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      02-05-2019, 09:13 AM   #1
Stopsign32v
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Best tuning option for F30 N55?

Sorry guys I'm trying to learn as well as keep up. Searching results in suggestions but I'm constantly having to keep the date in mind because of the evolution of the N55 modding over the years.

So I figured worst case I'll get some hate here but figured I should ask. For a N55 car what is currently the "best" tuning option? I'm asking for basic bolt ons to later a Pureturbo 2 setup @ max reliable power (450whp?).

What I'm currently looking at now is the Bootmod3 but not sure if there are other things. I know JB4 or whatever is also popular. I'm used to chipping the older stock ECUs and dyno tuning. Something tells me it isn't this easy anymore.
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      02-05-2019, 11:15 AM   #2
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So so so so so many choices, and its going to be like TASTE GREAT LESS FILLING kinda argument honestly.

For bolt on tunes I have run the JB4 and also the Active Autowerke Active8, and very much liked them both. The JB4 is cool with a BT module and logging, the A8 is smooth and nice bolt on easy power.

Next from there are BM3 and HMD.. both extremely well supported with lots of features, and I am running the HMD client in logging mode only to support my full Active Autowerke custom tune now. The AA tune is fantastic, and gone through half a dozen updates and builds as they have tuned my car, including updating the iDrive display to the M4 code, to show higher HP and torque.

So DAMN good question on what is "best".. I am going down the AA tune road and love working with them, but you have a dozen other choices too.
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      02-05-2019, 11:17 AM   #3
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*MHD

I have JB4 currently and while it's plug and play and has cool features I do feel like it's not maximizing my mods and could be smoother. I am actively looking into BM3 which also works if I go Pure S2 in the future
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      02-05-2019, 11:20 AM   #4
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BM3 and MHD are the most popular and couldn't be easier to use. The DME unlock and flash tuning is all done through the ODB port with your phone or laptop. Both support the full spectrum of mods from Stage 1 (stock car) to Stage 2 (CP+DP or FBO) to PS2 turbo and beyond.
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      02-05-2019, 11:40 AM   #5
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Thanks guys for the help. I'm honestly sorry for such a basic question but it truly is hard coming into the BMW world and not knowing much. Searching can only take you so far.

I was thinking BM3 or MHD but I honestly didn't/don't know what else is out there.

Is dyno tuning by a tuner still a thing? I know from what I'm used to you either had dyno tuning or you had mail order tune which was a crap shoot.
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      02-05-2019, 11:43 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stopsign32v View Post
Thanks guys for the help. I'm honestly sorry for such a basic question but it truly is hard coming into the BMW world and not knowing much. Searching can only take you so far.

I was thinking BM3 or MHD but I honestly didn't/don't know what else is out there.

Is dyno tuning by a tuner still a thing? I know from what I'm used to you either had dyno tuning or you had mail order tune which was a crap shoot.
You're absolutely right.

It is still a thing and there are some independent tuners that can get you a custom tune.

Most people here get an MHD or BM3 license and take it to a tuner thats contracted with MHD/BM3 and get a custom tune with those two platforms.

The crap shoot you're talking about was really annoying so those two flash tuners have "off the shelf" tunes that make it a little bit easier for a casual power hungry user
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      02-05-2019, 11:49 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by perryo91 View Post
You're absolutely right.

It is still a thing and there are some independent tuners that can get you a custom tune.

Most people here get an MHD or BM3 license and take it to a tuner thats contracted with MHD/BM3 and get a custom tune with those two platforms.

The crap shoot you're talking about was really annoying so those two flash tuners have "off the shelf" tunes that make it a little bit easier for a casual power hungry user
SWEET! It's all starting to make sense now. Thank you guys
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      02-05-2019, 12:08 PM   #8
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Other question I have:

I just watched a video on how to launch the 335i (I'm bored at work)

Guy says to first put the car in sport, then turn off traction control...etc

Can your tune put the car automatically in sport and no T/C every time you start the car? I know in a previous car I owned in the tune I had T/C turned off permanently. T/C is in my foot, not the computer.
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      02-05-2019, 12:47 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stopsign32v View Post
Other question I have:

I just watched a video on how to launch the 335i (I'm bored at work)

Guy says to first put the car in sport, then turn off traction control...etc

Can your tune put the car automatically in sport and no T/C every time you start the car? I know in a previous car I owned in the tune I had T/C turned off permanently. T/C is in my foot, not the computer.
You'd have to do it manually everytime
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      02-05-2019, 05:47 PM   #10
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Hi guys, I made another thread trying to compile all this knowledge, search "tuning fundamentals" and there is one other older thread going with a word document comparing tuning products as well. Please chime in where you can, all help is appreciated. Thanks!
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      02-05-2019, 08:21 PM   #11
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OP,
There is no best option.

Each has its pros and cons.

Bootmod3 is the most popular flash tune for us, the features and flexibility is unparalleled

If you want max power out of the box, check Active Autowrke flash tune

Jb4 is the best piggyback on the market with lots of features as well
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      02-06-2019, 09:35 PM   #12
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So at this point I am trying to link all these threads in my head-

Is it safe to say that JB4 is the best tune that doesn't re program the BMW ECU because it has access to the CANBUS, and BM3 is the best tune because it actually re programs the factory unit completely instead of manipulating the signals and therefore incoming variables/values to factory code?

Which of these strategies is better in the long term? Which is riskier?

