Active 8 Tune Review

wassy4 · 02-26-2018, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elicausi

do I need to upgrade the intake to maximize the tune?

No, intakes don't really provide any power gains. Worth it for the sound though.

GA/\/\/\/\A_CT · 02-26-2018, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

Correct but I think you can still manually delete them on the jb4 as they appear so its no different than carrying around a $40 maxi scan tool around in the car. O2 codes will pop up every 30-40 miles or so.

Are you saying that CEL pop up every 30-40 miles if you have a piggyback like active-8 or JB4? That sounds like a nuisance, if so!

wassy4 · 02-26-2018, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA/\/\/\/\A_CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

Correct but I think you can still manually delete them on the jb4 as they appear so its no different than carrying around a $40 maxi scan tool around in the car. O2 codes will pop up every 30-40 miles or so.

Are you saying that CEL pop up every 30-40 miles if you have a piggyback like active-8 or JB4? That sounds like a nuisance, if so!

No, a CEL will only occur with a catless downpipe and if you get an O2 spacer it will not come on.

bsas340i · 03-01-2018, 11:12 AM

Running an Active-8 tune here too. Should be taking the car to the track within a month or so. Very happy with the performance and reliability so far!

eluded · 03-02-2018, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Most common issues when tuning the car are misfires caused by old spark plugs.
If your spark plugs are old, misfires will occur no matter which tune you use.

Is it recommended to run colder spark plugs with this tune?

elicausi · 03-02-2018, 12:48 PM

So I installed yesterday. Haven't noticed explosive difference, but did notice it's more responsive. I understand it may take a little time for ECU to adjust.

mike@x-ph.com · 03-02-2018, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eluded

Is it recommended to run colder spark plugs with this tune?

Colder spark plugs are a good option with any tune but not mandatory

ceedawg · 03-04-2018, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elicausi

So I installed yesterday. Haven't noticed explosive difference, but did notice it's more responsive. I understand it may take a little time for ECU to adjust.

Updates?

Alarmin · 03-05-2018, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elicausi

So I installed yesterday. Haven't noticed explosive difference, but did notice it's more responsive. I understand it may take a little time for ECU to adjust.

Interesting.... Try taking a spin with the bypass on and then taking it off. I feel like it was very apparent to me right from the get go.

wassy4 · 03-05-2018, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alarmin

Quote:

Originally Posted by elicausi

So I installed yesterday. Haven't noticed explosive difference, but did notice it's more responsive. I understand it may take a little time for ECU to adjust.

Interesting.... Try taking a spin with the bypass on and then taking it off. I feel like it was very apparent to me right from the get go.

It took me a couple drives to really appreciate the difference

x5mad · 03-05-2018, 10:56 PM

I've had mine now for a couple of weeks and to be honest I haven't felt a massive difference.

In terms of power it's maybe about the same as the previous jb+ that I had. To be fair I haven't really had a chance to open up the taps for long, just a quick squirt here and there.

only big difference so far compared to jb+ is that the a8 is a lot smoother when changing gears. The jb+ was absolutely horrible at low speed gear changes. It looked like you were very bad at driving a manual car when I have an 8AT. It was jerking and lurching at each gear change, worse in the lower gears.

lastly with jb+ I was getting 9.2 l/100km economy, A8 I was getting 8.8, and stock about 8.6.

Will try and do a dyno on same one I did jb+

elicausi · 03-06-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceedawg

Updates?

I have noticed it's a more aggressive and the sound is better too, but nothing to blow my socks off. In fairness, however, I haven't had a chance to open it up and get in into higher RPMs or even drive it in sport.

In normal driving (comfort mode), low to mid RPMs, I would say moderate difference. Maybe my expectation in this range was too high. We'll see when I get to open it up.

bsas340i · 03-06-2018, 12:22 PM

My gas mileage has been about the same with and without the tune. It really depends on how you drive the car. Normally, once you have the tune, you have a tendency to "play" a little more with the throttle. I've personally averaged 25 mpg in the last 6 months.
In my opinion, the Activ-8 is a better product than the JB+. It has a better, sturdier construction and more connections which I'm assuming gives the software a better idea of what is going on with the engine. Personally, I'm don't see the sense on putting a $200 tune on a $45,000 to $60,000 vehicle. Why not go for the JB4 directly?
As far as performance, you can definitely feel the extra power midrange. Step on it on 3rd gear around 2500-2800 rpm and let me know if you don't feel a difference...

ceedawg · 03-06-2018, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elicausi

I have noticed it's a more aggressive and the sound is better too, but nothing to blow my socks off. In fairness, however, I haven't had a chance to open it up and get in into higher RPMs or even drive it in sport.

In normal driving (comfort mode), low to mid RPMs, I would say moderate difference. Maybe my expectation in this range was too high. We'll see when I get to open it up.

You gotta drive that car man! Or you will never know!

Alarmin · 03-06-2018, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsas340i

As far as performance, you can definitely feel the extra power midrange. Step on it on 3rd gear around 2500-2800 rpm and let me know if you don't feel a difference...

This man speaks the truth. When I floor it from stand still, I feel the snapback and then this range kicks in and somehow you’re accelerating even faster than before.

wassy4 · 03-06-2018, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alarmin

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsas340i

As far as performance, you can definitely feel the extra power midrange. Step on it on 3rd gear around 2500-2800 rpm and let me know if you don't feel a difference...

This man speaks the truth. When I floor it from stand still, I feel the snapback and then this range kicks in and somehow youÂ’re accelerating even faster than before.

