[rondocap]

The BMW power kit. Quick mandatory preface: my car has 11k miles and cpo warranty for 3 years left.

First, this is more than a simple tune - I know there are others that give you more power, etc. For $599 (what I paid plus labor) and being done by BMW, it has strong merits.

I wanted to find out for myself, so I had it done. It livens the car up considerably, and is a true performance oriented package. Don't just look at it as a gain in horsepower and torque; it is much more than that.

It's not about 20 horsepower. Throttle response in D is like DS was, and DS is telepathic. Turbo lag is gone, and the car is just eager to run at the slightest tap of the pedal. In Ds the car seems to go longer into the redline too.

You do feel the extra lower - the torque gives you a firmer push in the back, and at higher speeds the car is pulling stronger. It's not night and day, it's not a third party tune. It retains the cars oem feel and drivability while enhancing stock performance and making it a worthwhile "option".

Traction is still good, minimal more tires pin but it's controllable.

Some people complain about turbo lag with some tunes, and you won't get that here. The car is sharp. And warranty intact for $599 - not a waste of money. The power now is good, and the throttle perfect.

If you are out of warranty, it's up to you to risk it, but for those who want to stay safe, this is a nice bump in drivability. It's subtle and gradual, but you can appreciate it.

( I drove a Dinan stage 3 335 as well, and the power was hard to put down 1st/2nd gear as it was RWD, so at least the BMW ppk retains more drivability.

$599 for this add-on is not bad, but I certainly would not buy it at the $1100+ some places sell it for.

[PR3CI5N]

Post some vids of 60-130mph

[08-335]

Post vids ASAP!

[shortseller]

Nice post & review of the PPK.

But what bugs me about the whole thing is; your performance sounds a lot like my car when it first came stock from Germany before all the software updates(de-tuning actually) to prolong the HPFPs from crapping out so frequently. I guess now that they have the pumps working better BMW can package a software upgrade and resell what the car originally had! Nice work BMW, got to love these number cruncher guys!

FWIW, I sincerely loved the performance aspect of the car when I first got it, then the MANDATORY BMW software updates forced me into the land of Dinan so again I have to say nice work and thank you BMW for the nudge!

[rondocap]

I'll get some pictures and vÃ*deos in the next few data - I installed the back bmw grills too.

The bmw Power kit badge under the hood is good for 2whp too they said.

[richpike]

Did $599 include labor? If not, how much did you pay for that? Where were you able to still get it for $599?

Thanks for the review!
Rich

[rondocap]

[tscdennab]

If I hadn't spent the money on the Power Kit myself, I would believe your enthusiastic review In fact, I remember my review being quite enthusiastic too.

But looking back right now, I feel it was a bit of a money waste. The power gain is insignificant compared to any other tune. However it has good resale value, and the hardware cooling bits are really good, so it's not all waste.

[pits200]

Hmm, you weren't by chance on the pa turnpike about 3 weeks ago following another black 335?

[rondocap]

No that wasn't me, only had the car for less than 2 weeks.

I know the power gain is minimal, but it is there and the important part is the lack of turbo lag and responsive throttle.

[MCoupeInsanity]

I want to know how to get that price... please share your source!

[Proper Motion LLC]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

If I hadn't spent the money on the Power Kit myself, I would believe your enthusiastic review In fact, I remember my review being quite enthusiastic too.

But looking back right now, I feel it was a bit of a money waste. The power gain is insignificant compared to any other tune. However it has good resale value, and the hardware cooling bits are really good, so it's not all waste.

No way this came with hardware cooling for $599

[tomahawk997]

Originally Posted by richpike

Did $599 include labor? If not, how much did you pay for that? Where were you able to still get it for $599?

Thanks for the review!
Rich

I would like to know as well.

[austin335i]

Originally Posted by Rysandro

No way this came with hardware cooling for $599

Agreed. What's the catch?

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Rysandro

No way this came with hardware cooling for $599

Indeed. But there is the second version of the Power Kit which also includes cooling. More expensive though.

[jzchen]

Here in the US, version 2 is actually what the first power kit available was. Version 1 doesn't include the extra radiator and stronger cooling fan. Mine definitely included those two items, and required me to change my DME to MSD81. Look carefully at the accessories.bmwusa.com site to note the differences. Version 2 has different choices for the different bumpers. Version 1 does not.

[rondocap]

Hey guys, $599 was just the software, version 1 - with no hardware.

Labor was extra, but I also had other work done like installing the performance grill, so it was rolled in together, so probably 1 1/2 hours of labor.

How did I get the $599 price? I brought it up to the service advisor, and he got this price. Apparently he said it was $985 before, and they just reduced it again. I'd call your local service advisor and ask around.

