3.0 Power Adder Options

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by 7to3_enthusiast

So it sounds like there are a few deterents on increasing power output on the E53 3.0, but no one has really tried? Surprising to me since the BMW inline 6's of this era are pretty impressive, which I can't say the same for the V8's they made which ESS and dinan made supercharge kits for.

Upgrading the trans cooler will solve the overheating issue, which is fine, but anyone who has towed the max rated load with the 3.0 probably can share my experience with it needing a bit more power.

I literally referenced a member of the forum with a blower on his M54 in this thread.

I still think that a well maintained N62 is a much better option that'll give you more of what you want and cost a lot less to get there. And the ZF 6-speed auto kicks the shit out of the GM box that all 3.0i automatics got.

If you said to me "I want a manual X5 and I want to tow with it," then figuring out ways to add power to the 3.0i would be one thing. (And I have towed with my 6MT X5.) But I wouldn't let your bad experience with what has to be the least reliable E53 in existence rule out the V8s completely.