Alpina TCU upgrade questions

rondocap · 05-19-2013, 12:30 PM

This upgrade seems very intriguing. Now that it seems to have been out for a little while, has there been any known issues? I tried searching but that doesn't seem to be any one area with a lot of information on this.

Any shops in the New York tri-state area doing these installs yet? This is something I probably would not want to try myself.

I have the PPK installed in my car ready, hopefully this won't interfere with anything.

tofu- · 05-19-2013, 12:38 PM

Pm "onebadmofo"

He's the only one not price gouging

VNeBLOB42 · 05-19-2013, 12:39 PM

So far so good. And my dealer didn't even car about it.

cn555ic · 05-19-2013, 12:56 PM

So far there hasn't been any issues other then those select few out of thousands that have an N55 with this weird tach issue. Go ahead and get it done its pretty sweet upgrade.

boostaholic786 · 05-19-2013, 02:42 PM

I have been running it since it was listed on B.B. when cn555ic and wedge1967 very first put it up and I have had 0 issues and it actually fixed the 5th gear issues I was having.

sickem · 05-19-2013, 02:46 PM

Yeah I love it and have had zero issues...I did see brentuning post on FB about some issue with 1-2 gear misshifts but that was in high hp (>450whp) cars and they said they'd addressed it.

135Pats · 05-19-2013, 03:09 PM

0 issues though mine is still adapting. It makes DS relevant, D more comfortable, and M extremely crisp+fast. There are a few things im not sure about so far (1st gear is a bit useless, D hunts 6th aggressively) but all in all it's superb.

silversnl · 05-19-2013, 05:27 PM

Just got mine done last night, so I don't have any long-term reviews, but it is definitely something you should get done. It drives like a whole new car.

maxipad96 · 05-19-2013, 06:02 PM

Just got the alpina today. I like the alpina overall but wish they would have left D mode alone. And starting from 1st gear after you have been driving around is not ideal. With a tune and bolt ons really no need to start in first.

cn555ic · 05-19-2013, 07:09 PM

D mode is definitely Alot different but with a tune you should be using DS mode you mean which I agree should start off in 2nd gear. D doesn't really matter as you should look for power in that mode

maxipad96 · 05-19-2013, 07:22 PM

I drive about 500 miles a week so my car is often in just D mode until I want to get spirited which I then go to ds or manual mode.

It's a bit jarring starting in 1st at every stop regardless of mode. The new alpina d mode did solve the slight drone I had from my aftermarket exhaust which is cool. However if I'm just driving around normal and need to get on some power quick I feel like the alpina d mode is so far away from the right rpm/gear that it is a bit of an issue.

I'll rock it out the rest of the week but not sure about it long term.

135Pats · 05-19-2013, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

D mode is definitely Alot different but with a tune you should be using DS mode you mean which I agree should start off in 2nd gear. D doesn't really matter as you should look for power in that mode

Well put, I think the Alpina software creates a larger differentiation between D and DS. It takes getting used to, but ultimately is the superior software. You can def. Get stuck in 6th going up a hill in D though, which is a bit frustrating.

rondocap · 05-19-2013, 08:45 PM

I have ppk and love the way D is, pretty responsive. Will the alpina tcu make it of sluggish? It's the only complaint I've read - D shifts too soon and you need to search for power.

Hopefully ppk retains its responsive feel vs stock when adding the Alpina.

ajsalida · 05-19-2013, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondocap

I have ppk and love the way D is, pretty responsive. Will the alpina tcu make it of sluggish? It's the only complaint I've read - D shifts too soon and you need to search for power.

Hopefully ppk retains its responsive feel vs stock when adding the Alpina.

Yah D is pretty sluggish, S is pure joy though. As is M. I think they were making the engine get deeper into boost, as the B3 has lower compression than stock N54 so off boost it would be a total slug.

Anyway D for me is HWY cruise mode only, S is now used most often around town and for leisurely sporty stuff. M is for crankin' it. Have had the flash for several months now, no problems and I'd never go back.

