N54 tuning

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 04:51 AM

Well, since 2010-01-01 BMW defends tuning the N54 quite more aggressive.

- In case of a tuner code the car will transfer this data directly to the BMW headquarter.
- In case the customer rejects an ECU update, BMW will ask why.
- BMW is even checking e.g. brake pad exchanges from time to time. Dealerships are tracked quite strictly.

This leads me to very limited tuning options ( if you stick to warranty ):

- Piggyback. We all know about. It will be very important that you check and clear the codes before you bring in the car.
- ECU flash. On the long term, I expect that only ECU flashes will be sold in case you can flash your car back to stock at home. An ECU flash can throw tuner codes as well, so the need for a tool to clear codes before you bring in the car is given.

That's how it works in Europe. Expecting there will be no big difference in the US.

Eugen

dxb335d · 02-16-2010, 05:03 AM

Mate you serious. Dealers in the UK aint like that.

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Mate you serious. Dealers in the UK aint like that.

I just like to share the information I got. It is serious.

rismo · 02-16-2010, 05:36 AM

Hi Eugene,

Interesting stuff... my dealer actually was always very relaxed but is recently a bit more difficult... might explain why... ;-)

ABout the tuner code... as fas as I know not all the diagnostic hosts are connected to the Munich HQ, this means not all of them are capable of sending of diag info... for example my dealer has 4-5 hosts and 1 of them is hooked up to munich....

What's your experience on that?

Cheers,

R

enrita · 02-16-2010, 05:46 AM

GIAC wont never throw a tuner code. those are gone, no worries there.

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enrita

GIAC wont never throw a tuner code. those are gone, no worries there.

2 problems with GIAC here. They are not represented in Switzerland at all and their flash-loader (switcher stock <-> tune) is still under development. Otherwise a great tune, IMO.

I am looking forward to the Evolve Stage III tune and the corresponding flash device, which should be available in the near future and allows flashing the ECU at home. I should receive such a beta device very soon.

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rismo123

Hi Eugene,

Interesting stuff... my dealer actually was always very relaxed but is recently a bit more difficult... might explain why... ;-)

ABout the tuner code... as fas as I know not all the diagnostic hosts are connected to the Munich HQ, this means not all of them are capable of sending of diag info... for example my dealer has 4-5 hosts and 1 of them is hooked up to munich....

What's your experience on that?

Cheers,

R

I will ask next week when I will be there again.

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 07:14 AM

BTW, my dealerhip has been quite cool as well in the past. Today their first answer to one of my requests has been: you will loose warranty. Well, I will loose it anyways in the next few months, so I don't really care

, in fact it's liberating.

vgame64 · 02-16-2010, 07:17 AM

I forsee sales of V3 CANbus/V4 or Bavarian Technic Scanners increasing...

marcel b · 02-16-2010, 07:31 AM

as long the fault code is not transmitted over air while driving and still a dealership is needed to do this it is manageable.
I saw a test of the new 7 series in which they deliberatly took some cooling fluid out to make it run hot to see what happens and BMW called to tell there was something wrong with the car and the car should come in for service.

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcel b

as long the fault code is not transmitted over air while driving and still a dealership is needed to do this it is manageable.
I saw a test of the new 7 series in which they deliberatly took some cooling fluid out to make it run hot to see what happens and BMW called to tell there was something wrong with the car and the car should come in for service.

This is only possible with the BMW Assist system and you would need a SIM for a mobile or permit your mobile for such a connection ( e.g. having the OEM bluetooth hands-free ). I don't think BMW will implement this soon as a standard in the 3 series and in case they will do, you will be well aware about it.

Dr_Dirt · 02-16-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e.n335

This is only possible with the BMW Assist system and you would need a SIM for a mobile or permit your mobile for such a connection ( e.g. having the OEM bluetooth hands-free ). I don't think BMW will implement this soon as a standard in the 3 series and in case they will do, you will be well aware about it.

I think all 335's are equipped with satellite phones as part of the SOS system, if BMW uses that phone, you would never know.

TurboBimmer · 02-16-2010, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e.n335

I am looking forward to the Evolve Stage III tune and the corresponding flash device, which should be available in the near future and allows flashing the ECU at home. I should receive such a beta device very soon.

