[cwlo]

Actually, the cover when removed allows access to the oil pump for the few n52 variants that have electronic adjustment of pressure or volume. Not sure exactly what it adjusts, but my 2011 n52 had an electronic actuator there that hooked into the oil pump.

[CobraMarty]

Part of the reason for the renewed interest in this project is realizing that the auto and 6MT 328s are really different animals to drive. I have a '07 e90 auto and my son has a '07 e92 6MT.

The 6MT is easy to drive around town reving it out to 6-7K at every shift. Doing this feels very natural and comfortable. As everyone has mentioned, it has a very linear feeling power curve. Down low torque is not really necessary. So here the ESS SC seems more appropriate. The power will remain very linear but pumped up.

The auto on the other hand drives and shifts very differently. Sure you can switch it to 'manual' mode and rev it out to 6-6.5k but that gets old after awhile. During auto shifting it rarely shifts above 5k during normal of mildly spirited city driving. Here with the torque converter, low end torque is better used. The slow boost building curve of the ESS SC would not work well in that 2-5k range. So here a small turbo would be more appropriate. More boost down low in the rpm range.

Both could still only have 6-7 pounds of boost, just a very different boost curve. Although the turbo would use the 335 FMIC, it could have more boost even up to 10-11 pounds. But at a fixed same boost like 6psi, the turbo will always make more power than the SC.

The idea is to not make a high HP number. That is left for the 335 guys. Here it is to make a more usable and fun power curve. Now that tuning has been cracked, no need for additional injectors. Use the bigger M3 injectors and ecu tune and done.

The turbo wastegate control could be done with just the WG spring or electronically controlled. The BOV would be a bit more tricky to hook up and plumb. IDK if one is even really needed as there are no throttle blades that slam closed tight when decelerating.

[CobraMarty]

I also wonder if at first I can run the N55 turbo without the water plumbed for cooling. Sure it is needed for longevity, blah blah blah, but it would sure make the initial plumbing easier. Many turbos only have the oil for cooling and they seem to do very well. Just make 2 water block off plugs and done.

Turbo oil drain is another issue. Drop the subframe and then remove the pan and weld in a bung. Or find a location in the block and possibly drill and tap it for a fitting.

[CobraMarty]

So I bolted the N55 turbofold to the N52 head. Used longer 50mm bolts and 1" spacers.

The compressor housing clears that block 'mounting block', barely.

It couldn't fit any tighter as that 1" is needed to get to the water inlet hole on the side of the block. It will be a tight fit and will require a custom made piece to fit.

Block off plate for the recirc/BOV on the compressor housing.

TurboSmart waste gate actuator instead of the BMW/BW waste gate actuator- which is vacuum operated. TurboSmart preset to 7-8 psi and plumb it to the manifold.

Cap off the water in/out to the turbo.

Oil supply line probably T'ed off the oil pressure sensor.

Drill a hole and thread it in the block 'bedplate' for oil drain.

Drill 2 holes and weld in O2 sensor bungs into the N55 turbofold up on top like the N52.

[gT-BMW]

Originally Posted by CobraMarty

So I bolted the N55 turbofold to the N52 head. Used longer 50mm bolts and 1" spacers.

The compressor housing clears that block 'mounting block', barely.

It couldn't fit any tighter as that 1" is needed to get to the water inlet hole on the side of the block. It will be a tight fit and will require a custom made piece to fit.

Block off plate for the recirc/BOV on the compressor housing.

TurboSmart waste gate actuator instead of the BMW/BW waste gate actuator- which is vacuum operated. TurboSmart preset to 7-8 psi and plumb it to the manifold.

Cap off the water in/out to the turbo.

Oil supply line probably T'ed off the oil pressure sensor.

Drill a hole and thread it in the block 'bedplate' for oil drain.

Drill 2 holes and weld in O2 sensor bungs into the N55 turbofold up on top like the N52.

would you be able to keep the a/c? If not why not consider a remote mount turbo system? a self contained oil system for turbo with internal waste gate and no need for an intercooler.

[CobraMarty]

Humm... A/C compressor.

My engine on the stand doesn't have one on it.
Looking at pictures, this may be a new issue. Might have to buy a used compressor to bolt to the side of my engine.

Something else to buy and check. Arggg.
I did buy a used bedplate to see where to drill it for drain and to practice drilling it.
Now to buy a A/C compressor to fit and check for clearances.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by gT-BMW

would you be able to keep the a/c? If not why not consider a remote mount turbo system? a self contained oil system for turbo with internal waste gate and no need for an intercooler.

I agree with this. Add a M3 trunk insert and you have a ton of room under the back of the car for mounting a turbo. Also I’m imagining moving the exhaust merger forward to near the headers and you can likely run your intake piping pretty easily under the car.

[CobraMarty]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

I think you could remove it. Its not used for anything on most N52s.

A/C compressor bolts here?

[CobraMarty]

Yeah NO remote turbo.
Plan was to use 'used take off parts' off N55, or N54/55 single turbo manifold.

Would just use the ESS SC if turbo is not an option.

