Engine Stuff
 

So, basically I want to turbocharge my E53 but I have been told I have two options. One: upgrade the M54 internals and put a turbo or two on it. Two: put an N54 in instead, which would already be turbocharged and would be designed for it. Not sure if it would fit properly but I know the N54 is based on the M, so they can’t be that different in footprint. Any thoughts or maybe anyone who has tried this, let me know.


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It would be much cheaper (and reliable) to just buy an E70 with the N55 engine if you really want a turbo. It's not just simply strapping on a turbo, someone would have to provide you with an engine management software to go with it.

And possibly injectors depending on boost levels. I'm all for jumping in on a project (I turbo charged an m42 in a 91 318is and installed ms1 to run the engine)... But be prepared for the truck to be down for a very long time while you hammer out all the little details involved. Map sensor, piping (hot and cold), etc.

Projects are great, but there is a reason so many unfinished ones end up on Craigslist.

I've been looking at this beauty: https://www.vividracing.com/ess-tuni...151253414.html

Almost plug and play. Comes with larger injectors, remapping of the ECU, etc. Looks to be a pretty clean set up.

^That is definitely the cleanest/easiest way to go. I've seen that as well, and might give me a reason to buy a 6mt 3.0i in the future. ;)

I've been lusting after an ESS setup for a while now. I heard ESS stopped making them about a year ago; so, new ones are probably limited to stock on hand.

When I spoke to ESS they said they didn't currently have any, but they might be producing more in the future. In the mean time they have this: https://esstuning.com/ess-m52tu-m54-...harger-system/

Not as clean in my opinion, but it will work and is also pretty much plug and play.

So, I think you're right. Any of the scroll type supercharger set ups are stock on hand with dealers like Vivid.

So since this is about engines, this kind of confused me as to what they are for. The E53 has those little flaps on hinges, 6 of them; three on each side of the radiator fan. What exactly is their purpose? What would happen if I take them off? Just wondering if anyone knows.


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A bit off topic, but those flaps are to allow fresh air to flow through a larger area of the front fan shroud when you're at speed, but when you stop in traffic the pressure from the front fan closes them and lets all the air go through the radiator to optimize AC performance.

So removing them wouldn’t to much of anything in reality, right?


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No, removing them will affect AC efficiency and possibly extreme cooling capacity if you're stopped in traffic on a hot day and everything is running full tilt. Removing them will not gain you anything.

Okay, thanks for the information, but one of them being broken, and the other 5 being there would be okay?


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Yes. I wouldn't worry about just one being broken.

I would replace the broken one because my OCD would be driving me crazy. :rofl:

The pivot pin is part of the shroud, and that's what breaks. Replace the whole shroud for one flappy flapper?

I'd probably try something to fix the pivot pin.

For the price, this is definitely the way to go.

https://esstuning.com/ess-m52tu-m54-...harger-system/

Me too. (Hangs head in OCD shame).

But to the original post, forget boost. Ditch the AWD and LS swap the sucker. You'll need a diff from a V8, but that's easy. Torsen limited slip will be required for hookup. Truck LS motors with the tall intakes will fit in the X5 bay.


Then bag it and ride low.