[dwykstra]

As a complete impartial observer to the idiotic tuning wars that have gone on and on and on since I became a member when first looking at the 335 6 months ago, this is a guide for NEWBIES who know nothing about tuning but are interested in the options available for the 335.

This is intended merely for those who are NEW to the 335 to catch them up to the available options without getting bogged down in the trash that tends to fill up other threads by fanboys of particular tunes. It is mean to provide an overview of what is available, nothing in depth. If you desire more information about a particular tune please use the search function. My definition of price points: cheap (<300); moderate (300-1000); expensive (>1000). I have no plans to add hp/tq numbers as these are extremely variable dependent on gas octane, other mods, etc... However, for a general overview of gains: (JB2HHR=Procede v2=Attache) > (Dinan=Procede v1.47=Xede=JB2H/R) > (SSTT=JB2) > JB1. Also see the sticky by Mr. 5 in this same section:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78916

If I have made any errors, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong and I will edit the post. Feel free to provide information on those tunes that I am less familiar with as well.



Some generalizations:
1. As of this original post, there have not been any MAJOR catastrophes with any of the tuning methods. No blown engines that I know of or serious warranty issues. All the tuners will claim benefits of one tune over the other, but as of now, nobody has seen any major engine or turbo malfunction as the result of a tuning product. Edit: There has been a report of damage to cylinders in one car and blown turbos with another. Details are a little sketchy at best.
2. The new Progman 29.2 ECU update and new ECU MDS 81 (post 3/08 cars) are the latest problems to arise. Reports are that these updates and new ECUs are preventing the ability to tune cars. Even worse, there is speculation that these new updates will make also allow BMW to detect if you have been running a tune, even if you take it out of your car before service.


Active Autowerke
Xede
-unsure of size of install base, more popular in FL where AA is located; piggy back that also offers upgradeable maps and possibility of a customizable tune if local to AA; slightly cheaper than procede but still fairly expensive with hp/tq gains similar to v1.47; offers option of a valet switch which switches from a valet program (essentially stock) to a more aggressive map; unsure of any customer service issues

Active Processor
-new piggy back released recently; price point is much more aggressive with still good hp/tq gains given initial AA dynos; similar options available as are present for the Xede


Burger Motorsports
Juice Box
-decent install base; piggy back tune requires access to the ECU, not customized; various versions (JB1, JB2, JB2R, JB2R, H); R stands for racing tune which requires higher octane (>96), H for Hot Pill requires 91 Octane + DPs or 93 octane gas (can add more than 1 H pill); inexpensive (JB1) to moderate (JB2) in price with good gains in horsepower and torque given price, likely best value for dollar; customer service good with relatively quick response time; JBX allows the ability to have multiple H pills added to JB2 with convenience of a switch; JB3 in beta testing currently.


Conforti
Sharkedit
-still in development, details sketchy but reportedly will be a user customizable ECU reflash; rumored to be cheap-moderate in price


Dinan
ECU reflash
-no user installation, ECU of car is flashed, is done at authorized DINAN centers, some are BMW dealerships; ECU flash is not transferable to another car, not able to be resold; only 1 version, no customization currently; selling point is that Dinan will match the factory warranty of BMW (there have been assorted posts where this has contested); very expensive given the gains in hp/torque, but in essence, you are paying for the warranty; requires the car to have an oil cooler (not all 335s have one); rumored to have a new more aggressive reflash in development which may require other DINAN accessories (FMIC, exhaust, etc...)


