Hyde Motorworks M122H install on E38 728i

1. Introduction. The E38 728i is equipped with one of two engines ( M52B28 or
M52B28TU), the latter TU engine has double Vanos and shares a lot of basic parts
with the M54 engine. Complexities arise due to the variable cam timing used on both
the intake and exhaust Camshafts. Besides making the kit physically inside the
engine bay a standalone ECU and merge harness should be used as the complexity
of using the standard MSU42 ECU to operate efficiently in a boosted application
usually costs less than a standalone ECU such as a LINK G4X ECU capable od
running a E throttle and the 3 timing inputs required. There is a lot of differences
between both M52 engines and the TU engine is a lot more complex to run due to
the cam control and an early E throttle.

2. Parts that require alteration. The Below parts are all those that need
alteration for the install of a M122H supercharger in a E38 Facelift car fitted with a
M52B28TU engine. All modifications were carried out in Dec 2020 by Yorkshire
Racing Developments at the request of Hyde Motorworks and the client/Car owner.
Figure 1 shows all parts of the kit that need modification or fabrication to allow
correct supercharger belt alignment.

Figure 1 – Modified and powder coated Kit.

a. Discharge Plate. The discharge plates needs to be modified to allow

correct fitment around the M54 style oil filter housing. The plate must be cut to
allow the supercharger belt to be aligned correctly. Figure 2 shows the cut that
must be made a figure 3 shows the dimensions.
Figure 2 – Modified discharge plate.

Figure 3 – Modified discharge plate CAD Snapshot.

b. Rear Support bracket. The supplied brackets are not suitable as the 7
series uses a tubular front subframe. This means that the 7 series uses a front
sump and engine mounts that bolt to the centre of the block. Rendering the
supplied brackets redundant. There is likely a few ways to mount the rear of the
discharge plate but the part shown below provided adequate support whilst
using factory threads in the block. The bracket bolts to the same water hose
bracket as the supplied Horizontal bracket and to an un used engine mount
hole in the block. Figure 4 shows the bracket all details in in the drawing pack
attached at Annex A.
Figure 4 – Rear Support Plate.

c. Front mounting plate. The left-hand side of this bracket must be shaved
off to allow the mechanical belt tensioner to have full movement. This is
approximately 5mm off the left hand side. The M10 Bolts that attach the idler
pulleys to were welded in place to allow them to be torqued to spec without
using a spanner on the bolt head.
Figure 5 – Front Support plate.

d. Mechanical Tensioner. This tensioner must be used over the factory

hydraulic one and the casting marks on the front must be filled off so that it has
a full range of movement and does not get caught on the front support bracket.

e. Oil filter housing. The tabs that hold the power steering reservoir on
must be removed and filled flush.

f. Supercharger intake. The supplied intake is constructed from mild steel.

This needs to be cut into even sections and the re welded as shown below.
Care must be taken if using the TU E- Throttle as it larger and has TPS sensors
built into the throttle body whilst still using a throttle cable that will need
extending. For this we used a GO Cart throttle cable and adapter.
Figure 6 – Intake Pie Cuts

Figure 7 – Supercharger intake.

Figure 8 – Supercharger intake in engine bay.

g. Fuel rail. The supplied intake uses a M50 fuel rail and the original car
uses a M52 fuel rail a return style fuel rail. Both of these rails have In built
pressure regulator and may not be capable of suppling enough fuel. A Syvec
blanking regulator can be used in conjunction with a universal pressure
regulator. For ease a adapter bracket was made to allow the standard fuel
system to be used. This can be seen in figure 9 below.

Figure 9 – Fuel Rail mounting bracket.

h. Alternator back. The back of the alternator has a cooling duct, this must
be shaved down as it clashes with the supercharger outlet.
Figure 10 – Alternator Backing plate.

i. Slam Panel. The slam panel is ideal for mounting the intercooler to, a
basic bracket has been welded to carry the intercooler. This car also uses a oil
cooler this has also been mounted to the front slam panel.

Figure 11 – Front slam panel with intercooler brackets and oil cooler brackets.
j. Top Radiator Hose. The kit comes with a universal top hose adapter, but
the OEM hose can be modified to fit. The metal straps must be cut off without
damaging the hose and then the factory hose flipped 180 degrees and then re
attached with jubilee clips. This clears the supercharger pully and keeps the
factory OEM look.
Figure 13 – Rear Bracket
Figure 14 – Rear Bracket mounting points