06-14-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Thanks! I'm actually tempted to get the 575 kit... but then I'd probably have to get cup sports to make it work with the 4:10 gearing...

Honestly I would go w/ the 575, thats what ima do here in like a year or two...

Brooklyn Mark · 06-14-2011, 05:14 PM

I am getting a 600 kit installed right now

img · 06-14-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Thanks! I'm actually tempted to get the 575 kit... but then I'd probably have to get cup sports to make it work with the 4:10 gearing...

I would say that it would be hard to hook with a 4.10 and a 575 but also ur tire setup is a big factor and the way u drive ur car !!!!

img · 06-14-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Mark

I am getting a 600 kit installed right now

Noice !!!!!!
Congrats !!!!

Team Plutonium · 06-14-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Mark

I am getting a 600 kit installed right now

Sweet!

Team Plutonium · 06-14-2011, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by img

I would say that it would be hard to hook with a 4.10 and a 575 but also ur tire setup is a big factor and the way u drive ur car !!!!

Yeah.. would probably need at least 295's in the back and some real sticky tire. By the time I buy new wheels and tires I'm out another $6K at least. I'm already getting a new bumper... so I might just stick with the 535 kit.

img · 06-14-2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shift@red

Wouldnt you know!

Haha

img · 06-14-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Yeah.. would probably need at least 295's in the back and some real sticky tire. By the time I buy new wheels and tires I'm out another $6K at least. I'm already getting a new bumper... so I might just stick with the 535 kit.

I hear u man,adds up pretty quick !!

e92 M3 · 06-15-2011, 11:48 PM

So my turn here...

I had the opportunity as well to meet up with both chris s and img this evening. I'm sure I'm on the same boat as many who are contemplating on getting a supercharger kit. I figured, the only way I can make a decision is if I can see one for myself. I asked Islam if I could see his setup and he kindly offered to meet up today. I pull in and see Chris' clean e92 and Islam's e90 beast parked outside the driveway. By the way, I'm forever jealous of those LMs on your M3 Chris.

Islam talked about a few of his mods then said to lock up my car that we are going on a test drive. He started it up and I didn't expect how deep the grumble of his exhaust was. All three of us are in and off we go. He went easy on the car until we got onto the onramp and then he ripped it up. I immediately went from

to

.

He did a few WOT pulls and that thing MOVES! Under 4K rpm, you would only think he has an aftermarket exhaust, but then he hits the gas and all of a sudden it's a totally different animal. After we circle around, Islam pulls over. In my head, I'm like hmm, what's going on here. Before I knew it, I was in the driver's seat! Similiar to Chris' experience and feeling, I was excited but really didn't want to open it up as it was not my car. I briefly went into boost and once again I went from

to

!

We get back to Chris' house, talk a bit more. Islam has some hilarious and crazy stories! To conclude this long post, I was sold. ESS, here I come.

Islam - thanks again for educating me on basically everything and for letting me drive your car; I can't believe (especially with all those serious mods) that you'd let me, someone you just met, take your car for a quick spin.

Chris - thank you too for your help bro. We go through several texts and finally I can make one of the things that I constantly talk about actually come true, haha.

ESS =

Islam's e90 =

Roman@ESS · 06-16-2011, 01:56 AM

Im glad you guys have enjoyed the performance of our supercharger systems. We have and will continue to put a lot of hard work into delivering the best performance products we can.

