[ska325xi]

dyno dyno dyno

[Wrngway]

I just got done using a Simon to install a Stage 2. I had the Stage 1 for a few weeks before getting stage 2.

The instructions are sufficient. But some of the menu options on the Simon aren't very intuitive. If I had to guess, I'd say the tool was designed in Europe. Maybe Germany based on my experience with SAP. Once connected, you have to select "Work" and then select the option to read the ECM. It's all spelled out, but you need to read the instructions first. You can't just do this on the fly.

Also agree with the OP on getting a battery charger set up before starting. I tried downloading the ECM file without it and it took about 45 minutes. Upload takes about the same amount of time.

After the Stage 1 upload I noticed a difference, but it wasn't as dramatic as I thought it might be. It took a good week or so for the car to adjust. After that it was great.

I took the Stage 2 for a 15 mile drive and I think it'll be the same here. Power is still good for just having installed it. There's seems to be a definite increase starting above 4,000 rpm. I need to put some miles on the car first to get the full effect.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by Wrngway

I just got done using a Simon to install a Stage 2. I had the Stage 1 for a few weeks before getting stage 2.

The instructions are sufficient. But some of the menu options on the Simon aren't very intuitive. If I had to guess, I'd say the tool was designed in Europe. Maybe Germany based on my experience with SAP. Once connected, you have to select "Work" and then select the option to read the ECM. It's all spelled out, but you need to read the instructions first. You can't just do this on the fly.

Also agree with the OP on getting a battery charger set up before starting. I tried downloading the ECM file without it and it took about 45 minutes. Upload takes about the same amount of time.

After the Stage 1 upload I noticed a difference, but it wasn't as dramatic as I thought it might be. It took a good week or so for the car to adjust. After that it was great.

I took the Stage 2 for a 15 mile drive and I think it'll be the same here. Power is still good for just having installed it. There's seems to be a definite increase starting above 4,000 rpm. I need to put some miles on the car first to get the full effect.

Let us know after further driving with it.

[mapleridge]

Locking to the VIN while the tune is installed would be the best. It would be best if it is unlockable when the tune is removed from the car, so it is still 1 tune per car but you can use it on other cars if you sell your ride.

[Capo330i]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

dyno dyno dyno

i agree if the tuner or a person who actually bought the tune put up before and afters of the power added from the tune it would help sales even one person buying stage 2 would probably pay for dyno cost.. i mean i just wanna see the real gains of the tune before and after stock then stock with tune no other mods because obviously other mods would add more power. But just for a general reference i would like to see how much power the tune is really creating before spending almost a grand to see that the pbx i already have is creating the same power or a little less.

[Wrngway]

The price for a dyno run being what it is, I think you'll find very few willing to pony up the bucks for it. Personally, I'd rather put that money towards a 3 stage intake manifold. Now if someone where to sponsor me and I could get my stock file from AA, that would be a different story. I'd put in the time to get some solid numbers then.

I ran the stage 1 tune for a few weeks and have 50 miles on the stage 2. Like I said before, there's a definite increase above 4,000 rpm. Once again, I can confirm that you need to put some miles on the car before judging the tune. My low end torque has filled in nicely now and I do prefer the stage 2 over the stage 1.

Unfortunately I don't have anything objective. Everything is based on my driving experiences. Throttle hesitation is almost non-existent now. I'd say it's been reduced by about 90%. The engine is more responsive. I have an auto and don't feel the need to constantly keep it in sport mode. The auto shifting still lags too much, but I'm guessing there's only so much that can be done with the tranny. Overall drivability is much improved. I find myself smiling when the car squirts out of a corner as there's enough responsiveness now to make driving more entertaining.

I was merging on to a multi-lane road from a stop in first gear today and had stability control come into play when I lost traction in the rear. That's a first for me and I really wasn't expecting it. The only other time that's happened is on wet pavement.

[hurricane56]

Originally Posted by Wrngway

The price for a dyno run being what it is, I think you'll find very few willing to pony up the bucks for it. Personally, I'd rather put that money towards a 3 stage intake manifold. Now if someone where to sponsor me and I could get my stock file from AA, that would be a different story. I'd put in the time to get some solid numbers then.

