3.0 Power Adder Options

[7to3_enthusiast]

Hey guys/gals,

Been looking for alternatives to my E53 X5 3.0 but ultimately just love this SAV too much. It's obviously becoming more and more outdated but I've been updating things trying keep my better half happy with modern day creature comforts. One thing I need since I tow my track cars with it a lot, is more tq. I know these motors quite well, and they can definitely handle some abuse but I haven't seen anyone try to supercharge the 3.0 in the E53 chassis. Has anyone tried it yet? I feel like 300 hp / 300 tq at the crank would make this the perfect vehicle all around without sacrificing much in reliability.

I'm local to CES Motorsports in Charlotte NC who builds some of the strongest M5x motors in the country so we've talked about some options but just curious what is out there so far.

Thoughts?

[nick325xit 5spd]

Eh. You’re asking to be stuck at the side of the road doing that. It’s one thing to put a blower on and rip around like Happy. It’s another to put a blower on and go tow.

[7to3_enthusiast]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

Eh. You’re asking to be stuck at the side of the road doing that. It’s one thing to put a blower on and rip around like Happy. It’s another to put a blower on and go tow.

What do you think the weak link will be? Right now I'm limited to less than 100hp (calculated through my tuner app) during towing to keep things from getting hot due to RPM. Figure the SC could bring more low end hp so I could keep RPM down even lower during towing.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by 7to3_enthusiast

What do you think the weak link will be? Right now I'm limited to less than 100hp (calculated through my tuner app) during towing to keep things from getting hot due to RPM. Figure the SC could bring more low end hp so I could keep RPM down even lower during towing.

Most blower options are centrifugal and won't add much of anything for low end torque. Also, I'm not sure why you think that a bunch of boost will add less load / heat to the drivetrain than a few more RPMs?

As for the weak link when going forced induction, well, people usually eat a couple motors when trying to do something unusual. I don't know of anyone who has built an FI M54 for towing. That's VERY different from building an FI M54 for giggles or track. I also wouldn't have much expectation of longevity from the transmission. After that, IIRC, the 3.0i auto got a bunch of downrated other drivetrain parts that I'd want to swap to V8 / 3.0i manual spec.

[7to3_enthusiast]

Originally Posted by nick325xit 5spd

Most blower options are centrifugal and won't add much of anything for low end torque. Also, I'm not sure why you think that a bunch of boost will add less load / heat to the drivetrain than a few more RPMs?

As for the weak link when going forced induction, well, people usually eat a couple motors when trying to do something unusual. I don't know of anyone who has built an FI M54 for towing. That's VERY different from building an FI M54 for giggles or track. I also wouldn't have much expectation of longevity from the transmission. After that, IIRC, the 3.0i auto got a bunch of downrated other drivetrain parts that I'd want to swap to V8 / 3.0i manual spec.

Boost actually doesn't add that much more peak stress to a bottom end. You'd be surprised to find that you'll stress an engine rods and crank from trying to add 1,000 more RPMs than you will adding a few pounds of boost. Of course if you can always get out of hand with adding power, but that's not what I'm going for here.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by 7to3_enthusiast

Boost actually doesn't add that much more peak stress to a bottom end. You'd be surprised to find that you'll stress an engine rods and crank from trying to add 1,000 more RPMs than you will adding a few pounds of boost. Of course if you can always get out of hand with adding power, but that's not what I'm going for here.

It adds different stress. BMW engines are largely built to withstand revs within reason. The big problem on the M54 is the lack of an oil pump chain guide/tensioner.

[Bdc101]

Sounds like a great job for a V8 :P

[7to3_enthusiast]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

Sounds like a great job for a V8 :P

Absolutely and loved my 4.6 when I had it. Just was a relability nightmare and had to be towed home more often than my track cars lol. Sold it and got its equivalent with the 3.0 and its been an absolute tank of an SAV. I tow a 3800 lb GTR with it and it struggles to say the least.

[nick325xit 5spd]

Originally Posted by 7to3_enthusiast

Absolutely and loved my 4.6 when I had it. Just was a relability nightmare and had to be towed home more often than my track cars lol. Sold it and got its equivalent with the 3.0 and its been an absolute tank of an SAV. I tow a 3800 lb GTR with it and it struggles to say the least.

I think that the 4.6 is the least reliable X5 out there.

[Happy]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

Sounds like a great job for a V8 :P

I was riding around in 4.4is the other day, and I can confidently say that, this is the best advice.


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ReVELaTiON 22:21