[howardmarkland]

Many have gone down the XHP route but it seems quite a few are not entirely happy with the out of the box settings notably with the stage 3 setup. Yes you can alter some parameters but if you are not experienced in tuning you are left with the trial and error approach and this can lead to issues.
On the otherside there are many reputable uk tuners who offer their own custom maps for the ZF gearbox. The average cost is £200 and , interestingly I was told the job would take about a hour or so to get the engine/gearbox in sync . This sounds the better option with a tune that is bespoke to the individual car and its state of tune.
My MPPSK is now gone replaced with a custom pro stage 1 tune and other bits so a tune has become necessary: PS the exhaust still remains and is more epic than ever with the tune.
I would welcome any comments from those who have gone down the custom route rather than the XHP tune

[Stainy]

The third option (if you have the right engine) is an Alpina flash. XHP may be 'better' subjectively, but I'll never know, because I couldn't be happier with my Alpina gearbox. The car just seems to know what I want depending on my throttle input and whether I'm in Sport mode - love it

[bishbosh]

Originally Posted by Stainy

The third option (if you have the right engine) is an Alpina flash. XHP may be 'better' subjectively, but I'll never know, because I couldn't be happier with my Alpina gearbox. The car just seems to know what I want depending on my throttle input and whether I'm in Sport mode - love it

Same here, also went with the Alpina one because it's free and I'm an adopted Yorkshireman

[SkyJawa]

I'm the same, I have the Alpina flash on my 335d and it does everything I want of it so no need to change.

[cramsnik]

Originally Posted by SkyJawa

I'm the same, I have the Alpina flash on my 335d and it does everything I want of it so no need to change.

+1 Had this done a few weeks ago and its much improved my cars drivability.

[Eddamoo]

Lots of Derv owners recommending the Alpina, but its Derv only I think whereas the OP appears to have a 440i?

I've tried both and XHP is fine with a bit of tweaking to your taste. Customisability is great and after about 6-8 flashes i've got mine bang on how I want it.

The fact you're looking for a map in the first place suggests to me that XHP is the best option as you obviously have a specific tune in mind which a custom flash may not satisfy. You only tune it with % sliders so its quite simple really - just do it bit by bit or share others settings.

[SkyJawa]

Originally Posted by Eddamoo

Lots of Derv owners recommending the Alpina, but its Derv only I think whereas the OP appears to have a 440i?.

I was under the impression the 40i could have the B3 map on it, maybe I’m mistaken

[Pizzaeatingking]

I'm pretty sure xHP is the only option isn't it? Anyone making out they do a 'custom tune' for the ZF8 is surely just flashing it with xHP? If that's the case then just flash it yourself and set it up how you want it. You can't go wrong with it tbh, I'm happy with mine.

[SirBiggles]

Opening up this thread for discussion again: What're the differences between the Alpina B3 map and xHD maps? (There may be discussions on this already; pls feel free to point me in the right direction)

For info: I'm looking for 'less cruisy' gearbox style and better throttle response (in all driving modes, as well as snappier changes). I hate the way the high-rpm is kept when in D-Sport mode (yes, much better in Semi-auto mode). Even worse is the lag in Comfort mode when you're at a junction and go to pull out, it lags so much before accelerating. Again, better in Semi-auto mode.

I don't want to mess up my transmission by tinkering too much with custom gearbox maps myself so would prefer 'flash & go' if the requirements are possible to address.

I will be combining with BM3 Stage 1 or 2. Remus exhaust but not manifold/downpipe/intercooler mods.

[breathe3asy]

I've not got any experience with anything other than xHP but for what its worth I like it.

Able to customise shift points in D so that the higher gears don't hold on for so long when not pushing it, in my head it saves fuel as well. Things like blip on downshift is nice for when going into first when you're feeling a little boisterous, would imagine that be really nice with those who have aftermarket exhaust systems.

Other than that, just being able to see what gear you are in at all times via the trip computer is really handy.

[breathe3asy]

Originally Posted by SirBiggles

Opening up this thread for discussion again: What're the differences between the Alpina B3 map and xHD maps? (There may be discussions on this already; pls feel free to point me in the right direction)

For info: I'm looking for 'less cruisy' gearbox style and better throttle response (in all driving modes, as well as snappier changes). I hate the way the high-rpm is kept when in D-Sport mode (yes, much better in Semi-auto mode). Even worse is the lag in Comfort mode when you're at a junction and go to pull out, it lags so much before accelerating. Again, better in Semi-auto mode.

