[Montecristo]

I just got my 07' 335i and I've had a list of mods that I have wanted to install for a little bit.

They are as follows:

>Vishnu Procede - Custom tune
>Vanguard or Autobahn exotics – Exhaust
>Big tom/HPF/ - Intercooler
>AR – Downpipes
>Dual Cone - Intake
>ETS FMIC - boost actuators
>The Vishnu PWN meth kit
>Michelin Pilot Super Sports / Continental ExtremeContact DW / Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 / etc - Sticky tires
>short shifter

My question is I am brand new to both cars and BMW. I don't like the idea of blindly installing mods without knowing how they work and/or how they affect my system and everything that comes with it. Any particular site that is dedicated to motioning how all the aftermarket mods pull together?

In particular...the CHIP and FMIC.

The chip because it seems it is usually the first step into increasing HP and torque....and the FMIC because of the apparent epidemic watergate issue?

If anyone could chime in on all this, it'd be great!



P.S. what is a chip that is noob friendly?!?!

P.S.S. which of these mods that I've listed could I install myself with limited experience and tools?

[parksjm7]

can't wait....

[Wedge1967]

Personally, I would buy the VRSF or BMS DPs, VRSF FMIC, BMS DCI, Procede v3 with the e85 flex kit. Don't worry about meth.. I'm running 50/50 e85 with this setup making 450 RWHP and over 500lbft. Although I bought the HPF 7" FMIC a few years ago, but if I had to do it all over, I would stick with VRSF & BMS. I'm running the VRSF catless DPs and they have been great with the stock exhaust. Regardless of what you end up putting on the car, doing it yourself sometimes becomes a little overwhelming. But it will be worth it in the end.

[Montecristo]

Thanks for your input...what tune is easiest for noobs like me? I hear all the time about mapping and using your laptop and shit. Sounds difficult lol.

Also, why wouldn't I get meth? I run oct 93 only. What is the difference between 50/50 e85/meth/93 oct/race gas?

Elaborate between all 4 please.

[Wedge1967]

Originally Posted by Montecristo

Thanks for your input...what tune is easiest for noobs like me? I hear all the time about mapping and using your laptop and shit. Sounds difficult lol.

Also, why wouldn't I get meth? I run oct 93 only. What is the difference between 50/50 e85/meth/93 oct/race gas?

Elaborate between all 4 please.

I make as much power running a 50/50 mix of 92 oct and e85 as I did with 92 oct and meth. Honestly meth is a pain in the @$$ and if you have e85 save yourself the headaches. I won't run it unless I'm racing, so for a daily driver I'm much happier with the e85... If you have the $$, buy the kit. Install it and put the tank in the trunk where it belongs. I almost lost my car to a ww meth fire. Nothing to play with. Race gas, too much $$$ with little gain unless you're tuned to run it... Regardless of what tune you go with, you'll have a learning curve. You can search and ask questions in the form if you have issues or need help. Some people are a little offensive at times, but all the vendors are very helpful.

[Montecristo]

Originally Posted by Wedge1967

I make as much power running a 50/50 mix of 92 oct and e85 as I did with 92 oct and meth. Honestly meth is a pain in the @$$ and if you have e85 save yourself the headaches. I won't run it unless I'm racing, so for a daily driver I'm much happier with the e85... If you have the $$, buy the kit. Install it and put the tank in the trunk where it belongs. I almost lost my car to a ww meth fire. Nothing to play with. Race gas, too much $$$ with little gain unless you're tuned to run it... Regardless of what tune you go with, you'll have a learning curve. You can search and ask questions in the form if you have issues or need help. Some people are a little offensive at times, but all the vendors are very helpful.

But what is the difference between them all?

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by Montecristo

Thanks for your input...what tune is easiest for noobs like me? I hear all the time about mapping and using your laptop and shit. Sounds difficult lol.

Also, why wouldn't I get meth? I run oct 93 only. What is the difference between 50/50 e85/meth/93 oct/race gas?

Elaborate between all 4 please.

The easiest tune to install will be the COBB. Not that the PROcede/JB4 is difficult, but I would NOT recommend someone with some wrench time & confidence undo all the pieces under the hood & plug wires directly into the DME.