[CobraMarty]

Asked SPA about their cast N54/N52 single low turbo option for the N52. It is a nice cast piece and mounts the turbo low between cylinders 3 and 4.

Reply was- it is very tight, water line is difficult, getting to the turbo air inlet is difficult and best if remove the A/C.

Ordered a used A/C compressor and bolts to check if this is even feasible.
1 step forward and 2 steps back.

[Noir]

Originally Posted by CobraMarty

Asked SPA about their cast N54/N52 single low turbo option for the N52. It is a nice cast piece and mounts the turbo low between cylinders 3 and 4.

Reply was- it is very tight, water line is difficult, getting to the turbo air inlet is difficult and best if remove the A/C.

Ordered a used A/C compressor and bolts to check if this is even feasible.
1 step forward and 2 steps back.

Regardless of paces...
Its for science, you beautiful pioneer.
Very interested in your findings!

[WeekendWarriorz]

For the intercooler and to try to keep the a/c, get the N55 radiator which is shorter than the N52 radiator, intercooler will fit right under with lots of space. Also interested on this project, although I have a 1er if you need any specifications/ pictures for fitment or questions about lines running around the engine ask away and I'll gladly assist!

[CobraMarty]

I ordered a used A/C compressor but I was looking closer and the A/C compressor fits right where the SC inlet is located. I will check for sure when I get the A/C compressor but it looks like a no go for the N55 turbofold on the N52 with A/C. Now if you didn't have a/c like in a race car or engine swap then it might be feasible. I'm not going to lose the A/C.

Another thought was to use a N54 front turbofold in the rear location but this would require a bigger turbo like VTT stage 2 or GC 2.0 or Pure stage 2 or RB Turbo. All big bucks.

I'm really thinking that a N52 specific manifold is what is needed. Use an exhaust flange from any of the vendors and build a log exhaust manifold using SS Sch 40 1.5" butt weld pieces. 1.5" are OD with 1/8" wall so 1.25" ID. They are fairly inexpensive, and just weld it up. Then I could place the turbo where needed for clearance. Use a T3 or small T4 turbo. Only looking for 400 crank hp, about max 350rwhp.

Kinda of a let down. Got a bunch of used parts to sell but enjoyed the process.

[JO1907]

Hello,

I come from Germany, am 19 years old and really want to convert a car to a turbocharger.
I've been looking for a car for some time now. First it was an e39 but now I find the E60 more attractive.
A 523i n52 E60 is for sale around the corner from me, unfortunately only the 177hp one, so a turbo conversion is needed.
The car has already done 300,000km (186411 miles).
It has water consumption so most likely a head gasket defect.
The car only costs me 1100€ (1.274$) and has pretty good equipment.

I have a few questions about the conversion.
How can I read the DME software from the control unit as cost-effectively as possible so I can modify it myself? With the E39, it's possible via OBD, but does it also work with the E60?

Is there any information on the boost pressure that can be achieved without injector or fuel pump changes?

Can I take the intake manifold and possibly the turbocharger from the n55 engine and modify it so that it works?
For the charge air piping, I'd use AliExpress as a retailer, as they have sets for €100. I'd also get the intercooler from there. Maybe even a GT35 turbo for €120 🤣

I would place the air mass sensor in front of the turbocharger so that it measures without pressure. How much flow or horsepower can I achieve with the stock sensor?

Thanks in advance, I hope you can help me even though the post is years old.

[RealJ22]

Originally Posted by JO1907

Hello,

I come from Germany, am 19 years old and really want to convert a car to a turbocharger.
I've been looking for a car for some time now. First it was an e39 but now I find the E60 more attractive.
A 523i n52 E60 is for sale around the corner from me, unfortunately only the 177hp one, so a turbo conversion is needed.
The car has already done 300,000km (186411 miles).
It has water consumption so most likely a head gasket defect.
The car only costs me 1100€ (1.274$) and has pretty good equipment.

I have a few questions about the conversion.
How can I read the DME software from the control unit as cost-effectively as possible so I can modify it myself? With the E39, it's possible via OBD, but does it also work with the E60?

Is there any information on the boost pressure that can be achieved without injector or fuel pump changes?

Can I take the intake manifold and possibly the turbocharger from the n55 engine and modify it so that it works?
For the charge air piping, I'd use AliExpress as a retailer, as they have sets for €100. I'd also get the intercooler from there. Maybe even a GT35 turbo for €120 🤣

I would place the air mass sensor in front of the turbocharger so that it measures without pressure. How much flow or horsepower can I achieve with the stock sensor?

Thanks in advance, I hope you can help me even though the post is years old.

This thread is very old. Not sure if you will get a response.

The MAF would probably deleted. It is on some NA tunes. You would have to look at options...

Simpilest option would be a S/C because they have been done many times now.

[JO1907]

Ich habe mittlerweile das Auto gekauft, alles abgedichtet. Die n52b25ol ansaugbrücke eingebaut und mittlerweile ein eine Software vom 525 geflasht. Das heißt 177ps zu 218ps.

Was ist ein s/c?

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by Jayjay69

24V electric Turbo as used in new porsche could be a game changer

Scammer