ESS supercharger

[Gixxerboy63]

Originally Posted by Gixxerboy63

Looking at some published specs, a 4.6is with an ESS supercharger will increase the stock hp and torque to 445hp/460tq... good for 5.2 seconds to 60mph... (almost identical 0-60 performance numbers produced by a stock 2003 E39 M5, which is very impressive for a 6000lb+ vehicle!)

Impressive specs, yes! ...but the short answer is still NO; you will get spanked by an X5M!

I found this website to be very interesting; BMW 0-60 Times & BMW Quarter Mile Times | BMW E36, X5, BMW M3 0-60, M5, M6, M1, 330, Z4 and Cabrio Bimmer 0 to 60 stats!
In my previous quote, I thought there was published information to support the idea that an ESS SC X5 4.6is would be within striking range of an E39 M5. Apparently I was mistaken.

The SC X5 would have performance numbers more similar to a 2001 540i/6 speed rather than ANY 2000 or newer M-car (with the exception of the M3 convertible)

The idea of having a 445+ hp X5 sounds very intriguing, but I would not be happy if I spent the money and still get my A** handed to my by a stock E39 M5 (that I could have bought for not whole lot more than the cost of the SC conversion).

[RickM5X3]

Originally Posted by Gixxerboy63

The idea of having a 445+ hp X5 sounds very intriguing, but I would not be happy if I spent the money and still get my A** handed to my by a stock E39 M5 (that I could have bought for not whole lot more than the cost of the SC conversion).

Agree 100%. And with the easily-boosted turbo X3 and X5s become more plentiful on the used market every day, the cost/benefit on adding a supercharger to an aging E53 makes less sense each month.

This product missed the market by about 2 years IMO, but maybe makes some sense for an E70 owner that is stuck with a 4.8i that otherwise can be trounced by an F25 X3.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by RickM5X3

Agree 100%. And with the easily-boosted turbo X3 and X5s become more plentiful on the used market every day, the cost/benefit on adding a supercharger to an aging E53 makes less sense each month.

This product missed the market by about 2 years IMO, but maybe makes some sense for an E70 owner that is stuck with a 4.8i that otherwise can be trounced by an F25 X3.

+1

Sad though cause that'll make aftermarket mods kinda dry.

[Gixxerboy63]

Maybe I'll just throw an Eisenmann exhaust on with a CAI and throttle body and be done with it?

[Nick P]

Hi!

Gettring more power from E53 is an understandable idea, because in terms os handling there's no comparison between newer BMW models with obvious emphasis on comfort and high-tech and older BMW models, where the driving pleasure was standing on the first place.

The E53 still represents the inital idea to combine sporty feeling with practicality and as it cames to the market 1998 it was the class determinig car with no rivals. Only Cayenne could match the onroad capabilities of E53 couple of years later. Though, the design is a very personal issue, let me say the E53 stays the most masculine-looking SUV ever made. That's why i'm think there are plenty of reasons to invest money in a car, that's getting older meanwhile.

Still there's a problem with power inhancements, especially regarding the 4.6 and 4.8 models - the automatic transmission is working on its limits - those are 350 hp and 500 Nm (370 lb ft), that's the reason BMW never offered E53 with S62 engine from M5 E39, like nowadays X5 M and M5 share the same engine.

So BMW had to get the engine for the sporty 4.6is from Alpina, but even this engine's still too powerfull for the auto transmission (ZF 5HP24) - this gearbox is layed out by manufacturer for approx. 200k km (125k mi) in Europe-specific driving conditions. Only due to the rather calm driving habits in North America the gearboxes could last longer.

So, everywhere exept for USA it wouldn't be a great idea to get more than 350 hp (even though BMW claimed 360 hp for 4.8is, there's much less in fact) from the top of the line engines of E53 family. 400 and more HP would destroy the geabox in couple of weeks, as long as you're driving on the european highways in a speed range of 100-150 mph. I also doubt, the gearbox will last long in a stop-and-go urban traffic.

Please excuse me, if all i wrote was too obvious.

Regards,

Nick

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by Nick P

... Only due to the rather calm driving habits in North America the gearboxes could last longer ...

Some might beg to differ with the calm driving habits of North Americans comment.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Some might beg to differ with the calm driving habits of North Americans comment.

[Nick P]

Hello!

But its not really my opinion, its a general assumption of manufacturer, which certainly could differ in great number of personal cases.

What I meant, was that the road system and traffic regulation in USA are more strict, as in Europe, I personally went from NY to Miami by car in 2009 and if there wasn't a need to stop for gas, I could stay the whole 1,5k miles in the highest gear at moderate rpms (so it doesnt matter how much HPs you have if you only use 20% of them) - it is impossible in Europe. Dont to mention the cops everywhere, you can drive across Italy about 1000 miles you won't see any policemens. Even the urban traffic in US seemed to be more regulated, whith all the "this line only for left-turning"etc. - marks on the tarmac.

Regards,

Nick

[cncmastr]

According to page 1 found here:

"GA6HP26Z (designed for maximum torque of 600 Nm)"

[Nick P]

Even the 6-Speed auto is capable to keep up with 600 Nm, there are stiil alot of transmission issues on 4.8is.