For $599 plus 1 or 2 hours labor, it's a good price for the throttle/lag/ small bump in power with warranty.

I did a few runs stock, and this week will do some with the power kit and dynicious and post results.

[richpike]

Originally Posted by rondocap

Hey guys, $599 was just the software, version 1 - with no hardware.

Labor was extra, but I also had other work done like installing the performance grill, so it was rolled in together, so probably 1 1/2 hours of labor.

How did I get the $599 price? I brought it up to the service advisor, and he got this price. Apparently he said it was $985 before, and they just reduced it again. I'd call your local service advisor and ask around.

For $599 plus 1 or 2 hours labor, it's a good price for the throttle/lag/ small bump in power with warranty.

I did a few runs stock, and this week will do some with the power kit and dynicious and post results.

Thanks!!

[rondocap]

Hey everyone! As promised, I have some actual data and information for you guys here. I did a few runs with a dyno program/performance meter, and we can compare the results. (Done on a safe closed track)

For the stock numbers, unfortunately I only have the information up to 1/8 mile or 83 mph - as I am not sure where the other data is. Horsepower is to the wheels.

2008 335i automatic (RWD) Stock, 18 inch run flat Bridgestone potenzas

0-10 MPH: 1.06 sec
0-20 MPH: 1.80 sec
0-30 MPH: 2.48 sec
0-40 MPH: 3.52 sec
0-50 MPH: 4.46 sec
0-60 MPH: 5.59 sec
0-70 MPH: 7.09 sec
0-80 MPH: 8.53 sec

Elapsed Time

60': 2.76 sec @ 30.4 MPH
330': 6.42 sec @ 62.8 MPH
1/8 mi: 9.40 sec @ 83.6 MPH

Max Speed: 83.1 MPH
Max Acceleration: 0.67 G's
Peak Horsepower: 263 HP

----------------------------------------------

2008 335i automatic (RWD) with BMW Performance Power kit, 18 inch run flat Bridgestone potenzas

0-10 MPH: 0.76 sec
0-20 MPH: 1.45 sec
0-30 MPH: 2.13 sec
0-40 MPH: 3.12 sec
0-50 MPH: 4.06 sec
0-60 MPH: 5.11 sec
0-70 MPH: 6.45 sec
0-80 MPH: 7.80 sec
0-90 MPH: 9.38 sec
0-100 MPH: 11.29 sec
Elapsed Time

60': 2.45 sec @ 30.5 MPH
330': 6.04 sec @ 65.1 MPH
1/8 mi: 8.95 sec @ 84.5 MPH
1000': 11.40 sec @ 101.0 MPH
1/4 mi: 13.50 sec @ 104.7 MPH

Max Speed: 105.4 MPH
Max Acceleration: 0.69 G's
Peak Horsepower: 282 HP


As you can see, picked up over 23 horsepower - before it was 329 at the crank stock, and now it's 352 at the crank.


And just to make it interesting - I also have some data from a 2011 335i xDrive that is stock. (Just ran up to 60 something)


0-10 MPH: 0.78 sec
0-20 MPH: 1.52 sec
0-30 MPH: 2.21 sec
0-40 MPH: 3.26 sec
0-50 MPH: 4.25 sec
0-60 MPH: 5.46 sec
Elapsed Time

60': 2.49 sec @ 30.6 MPH
330': 6.18 sec @ 62.8 MPH

Max Speed: 65.2 MPH
Max Acceleration: 0.69 G's
Peak Horsepower: 242 HP

As you can see, you definitely pick up some power and time with the power kit, even compared to an all wheel drive 2011 N55 engine.

[techwhiz]

What coast?
I'll be calling my SA tomorrow morning to see what is up.
I'll spring for $599 + install, but definitely not twice that.

[rondocap]

I'm on the east coast, but I'd definitely call around.

For $599 it's 100% worth it. If you don't want to get another tune due to warranty or longevity concerns, this power kit is definitely better than stock.

I've been driving it a lot lately, and it's fully adapted by now. The car feels much stronger. Driving in regular D is fantastic, super responsive and the torque is always on tap.

Driving in DS or manual mode, the car just rips and the top end seems much better. Good down low torque too.

Like I said - it's not as fast as a 3rd party tune - but don't get this upgrade wrong, either. It makes the car come alive in a very gradual way. I don't want to make it seem like it's a huge difference, which it isn't in terms of power - but it is a big difference in terms of how performance oriented it makes the car. (And drivable during regular trips.)

They should have had this option from the factory years ago, it completes the "Sport package".

[MCoupeInsanity]

Can you post or PM the dealership? I want to call them and see if they'll ship.