[cstavaru]

Hi,

I needed a bit more power so I bought a Cobb for its ability to customize maps and possibly upgrading my turbos soon. Initially I had GIAC installed and I couldn't install the Cobb over it, the dealer could also not reflash over GIAC, so I had to send my ECU to GIAC to be flashed to stock. A sizeable financial loss. After this, I could install the Cobb with no problems. I have to say that neither GIAC nor Cobb's technical support lived up to the expectations on this problem. I mean, Cobb finally added support for my ECU after a week and a half. And GIAC said it's not their fault.

During the installation, a pump / fan in the lower trunk area kept working all the time, not sure if this is normal or not but it did concern me a bit. When this begun to work, a "DSC malfunction error" appeared on my iDrive. When it stopped, the DSC error disappeared. Could this be something related to the brake/ABS pump ?

Initial driving impressions (Stage 2+ Aggressive):

At WOT, the car has significantly less lag down low, more torque down low but falls flat on top compared to GIAC. It feels like 20-25 less hp but I have to confirm it on the dyno in the next days. Also the engine feels like strangled, the turbos sound can be heard. You hit 19psi in no time, it isn't even needed to push the pedal more than 50%. At 5800RPM the boost is still like 15.5+psi. I can now see that the linear throttle maps do have a merit and I will probably switch to a linear map.

At partial throttle, there are small hiccups at certain points in time, especially when you take the foot off the throttle and then press it again. But I only had 2-3 hiccups at the beginning, maybe the car was adapting.

No error codes thrown after multiple WOTs, which is a relief giving the misfire problems that kept appearing on the forums.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to log, probably due to the beta firmware (I will try to install a stable version, or I will use the BT tool). When pressing the OK button to start logging, instead of a "logging message", a bunch of logging parameters appeared on the screen.

What concerns me the most is a sound that I can hear somewhere on the drivetrain towards the right rear of the car (or maybe to the right of the engine, not sure) for like 1 second when accelerating at lower RPMs, you can hear this sound and then the car jolts forward a bit. This sound was not there with GIAC, never heard it. Maybe the increased torque at lower RPMs generate noise in my LSD / M3 bushings that can be felt inside the cabin ?

Generally, the tune works better than I expected (aside from that strange sound) although I don't feel 100% confortable driving the car to the max. However, since there are solutions to lower the boost and increase the timing (like GIAC does) with even better results, why work the turbos so hard ?

[enrita]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

During the installation, a pump / fan in the lower trunk area kept working all the time, not sure if this is normal or not but it did concern me a bit. When this begun to work, a "DSC malfunction error" appeared on my iDrive. When it stopped, the DSC error disappeared. Could this be something related to the brake/ABS pump ?

Completely normal.



Unfortunately, I wasn't able to log, probably due to the beta firmware (I will try to install a stable version, or I will use the BT tool). When pressing the OK button to start logging, instead of a "logging message", a bunch of logging parameters appeared on the screen.

you need to select a value to look at like boost , when that one shows when you click ok it will start logging. I normally select timing correction cylinder 2 or 5.

However, since there are solutions to lower the boost and increase the timing (like GIAC does) with even better results, why work the turbos so hard ?

Because Tuning companies tune in different ways. cobb has lower advance more boost and more fuel.

Se above

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by enrita

Se above

Thanks for the logging tip !

[BobS]

Get the car protuned, you won't regret it and it will feel amazing. I've run all the tunes, nothing compares to a properly protuned Cobb car IMO.

[BmwECY]

Originally Posted by BobS

Get the car protuned, you won't regret it and it will feel amazing. I've run all the tunes, nothing compares to a properly protuned Cobb car IMO.

THIS



OP seems to love GIAC. GIAC is an off-the-shelf tune designed to fit everyone's car and climate, gas conditions, modifications, etc.


a properly, dyno and street tuned car will devestate any expectations you have for a tune.

[blisstik]

I was able to flash over GIAC without a problem. If you do go the pro tune route, you can request the standard throttle mapping from 1M or go with the linear one. There's also a way to customize the throttle. The throttle mapping has a lot to do with the perception of the car being faster or slower in daily driving. That's why a lot of folks like the standard because it feels faster.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

I feel a Pro-Tune would suit you, especially to get some of that top end power back. You can also request for linear mapping of the throttle which I recommend.

[neilvosko]

Is the protune on dyno at a local shop it the ptf etune?