Insuring a Supercharged BMW, where??

[gwatson]

I am looking at modifying my BMW Z4 3.0 with this new twin screw supercharger ESS is launching in July. However i've yet to have a quote under £1500. So I am thinking of just going for the Milltek exhaust system and a DMS remap, not the same, but at least my insurance will remain affordable.

Depending on the SC route I go power will be up from 231bhp to around 300 to 320bhp. Quite an increase!

Can anyone recommend an insurer to call to get a quote.

G

[gmarks1]

A very worthwhile modification! My 330Ci supercharged is insured with Adrian Flux - they quoted only £50 extra going from 230 bhp to 290bhp.

Have you considered the Infinitas centrifugal supercharger - probably unbeatable £/bhp. Mine was supplied and installed by www.ca-automotive.co.uk - ask for Roy - very helpful and knowledgable guy.



...here's some video footage to wet your appetite....

http://media.putfile.com/MOV00033

Edited by gmarks1 on Wednesday 14th June 20:31

[gwatson]

hmmmm very nice!

I did look at their site, I'll maybe give him a call. That sort of power would be great. ESS are of course bringing out there Twin Screw in July which produces around 340bhp at just 6psi crazy!

Are centrifugal SC's not really "winey" like a cooper S? Also the Infinitas kit doesn't involve modifiying the engine mapping which is a big worry, I'd be worried about under fueling.

How do you find it anyway, reliable? How about fuel economy?

[gmarks1]

The s/c dosen't whine like the Cooper S - at first I wished it was a bit louder! There is a characteristic sound, but I think it's more induction roar than s/c whine. Reliability has been faultless, although only 5,000 miles completed in last 6 months - I decided on the SK Plus because it is tried and tested, and puts relatively little stress on the engine at around 6 psi.

I would suggest you consider brakes and suspension at the same time, especially if you go for 340 bhp - I've had the Stoptech BBK fitted. A clutch upgrade might be necessary at some point depending on how you drive

No problems with servicing at BMW so far - in part perhaps because it is so similar to the AC Schnitzer s/c conversion.

A number of people on www.Evotechnik.net have supercharged BMWs - might be worth checking out the forum and posting some questions there aswell.

[gwatson]

Thanks again for the info and link.... i'll take a look later.

Yeah it would be nice to hear the woooshhhh you hear in the video.... just like a turbo I guess.

[gwatson]

Spoke to Roy who was very helpful and had a look on there website. It looks like the Sk Plus only runs at 4.4psi.

I going to back order the May month of BMW Car Magazine, I believe they did a review of the SK Plus that month?

Anyway, I had the car out last night for a long blast and I loved it, I am going to buy a full Milltek exhaust system and then maybe go for the SK Plus in a year or so. With the full exahaust system it should make 300bhp, which is perfect for the road I think.

G

[gmarks1]

...my car is the one featured in BMWCar Magazine May 2006!

[HTR]

I would also recommend Adrian Flux. Had my heavily modified M3 insured with them and found them to be good