Supercharged Z4M's!! Give me your thoughts/experiences!

N55_Mike · 08-24-2016, 03:29 PM

Hey guys, I'm moments away from buying a VF570 supercharger for my Z4M. I would like to hear feedback from you guys on reliability, breaking down or parts, performance, any other mods you guys did to beef it up and make it drive better. Open to all your advice.

Beedub · 08-24-2016, 05:23 PM

G-power or ESS...

VF suck.

N55_Mike · 08-24-2016, 05:34 PM

How so? Really curious.. cause I'm getting it for a killer deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beedub

G-power or ESS...

VF suck.

NickyC · 08-24-2016, 09:35 PM

I was looking into the SC route for my car, but now I'm not so sure. The ship might have sailed because as much as I love my car, the thought of spending $10k for more parts on a car that is 11 years old with 72k miles on it seems like a terrible investment. That $10k would be a nice down payment on something newer, and probably faster out of the gate stock. The 1/4 times I see on even the ESS 525 cars ain't that hot. Maybe some cars go quicker, but most I see are in the low to mid 12 second range. Not very impressive honestly, certainly nowhere near worth the coin needed nor the likely repair costs when stuff starts breaking. Not to mention the absolutely horrible resale value these cars have once they go SC (can't give 'em away), I think it's a no brainer at this point.

Good luck with whatever you decide though. ESS needs to bring down the cost of their damned kits 50% or more to even make it remotely feasible for me.

DRedman45 · 09-04-2016, 06:53 PM

If you do the vf I would recommend using outside tuning...I would contact rk tunes in New York...that had been my plan for when I get the funds for it

dre99gsx · 09-04-2016, 07:53 PM

When I had my Z4M, I purchased a VF570. After all was said and done, I got rid of it. It probably would be great for anyone who isn't a full DIY like me, but after reading about VF's lack of response for general questions, concerns of tuning issues (as is with any off the shelf bolt on kit) and the fact that I couldn't even adjust tuning myself, and reading about bearing issues with the S54 motor when raced (unrelated to the VF570, but probably exacerbated since #1 bearing gets more load with a charger on it), I decided to sell it - sell it all, car and charger.

The power increase you get is actually not that bad, all things considered. Don't get the kit because you want to rape everyone on the highway, get it because you want that great advantage on the road coarse. Putting down 300wtq throughout the entire powerband is no joke! I would seriously get VF on the phone and try to get there cell number or some method of contact as you will need it (IMHO).

Finnegan · 09-04-2016, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N55_Mike

Hey guys, I'm moments away from buying a VF570 supercharger for my Z4M. I would like to hear feedback from you guys on reliability, breaking down or parts, performance, any other mods you guys did to beef it up and make it drive better. Open to all your advice.

Have a look a my buddy Lon's experience. Not good is a understatement.

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=863951

Vanne · 09-05-2016, 09:19 PM

wow, i had no idea VF had such a minefield past.. Thanks for the info guys.

Steeler · 09-06-2016, 06:25 AM

Just my .02

VF has nice equipment, their tune sucks.
You need to know you will need additional tuning from another source other than VF.

Calichase · 09-06-2016, 10:35 AM

Op, I agree with what is stated above but wanted to summarize a few things.

If you want to buy a new kit that will bolt on and require little work, go with ess. They have great customer service and will go above and beyond.

If you want to be different, have tons of torque and spend more money, go G power.

If you want to buy a s/c used, or want to make the most whp on paper, go with vf with a tuning tech frank smith tune. I would actually buy a used vf and completely avoid the interaction with the company then buy it new from them. Their parts are of the highest quality and imo the vf looks the nicest and most oem. (Ess isn't anything too flashy, while g power is extremely flashy)

Vf has a tainted history on these forums with some very bad stories from members; everyone will always hate on them, often understandby so. I am not supporting them as a company whatsoever, but can vouch for their products on numerous friends cars who went to outside tuners and have loved them ever Since. Just know that if you choose that route you will be on your own as far as repairs/ finding parts.

At the end of the day, do as much research as you can!

Best of luck!

Finnegan · 09-06-2016, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calichase

Op, I agree with what is stated above but wanted to summarize a few things.

If you want to buy a new kit that will bolt on and require little work, go with ess. They have great customer service and will go above and beyond.

If you want to be different, have tons of torque and spend more money, go G power.

If you want to buy a s/c used, or want to make the most whp on paper, go with vf with a tuning tech frank smith tune. I would actually buy a used vf and completely avoid the interaction with the company then buy it new from them. Their parts are of the highest quality and imo the vf looks the nicest and most oem. (Ess isn't anything too flashy, while g power is extremely flashy)

Vf has a tainted history on these forums with some very bad stories from members; everyone will always hate on them, often understandby so. I am not supporting them as a company whatsoever, but can vouch for their products on numerous friends cars who went to outside tuners and have loved them ever Since. Just know that if you choose that route you will be on your own as far as repairs/ finding parts.

At the end of the day, do as much research as you can!

Best of luck!

Very good perspective. So, they're a very solid hardware (but not software) provider.