Torque is a fun thing

SpartaMooks · 05-08-2018, 07:30 PM

Alarmin,

I've been looking at the AA tune and was wondering if your rough shift issue ever got better (CA 91). At the risk of sounding like a stalker, I know you responded earlier to another thread about how the AA and JB+ have rough shifts. Does this mean that the problem persists?

BMWILUVU · 05-08-2018, 09:23 PM

I have A8 dialed down and I still feel it but I drive in sport/+ all the time. At the same time, aggressively flooring the A8 will often times get you the rough shift or stuttering. Resetting transmission adaptations helped in my case.

elicausi · 05-09-2018, 10:57 AM

The A8 is adjustable?

chenry · 05-09-2018, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elicausi

The A8 is adjustable?

Yes for sure there is a very nice notched dial that allows you to adjust +/-

Alarmin · 05-09-2018, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpartaMooks

Alarmin,

I've been looking at the AA tune and was wondering if your rough shift issue ever got better (CA 91). At the risk of sounding like a stalker, I know you responded earlier to another thread about how the AA and JB+ have rough shifts. Does this mean that the problem persists?

Hey there,

Don’t worry man I’ve stalked most the people on these forums in my research lol. The rough shift persists but I will note that it mainly happens in sport or sport +. It’s not a huge deal to me personally as I feel it’s a small price to pay for the increase in power but it really depends on your personal preference.

SpartaMooks · 05-09-2018, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alarmin

Hey there,

Don’t worry man I’ve stalked most the people on these forums in my research lol. The rough shift persists but I will note that it mainly happens in sport or sport +. It’s not a huge deal to me personally as I feel it’s a small price to pay for the increase in power but it really depends on your personal preference.

Appreciate the response!

Has the issue gotten any better since first install? And how many miles have you put on the tune?

03-01-2018, 11:12 AM	#48
bsas340i Private 106 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M5 Comp Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X5 [0.00] 2022 BMW M5 [9.50] 2004 BMW K1200RS [10.00]	Running an Active-8 tune here too. Should be taking the car to the track within a month or so. Very happy with the performance and reliability so far! __________________ 2022 M5: MBB/Aragon Ext Leather/ZCP/ZEC/789M' Wheels/Alu Carbon Struct Dark Trim/Red Calipers 2021 X5 sDr40i: Jet Black/Ivory White Ext Merino Leather/ZP2/ZPK/20'' Wheels (738)/Multi-Contour seats, Htd seats/armrests/steering wheel
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03-02-2018, 12:48 PM	#50
elicausi Enlisted Member 8 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2017 440i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	So I installed yesterday. Haven't noticed explosive difference, but did notice it's more responsive. I understand it may take a little time for ECU to adjust.
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03-05-2018, 10:56 PM	#55
x5mad Lieutenant Colonel 352 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: iX 40 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List bmw [0.00]	I've had mine now for a couple of weeks and to be honest I haven't felt a massive difference. In terms of power it's maybe about the same as the previous jb+ that I had. To be fair I haven't really had a chance to open up the taps for long, just a quick squirt here and there. only big difference so far compared to jb+ is that the a8 is a lot smoother when changing gears. The jb+ was absolutely horrible at low speed gear changes. It looked like you were very bad at driving a manual car when I have an 8AT. It was jerking and lurching at each gear change, worse in the lower gears. lastly with jb+ I was getting 9.2 l/100km economy, A8 I was getting 8.8, and stock about 8.6. Will try and do a dyno on same one I did jb+
	Appreciate 1 340MSport22.00 Quote

03-06-2018, 12:22 PM	#57
bsas340i Private 106 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M5 Comp Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X5 [0.00] 2022 BMW M5 [9.50] 2004 BMW K1200RS [10.00]	My gas mileage has been about the same with and without the tune. It really depends on how you drive the car. Normally, once you have the tune, you have a tendency to "play" a little more with the throttle. I've personally averaged 25 mpg in the last 6 months. In my opinion, the Activ-8 is a better product than the JB+. It has a better, sturdier construction and more connections which I'm assuming gives the software a better idea of what is going on with the engine. Personally, I'm don't see the sense on putting a $200 tune on a $45,000 to $60,000 vehicle. Why not go for the JB4 directly? As far as performance, you can definitely feel the extra power midrange. Step on it on 3rd gear around 2500-2800 rpm and let me know if you don't feel a difference... __________________ 2022 M5: MBB/Aragon Ext Leather/ZCP/ZEC/789M' Wheels/Alu Carbon Struct Dark Trim/Red Calipers 2021 X5 sDr40i: Jet Black/Ivory White Ext Merino Leather/ZP2/ZPK/20'' Wheels (738)/Multi-Contour seats, Htd seats/armrests/steering wheel
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05-08-2018, 07:30 PM	#61
SpartaMooks New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 340i Join Date: May 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Alarmin, I've been looking at the AA tune and was wondering if your rough shift issue ever got better (CA 91). At the risk of sounding like a stalker, I know you responded earlier to another thread about how the AA and JB+ have rough shifts. Does this mean that the problem persists?
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05-08-2018, 09:23 PM	#62
BMWILUVU Lieutenant Colonel 809 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: 340ix Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: The Boibs iTrader: (0)	I have A8 dialed down and I still feel it but I drive in sport/+ all the time. At the same time, aggressively flooring the A8 will often times get you the rough shift or stuttering. Resetting transmission adaptations helped in my case.
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05-09-2018, 10:57 AM	#63
elicausi Enlisted Member 8 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2017 440i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	The A8 is adjustable?
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