It sounds like now that you have a 335, you want to make an FBO (full bolt-ons) street monster. Here is my recommendation:
Tune

• COBB for the easiest install. You also live in TX & COBB's HQ is in TX, so if anything goes wrong OR if you decide to get a Custom ProTune Map made, you have the access to the guys who make the product.
• PROcede/JB4 if you're committed to using Meth or want the simplest E85 usage. I'm gonna recommend that because you're a complete noob & Meth has some legit hazards if not installed correctly (like setting your car on fire), that you DO NOT RUN METH unless installed by a shop. I'd recommend you blend E85 (which is basically like Race Gas for less than 1/2 the cost), you'll get high HP numbers like you were running Meth, but don't have to worry about buying a kit or installing anything additional.

DPs - Depending on your budget, I'd recommend ARs, CP-E, BMS/VRSF. I wouldn't recommend installing these because getting the v-band back on can be incredibly frustrating for someone with experience, so a noob will prob. get that "defeated" feeling very quickly.
FMIC - Helix, ETS, ER, AMS, HPF, AA. Any & all of them are great & work as advertised.
Intake - BMS DCI, most effective & least expensive
Exhaust - Prepare for drone. Just a heads up, you'll see (at best) an extra 15 WHP with a fully exhaust. Don't buy one right off the bat. Buy the DPs, see if that does it for you.
Short shifter - Try the CDV Delete first, less expensive mod & less labor intensive than installing a SSK
Tires - All great options, but IMO it'd be a waste putting them on factory 335 tires (unless you have the 335is). I'd say look at different wheels that will give you wider tread & then wrap them in expensive sticky rubber. Whatever rims you go with, PLEASE don't go for whatever's most affordable. You're better off spending an extra $200 on the initial expense then having to replace bent rims a month later. Apex are prob. the best "affordable" wheels, if you can budget it MORRs, Authentic E46/E9x M3 Wheels (can buy them from a dealer), BBS, HRE, Fikse..... Look into the Wheels section for more info on top notch street/track tire combos




My $.02, hope it helps a little

[AlterZgo]

Originally Posted by Montecristo

My question is I am brand new to both cars and BMW.

I applaud your efforts in doing research to find out what mods work best, get install advice, etc.

With that said, if you are a new driver... like just got your license new, I would seriously recommend holding off on any mods. A 300 hp BMW is a hell of a lot of car for a brand new driver. People seem to forget that a stock BMW 335i's performance is equivalent to mid 80s, early 90s 911 turbos, Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

I would recommend driving the car bone stock for a while and investing in track days and driving lessons to first learn your limits and the cars limits before you pursue mods that can potentially add another 150 hp to the car.

There are so many newbies who have no idea how easy a stock 300 hp BMW can oversteer with traction control off and end up crashing their cars.

[Montecristo]

Originally Posted by benzy89

The easiest tune to install will be the COBB. Not that the PROcede/JB4 is difficult, but I would NOT recommend someone with some wrench time & confidence undo all the pieces under the hood & plug wires directly into the DME.

It sounds like now that you have a 335, you want to make an FBO (full bolt-ons) street monster. Here is my recommendation:
Tune

• COBB for the easiest install. You also live in TX & COBB's HQ is in TX, so if anything goes wrong OR if you decide to get a Custom ProTune Map made, you have the access to the guys who make the product.
• PROcede/JB4 if you're committed to using Meth or want the simplest E85 usage. I'm gonna recommend that because you're a complete noob & Meth has some legit hazards if not installed correctly (like setting your car on fire), that you DO NOT RUN METH unless installed by a shop. I'd recommend you blend E85 (which is basically like Race Gas for less than 1/2 the cost), you'll get high HP numbers like you were running Meth, but don't have to worry about buying a kit or installing anything additional.

DPs - Depending on your budget, I'd recommend ARs, CP-E, BMS/VRSF. I wouldn't recommend installing these because getting the v-band back on can be incredibly frustrating for someone with experience, so a noob will prob. get that "defeated" feeling very quickly.
FMIC - Helix, ETS, ER, AMS, HPF, AA. Any & all of them are great & work as advertised.
Intake - BMS DCI, most effective & least expensive
Exhaust - Prepare for drone. Just a heads up, you'll see (at best) an extra 15 WHP with a fully exhaust. Don't buy one right off the bat. Buy the DPs, see if that does it for you.
Short shifter - Try the CDV Delete first, less expensive mod & less labor intensive than installing a SSK
Tires - All great options, but IMO it'd be a waste putting them on factory 335 tires (unless you have the 335is). I'd say look at different wheels that will give you wider tread & then wrap them in expensive sticky rubber. Whatever rims you go with, PLEASE don't go for whatever's most affordable. You're better off spending an extra $200 on the initial expense then having to replace bent rims a month later. Apex are prob. the best "affordable" wheels, if you can budget it MORRs, Authentic E46/E9x M3 Wheels (can buy them from a dealer), BBS, HRE, Fikse..... Look into the Wheels section for more info on top notch street/track tire combos




My $.02, hope it helps a little

Before i begin, fuckin BALLER post. Thank you for your time!

