[bigshooter]

Originally Posted by LCornice

Great thread and thanks for the dyno post and reviews. I recently purchased a 2014 328d XDrive and I'm thinking about getting the Stage 2 tune. Since this thread is almost 6 months old, I'm wondering if opinions/outcomes have changed (or problems occurred) since the OP and others installed the tune. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by LCornice

Great thread and thanks for the dyno post and reviews. I recently purchased a 2014 328d XDrive and I'm thinking about getting the Stage 2 tune. Since this thread is almost 6 months old, I'm wondering if opinions/outcomes have changed (or problems occurred) since the OP and others installed the tune. Thanks in advance.

I got the Stage 2 tune last year. It's amazing. The car should have come like it from the factory. I strongly recommend getting it. I've been driving it daily for about 8 months now and wish I did it sooner. It's worth every penny. Kerma stage 2 tune + coilovers are the two best upgrades for the F30 in my opinion. They completely change the way it drives for the better

Eco mode is awesome. I use it all the time now. It shifts smooth and fast keeping the rpms low
Comfort has a lot more power
Sport is like a freight train and it shifts nice and fast

It does take about a few miles for the tranny to relearn. About 200-500 I would say. The tranny tune matches the power perfectly. I will do a full write up soon.

[jonnybravo408]

Has anyone in California had to smog after getting this tune?

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by jonnybravo408

Has anyone in California had to smog after getting this tune?

I have the same concerns, but I did reach out to KermaTDI and their response was that the Stage 2 shows the factory CVN that the smog stations check when doing the OBD readiness scan.

I'd still be interested in seeing some real world examples of tuned cars going through smog checks.

[FaRKle!]

I smogged in Nov 2020 with the Kerma tune.

And yes, they change CVN/CALID, flash date, and flash counter to the same as stock.

[jonnybravo408]

So you didn’t have to flash back to stock? Just smogged with the tune? I think you just sold me on this.

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

I smogged in Nov 2020 with the Kerma tune.

And yes, they change CVN/CALID, flash date, and flash counter to the same as stock.

[FaRKle!]

Originally Posted by jonnybravo408

So you didn’t have to flash back to stock? Just smogged with the tune? I think you just sold me on this.

Yup. No need to change anything.

[jonnybravo408]

Nice. Thanks for the reply!

[tru-jack]

MustGoFaster or anyone else in Canada have the Kerma tune? stage 1 or 2? quite interested in feedback or trying.

I reached out to Kerma, and apparently Stage 1 you must send ECU, but Stage 2 can be done mobile on a laptop? anyone able to explain? thanks

[MustGoFaster]

Originally Posted by tru-jack

MustGoFaster or anyone else in Canada have the Kerma tune? stage 1 or 2? quite interested in feedback or trying.

I reached out to Kerma, and apparently Stage 1 you must send ECU, but Stage 2 can be done mobile on a laptop? anyone able to explain? thanks

I purchased Stage 1, but waiting for my local BMW dealer to receive parts to perform EGR recall, before sending my ECU to Kerma.

[LCornice]

Originally Posted by bigshooter

I will do a full write up soon.

Where's that full write up? Kidding. My Stage 2 was installed a couple of weeks ago, but i haven't driven it much yet because our weather sucks. I will say the process was beyond seamless. I used my own laptop, Abel took temporary control of my computer, and he did the tune. Took about 30 minutes to complete, no issues. He told to me to reach out if I had any issues or questions.

I agree it definitely wakes the car up and makes it much more fun to drive.

[tru-jack]

thanks MustGoFaster

any reason you didn't go for stage 2? Other than price, which seems a bit steep to me.
I am interested in the fact it tunes the transmission as well. I'm still a bit confused as some reports suggest stage 2 is only a minor bump in power, but coupled with the transmission tune, the torque basically doubles..? Also not sure why you have to mail your ECU for stage 1, but it can be tuned remotely for stage 2? anyone able to clarify? thanks

[FaRKle!]

LCI DDEs have extra protection and needed to be bench unlocked (this is why you send the DDE in). Even if you went straight to stage 2, the engine tune portion would need the bench unlock.