Still trying to figure out what CANBUS does in the context of an N55 eginine and tuning applications.

Thanks
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      02-06-2019, 09:58 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nwynne View Post
So at this point I am trying to link all these threads in my head-

Is it safe to say that JB4 is the best tune that doesn't re program the BMW ECU because it has access to the CANBUS, and BM3 is the best tune because it actually re programs the factory unit completely instead of manipulating the signals and therefore incoming variables/values to factory code?

Which of these strategies is better in the long term? Which is riskier?

Still trying to figure out what CANBUS does in the context of an N55 eginine and tuning applications.

Thanks
I have had 2 JB4's (e90 and f30) and now use only MHD. I chose MHD over BM3 mainly because I can use it via my android device as opposed to a laptop. There is no doubt that the flash tunes provide a more natural power boost and I would deem as superior at this point. Go with a flash is my advice.
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      02-07-2019, 09:25 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jgoens View Post
I have had 2 JB4's (e90 and f30) and now use only MHD. I chose MHD over BM3 mainly because I can use it via my android device as opposed to a laptop. There is no doubt that the flash tunes provide a more natural power boost and I would deem as superior at this point. Go with a flash is my advice.
BM3 you can use it on android and IOS, it just requires the OBD agent which you can either buy or make yourself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stopsign32v View Post
Sorry guys I'm trying to learn as well as keep up. Searching results in suggestions but I'm constantly having to keep the date in mind because of the evolution of the N55 modding over the years.

So I figured worst case I'll get some hate here but figured I should ask. For a N55 car what is currently the "best" tuning option? I'm asking for basic bolt ons to later a Pureturbo 2 setup @ max reliable power (450whp?).

What I'm currently looking at now is the Bootmod3 but not sure if there are other things. I know JB4 or whatever is also popular. I'm used to chipping the older stock ECUs and dyno tuning. Something tells me it isn't this easy anymore.



If you are going to get a custom tune in the future, go with BM3 as flash times are less than 30 seconds. Unlocking and flashing your first map takes about 3 mins 30 seconds.

With custom tunes, you are going to need to log and send it back to your tuner for revisions so having that 30 second map flash makes it a lot easier.
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      02-07-2019, 09:57 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nwynne View Post
So at this point I am trying to link all these threads in my head-

Is it safe to say that JB4 is the best tune that doesn't re program the BMW ECU because it has access to the CANBUS, and BM3 is the best tune because it actually re programs the factory unit completely instead of manipulating the signals and therefore incoming variables/values to factory code?

Which of these strategies is better in the long term? Which is riskier?

Still trying to figure out what CANBUS does in the context of an N55 eginine and tuning applications.

Thanks
Jb4 is the best piggyback (by your terms best tune that doesn't re program the BMW ECU)

Bootmod3 offers unparalleled features and flexibility so it is considered by most the best flash tune available

Both methods are safe proven by thousands of users.
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      02-07-2019, 10:13 AM   #16
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Before adding any tune, replacing the OEM charge pipe with one made of metal is highly recommended.
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      02-07-2019, 10:52 AM   #17
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Hahah funny you mention that- that is why the car is in the shop currently.

I decided to just start the build while she was in the shop anyways.

One mechanic wanted 382 for plastic pipe and another 300 for labor....
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      02-07-2019, 10:53 AM   #18
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Hahah funny you mention that- that is why the car is in the shop currently.

I decided to just start the build while she was in the shop anyways.

One mechanic wanted 382 for plastic pipe and another 300 for labor....
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      02-07-2019, 01:45 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nwynne View Post
Hahah funny you mention that- that is why the car is in the shop currently.

I decided to just start the build while she was in the shop anyways.

One mechanic wanted 382 for plastic pipe and another 300 for labor....
Very prudent decision! Which CP did you select: VRSF, ER .... some other one?
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      02-08-2019, 03:06 PM   #20
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So the guy that did my emergency valve cover replacement was the guy that found this problem and wanted the sky high rates for the plastic OEM pipe.He said hes tried to install after market pipes on this motor and it never works because of the differences between auto and manual, and RWD and AWD. He basically refused to install an aftermarket pipe....

I basically told him 700 was a silly amount for replacing a pipe (especially plastic that will crack again next winter) and took my car home and parked it until further notice.

I did my research and went with the VRSF, which definitely seems to account for the Automatic and AWD setup I have. It arrived the other day and I found a speed shop here that seems to know more what they are doing with boosted cars.

So long story short all the parts in my signature have arrived and will be going on the car next week, and lets hope they all turn out great!
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      02-08-2019, 03:11 PM   #21
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Quote:
Jb4 is the best piggyback (by your terms best tune that doesn't re program the BMW ECU)

Bootmod3 offers unparalleled features and flexibility so it is considered by most the best flash tune available

Both methods are safe proven by thousands of users.
(sorry not really sure how to do quotes yet on here)

So ultimately a piggy back just modulates signals into the existing CPU where as these "stand alones" actually re program the code on the original CPU itself permanently?

Is there anything additional that a stand alone modifies well that a piggy back cannot interact with?

Thanks!!!
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      02-08-2019, 11:44 PM   #22
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Yes that's exactly it. A flash tune replaces all or part of the software on the ecu. A piggyback plugs itself in between certain sensors, and the ecu, to make the ecu react differently.

RE: fudge up the signals in a way that you get a mechanical power bump that doesn't trip certain parts of the ecu that would trigger limp mode.
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