I'm very interested in the Evolve flash too, with the "flash at home" ability. If you are allowed to do so, can you post your impressions once you get it?

Greetings,

Christian

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autobahn335i

I'm very interested in the Evolve flash too, with the "flash at home" ability. If you are allowed to do so, can you post your impressions once you get it?

Greetings,

Christian

As soon as I get it I am allowed to provide information and will do.

cstavaru · 02-16-2010, 08:36 AM

I have never regarded warranty as a problem in tuning the car. Maybe because mine was short (2 years), expires in 8 months and I didn't have problems until now

But what I am interested in is engine/transmission reliability. I read about obtaining 375whp on 13.5psi with GIAC Stage 1. That would be enough for me...even the 335is makes more boost on the same hardware.

enrita · 02-16-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstavaru

I have never regarded warranty as a problem in tuning the car. Maybe because mine was short (2 years), expires in 8 months and I didn't have problems until now

But what I am interested in is engine/transmission reliability. I read about obtaining 375whp on 13.5psi with GIAC Stage 1. That would be enough for me...even the 335is makes more boost on the same hardware.

just send you ECU over to sweden where my GIAC dealer is

marcel b · 02-16-2010, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e.n335

This is only possible with the BMW Assist system and you would need a SIM for a mobile or permit your mobile for such a connection ( e.g. having the OEM bluetooth hands-free ). I don't think BMW will implement this soon as a standard in the 3 series and in case they will do, you will be well aware about it.

one reason to not take the BMW assist as an option

ianthegreat · 02-16-2010, 10:11 AM

How is this any different than now? What is the significance of brake pad exchanges (the rate at which individuals go through them?)

-ian

e.n335 · 02-16-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianthegreat

How is this any different than now? What is the significance of brake pad exchanges?

-ian

The break pads are just an example that BMW really cares about warranty/service efforts.

jpsimon · 02-16-2010, 10:19 AM

my rear brake pads died out pretty quickly, they replaced mine no questions asked

This was of course in 2009 though.

Folks who are so concerned about their warranty shouldn't be modding their car so much (especially with upgraded turbos

)

borisivan · 02-16-2010, 10:26 AM

You mention that the car will send tuner codes to HQ automatically. I hope this isn't true, but it seems technically possible.

I never paid for any kind of BMW assist package, but the SOS and "schedule repair appt" options in the car obviously support some kind of communication by default without any additional 'concierge' functionality, so it would seem possible.

I'm skeptical that they really went this far. Any data to back this up?

stealth-twntrbo · 02-16-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borisivan

You mention that the car will send tuner codes to HQ automatically. I hope this isn't true, but it seems technically possible.

I never paid for any kind of BMW assist package, but the SOS and "schedule repair appt" options in the car obviously support some kind of communication by default without any additional 'concierge' functionality, so it would seem possible.

I'm skeptical that they really went this far. Any data to back this up?

+1

I am also skeptical of this.

