Benefit of Stage 1 Custom Tune

jwebb335xi · 02-23-2015, 07:12 PM

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of upgrading my 2008 335XI and I'm curious as to the benefit of custom tuning versus OTS Cobb.

Background:

2008 335XI
71K mies
new BMW turbos within 5k miles
Last 1K miles (walnut blast, plugs, coils, vacuum lines, ER charge pipe, Forge Diverters, Cobb Stage 1 Sport OTS (will migrate to Stage 1+ Sport with the FMIC and then Stage 1+ Aggressive once I swap from winter to summer wheels and tires...)
Planned: FMIC

What's the practical benefit of custom tune with Stage 1+ hardware and software in terms of: (1) drivability, (2) TQ/HP, (3) gas mileage and (4) 0-60....?

Thanks for any thoughts.

musc · 02-23-2015, 07:56 PM

OTS tunes are designed to be applicable to an extremely broad base of users. We all have different climates, driving style, goals, etc etc. A custom tune will always yield the optimal results because it is just that, customized to YOUR car.

1) Drivability will be improved with better boost delivery, no surging. Throttle mapping can be improved to suit your tastes (kind of like Cobb offering different choices of linear vs stock throttle).
2) Horsepower/torque gains can vary of course. Peak values can improve slightly because low-midrange torque and hp can increase dramatically depending on how aggressive you want to go. It's hard to give an exact number but there would be a definite improvement with the custom tune.
3) In my experience, with any tune, gas milage tends to go down. This is not due to short comings from custom or even OTS tuning, it comes from the fact we will be enjoying that power more and driving a little more aggressively!
4) With the torque increases 0-60 can improve significantly if you can hook up. With an XI, you should see a real gain.

There are lots of custom tuners out there. Personally I went with BQ tuning from Wedge Performance. They are patient and will work with you to achieve your goals. They have tuned the quickest 335XI. Your tune will be tailored to your car. With any of the custom tuners, be prepared to do a lot of logging. This is how the parameter adjustments are tested.

Good luck!

enrita · 02-23-2015, 08:41 PM

Just get custom tuned, doesnt cost that much...

02-23-2015, 07:12 PM	#1
jwebb335xi Major 205 Rep 1,070 Posts Drives: 2008 335 XI Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (0)	Benefit of Stage 1 Custom Tune Hey guys, I'm in the process of upgrading my 2008 335XI and I'm curious as to the benefit of custom tuning versus OTS Cobb. Background: 2008 335XI 71K mies new BMW turbos within 5k miles Last 1K miles (walnut blast, plugs, coils, vacuum lines, ER charge pipe, Forge Diverters, Cobb Stage 1 Sport OTS (will migrate to Stage 1+ Sport with the FMIC and then Stage 1+ Aggressive once I swap from winter to summer wheels and tires...) Planned: FMIC What's the practical benefit of custom tune with Stage 1+ hardware and software in terms of: (1) drivability, (2) TQ/HP, (3) gas mileage and (4) 0-60....? Thanks for any thoughts.
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02-23-2015, 07:56 PM	#2
musc Free T_e_r_r_Y :) 223 Rep 1,706 Posts Drives: X3MC, Audi TTRS MK3, 335is DCT Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (9) Garage List 2023 BMW X3MC [10.00] 2011 BMW 335is [10.00]	OTS tunes are designed to be applicable to an extremely broad base of users. We all have different climates, driving style, goals, etc etc. A custom tune will always yield the optimal results because it is just that, customized to YOUR car. 1) Drivability will be improved with better boost delivery, no surging. Throttle mapping can be improved to suit your tastes (kind of like Cobb offering different choices of linear vs stock throttle). 2) Horsepower/torque gains can vary of course. Peak values can improve slightly because low-midrange torque and hp can increase dramatically depending on how aggressive you want to go. It's hard to give an exact number but there would be a definite improvement with the custom tune. 3) In my experience, with any tune, gas milage tends to go down. This is not due to short comings from custom or even OTS tuning, it comes from the fact we will be enjoying that power more and driving a little more aggressively! 4) With the torque increases 0-60 can improve significantly if you can hook up. With an XI, you should see a real gain. There are lots of custom tuners out there. Personally I went with BQ tuning from Wedge Performance. They are patient and will work with you to achieve your goals. They have tuned the quickest 335XI. Your tune will be tailored to your car. With any of the custom tuners, be prepared to do a lot of logging. This is how the parameter adjustments are tested. Good luck!
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02-23-2015, 08:41 PM	#3
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	Just get custom tuned, doesnt cost that much...
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