Probably D mode is more of a pain for lower power mods or stock N54. Running Stage 2+ Cobb and it is a pretty good match for 65MPH and above cruising, esp with cruise control on. Previously cruise control was always hunting for the right gear going up and down hills, jerky. I did not like stock D mode much at all, and deficiencies in other modes became more apparent as the HP/TQ from mods increased.

Jeffman · 05-19-2013, 09:23 PM

Only wierd issue I've experienced is after flashing a new Cobb map. It first starts in 3rd then after about 30 seconds shifts down, jarringly, to 1st. Then all us okay after a few miles. Otherwise it s one of the best mods besides coilovers and the Cobb I've invested in. I had it done virtually through Alex of Alpina Motorsports, who also coded a bunch of other stuff too for one reasonable price.

cn555ic · 05-19-2013, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondocap

I have ppk and love the way D is, pretty responsive. Will the alpina tcu make it of sluggish? It's the only complaint I've read - D shifts too soon and you need to search for power.

Hopefully ppk retains its responsive feel vs stock when adding the Alpina.

Well if you like the way d feels and your always driving around in d mode, then rondo this flash is not for you.

Wedge1967 · 05-19-2013, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Well put, I think the Alpina software creates a larger differentiation between D and DS. It takes getting used to, but ultimately is the superior software. You can def. Get stuck in 6th going up a hill in D though, which is a bit frustrating.

You can still use the paddles to down shift while in D. It will revert back to drive after a bit.

maxipad96 · 05-20-2013, 07:29 PM

I just had a full 100 mile commute to really evaluate the Alpina. I have to say Manual mode and DS mode are unbelievable when you are at speed (meaning highway and twisty romps, no stop and go). Unbelievable fast upshifts. Downshifts aren't as DCT smooth but def better than stock.

I still pretty much hate D but will live with it and enjoy the increased gas mileage while not flogging the car around.

Only 2 Things I wished they had done:
1. Left D alone.

2. Modified DS to start in 2nd after you have been driving.

Would be perfect if they did this.

