I'm wondering because I see threads here and there.

As most of you have seen, mine is an 06 R53 with 76k on the clock and a 15% power pulley. Does the SC need maintenance? Is there a maintenance schedule for it? How do you know when it needs service?

I think my engine has a timing chain? Is that accurate? I've read stories of this failing. How will I know when it's on the way out? If / when it reaches scheduled time, I will plan to replace the water pump too.

 

I would service it. At the same time put a new water pump in.

Usually you can hear if the water pump gears are gone. Sounds like a bunch of rocks inside the supercharger along with overheating.
Usually happens around 100k.

That's just my 2 cents though.

 

I'm not a super accomplished mechanic, but I wouldn't service it. It's a lifetime part, which basically means BMW decided it was cheaper/easier to replace it when it breaks than maintain it. I drove one r53 for 155k miles with a stock pulley and no maintenance/problems with the super charger, and I think another member on here got 365k miles on an original super charger. Some people here do service their super chargers but my thought is if it aint broke... I would change your water pump if you decide to do it since you'll already have it off.

They do have timing chains, I think barring extenuating circumstances, the chain will last the life of the motor. The second generations with turbos had problems with their chains and guides I think but I haven't heard of problems with these motors. I think if/when it starts to go it makes a rattling noise, which can also be the timing chain guides.

 

I wouldn't worry about the chain. Maybe the plastic guides , but I don't think very many include those while doing maintenance. Probably the only time would be if you already had the engine apart.

Same with the timing tensioner. A lot of people put one in if they hear any kind of rattle, but I think most of the time they are just fine.

There are at least 10,000 posts on sc maintenance lol.
If you are a decent mechanic have at it. It's an easy enough job, but plenty have screwed it up, or at least given themselves more problems then they started with. Broken vacumm lines, vacuum leaks , water leaks, or even new electrical problems.

If you are confident you can do it I think it's worth it. Im not rich so $1000 for a new sc is a lot of money to me. Even if topping off the sc gets you only a little extra time it's still worth it. If you have to pay someone to do it for you forget it. They'll charge you way too much.

 

Superchargers seem to be kind of hit and miss. I pulled my first one out at 192,000 miles because I was nervous. Pulled the water pump end off, still had oil in it. Had my second one on for 178,000 miles, pulled it off because it was making noise, it was the rotors, still had oil in the water pump end. I now have my original back on and it is doing great. All but 35k were done with a 15% supercharger pulls and a 2% crank.

If you are comfortable doing so, servicing it wouldn't hurt any. Actually can be kinda fun.

Nik

 

I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination. I do have a 2nd car so I'm not really afraid to tinker. That said, I'm also not rich - so I am afraid to tinker.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ge-how-to.html

Well it's going to be entirely up to you then to decide. Here's a great write up if you are going to do it.

 

Thank you very much for the link.

 

+1
Many cars have been damaged by well meaning owners trying to service their SC..it is a WEAR item...an air compressor... When it goes, get a rebuilt unit, and a new water pump...install with the $50-75 in gaskets, and about 6 hours of labor if a pro, or a weekend or more if a diy, and pray...
Lots of fiddly parts are buried kinda deep....one time use gaskets, and plastic parts that if done wrong makes you re-do it...drive your car...enjoy. Do the factory suggest items...keep the coolant, oil, and brake fluid fresh...
Maybe change the chain tensioner on a gen1 around 75-100k miles, maybe do the belt tensioner at a similar timeframe... Toss a new belt on every 2 years with a pulley...and enjoy!!

 

I also agree with the above post.