ESS Supercharger - Experience to Date on a 323 Step

[pkoenig]

I ordered an ESS unit for my 323CIC in early August and received it in late Sept. So far I have over 6000 miles on it. After a few early installation issues (I did it myself), it's working just fine. My car is a Premium/Sport/Xenon/Nav/Steptronic.

* Love the power. My car is suppposed to go from 170 to 270HP with the kit. The power comes on above 4000 RPM. Boy does it come on !
* The transmission has "learned" about the new power somewhat. In SPORT mode, it kicks down quick and runs to the new redline.
* There is a noticable underhood noise from the increased airflow. Not a whine, more like a super size radiator fan.
* Exhaust note has gotten a bit better. Not sure why. I think I'm going to install the new UUC twin exhaust on my car.
* Car is totally stock except for the SC. I've removed the 323Ci badge on the trunklid. I get great looks blowing past cars going uphill on the Sunol grade (SF Bay Area). The car easily accelerates from 50 to 100+ up this generally steep grade.
* All said, a great bolt-on improvement. However, I think if I could change something, I'd probably would have kept my 911 another 6-9 months and then would have gotten a 330CiC instead of the 323CiC. And I probably would still put the ESS on it !

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: pkoenig on 2002-01-23 21:27 ]</font>

[pkoenig]

PS - another note for you 330 owners looking at the ESS unit. Figure that your car will be down and out for 10-14 days while your DME is being reworked in Sweden. I sent mine out UPS Express (2-3 day air) from the west coast on a Friday, figuring it would move over the weekend. It was supposed to be delivered Mon PM Sweden time. Instead, it arrived Tuesday. Cost was about $60 to ship (ESS says they supply a FedEx prepaid envelope --- they don't!).

It was sent back from Sweden via mail and was delivered to me by the US Mail. Took 1 week in transit.

[pkoenig]

More details on the ESS install.

Your displayed fuel economy will be off by about 20%. This is because the BMW computer uses the fuel injector "pulses" to calculate fuel usage. With larger injectors, the calculation is wrong. ESS is working on a "plug-in" calibration unit to change the injector capacity setting in the computer. Turns out that in Europe, dealers can change the setting, but it's not available in the US. (Thank you BMW for protecting us from ourselves ;-> )

Also, ESS says they are working on C.A.R.B. certification for all E46 kits and expect it by the summer. If so, that will save me quite a bit of effort removing the supercharger for a smog check.

[pkoenig]

I just added the UUC TSE to the car. It's definitely improved the sound and looks. No noticable improvement in the seat feel, but mentally it feels faster ;->

Next upgrade -- probably the Dinan transmission SW.

[Kempo Kid]

how much does the supercharger inprove your top speed and 1/4 mile time?

[pkoenig]

Not sure. I think it's now down to right about 7.0 sec 0-60.

[wstt]

I too wished I had waited and purchased a 330. I have a 323Ci w/ sport package and am looking at getting the ess supercharger. Where did you buy it from and were you able to avoid sales tax? How long did it take to install it (hours) and what kind of place can do it? A dealer in my area, Chicago, that does much after market work (Dinan) said they could do it for 12-16 hrs labor at $90+/hr.

Does the noticable underhood noise from the increased airflow, happen only in the 4000+ rpm or also when the engine is idleing?

You said ESS is working on C.A.R.B. certification, what is that? Is that just to fix the displayed fuel economy being off?

Any other recommendations or advice you could give me?

[pkoenig]

Where did you buy it from and were you able to avoid sales tax?
--> Direct from ESS. No sales tax, just shipping.

How long did it take to install it (hours) and what kind of place can do it?
--> It took a couple of nights and a weekend. It's an 8-10 hr job for a competent BMW mechanic. I'm handy, but with no BMW experience. There is a guy I met a BimmerFest in late April that has a 330CiC that did the ESS with a buddy. Using the Chilton (?) E46 Manual ($140 ?), they did it in a weekend. The Chilton manual gives great tips for removal / installation of the various parts. The ESS documentation is very basic. Hopefully, Todd will improve it with a Garage article ! And also, plan to be down for at least 1-2 weeks while the ECU is modified. Although I heard they may be doing that in Florida now instead of Sweden.

Does the noticable underhood noise from the increased airflow, happen only in the 4000+ rpm or also when the engine is idleing?
---> No noticable noise at idle. You do get "wind" or airflow noise about 3000, but not a "whine".

> You said ESS is working on C.A.R.B. certification, what is that?
---> California Air Resources Board. Our state smog agency. However, the car
passed smog anyway. Technically, it should have failed the visual inspection since the unit doesn't have a CARB sticker (yet ...). It's mostly a paperwork issue since the ECU ensures proper air fuel mix with it's closed loop control system.

> Is that just to fix the displayed fuel economy being off?
---> Still no fix that I know off. The settings in the car computer need to be
changed since the new injectors pump 21% more fuel than the stock injectors. The displayed MPG is calculated based on the number of electrical impulses sent to the injectors. The "flow" is a static number stored in the car computer. With the change in injectors, that variable needs to be changed. In the US, dealers can't change the setting with their equipment. In Europe I guess they can. ESS says they are working on a "widget" to change this setting. Unfortunately I have to take this with a grain of salt ... (sure Todd, your system is shipping this week .....)

> Any other recommendations or advice you could give me?
--->Not really. If you decide to do it, I've got some detailed extra instructions since the ESS manuals are minimal. Would I do it again -- probably. I also added the UUC twin silencer exhaust -- do that as well !

[S32]

Just wondering, what supercharger pulley does the kit include? Vortech or ESS custom make pulley? If Vortech pulley, can you post the part number of the pulley here? Thanks.

[pkoenig]

I believe it's a std Vortech pulley. I no longer own the car, so it'll be difficult to get the part number.

[jvrkic]

Yep I sent my ECU 29 Dec 2004, still isn't back.

Makes things inconvenient.