02-16-2010, 04:51 AM	#1
e.n335 Moderator 282 Rep 4,481 Posts Drives: e93 ///M3 DCT, 07/2009 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Switzerland, ZH iTrader: (0)	N54 tuning - BMW strikes back Well, since 2010-01-01 BMW defends tuning the N54 quite more aggressive. - In case of a tuner code the car will transfer this data directly to the BMW headquarter. - In case the customer rejects an ECU update, BMW will ask why. - BMW is even checking e.g. brake pad exchanges from time to time. Dealerships are tracked quite strictly. This leads me to very limited tuning options ( if you stick to warranty ): - Piggyback. We all know about. It will be very important that you check and clear the codes before you bring in the car. - ECU flash. On the long term, I expect that only ECU flashes will be sold in case you can flash your car back to stock at home. An ECU flash can throw tuner codes as well, so the need for a tool to clear codes before you bring in the car is given. That's how it works in Europe. Expecting there will be no big difference in the US. Eugen
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02-16-2010, 05:03 AM	#2
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1015 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Mate you serious. Dealers in the UK aint like that. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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02-16-2010, 05:36 AM	#4
rismo Captain 81 Rep 911 Posts Drives: BMW E92 335 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Hi Eugene, Interesting stuff... my dealer actually was always very relaxed but is recently a bit more difficult... might explain why... ;-) ABout the tuner code... as fas as I know not all the diagnostic hosts are connected to the Munich HQ, this means not all of them are capable of sending of diag info... for example my dealer has 4-5 hosts and 1 of them is hooked up to munich.... What's your experience on that? Cheers, R __________________ BMW 335 E92 09 - Full options - DKG - MHD by Buraq - RB Next Gen - RB Inlets/Outlet - Forge Diverter Valves - AR Catless DP - Afe Intake - Helix IC - FuelIT Stage 2 LPFP - Ar Oil Cooler - PPK Water Cooler - M3 Suspension - JRZ RS1 Shocks - Eibach Pro Springs - Drexler LSD - BMW IS Exhaust - Carbon Endurance Brake Pads - Stainless Steel Brake Lines - M101 Wheels - Michelin PS2 - M-Tech Body - M-Strutbar BMW M550i G30 2019 - BM3
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02-16-2010, 05:46 AM	#5
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	GIAC wont never throw a tuner code. those are gone, no worries there. __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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02-16-2010, 07:14 AM	#8
e.n335 Moderator 282 Rep 4,481 Posts Drives: e93 ///M3 DCT, 07/2009 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Switzerland, ZH iTrader: (0)	BTW, my dealerhip has been quite cool as well in the past. Today their first answer to one of my requests has been: you will loose warranty. Well, I will loose it anyways in the next few months, so I don't really care , in fact it's liberating.
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02-16-2010, 07:17 AM	#9
vgame64 Colonel 143 Rep 2,479 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	I forsee sales of V3 CANbus/V4 or Bavarian Technic Scanners increasing... __________________ Car:2008 E90 335i \| BSM \| ZPP \| ZSP \| 6AT Paddles \| Black Leather \| Dark Burl Walnut \| Heated Seats Mods: (All OEM) \| BMW Performance CF Splitters \| BMW Blackline Taillights \| BMW Rear Deck Spoiler \| BMW Performance Auto Shift Knob and Alcantara Boot \| BMW Black Dakota Leather Split Folding Armrest \| BMW Euro Fog Light Switch \| BMW Style 193M Wheels \| BMW Performance Gloss Black Kidney Grills \| BMW Front Clear Bra \| BMW Performance Steering Wheel (non-elec)
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02-16-2010, 07:31 AM	#10
marcel b Lieutenant Colonel 137 Rep 1,898 Posts Drives: F31 340i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	as long the fault code is not transmitted over air while driving and still a dealership is needed to do this it is manageable. I saw a test of the new 7 series in which they deliberatly took some cooling fluid out to make it run hot to see what happens and BMW called to tell there was something wrong with the car and the car should come in for service.
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02-16-2010, 08:36 AM	#15
cstavaru Brigadier General 328 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	I have never regarded warranty as a problem in tuning the car. Maybe because mine was short (2 years), expires in 8 months and I didn't have problems until now But what I am interested in is engine/transmission reliability. I read about obtaining 375whp on 13.5psi with GIAC Stage 1. That would be enough for me...even the 335is makes more boost on the same hardware. __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \|
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02-16-2010, 10:11 AM	#18
ianthegreat Colonel 63 Rep 2,314 Posts Drives: n54 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh/Houston iTrader: (1)	How is this any different than now? What is the significance of brake pad exchanges (the rate at which individuals go through them?) -ian
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02-16-2010, 10:19 AM	#20
jpsimon Team Zissou 3163 Rep 10,200 Posts Drives: 2022 AWD M3 Comp - SMB Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (7)	my rear brake pads died out pretty quickly, they replaced mine no questions asked This was of course in 2009 though. Folks who are so concerned about their warranty shouldn't be modding their car so much (especially with upgraded turbos ) Last edited by jpsimon; 02-16-2010 at 10:32 AM..
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02-16-2010, 10:26 AM	#21
borisivan craptastic 21 Rep 281 Posts Drives: 2010 335xi Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: hell in a handbasket iTrader: (0)	where did you hear this, is there a link? You mention that the car will send tuner codes to HQ automatically. I hope this isn't true, but it seems technically possible. I never paid for any kind of BMW assist package, but the SOS and "schedule repair appt" options in the car obviously support some kind of communication by default without any additional 'concierge' functionality, so it would seem possible. I'm skeptical that they really went this far. Any data to back this up?
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