[Enabled]

Originally Posted by tru-jack

thanks MustGoFaster

any reason you didn't go for stage 2? Other than price, which seems a bit steep to me.
I am interested in the fact it tunes the transmission as well. I'm still a bit confused as some reports suggest stage 2 is only a minor bump in power, but coupled with the transmission tune, the torque basically doubles..? Also not sure why you have to mail your ECU for stage 1, but it can be tuned remotely for stage 2? anyone able to clarify? thanks

On the same car,
Stage 1 had dynoed at 212-215whp and 342-345wtq (up from stock 159whp and 270wtq respectively).

Stage 2 dynos at 225-235whp and 360-370wtq. (Multiple dynoes used, lower values were on a Mustang, upper values Dynojet). Stage 2 engine flash is significantly different, optimized together with the transmission tune.

The transmission tune is there to address power limitations imposed by the transmission module onto the engine ECU control, raise max shift rpm (using high rpm hp to accelerate is safer on powertrain/drivetrain and it accelerates quicker), and most importantly it equalizes the power limitations in 3rd and 6th gear placed in by the transmission module. (3rd and 6th gear limitations are well known by the tuning world). Other items include increased clamping forces as needed and shift behavior, etc.

A dyno is not a good test of the points made in the last paragraph since a dyno doesn't say anything about drivability, acceleration, or even various gear limitations. Those limitations are technical in nature and are involved in reaching the higher power goals.




I wonder if anything can be done for Canadian 2016+ cars remotely. I'm fairly sure the limitation is that those cars can't be done with a handheld device (but 2014-2015 can!) and require a remote session with a Windows laptop. I bet if there is good demand that can be changed for those in Canada?

[tru-jack]

Thanks everyone. I have a Canadian 2016. I spoke to someone at Kerma and they suggested stage 1 requires the ecu to be sent for bench tune but stage 2 can be done with cable and windows laptop at home. Can anyone explain? Thanks

[davecz]

I just picked up a 2018 328d, it is a cpo so have warranty until April 2024. If I get this tune can it be flashed back to stock if any warranty issues arise?

[Enabled]

Originally Posted by davecz

I just picked up a 2018 328d, it is a cpo so have warranty until April 2024. If I get this tune can it be flashed back to stock if any warranty issues arise?

Flashing back and forth will raise the flash counter, which is one of the ways that BMW uses to determine suspicion for tuning.
That being said, even if they determine there is/was tuning, they won't invalidate the entire warranty, and at most the power train, at their discretion, and case by case. For example if there's a clear case of bent rods and the owner comes in demanding a new engine, you can bet they will check and invalidate. If it's for a leaky oil cooler, and a friendly owner, they often won't care. Also, recall items can't be invalidated.

[davecz]

would be most concerned with all the emission parts, seems like they are they first to go. Do these have a separate warranty for emissions?

[Ayaan Sambhi]

Hi all,

I have an f30 318d, which shares the same n47 engine as the 328d (slightly detuned). Would this stage 2 tune work and give the same power outputs as a 328d?

thanks!

[Enabled]

The 318d isn't just detuned. It has different/smaller size injectors, a different high pressure fuel pump, and a smaller turbo. So, no, it cannot easily reach those levels. It can maybe reach 220hp (measured at engine) though with a good tune.
You would need some hardware changes.

[firehawk618]

Ordered my Stage 2 the other day. Can't wait for the cable to show up to get the calibration loaded!

[firehawk618]

Cable arrived. It just looks like a regular ENET cable. I already had one.

I contacted the person to setup a time to tune. He got right back and within 45 minutes it was all loaded. (would have been 20 minutes but wifi/ethernet port challenges on the machine I tried to use)

Feels very nice! Did a launch and WOW what a difference vs stock.

She ain't no race car and won't win any races but the overall drivability and increase in power is very nice!

[Gray_Ghost5.7]

Originally Posted by capt_slow

ISTA or a good diagnostic scanner can tell you the level for both tanks. I normally have ISTA fired up when I refill DEF.

How can I get this program. I recently picked up a 328d wagon. And I’m making a few changes that Ista can help with but don’t know how to get it