Ess Vt2-625 Supercharged M3

The Brief

Supercharged S65 Power. Factory-Like Response. Track-Ready Performance.

After owning a series of lower-powered E9X BMWs, Neema finally reached the top of BMW’s naturally aspirated performance lineup with a 2013 BMW E92 M3.

After experiencing the factory performance of the M3 and its legendary S65 V8 engine, Neema came to HG Performance looking for a significant increase in power without sacrificing the characteristics that make the S65 special. The goal was to add substantial horsepower while maintaining the engine’s original power curve and sharp throttle response.

After researching the available options, Neema selected an ESS Tuning Supercharger Kit, a proven forced-induction solution for the E9X M3 platform.

Having installed multiple ESS Supercharger systems, HG Performance brought extensive experience in the installation, calibration, and break-in procedures required to achieve strong performance while managing heat and supporting the long-term durability of the S65 engine.

The build was completed with an ESS 2-year warranty, providing additional confidence in the supercharger system.

What We Did

For this E92 M3, HG Performance selected the ESS Tuning VT-2 625 Supercharger Kit, engineered specifically to transform the naturally aspirated S65 V8 into a high-performance intercooled forced-induction setup.

At the center of the system is a Vortech V3 Si-trim supercharger, paired with a cast-aluminum ESS intake manifold featuring integrated velocity stacks optimized for boosted airflow.

The fuel system was upgraded with Bosch Motorsport 625-spec fuel injectors, while the ESS mounting brackets and hardware provide the necessary foundation for the supercharger installation.

The VT-2 system also incorporates a high-capacity liquid intercooler system, allowing the engine to manage approximately 7 psi of intercooled boost pressure while helping maintain consistent performance.

Engine management was handled through the ESS E-Flash reprogramming and diagnostic interface, allowing HG Performance to develop a carefully optimized calibration around the complete supercharger system.

The vehicle was then dyno tested and calibrated to optimize the combination of increased boost, fuel delivery, airflow, and engine management. The factory top-speed governor was also removed as part of the performance calibration.

Parts Fitted

ESS Tuning VT-2 625 Supercharger Kit
Vortech V3 Si-trim supercharger
ESS cast-aluminum intake manifold
Integrated boost-optimized velocity stacks
Bosch Motorsport 625-spec fuel injectors
ESS supercharger mounting brackets and hardware
High-capacity liquid intercooler system
ESS E-Flash reprogramming and diagnostic interface
Dyno-optimized performance calibration
Top-speed governor removal
ESS 2-year warranty

The Result

The completed 2013 BMW E92 M3 delivers a dramatic increase in performance while retaining the responsive character of the S65 V8.

On the HG Performance Dyno Dynamics Dynamometer, the ESS VT-2 625 system achieved peak gains of +149.2 horsepower and +78.6 lb-ft of torque.

The approximately 7 psi of intercooled boost provides a substantial increase in power while the ESS liquid intercooling system helps maintain consistent performance during demanding driving conditions.

The importance of the system’s heat management was demonstrated during real-world testing. Neema drove the M3 hard in 95-degree weather with low humidity, and the supercharger system continued to maintain consistent power.

The result is an E92 M3 that delivers significantly more horsepower and torque without compromising the characteristics Neema wanted to preserve: strong throttle response, a usable power curve, and everyday drivability.

With the newfound power, braking performance becomes the next logical consideration. While the OEM brakes provide sufficient stopping power for normal street driving, extended hard use can lead to overheating due to the factory floating-caliper design and lack of dedicated cooling ducts.

The finished E92 M3 represents the HG Performance approach to forced induction: add serious power while maintaining the character, drivability, and reliability that make the platform worth building.

More power. Same S65 character. Built to drive.