Eurobahn/Split Second Technology
Turbo Tuner (SSTT)
-decent install base; piggy back with true plug and play technology while others require a little more effort to access ECU; tune not customized; only 1 version currently (second version currently still in development; moderate price range for horsepower/torque gains; customer service good with quick response time; stage 2 in development


Helix
Attache
-piggy back that taps the ECU with various maps providing differing levels of boost (11,13,15), does not appear to have a user customizable tune, can only run 2 maps per piggyback; will have valet option; moderately priced with excellent hp/tq gains on initial dynos, initial dynos rival procede v1 and v2; unique way of changing maps, Helix will send you a new unit, and you send the old unit back to them; some difficulty obtaining units currently


Vishnu Tuning
Procede
-largest install base with large supporting contingent here on e90post; piggy back with a semi-customizable tune by user on home computer; three versions (Dark, v1, v2); most users have v1 or v2 which is an upgrade from v1 (Dark version not in wide use on e90, various stages of version maps v1.47 being lastest v1); fairly expensive, but most users seem not to care about the cost as it seems to offer the potential for the biggest gains in horsepower and torque with only user tunable piggyback; customer service ok; new version 2.1 available soon; v3 with plug and play functionality now available, with very good user reviews




BMW,GIAC, Others
-rumors circulating that these will come up with their own ECU reflash similar to DINAN; indeed if BMW has a reflash, would expect a premium price but full warranty coverage
-more information on other tuners with little coverage on e90 at following link

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123861

Will add to this as more options are available.

[Jason]

Let's please keep this thread free of tuner vs. tuner talk, feedback and testimonials. Posts should just be additions/revisions to the list. Thanks.

[sirploppy]

It was stated in another thread that Jim Conforti is working on a flash tune. No info other than it is being developed.

[O-cha]

I propose things are put in ABC order. You know to keep them unbiased.

[e90AW335i]

Originally Posted by O-cha

I propose things are put in ABC order. You know to keep them unbiased.

That is an interesting proposal.....

[SteveMD]

Great stuff. May i suggest that you mention that the Dinan Reflash cannot be removed, sold or put in another car once installed. This seems obvious but as the only reflash in a buch of piggies, newbs may not realise this.

[dwykstra]

put in alphabetical order, dinan comments added

[I335]

How about adding links to where these babies can be purchased? Great post btw... - thanks from a 335 "newb"!

[stressdoc]

Add current prices and contact info if that's OK with policy. Most of this info could be compiled in a table. Links might also be useful.

I think E90Post has established itself as the list with the most useful, up to date information, and compilations like this are part of the reason. Nice job!

[CarveOut]

Nice!

What about adding the Euro Tuners: RD, Noelle, Hamann, Kelleners...?

[JKIM1979]

Interesting post... I would be very interested in the BMW reflash when it is available for purchase, even if it is a little pricier I would prefer it just becaue it would not diwarrent my warrrenty. Coming from a employee at a BMW dealership.

[ELA_4]

Any info on who does Turner Motorsport's N54 software? It it in-house?

[srt8/bmw]

great thread! As a new owner I appreciate it greatly- -even though I have read approximately 1500 posts on three different forums already (my fault for not finding this first)

Unfortunately for me..not sure which way to go but definitely want tuning and looking for moderate to high gains. I will just keep reading till it "hits" me..

[Wosby]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

This seems obvious but as the only reflash in a buch of piggies, newbs may not realise this.

Isn't Turner Motorsports software a reflash also?

[Amer]

Nice thread, thanks for the info.

[Mattscott]

dinan flash 08 ecu's dont have to be sent in anymore.

[dwykstra]

edited...

don't know much about the european tunes, as they aren't discussed in too much depth here...

[Kbueno]

Great info!

May I suggest the deletion of the following generalization regarding the PROcede:

"but most users seem not to care about the cost"

Simply not true and comes off as biased.

[dwykstra]

I don't see how that sounds biased. It is the most expensive piggyback out there, but as stated most users are willing to pay that premium for what the procede offers. It's not any different than saying the Dinan is very expensive but people are willing to pay for the warranty protection.

[M3EST]

Nice.People read that forum and choose.

[Mr. Vapor]

Newb here....

any talk or discussion about the use of these on "borrowed" (read as: Leased) 335s?

I am considering a lease, so this is very important to me.

[Amer]

Dyno sheets would be nice for each company in the OP.