I don't want to mess up my transmission by tinkering too much with custom gearbox maps myself so would prefer 'flash & go' if the requirements are possible to address.

I will be combining with BM3 Stage 1 or 2. Remus exhaust but not manifold/downpipe/intercooler mods.

Sorry not quite sure how I missed your post but yes I too didn't like how long the gearbox would hold onto a gear before changing up, I like to change up faster instead of revving the nuts off the engine when driving with purpose (but not wide open throttle).
What I will say is that the stage 3 map makes sport+ changes instant and feels very mechanical, it's really nice when in the mood but then go back to comfort D and just enjoy your custom map or they have pre-sets such as "relaxed" and "relaxed+" or "sportive" and "sportive+"

What do you mean by semi-auto mode btw?

Also the lag you're referring to is maybe the difference in throttle response between the modes comfort & sport? xHP didn't make a difference in that regard just so you're aware, I still have to go into sport mode if I want that.

[Cully]

i did XHP on my 335D, senior performance flashed it for me, night and day over the stock software, coming from a DSG box into this i can confirm im more than happy with it.

cant comment on ALPINA i did think about that but the stage 3 XHP is just great, i didnt know you could tweek it though

[SirBiggles]

Originally Posted by ceaton88

Sorry not quite sure how I missed your post but yes I too didn't like how long the gearbox would hold onto a gear before changing up, I like to change up faster instead of revving the nuts off the engine when driving with purpose (but not wide open throttle).
What I will say is that the stage 3 map makes sport+ changes instant and feels very mechanical, it's really nice when in the mood but then go back to comfort D and just enjoy your custom map or they have pre-sets such as "relaxed" and "relaxed+" or "sportive" and "sportive+"

What do you mean by semi-auto mode btw?

Also the lag you're referring to is maybe the difference in throttle response between the modes comfort & sport? xHP didn't make a difference in that regard just so you're aware, I still have to go into sport mode if I want that.

Nice, good info thanks! semi-auto, I mean 'manual' on the auto-gearbox. Interesting re. the lag at low revs :-/ I do think a map (like BM3) will help with that too...

Originally Posted by Cully

i did XHP on my 335D, senior performance flashed it for me, night and day over the stock software, coming from a DSG box into this i can confirm im more than happy with it.

cant comment on ALPINA i did think about that but the stage 3 XHP is just great, i didnt know you could tweek it though

Nice

[XAlp]

Don’t really understand them, but would a “pedal box” sort the hesitation at pulling away?

[onstat]

just to hijack the thread sorry. Where could I get the alpina flash installed in the North West?

[Ruskie27]

Originally Posted by onstat

just to hijack the thread sorry. Where could I get the alpina flash installed in the North West?

I am interested also, I believe it can be done DIY.

[Techno 9000]

Originally Posted by XAlp

Don’t really understand them, but would a “pedal box” sort the hesitation at pulling away?

Not really, if I'm guessing your issue correctly. If you're not in Sports gear mode the car will usually start in second gear, if you press the accelerator heavily the car takes a moment to decide that first is where you should be and changes to first, hence the hesitation.
My method is to place the gear-lever left into Sports gear mode, forcing the car to use first gear and hence no hesitation. I will do this whenever at a give way line and see a need to make a brisk step off.

[SirBiggles]

Originally Posted by Techno 9000

Not really, if I'm guessing your issue correctly. If you're not in Sports gear mode the car will usually start in second gear, if you press the accelerator heavily the car takes a moment to decide that first is where you should be and changes to first, hence the hesitation.
My method is to place the gear-lever left into Sports gear mode, forcing the car to use first gear and hence no hesitation. I will do this whenever at a give way line and see a need to make a brisk step off.

Didn't realise it starts in 2nd! I'm thinking XHP will allow you to code 'always drop into 1st' at x speed/revs. Add.ECU map to that and should get decent torque off the line, even in full-auto/comfort

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by SirBiggles

Didn't realise it starts in 2nd! I'm thinking XHP will allow you to code 'always drop into 1st' at x speed/revs. Add.ECU map to that and should get decent torque off the line, even in full-auto/comfort

Yes, there is an option in XHP for starting in 1st/2nd.

[SirBiggles]

Originally Posted by Watsey

Yes, there is an option in XHP for starting in 1st/2nd.

Amazing! Thanks