06-14-2011, 09:37 AM	#1
chris s Brigadier General Drives: 2012 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York Posts: 4,564 iTrader: (8)	My first experience with an ESS SC'ed M3... My apologies, this is long overdue... I've always been one of those enthusiasts that has flirted with the idea of Super Charging my M3. That being said, I'm also one of those "seeing is believing" types! It's all fine and good on paper and in videos, but there was no way i was ever going to take the plunge without actually seeing first hand what one can do. Rewind to March...somehow I had the "good luck" of being referred to "IMG", aka Islam. We texted a few times and decided to meet up one Saturday so I could check out his IB e90 VT2-600 (at the time). First thing you notice about IMG's car is the tone of his Gintani Race exhaust and challenge pipe. Talk about loud and aggressive...this thing sounds insane! I followed him to a place where I was able to park and leave my car for a bit. Jumped into his car and proceeded to cruise around town towards the highway. From outside and inside the cabin, i noticed no audible evidence of a Super Charger kit. I suppose if you stand and listen closely you can hear the distinct whine of the SC, but it's nothing bothersome, IMHO. Driving "normally" around town...again...not much indication that there is this beast that lives under the hood, waiting to be unleashed. Fast forward a bit to the highway entrance... Islam proceeds to gradually push the throttle up past 4k... WOW...was all i could say. I think i said it a few times in fact. This thing pulled like a friggin freight train above 4k....5k, 6k...we were into triple digits in no time. This car was eating up the open road...and in a hurry! A few more exits, we loop back around and Islam pulls onto the shoulder. I'm thinking something is wrong... He jumps out and tells me to switch places with him. I was shocked...I thought it was pretty cool of someone I just met to hand me the keys to his car... Not sure I would do the same, but he's cool like that! I'm a pretty respectable guy though...and i didn't plan to push his car hard...but it was nice to actually get a chance to feel it from the drivers seat. What an absolute beast of a car... The delivery feels "stock-like"...so linear and smooth...again, after 4k...this car is transformed into a whole different beast. It just pulls and pulls....HARD! Needless to say, I was sold on ESS...and it didn't take much! As many may know, Islam is a devout ESS supporter...once you feel this kit on a car, first hand, there's no questioning why that is. It's an insane setup...one which I plan to have sooner than later! Thanks again for the test drive Izzy! __________________ 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, fully loaded... ESS NA V2 Tune, Akra/Challenge Sport, KW Sleeve, OEM GTS rims, Volk TE37 SLs 2008 e92 M3 Coupe 6MT \| AW/BLK Extended...SOLD! Last edited by chris s; 06-14-2011 at 09:45 AM.
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06-14-2011, 10:01 AM	#2
Sal@AUTOcouture BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: Techno Violet ESS M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 8,831 iTrader: (28)	Whenever ur ready.... __________________ ACM Testpipes \| ESS Superchargers \| Aquamist Meth Kits \| P: 201.666.3500 \| Sal@autocouturemotoring.com \| Facebook \| youTube

06-14-2011, 10:02 AM	#3
chris s Brigadier General Drives: 2012 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York Posts: 4,564 iTrader: (8)	__________________ 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, fully loaded... ESS NA V2 Tune, Akra/Challenge Sport, KW Sleeve, OEM GTS rims, Volk TE37 SLs 2008 e92 M3 Coupe 6MT \| AW/BLK Extended...SOLD!

06-14-2011, 10:08 AM	#4
img VT3 Drives: E36 M3 Track car,Ess E90 M3 DD Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Couch Posts: 5,866 iTrader: (5)	I think its been a while Chris since that test drive,i think u need another ride with the updated Tune !!!! I will most likely sell u a kit while u r in the car,hahahah __________________ NO FEAR.NO LIMITS.NO EQUAL Ess VT3 LC built motor,Volk TE37SL,Challenge modefied Xpipe,Akra axle back CF tips. LOW BOOST 60-130 6.7 sec

06-14-2011, 10:08 AM	#5
Team Plutonium Major General Drives: 911 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate Posts: 8,501 iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the little review! I'm getting the ESS 535 kit later next month... I can't wait! __________________ Gone... ESS VT2-625 \| ESS Tune \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| Dinan 4.10 Diff \| KW Variant 3 Coilovers \| Dinan Camber Plates \| Dinan Strut Tower Braces \| Dinan X-Pipe \| Akrapovic Exhaust \| Vorsteiner GTS3 Bumper \| Varis System One Diffuser \| OEM Performance Spoiler \| Stack Gauges \| GTS Door Sills \| Volk TE37 \| Falken Azenis RT615K 275/315 \| Pulled Fenders \| Turner Stud Kit \| OMP ARS Racing Seats New: 991C2S

