[CarForHire]

I've read plenty of information about the PBX tune, but all the focus is mostly on the performance gains. I could care less, all I want is better throttle response so I can actually down shift correctly. I got used to the response of an M3 in M mode so I can't stand the way it is now. Would anyone recommend this? It's a 6mt 328. Thanks!

[Tim M]

AA stage II tune has nothing but good remarks about it, if you're going to chip it. It deletes throttle delay and works well with a three stage manifold, and adapts to your mods.

[Volasko]

I second the AA tune plus remove the clutch delay valve (search the DIY for more info).

[CarForHire]

I never really gave the tune some thought, I think I rather spend the money in something that I would be able to resell if and when I decide to sell my e92. I'll look into it though. Thanks!

Any other suggestions?

[Three_thirty_I]

I played around with the BMS PBX and to be honest, I didn't like it. Maps 1 - 3 give you varying throttle maps for sharper response as well as a slight tune. I found Map 3 was way too aggressive and artificial feeling for my liking, Map 2 was better. Map 1 was also not too bad. Couldn't really feel that much of a difference between Maps 1 - 3 and 4 - 6. But with Maps 2 and 3 for instance, while town driving speeds, gear changes did feel a bit more positive, I found that flat out accelerating through the gears was very jerky and tricky to get right compared to Map 0 (PBX disabled).

The problem is that all the PBX is doing as I understand it, is changing the throttle response curve and I gather with the tune it is also making the 100% throttle value earlier in the throttle travel, so pressing the throttle pedal further and to the floor makes not difference. But the biggest problem is that the PBX cannot overcome the default throttle delay - this is what is causing the problem. By sharpening up the throttle sensitivity but not changing the reaction time, all that you end up with is a more annoying and unpredictable throttle.

So I gather the AA tune which flashes the ECU is able to overcome this. I have since removed the PBX and just living with the normal throttle feel...

[Gamboa989]

I've been doing the same kind of research as the OP and I think that I would go with the AA tune. The reviews are all positive and If you have a shop nearby its easy to have done.

[CarForHire]

Interesting, thanks a lot for the response. I guess maybe I will hold off on it then. I just really hate the way it is now.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by CarForHire

Interesting, thanks a lot for the response. I guess maybe I will hold off on it then. I just really hate the way it is now.

This was my exact same motivation for trying this, not for the imaginary amount of power gains (there isn't any), but it didn't really improve the throttle feel for me, just made it more unpredictable - manual gearbox BTW...

[Tim M]

There's always the sprint booster for $300, I think. That is, if you don't want to tune it.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by Gunners_Mate

There's always the sprint booster for $300, I think. That is, if you don't want to tune it.

As I understand it, does much the same thing ultimately?!

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

As I understand it, does much the same thing ultimately?!

Sadly, it just affects throttle response, lol. You're better off getting a friction tune, for that price!

[Light_Em_Up]

Try deleting your carbon intake filter and also installing a K&N filter like the one used in the BMW performance intake. It improved the throttle response on my 128 not by a huge amount but it was noticeable.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by CarForHire

Interesting, thanks a lot for the response. I guess maybe I will hold off on it then. I just really hate the way it is now.

There probably won't be anything else that will come out for our cars. The AA tune does make the car a lot faster. Here is a link to read about it.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634855

[Three_thirty_I]

Mine has the Euro air box so does not have that carbon intake filter, and throttle is still delayed - hate this ECU second guessing my inputs, prefer a more direct input!

[mike-y]

for just throttle response, I really liked the pbx. I have the AA tune now, but before that the pbx gave the car much better throttle response (I have an automatic though). You can also just run it without the tune if you don't think the tune is smooth enough.

They are a pretty good deal if you can pick one up used.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by mike-y

for just throttle response, I really liked the pbx. I have the AA tune now, but before that the pbx gave the car much better throttle response (I have an automatic though). You can also just run it without the tune if you don't think the tune is smooth enough.

They are a pretty good deal if you can pick one up used.

I never did get why better throttle response is as crucial for automatics though. But for manuals you do need predictable response and feel, and for me, I found that the PBX just took away the predictable throttle in most cases and made it quite jerky overall. If it was able to rid the throttle of the delay then this would have been a different story, but since it is simply modifying the default throttle map, it cannot affect this. I reckon, get rid of the throttle delay, and that by itself will yield a far far better throttle for all driving conditions - accurate lightning fast or slower gear changes would be so much easier and consistent.

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

I never did get why better throttle response is as crucial for automatics though. But for manuals you do need predictable response and feel, and for me, I found that the PBX just took away the predictable throttle in most cases and made it quite jerky overall. If it was able to rid the throttle of the delay then this would have been a different story, but since it is simply modifying the default throttle map, it cannot affect this. I reckon, get rid of the throttle delay, and that by itself will yield a far far better throttle for all driving conditions - accurate lightning fast or slower gear changes would be so much easier and consistent.

+1 that's all I ask for. I guess I have to just get used to it.

[mike-y]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

I never did get why better throttle response is as crucial for automatics though. But for manuals you do need predictable response and feel, and for me, I found that the PBX just took away the predictable throttle in most cases and made it quite jerky overall. If it was able to rid the throttle of the delay then this would have been a different story, but since it is simply modifying the default throttle map, it cannot affect this. I reckon, get rid of the throttle delay, and that by itself will yield a far far better throttle for all driving conditions - accurate lightning fast or slower gear changes would be so much easier and consistent.

because the autos have terrible throttle mapping (especially on the earlier years). Also, I see you have a 330i, which has much better mapping than the 325i and 328i already. That's why it was so jerky with your car.

If the OP has a 325i or 328i, the pbx won't be as jerky.