Forced Induction for 2006 E53 4.4i

[Frankiesayrelax]

Okay, I’ve searched for days now and haven’t found any answers. I have, as the thread title says, a 2006 E53 4.4i with the N62 engine. I recently saw a few YouTube videos of guys hunting through junkyards for superchargers from other vehicles that they would lightly mod and add to theirs. Of course they had different remodel BMW’s then me but that got me wondering. Are there any superchargers or styles of superchargers that would work for my car? Possibly that I might find in a junkyard. Is that silly to think? I’m new to all this so, as usual, any info is appreciated! Thanks.

[andrewwynn]

I looked many times. A company did make a turbo kit but no longer.

However: there is a new product that will do what you are looking for (ish).

Electric "turbo" (should be called supercharger as it doesn't use exhaust)

There are sub $1000 models that are worthless. There are $2500 models that will generate about 5psi into a 6 cyl engine will be a little less on an 8.

The system is pretty simple. Is has a big battery bank of about 48v and charges that under normal load. When F.I. is requested (unclear if that is automatic or you need to press a button ala nitrous bottle), you get the boost.

On the YouTube channel I watched they took a Chevy cavalier or similar up from 125 to 165 ish HP. That's pretty amazing.

[crystalworks]

ESS (I think it was) just released a complete supercharger kit forthen62b44 for the e60. With some mods I bet it would be serviceable for the x5.

[Frankiesayrelax]

I was wondering about electric chargers myself. Although as you say price is a factor for quality.

I guess I was mostly wondering if there were existing chargers for other brand cars that would work. For instance I’ve seen guys pull superchargers from older Pontiacs and use it on BMWs. I like the junkyard possibility because the price will be much more tenable for someone like me.

I also saw that ESS was supposedly developing a supercharger kit a few years ago but I guess nothing ever came to fruition on that. I’ll look into the kit you mentioned for the E60.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Frankiesayrelax

I also saw that ESS was supposedly developing a supercharger kit a few years ago but I guess nothing ever came to fruition on that. I’ll look into the kit you mentioned for the E60.

That's the one. It finally came to fruition. Adds 100+ hp but costs are north of $5k. Fully inclusive kit though (for the e60).

As for JY options... not going to be much in the way of S/C. Just about any turbo can be made to work but will cost a bunch on the back end (manifolds, tuning, piping, etc).

[Frankiesayrelax]

Gotcha, well I that’s life. Everything’s a cost ratio with older cars.

[bcredliner]

Best value is nitrous with meth injection. Max would be 150 shot. Dinan had a Supercharger for the 4.4 but is no longer offered. Have seen one on Ebay, not likely going to see another but never know.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by Frankiesayrelax

I was wondering about electric chargers myself. Although as you say price is a factor for quality.

I guess I was mostly wondering if there were existing chargers for other brand cars that would work. For instance I’ve seen guys pull superchargers from older Pontiacs and use it on BMWs. I like the junkyard possibility because the price will be much more tenable for someone like me.

I also saw that ESS was supposedly developing a supercharger kit a few years ago but I guess nothing ever came to fruition on that. I’ll look into the kit you mentioned for the E60.

I saw a review of an electric blower; they call it a turbo but it doesn't use the exhaust for power nor ala super charger, drive belt, anyhow they achieved 5psi boost on a v6 engine, boosted HP from about 125 to about 170, it looks very promising. $2500; it uses a large battery pack and huge gauge wires, not sure what kind of amperage that little blower takes but it's hella lot. Very promising add-on. it's definitely piqued my interest.

[BigBody]

I think Cletus Mcfarland (youtube guy) made close to 100hp when he used twin electric superchargers in his last video. I don't watch his stuff, but (like everyone) im really fascinated with the possibilities of electric forced induction. Unfortunately there is one company making them, & I believe they failed to reach their target funding on kickstarter. Also, I don't believe they are available to even purchase. Considering the price of them as well (not cheap), id much rather pay a bit more & go superchargered.

My issue though with nitrous & the electric superchargers is 1 tuning, & 2 I hate charging/refilling stuff.

They started releasing road bikes with electronic gear shift, which honestly I will never understand. Why the hell would I ride a road bike with a battery I have to recharge so that it can shift for me?... lol

EDIT: I just want to add the ESS unit is $6000.

[squidzilla]

I am planning on buying that ESS kit next year for my 545i. It will part of my 100k maintenance plan.