I ran the stage 1 tune for a few weeks and have 50 miles on the stage 2. Like I said before, there's a definite increase above 4,000 rpm. Once again, I can confirm that you need to put some miles on the car before judging the tune. My low end torque has filled in nicely now and I do prefer the stage 2 over the stage 1.

Unfortunately I don't have anything objective. Everything is based on my driving experiences. Throttle hesitation is almost non-existent now. I'd say it's been reduced by about 90%. The engine is more responsive. I have an auto and don't feel the need to constantly keep it in sport mode. The auto shifting still lags too much, but I'm guessing there's only so much that can be done with the tranny. Overall drivability is much improved. I find myself smiling when the car squirts out of a corner as there's enough responsiveness now to make driving more entertaining.

I was merging on to a multi-lane road from a stop in first gear today and had stability control come into play when I lost traction in the rear. That's a first for me and I really wasn't expecting it. The only other time that's happened is on wet pavement.

Exactly my point about the cost of a dyno. If I actually wanted to get all the dyno measurements correct, I would need to do two separate dyno sessions at around $100 each. Seeing that I only paid $240 for my 3-stage intake manifold, that $200 would better be spent on other things, at least for my situation.

[ska325xi]

i also have a 325xi and just install the AA tune...drove 50 miles and I dont feel anything right now, car is the same. I'll give it few more drives and see what happens


if I still dont feel anything, do I have to renstall the stock file 1st then install the tune...or can I just install the tune file again?

[hurricane56]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

i also have a 325xi and just install the AA tune...drove 50 miles and I dont feel anything right now, car is the same. I'll give it few more drives and see what happens


if I still dont feel anything, do I have to renstall the stock file 1st then install the tune...or can I just install the tune file again?

I think AA can probably answer your question in more detail, but you car will need to adapt to the tune over time. 50 miles might not be enough for the car to adapt to the new software. I think my 325xi had a notable increase in power with the euro box, intake manifold, AA tune, and PE.

[ska325xi]

did you install everything at the same time?

i also have the same setup minus the manifold, I already had/felt the power increase on higher rpms before the AA tune. After the tune everything feels the same, Lower rpms are still sluggish

[hurricane56]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

did you install everything at the same time?

i also have the same setup minus the manifold, I already had/felt the power increase on higher rpms before the AA tune. After the tune everything feels the same, Lower rpms are still sluggish

I had the flash tune installed before I got my intake manifold. I flashed my ecu back to stock because I thought the tune was preventing me from passing emissions. Turns out that the tune wasn't the cause, but I left it stock for a while. After receiving my manifold, I then went back to the AA tune.

My only other idea is your DISA actuators on the manifold. Did you make sure that they're securely plugged in? In addition, did you check their function after the install? If you have a BT cable or are able to do some coding, there is a way to activate them without the engine operating. You'll be able to hear them with the engine off.

[ska325xi]

sorry, wasnt clear...i dont have the manifold yet

[Route 16]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

As far as the vin locking is concerned its not really up to us. We will be working with the maker of the tool to try and figure out some type of future plan. If this becomes possible I will notify the forum.

Andrew

Ask the maker to include reading and removing codes, as well if possible.

[lsupwns]

Would there be any reason I would need to remove my tune if I live in NJ? Great review btw, this really is persuading me to go with the stage 2 tune for my 2008 328xi.

[hurricane56]

Originally Posted by lsupwns

Would there be any reason I would need to remove my tune if I live in NJ? Great review btw, this really is persuading me to go with the stage 2 tune for my 2008 328xi.

I don't think you'll have any reason to remove the tune after install. The only reason you'll ever have to reinstall is if the dealer updates your software and overwrites the tune. My issues with passing emissions testing was due to the ECU not completing it's "drive cycles", as I attempted to get the car tested the day after install.

[lsupwns]

Alright thanks for the information. I don't think they would do that unless there was some sort of malfunction. I'm waiting on responses from a few people before I get the tune but I'm definitely excited!

[t1mmy]

Originally Posted by m3alabama

At this point in the lifecycle why dump money into a 325? Just pick up a gently used 335. You spent 1k on a tune for a 325?? Another 1k will surely go to intake etc. Save the 2k, sell the car and invest a few grand more and pick up a much faster 335.

Or just go pick up an m3. Instant gain of 200 hp over a 325. Those really come with 215hp??? Wow

thats brilliant, nobody's ever thought of that before. you sir just changed my life