06-14-2011, 10:13 AM	#7
studntloan (studntloan) Drives: 4 doors 4 more whores Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ny Posts: 2,819 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011.75 E90 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 bmw/ m3 [0.00]	That thing is a beast!!!! __________________ AUTOcouture Motoring \| Facebook \| YouTube \| Alex@AUTOcouturemotoring.com \| 201.666.3500

06-14-2011, 04:05 PM	#10
flipm3 E46 + E90 Drives: E46 M3 + E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,481 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00] 2002 BMW M3 [0.00]	Thanks for sharing the review! What I like is that you describe the driving experience and power deliver as "stock-like." For a guy that tracks his car, this is something that has always been a crucial characteristic for me. I am a pretty diehard N/A guy, simply because of the power delivery, predictability, and smoothness. Seeing all these ESS SC'd E46 and E90s is definitely quite tempting. Hopefully one day, I'll be able to experience the boost just as you all have... __________________ 2002 E46 M3 6MT \| Jet Black . Black Nappa \| My Build Thread 2009 E90 M3 DCT \| Melbourne Red . Speed Cloth

06-14-2011, 05:14 PM	#14
Brooklyn Mark First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 M3 SilverStone Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 321 iTrader: (1)	I am getting a 600 kit installed right now

06-15-2011, 11:48 PM	#21
e92 M3 Captain Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 604 iTrader: (9)	So my turn here... I had the opportunity as well to meet up with both chris s and img this evening. I'm sure I'm on the same boat as many who are contemplating on getting a supercharger kit. I figured, the only way I can make a decision is if I can see one for myself. I asked Islam if I could see his setup and he kindly offered to meet up today. I pull in and see Chris' clean e92 and Islam's e90 beast parked outside the driveway. By the way, I'm forever jealous of those LMs on your M3 Chris. Islam talked about a few of his mods then said to lock up my car that we are going on a test drive. He started it up and I didn't expect how deep the grumble of his exhaust was. All three of us are in and off we go. He went easy on the car until we got onto the onramp and then he ripped it up. I immediately went from to . He did a few WOT pulls and that thing MOVES! Under 4K rpm, you would only think he has an aftermarket exhaust, but then he hits the gas and all of a sudden it's a totally different animal. After we circle around, Islam pulls over. In my head, I'm like hmm, what's going on here. Before I knew it, I was in the driver's seat! Similiar to Chris' experience and feeling, I was excited but really didn't want to open it up as it was not my car. I briefly went into boost and once again I went from to ! We get back to Chris' house, talk a bit more. Islam has some hilarious and crazy stories! To conclude this long post, I was sold. ESS, here I come. Islam - thanks again for educating me on basically everything and for letting me drive your car; I can't believe (especially with all those serious mods) that you'd let me, someone you just met, take your car for a quick spin. Chris - thank you too for your help bro. We go through several texts and finally I can make one of the things that I constantly talk about actually come true, haha. ESS = Islam's e90 = __________________ 2011 E92 M3 ZCP [ ESS VT2-625 ][ ESS TUNE ][ IPE F1 EVOLUTION ][ VORSTEINER TRUNK LID ][ SPLITTERS ][ ARKYM DIFFUSER ][ RD SPRINGS ]

06-16-2011, 01:56 AM	#22
Roman@ESS BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: ESS Supercharged E92 M3 Join Date: May 2007 Location: AZ Posts: 2,147 iTrader: (5)	Im glad you guys have enjoyed the performance of our supercharger systems. We have and will continue to put a lot of hard work into delivering the best performance products we can. __________________ Email: Roman@esstuning.com Phone: (480) 389-4377 Facebook: ESS Tuning

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