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If you are considering boosting for your car, or any bimmer for that matter, there are many things to take into account. There are the basic issues like, turbo or supercharger, which kit and how much boost pressure. But similarly critical are issues of how other systems within your car will need to be changed to correctly handle all of that increased power. It is hardly ever the situation where you can install a supercharger and off you go without being required to consider these other components.

I cannot describe every BMW model in terms of supercharging and turboing, there are too many varieties to describe here. Nevertheless, in general, superchargers offer less costly, easier to install kit. They often make 6-8 lbs of boost and the competent backyard mechanic can easily install a quality kit in six hours. Superchargers will often make impressive hp but most kits will not make a tremendous amount of low end torque. For average driving you won't observe much of a difference until you are in the higher RPMs. Turbos make significant HP potential, also produce a lot of low end torque once spooled up but also can result in a more technical installation. For example, in high boost applications you may need to decrease the compression ratio with either a thicker head gasket or shorter pistons. There are more components to a turbo kit too, made up of items like an intercooler, bypass valve, blow off valve, waste gate, exhaust manifold, larger injectors, etc. The average backyard mechanic will probably be unable to complete this installation. A professional mechanic will need 8-12 hours depending on which kit and this can add considerably to the total expense of the project. However, the higher performance is worth every penny if it is in your budget.

Stopping: If you build a 400 or 500 horsepower car you had better have 400 or 500 horsepower brakes. More power means higher acceleration, superior speed and much greater demands on your braking system. Many upgrades here include larger diameter discs, multi piston calipers, sport brake pads, stainless steel brake lines and premium brake fluid. This should be one of the first things you upgrade after buying a turbo or supercharger.

Driveline: If you have a manual transmission, seriously consider upgrading your clutch. The Sachs heavy duty clutch is great for mild applications with more serious power requiring a UUC, Clutchmaster or similar kit. You might as well swap it out now, because your standard clutch will most likely die very quickly otherwise. This is about a six hour job for many mechanics.

Cooling System: Power makes heat. Your car's radiator was engineered to handle your stock power heat output. Should you live in a hot climate, go to the track or do a lot of performance driving you may need better cooling. A great bet here is to purchase a higher capacity, performance radiator. Ensure the radiator is flushed and has new fluid. You may also install engine heat shielding to keep the heat from your intake and also special hoods that have slats in them to allow the hot air to escape quickly.

Your Skills: The most critical thing to upgrade is your driving abilities. All of that hp may get you in a lot of trouble and you don't want to be injured or hurt anybody else. A perfect place to begin is to check out BMWCCA driving schools. These are modestly priced and you really learn a lot. There are also a variety of other professionally managed driving schools throughout the USA that can teach you how to safely drive your high performance BMW.