What is the COBB hp gain vs JB4/procede?

What additional work is needed for and to maintain JB4/procede?

What is E85 and what does blending it mean?


Everything else was just really good info, ty!

[Montecristo]

Originally Posted by AlterZgo

I applaud your efforts in doing research to find out what mods work best, get install advice, etc.

With that said, if you are a new driver... like just got your license new, I would seriously recommend holding off on any mods. A 300 hp BMW is a hell of a lot of car for a brand new driver. People seem to forget that a stock BMW 335i's performance is equivalent to mid 80s, early 90s 911 turbos, Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

I would recommend driving the car bone stock for a while and investing in track days and driving lessons to first learn your limits and the cars limits before you pursue mods that can potentially add another 150 hp to the car.

There are so many newbies who have no idea how easy a stock 300 hp BMW can oversteer with traction control off and end up crashing their cars.

Oh no, don't get me wrong I am not new to driving at all. When i say new to cars I mean new to learning about how the combustion cycle works and such (well not so much anymore) but you get my meaning.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by Montecristo

Before i begin, fuckin BALLER post. Thank you for your time!

What is the COBB hp gain vs JB4/procede?

What additional work is needed for and to maintain JB4/procede?

What is E85 and what does blending it mean?


Everything else was just really good info, ty!

You can go to COBB Tuning.com & view the different OTS (Off the Shelf) Maps. They're very conservative tunes, which is why the new thing is getting Custom Made ProTune Maps that are specific to your car & the mods installed.

Additional "work" to maintain the JB4/PROcede is that it can be a bit of a pain in the ass to update the firmware since they're not readily accessible. The COBB flashes through the OBD Port, so it's really easy to load/flash new maps.

E85 is Ethanol Based Fuel that has up to an 85% Ethanol Content. It yield INCREDIBLE performance gains on turbo charged platforms. EVO/WRX owners have been benefitting the most from it recently, and it's starting to become much more popular on the N54/N55. The performance gains are similar to running Meth, but because E85 goes right in the gas tank, there's less potential for damage. "Blending" refers to how many gallons of E85 you mix with 91/93 octane gas. Because there's no aftermarket fuel injectors or fuel pumps for these cars, we cannot run 100% E85 successfully yet. Most people are running somewhere between 4-6 gallons of E85 to a full tank of gas. My COBB tune is dialed in for 6 gallons of E85 to a full tank of 93 and it pulls A LOT harder than my 93/Pump Gas Only Map

[Zuluaga]

Benzy, are you pro-tunned/custom?

[Wedge1967]

Originally Posted by benzy89

Additional "work" to maintain the JB4/PROcede is that it can be a bit of a pain in the ass to update the firmware since they're not readily accessible. The COBB flashes through the OBD Port, so it's really easy to load/flash new maps.

That's not true if you run the USB cable through the hole in the back of the box. It goes through the firewall into the cab just above the kick panel next to the fuze box. Takes about 5 min when doing the install to put the cable in... OP you can search on this if you have any questions. Then the firmware and map updates are very quick (seconds compared to minutes) to include logging. Map and firmware updates on the Procede only take seconds unlike the COBB flash through the OBD Port. Although I can't say for sure how long it takes for the COBB to flash, I was told the new units are much quicker. Regardless of which direction you go, you'll enjoy the added power... Today, just about everyone who is pushing a tune has their $#!+ together... Good luck...

[NoQuarter]

Originally Posted by Wedge1967

That's not true if you run the USB cable through the hole in the back of the box. It goes through the firewall into the cab just above the kick panel next to the fuze box. Takes about 5 min when doing the install to put the cable in... OP you can search on this if you have any questions. Then the firmware and map updates are very quick (seconds compared to minutes) to include logging. Map and firmware updates on the Procede only take seconds unlike the COBB flash through the OBD Port. Although I can't say for sure how long it takes for the COBB to flash, I was told the new units are much quicker. Regardless of which direction you go, you'll enjoy the added power... Today, just about everyone who is pushing a tune has their $#!+ together... Good luck...

Exactly right. Takes me seconds to pull the cable out of the glove box, plug in to the USB, connect and load. Firmware and map uploads are very fast.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by Zuluaga

Benzy, are you pro-tunned/custom?

