Germancars007

So I've been doing some research on the e60 545i supercharger and I have found where to get one but I have yet to find videos of a supercharged 545i on a dyno or on the streets. I have heard that supercharging this specific engine runs down its life. But since I haven't found anyone that owns a supercharged 545i I cant figure out If i should buy one or not? Also has anyone had any luck with the ESS tune? and I'm also curious about the Dinan throttle body, the GTB throttle body spacer and the Dinan intake vs the AFE intake? I would surely like some facts and opinions. Iv'e tried researching but found nothing solid Please help!

Boost7

I'm sure someone on here will say I'm wrong, but I'll give you my .02cents. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY on those parts. They will not give you that much more HP for the money you're going to spend. Just enjoy the car as is, or if you really want to mod, then sell the 545 and get a 535i or go M5. Why do you think there is a lack of info on those parts for 545i from real owners?

H F

Here is a guy who installed ESS TVS2 on his 645 , he posted a video on post #57 sounds awesome ..

ESS TVS2 Supercharger - Page 3 - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

ETNav382

I'm surprised you guys haven't mentioned member West. He supercharged his 550 a few years back and hasn't had any real issues with it. Search for his name and thread on it. Last post from him on here was something along the lines of moving over to the bimmerboost forums.

Boost7

Yea, I know about West's car and it's an awesome build, and it's not cheap. But for someone that's looking for power gains, there are less expensive ways to achieve those goals with a 535i, JB4, CobbAccess. And of course M5....yea, yea, you're going to say the cost of ownership will be more but at the end, you got to pay to play.

To me, although I own a 545 also. I think it'll be a waste of money to mod it, since you're still plague with all it's weakness in oil leaks, and you'll hit a max threshold with just the usual bolt on and SC parts. More power, more stress on that motor, less life, less enjoyment of the car.

west

Yo. What's up ETNav382...I still pop in to here from time to time.

I believe a lot of people talk down on the N62 platform because of the limited and rather expensive aftermarket. It's also easy to get excited about the turbo 6 when you see communities like N54tech. The truth is, both platforms are very capable.

The supercharged 550i is a fun car, and even more so if you have good supporting mods (KillerChiller, LSD, Headers/Exhaust, etc). I encourage anyone who is curious to simply give it a shot.

Germancars007

Thank you all for your replies! I think I'm gonna replace all the gaskets and seals first and then go for the SC!

seven11

my thoughts exactly

dont waste your money on ANY of those parts

maybe do an m5 bodykit and wheels and a drop

otherwise just keep up with the maintenance and enjoy the car as is

if u want a faster car, get a 535i

texasmr2

I am not a huge fan of SC's because you are limited via the pulley size but with turbochargers you are not and the cost. Boost is boost so I love both so with that being said your performance and engine life is actually based upon supporting mods such as the fuel system and the engine management be it piggy back, ECU retune but I prefer a full EMS and last but not least is tuning time on the dyno.


Good luck.

west

Good bet! A lot of guys, usually just fanboys, that haven't done cost comparisons are going to tell you that the stage2 SC is not cost effective. Truth is, in order to see 550HP from the 535i, the 535i guys are going to have to spend roughly the same as well (DCI/Meth/Downpipes/Piggyback/Fueling/etc).

On a note regarding reliability, we pulled my motor last night and did a quick inspection. No leaks and everything looked good except the water pump bearing. My guess is that we used too tight of a belt when putting the small pulley on the supercharger. Here is what a bolt-on N62 looks like btw.