05-19-2013, 12:30 PM	#1
rondocap Captain 171 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	Alpina TCU upgrade questions This upgrade seems very intriguing. Now that it seems to have been out for a little while, has there been any known issues? I tried searching but that doesn't seem to be any one area with a lot of information on this. Any shops in the New York tri-state area doing these installs yet? This is something I probably would not want to try myself. I have the PPK installed in my car ready, hopefully this won't interfere with anything.
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05-19-2013, 12:38 PM	#2
tofu- Banned 89 Rep 2,854 Posts Drives: 335i Jet Black/Coral Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nyc iTrader: (4)	Pm "onebadmofo" He's the only one not price gouging
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05-19-2013, 12:39 PM	#3
VNeBLOB42 Lieutenant Colonel 50 Rep 1,677 Posts Drives: 14' GMC Terrain SLT-2 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Folsom, Ca iTrader: (0) Garage List 007 335i E92 [7.66]	So far so good. And my dealer didn't even car about it. __________________ SOLD:: PTF Pro eTune by Dzenno / COBB S1+ E50 Alpina B3 Flash / ETS FMIC / ER CP / CPE DCI
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05-19-2013, 12:56 PM	#4
cn555ic 485 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	So far there hasn't been any issues other then those select few out of thousands that have an N55 with this weird tach issue. Go ahead and get it done its pretty sweet upgrade.
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05-19-2013, 02:42 PM	#5
boostaholic786 Captain 40 Rep 622 Posts Drives: E92 N54 with MHD Custom flash Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Plano TX iTrader: (0)	I have been running it since it was listed on B.B. when cn555ic and wedge1967 very first put it up and I have had 0 issues and it actually fixed the 5th gear issues I was having. __________________ [SIZE="2"]Crimson Red E92 335i M-sport 6-speed with MHD custom stage 2+ flash only , 40% E85/93 mix,+ HRE P40S wheels, KW Clubsport, M3 sways,+BMW performance CF Mirrors, BMW Performance CF deck lid spoiler,+ CF interior trim, p3 vent boost gauge,+ LUX angel eyes (11.73@124mph on street tires)
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05-19-2013, 02:46 PM	#6
sickem Freude am fahren 73 Rep 1,968 Posts Drives: E90 N54 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Doylestown, PA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [6.50]	Yeah I love it and have had zero issues...I did see brentuning post on FB about some issue with 1-2 gear misshifts but that was in high hp (>450whp) cars and they said they'd addressed it. __________________ Cobb E40 PROtune by Jake@PTF/RR catless DPs/aFe DCI/ETS 5" FMIC/ER CP/Forge DVs/Alpina B3 TCU flash/BMW Perf. Exhaust./BMW Performance Style 313s/M-Tech Rear
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05-19-2013, 03:09 PM	#7
135Pats Major General 461 Rep 6,478 Posts Drives: A few BMWs Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	0 issues though mine is still adapting. It makes DS relevant, D more comfortable, and M extremely crisp+fast. There are a few things im not sure about so far (1st gear is a bit useless, D hunts 6th aggressively) but all in all it's superb.
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05-19-2013, 05:27 PM	#8
silversnl 2 Wheels is better than 4 16 Rep 108 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 6MT Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: San Diego, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 BMW M4 [0.00] 2011 Ducati 848 EVO [0.00]	Just got mine done last night, so I don't have any long-term reviews, but it is definitely something you should get done. It drives like a whole new car.
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05-19-2013, 06:02 PM	#9
maxipad96 First Lieutenant 27 Rep 318 Posts Drives: 335 E90 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (3)	Just got the alpina today. I like the alpina overall but wish they would have left D mode alone. And starting from 1st gear after you have been driving around is not ideal. With a tune and bolt ons really no need to start in first. Last edited by maxipad96; 05-19-2013 at 07:26 PM..
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05-19-2013, 07:09 PM	#10
cn555ic 485 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	D mode is definitely Alot different but with a tune you should be using DS mode you mean which I agree should start off in 2nd gear. D doesn't really matter as you should look for power in that mode
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05-19-2013, 07:22 PM	#11
maxipad96 First Lieutenant 27 Rep 318 Posts Drives: 335 E90 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (3)	I drive about 500 miles a week so my car is often in just D mode until I want to get spirited which I then go to ds or manual mode. It's a bit jarring starting in 1st at every stop regardless of mode. The new alpina d mode did solve the slight drone I had from my aftermarket exhaust which is cool. However if I'm just driving around normal and need to get on some power quick I feel like the alpina d mode is so far away from the right rpm/gear that it is a bit of an issue. I'll rock it out the rest of the week but not sure about it long term.
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05-19-2013, 08:45 PM	#13
rondocap Captain 171 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	I have ppk and love the way D is, pretty responsive. Will the alpina tcu make it of sluggish? It's the only complaint I've read - D shifts too soon and you need to search for power. Hopefully ppk retains its responsive feel vs stock when adding the Alpina.
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05-19-2013, 09:23 PM	#15
Jeffman Lieutenant 32 Rep 492 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi E90 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in America iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi Sedan [0.00]	Only wierd issue I've experienced is after flashing a new Cobb map. It first starts in 3rd then after about 30 seconds shifts down, jarringly, to 1st. Then all us okay after a few miles. Otherwise it s one of the best mods besides coilovers and the Cobb I've invested in. I had it done virtually through Alex of Alpina Motorsports, who also coded a bunch of other stuff too for one reasonable price.
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05-20-2013, 07:29 PM	#18
maxipad96 First Lieutenant 27 Rep 318 Posts Drives: 335 E90 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (3)	I just had a full 100 mile commute to really evaluate the Alpina. I have to say Manual mode and DS mode are unbelievable when you are at speed (meaning highway and twisty romps, no stop and go). Unbelievable fast upshifts. Downshifts aren't as DCT smooth but def better than stock. I still pretty much hate D but will live with it and enjoy the increased gas mileage while not flogging the car around. Only 2 Things I wished they had done: 1. Left D alone. 2. Modified DS to start in 2nd after you have been driving. Would be perfect if they did this.
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