I was ProTuned locally by Jake@ProTuningFreaks. I have a max power Pump Gas (93) Map & an E85 Blend Map. The Pump Gas Map is nice when I want a healthy bump over the OTS Sport Map, but the E85 Map is great for dropping the hammer on unsuspecting S4/Mustang/M3 drivers

Originally Posted by Wedge1967

That's not true if you run the USB cable through the hole in the back of the box. It goes through the firewall into the cab just above the kick panel next to the fuze box. Takes about 5 min when doing the install to put the cable in... OP you can search on this if you have any questions. Then the firmware and map updates are very quick (seconds compared to minutes) to include logging. Map and firmware updates on the Procede only take seconds unlike the COBB flash through the OBD Port. Although I can't say for sure how long it takes for the COBB to flash, I was told the new units are much quicker. Regardless of which direction you go, you'll enjoy the added power... Today, just about everyone who is pushing a tune has their $#!+ together... Good luck...

I can flash for a new map in the amount of time it takes to fill the car with gas at the pump. Since the OP was planning on doing the install himself, I wasn't sure if he'd feel comfy wiring the harness & USB cable through the firewall on top of installing the module directly into the DME. I find it a bit of pain that to log with either the JB4/PROcede, you need to have a laptop in the car hooked up, but it's really not a make or break inconvenience. The AP you can just plug-in, select the parameters you want to log for & then hit start logging.

[Wedge1967]

Originally Posted by benzy89

I find it a bit of pain that to log with either the JB4/PROcede, you need to have a laptop in the car hooked up, but it's really not a make or break inconvenience. The AP you can just plug-in, select the parameters you want to log for & then hit start logging.

Yeah, it would be nice if they had the memory and ability to log without a laptop being plugged in. Bluetooth or WiFi to iOS or Android would be cool... We still have a lot of room to grow with this technology.

[Montecristo]

Originally Posted by benzy89

You can go to COBB Tuning.com & view the different OTS (Off the Shelf) Maps. They're very conservative tunes, which is why the new thing is getting Custom Made ProTune Maps that are specific to your car & the mods installed.

Additional "work" to maintain the JB4/PROcede is that it can be a bit of a pain in the ass to update the firmware since they're not readily accessible. The COBB flashes through the OBD Port, so it's really easy to load/flash new maps.

E85 is Ethanol Based Fuel that has up to an 85% Ethanol Content. It yield INCREDIBLE performance gains on turbo charged platforms. EVO/WRX owners have been benefitting the most from it recently, and it's starting to become much more popular on the N54/N55. The performance gains are similar to running Meth, but because E85 goes right in the gas tank, there's less potential for damage. "Blending" refers to how many gallons of E85 you mix with 91/93 octane gas. Because there's no aftermarket fuel injectors or fuel pumps for these cars, we cannot run 100% E85 successfully yet. Most people are running somewhere between 4-6 gallons of E85 to a full tank of gas. My COBB tune is dialed in for 6 gallons of E85 to a full tank of 93 and it pulls A LOT harder than my 93/Pump Gas Only Map

I see. I have never seen an E85 fueling station but I just looked up potential sites and there is one where I will be moving too (norfolk, VA) so that is good. Thank you for elaborating so much..


To all the other tune talk, I have decided to go with COBB, just for ease of use for now, I appreciate everyone's input .

Another question though...

If they are sold out on their site is there anywhere else I can get one?

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by Montecristo

If they are sold out on their site is there anywhere else I can get one?

You can buy it direct from COBB & get the 30-day trial period. Otherwise hit up Jeff@TopGearSolutions.

Since you're planning on going FBO & getting the COBB tune, I'd recommend contacting Jake@ProTuningFreaks to get some custom tunes made for both pump gas & E85 once all your mods are installed. You'll be shocked how much power is left in the car in the generic OTS Maps

[Burnie35]

I doubt that they'll be sold out on there site, but I got mine at **********s.com ... and they are an authorized reseller for Cobb.

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Both the Cobb and PROcede are perfect tunes for otherwise stock cars. However, if you're planning on going FBO, you probably want a PROcede Rev3. People are spending a lot of time and money Protuning their Cobb cars and not getting the power gains they should.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue

Both the Cobb and PROcede are perfect tunes for otherwise stock cars. However, if you're planning on going FBO, you probably want a PROcede Rev3. People are spending a lot of time and money Protuning their Cobb cars and not getting the power gains they should.

Says who?

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by benzy89

Says who?

Show us some logs and dyno's with baselines, brotha. I'm particularly interested in E85 Protune results.