[e92law]

Well, figuratively speaking anyway; seems like a nice guy.

Turns out that I had to leave Los Angeles for a couple weeks and ended up in Shiv’s neighborhood. He was gracious enough to forward his number (thanks e90post) and told me to give him a call to meet up and check out the 335. Don’t they always warn people about meeting people online?

Anyway, wouldn’t you know that it rained all day and I was about to ask a tuner to show me his handiwork. So it might not be all Shiv’s fault; I could have started out the day a little off. Gave Shiv a ring, set the location, and I had a date with the dealer.

Once I found the drop off location (thank g-d I ordered navigation in my car because I obviously need it), Shiv was there eating breakfast at 5:00pm. Yup, this guy is that busy. After a couple minutes, turns out we both worked for tuner magazines in the past, he offered a ride.

By now it was pitch black, still misting, and I was about to get in the car with a stranger offering car porn and candy in the form of a 335i Vishnu prototype. This should be interesting, but your first time always is.

Starting out the parking lot, he went directly for a somewhat open four lane road and bang, head against the headrest, not expecting that. “Partial throttle” Shiv informed. Guess that was the teaser hit. I want more!

Wasn’t so sure that I would be able to feel much of a difference because of the wet roads, but the 60-120 in this thing is insane. (leaving out the power on oversteer here Shiv) Nothing like many of the cars I have recently driven (350Z, CTS-V, S4, M3, Elise, EVO). The power is absolutely linear. It starts out fast and doesn’t stop until you change gear. Then again, it pulls and pulls and pulls until you change gear. More akin to a C6, but smother, if that is possible. I would bet an even race between the two. Not bad considering the weight disadvantage. Shiv said that it pulls “hard” on his 911 (997?). That should be enough for some surprises back in LA.

Making our way around the back rounds, Shiv would read out the speedo on the open bits. As fast as you can say “60,70,80,90,100,110,120.” This is the first time I ever started thinking about a 155 mph speed limiter as a LIMITING factor. (for you other nuts out there, I don’t know if I was high, but yes, I asked about that and Shiv is not going there….ah Shiv, that is was us attorneys are for)

Only because I was listening for it, I noticed a slight change in the overall exhaust tone and volume. I would actually like it a little more pronounced at times, but Shiv is working on that. Gateway drug first please.

Back at the parking lot, Shiv opened the hood and starting pulling apart the BOV tubing to show the quality in design. Really. Yes it was still misting, but you don’t turn down an opportunity to take a cool shower when your car isn’t even built yet. Come on BMW. Schnell bitte!

He has the Xede on the prototype car installed differently than customer cars will be positioned, but it sounds like it is going to be a seamless factory style install. He hasn’t completed the map switch, but already has a location planned out and from the quality of the rest of his work, I’m sure that it will also be first rate.

Time to look for my car, another mini-van rental. Can’t they have something else when I check in on Monday morning? Second one in as many weeks? The whole lot is full of them. Sorry, just a little rant, but it is starting to really p-ss me off.

Considering the BMW lunatic fringe, I’m sure that he is going to really start hearing it now that customer cars will be on the road. Three scheduled next week, so watch out you 997/M3/M5/S4/…….owners out there. There is a new czar out there ready to spread his addiction.

e92law

[sstarch1]

Nice.

[jerrygarcia]

This product seems to be a great tune. Cant wait till its installed on other cars, cant wait till i get one!

[Jason]

Nice write-up. Felt like I was there (I wish).

[OpenFlash]

lol... it was nice meeting you Bryan. Come back anytime
-shiv

[Moostafa29]

Thats a convincing write up! Makes me jealous. I don't live too far from Pleasanton, so maybe I'll have to check that car out.

Originally Posted by NaViT

super super nice, very good write up hopefully we get to meet him down here in Miami soon

i agree

[e92law]

Thanks again.

Confirmed the build dates and getting a better idea of delivery. I should be giving you a call in early January.

Best of luck on the development. Looking forward to hearing about future developments and customer installs.

I have a feeling this is going to get interesting, fast, once you get some cars on the road. From the posts on this site, these BMW guys like to write.

e92law