Beedub · 09-08-2016, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Very good perspective. So, they're a very solid hardware (but not software) provider.

the hardware is average also just looks very nice....

i was a show recently and witnessed the fitment, and finish, lets not even mention the bonnet ribs that were cut to stop the intake banging on the underside of the hood!

VF... just NO... to many head ache stories to ignore.

seank · 09-15-2016, 10:50 PM

My ess puts a smile on my face! That is my thought and experience.

Finnegan · 09-16-2016, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seank

My ess puts a smile on my face! That is my thought and experience.

It made me laugh uncontrollably when I drove it!

So much fun!

08-24-2016, 03:29 PM	#1
N55_Mike Banned 11 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 135i, Z4MC, MK7 GTI Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: California iTrader: (1)	Supercharged Z4M's!! Give me your thoughts/experiences! Hey guys, I'm moments away from buying a VF570 supercharger for my Z4M. I would like to hear feedback from you guys on reliability, breaking down or parts, performance, any other mods you guys did to beef it up and make it drive better. Open to all your advice.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-24-2016, 05:23 PM	#2
Beedub Major General 423 Rep 5,327 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	G-power or ESS... VF suck. __________________ Z4MR VT2 - Clubsport build. Multi award winning Detailing \| Wrap \| PPF specialists UK based - www.topwrapz.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-24-2016, 09:35 PM	#4
NickyC Lieutenant General 17442 Rep 10,646 Posts Drives: M4 CS. Former G82, x2 F82, F80 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Jacked out of my mind iTrader: (23)	I was looking into the SC route for my car, but now I'm not so sure. The ship might have sailed because as much as I love my car, the thought of spending $10k for more parts on a car that is 11 years old with 72k miles on it seems like a terrible investment. That $10k would be a nice down payment on something newer, and probably faster out of the gate stock. The 1/4 times I see on even the ESS 525 cars ain't that hot. Maybe some cars go quicker, but most I see are in the low to mid 12 second range. Not very impressive honestly, certainly nowhere near worth the coin needed nor the likely repair costs when stuff starts breaking. Not to mention the absolutely horrible resale value these cars have once they go SC (can't give 'em away), I think it's a no brainer at this point. Good luck with whatever you decide though. ESS needs to bring down the cost of their damned kits 50% or more to even make it remotely feasible for me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2016, 06:53 PM	#5
DRedman45 Lieutenant 35 Rep 441 Posts Drives: E86 //M coupe Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Northern va iTrader: (0)	If you do the vf I would recommend using outside tuning...I would contact rk tunes in New York...that had been my plan for when I get the funds for it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2016, 07:53 PM	#6
dre99gsx Captain 508 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 1994 Toyota Supra Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (2)	When I had my Z4M, I purchased a VF570. After all was said and done, I got rid of it. It probably would be great for anyone who isn't a full DIY like me, but after reading about VF's lack of response for general questions, concerns of tuning issues (as is with any off the shelf bolt on kit) and the fact that I couldn't even adjust tuning myself, and reading about bearing issues with the S54 motor when raced (unrelated to the VF570, but probably exacerbated since #1 bearing gets more load with a charger on it), I decided to sell it - sell it all, car and charger. The power increase you get is actually not that bad, all things considered. Don't get the kit because you want to rape everyone on the highway, get it because you want that great advantage on the road coarse. Putting down 300wtq throughout the entire powerband is no joke! I would seriously get VF on the phone and try to get there cell number or some method of contact as you will need it (IMHO). __________________ Andre - 2J into a Z4 Coupe!
	Appreciate 1 RedOctober32.50 Quote

09-05-2016, 09:19 PM	#8
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	wow, i had no idea VF had such a minefield past.. Thanks for the info guys. __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-06-2016, 06:25 AM	#9
Steeler Colonel 2428 Rep 2,702 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	Just my .02 VF has nice equipment, their tune sucks. You need to know you will need additional tuning from another source other than VF. __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-06-2016, 10:35 AM	#10
Calichase Lieutenant 105 Rep 404 Posts Drives: '07 s/c'd Z4MC '08 e82 '02 m3 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	Op, I agree with what is stated above but wanted to summarize a few things. If you want to buy a new kit that will bolt on and require little work, go with ess. They have great customer service and will go above and beyond. If you want to be different, have tons of torque and spend more money, go G power. If you want to buy a s/c used, or want to make the most whp on paper, go with vf with a tuning tech frank smith tune. I would actually buy a used vf and completely avoid the interaction with the company then buy it new from them. Their parts are of the highest quality and imo the vf looks the nicest and most oem. (Ess isn't anything too flashy, while g power is extremely flashy) Vf has a tainted history on these forums with some very bad stories from members; everyone will always hate on them, often understandby so. I am not supporting them as a company whatsoever, but can vouch for their products on numerous friends cars who went to outside tuners and have loved them ever Since. Just know that if you choose that route you will be on your own as far as repairs/ finding parts. At the end of the day, do as much research as you can! Best of luck!
	Appreciate 1 RedOctober32.50 Quote

09-15-2016, 10:50 PM	#13
seank enthusiast 48 Rep 1,695 Posts Drives: e30 m3,e90 wagon,sprinter,z4m Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: sacramento, ca iTrader: (4)	My ess puts a smile on my face! That is my thought and experience.
	Appreciate 0 Quote