Thoughts On Supercharging my E90 M3

[----Flyin-High----]

New to this forum, long time lurker.

Just bought a 2011 M3 with 90k miles, I bought it for 19k. First wanted your thoughts on the purchase. E90 m3 with rod berings, motor mounts, oil cooler, all 02 sensors replaced, throttle body actuators replaced and new fluids all around, replaced at 85k. Car is in great condition with minimal wear on interior. Previous owner was a BMW tech and i have a good feeling from our conversation.

Looking into a supercharger, at 90k miles should i be worried? Looking at an ESS 550 to keep the boost low and engine wear minimal. I bought the car within my price range and wouldn't be devastated by work or maintenance, just want something I can daily drive.

What is your opinion on the best e9x supercharger? Should I do it at 90k miles? Anyone have a good deal or know someone near the DFW area that could help with a supercharger or install.

Thanks for looking and or responding I appreciate your time.

[pbonsalb]

I’d buy ESS for a centrifugal or Harrop for a positive displacement.

[bvrider1]

I would do a supercharger in a heartbeat. I have an ESS 625 which I upgraded from a 550 kit. You can't go wrong with ESS or Harrop.

[im4ipsc]

with all of the maintenance items you mentioned being done, I would go with the ESS supercharger 625 at a minimum. The S65 should be able to handle the increased torque and oil pressure. And then enjoy! Oh, and don't forget to code it Euro MDM!

[Redd]

Would a lower boost level put less strain on the main bearings? Or it's the same regardless of boost level.

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by Redd

Would a lower boost level put less strain on the main bearings? Or it's the same regardless of boost level.

Shouldn't do, just running another accessory regardless of boost level..

Do it OP... I'm doing mine with 80k

[pbonsalb]

It’s a pretty big draw accessory when making boost. Probably more than all your other accessories combined. Change your rod bearings, install the centrifugal and enjoy it.

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by SAMM3Y

Shouldn't do, just running another accessory regardless of boost level..

Do it OP... I'm doing mine with 80k

For a novice such as myself, I'm not sure what you mean by "shouldn't do"? You're statement probably makes total sense to someone who knows how a SC works totally, but if you don't mine elaborating...

[pbonsalb]

The risk is minor. There is added stress to at least the most forward bearing, but relatively few supercharged motors have failed.

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by wfdeacon88

For a novice such as myself, I'm not sure what you mean by "shouldn't do"? You're statement probably makes total sense to someone who knows how a SC works totally, but if you don't mine elaborating...

I mean regardless of boost level between a 550 kit or 625 there will be no added stress to the mains...

[sibhusz06]

You should get a leak down or compression test done before putting on an SC at that kind of mileage.

[----Flyin-High----]

Thanks for the replys, im going to get a compression test done this week. If it comes back good, im gonna pull the trigger on a ESS 625. What are your guys thoughts on install? Something to do myself or how much would a shop charge?

[bvrider1]

I installed mine and it is pretty easy. If you want it done quick with little downtime, go to a shop.

I did mine over winter and took my sweet time.

Sometimes it is worth paying the labor to enjoy your upgrades.

Originally Posted by ----Flyin-High----

Thanks for the replys, im going to get a compression test done this week. If it comes back good, im gonna pull the trigger on a ESS 625. What are your guys thoughts on install? Something to do myself or how much would a shop charge?

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by SAMM3Y

I mean regardless of boost level between a 550 kit or 625 there will be no added stress to the mains...

Read the last paragraph in the post from GreenEggs in this thread. He says there is added stress to the first main bearing from a supercharger dragging in the crank. When the blower is not making any boost, it is much like any other accessory, but when it is making boost it is dragging on the crank more than all other accessories combined.

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1287824

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Read the last paragraph in the post from GreenEggs in this thread. He says there is added stress to the first main bearing from a supercharger dragging in the crank. When the blower is not making any boost, it is much like any other accessory, but when it is making boost it is dragging on the crank more than all other accessories combined.

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1287824

Of course there's added stress... I guess I'm internet mumbling... Op asked if running a lower boost Sc system is less stressful on the mains... I say "no" the stress is the same regardless of boost on the mains... is that clear enough?

[pbonsalb]

No, the faster you spin the blower, the more drag on the crank. I would personally still supercharge my E90M3 that has 100k miles, but I would be doing so knowing and accepting the increased risk. And if I supercharged, I would not buy the lowest power kit. I would go for the power I want.

I have been thinking about changing the main bearings as preventative maintenance. It would be fun. I did the rod bearings myself about 5 years ago. I don’t know that changing the mains in necessary — few cars have had main bearing failures, but it would give me some peace of mind. I have also thought about just buying a used F10M5 instead since it would already have the power I want and could be easily modded for more.

[BeaterM3]

Originally Posted by ----Flyin-High----

New to this forum, long time lurker.

Just bought a 2011 M3 with 90k miles, I bought it for 19k. First wanted your thoughts on the purchase. E90 m3 with rod berings, motor mounts, oil cooler, all 02 sensors replaced, throttle body actuators replaced and new fluids all around, replaced at 85k. Car is in great condition with minimal wear on interior. Previous owner was a BMW tech and i have a good feeling from our conversation.

Looking into a supercharger, at 90k miles should i be worried? Looking at an ESS 550 to keep the boost low and engine wear minimal. I bought the car within my price range and wouldn't be devastated by work or maintenance, just want something I can daily drive.

What is your opinion on the best e9x supercharger? Should I do it at 90k miles? Anyone have a good deal or know someone near the DFW area that could help with a supercharger or install.

Thanks for looking and or responding I appreciate your time.

I'd like to mention you got a great deal on the car with all of that preventive maintenance already done to it.

Did you get proof of the RB swap?

[----Flyin-High----]

Originally Posted by revengeismine

I'd like to mention you got a great deal on the car with all of that preventive maintenance already done to it.

Did you get proof of the RB swap?

I thought so too, he had an invoice and some photos of the RB being replaced, with a photo of the previous RB which were in great shape.

[----Flyin-High----]

Anyone have an idea on the best way to get rid of the post cat O2 sensors? I got an Xpipe and new exhaust installed and it’s giving me the SES light for fuel trim on the post cat o2 sensors?

[pbonsalb]

I’d look at fabspeed mini cats for the 02, but no guarantees. A few have tunes that simulate the rear 02 but the tuners won’t sell them to most people because they are illegal and the fines are high. Changing back to the stock xpipe once a year also works.

[415cpa]

I use these O2 sensor spacers that have a mini-cat built into them. Was able to get all readiness monitors set including the O2 sensor.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/O2-Oxygen-C...item3af9d816a9

[----Flyin-High----]

you guys are awesome thanks!