[Barlows]

Has anyone in the UK tried the Alpina transmission flash for 335i?

It is meant to be a lot better than standard and can be flashed if you have a coding cable .

More info http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=815840

[gangzoom]

Some one has done this I'm sure. I tired it but got stuck at the final 'update phase'. Kept on getting 'ECU protected'(or something similar). Could have tried tried to force the update but didn't want to brick my transmission. My car has a sep 07 build date so it should have worked

[windymissile]

I asked this question in the "coding" sticky. No reply as yet. The yanks do it as a matter of course. I thought someone would be all over it on this side of the pond.
WM

[Barlows]

I'm looking to get one of the coding cables and have a go at it, i'm waiting to see how the open source tuning comes along in the N54 forum first though, as that will dictate what cable i need to buy.

[gangzoom]

Originally Posted by windymissile

I asked this question in the "coding" sticky. No reply as yet. The yanks do it as a matter of course. I thought someone would be all over it on this side of the pond.
WM

The transmission flash is abit more risky than say coding the Radio HU from base audio to 'HiFi'. I tried the transmission flash but got an error on the last bit, I don't have enough understanding of it to be confident enough to try and force the flash through...after all if you bugger it up your end up with no gears on the car.

There are other forums where you can get all the advice/software needed for coding. Took me about 2 hours to find and download all the files. Just use Google and have a go, just don't end up bricking the transmission ECU!!

[windymissile]

Nuts and bolts, I can do. Pooters, not.

[rialnet]

interesting thread, i'll be interested to see how you get along with this mod

:-)

[AlanYoro35i]

If anyone willing to try tackling this im willing to pay a small sum for a member here to flash mine!

Makkan maybe ???!

[makkan00]

Guys
I can do this and Alpina engine flash on 320Ds.
I did not reply in the coding section as the chap wanted somebody near him.
All the cars which I have coded come to me or if I am travelling, I announce it in advance to give members a chance to get the things done.

[windymissile]

Thanks Makkan00. I think a trip to you might have to be organised, unless you're planning on heading north any time....?
WM

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by windymissile

Thanks Makkan00. I think a trip to you might have to be organised, unless you're planning on heading north any time....?
WM

Guys
If your car is built 03/07 or afterward with N54 engine, then you can upgrade it to Alpina software.

It has been reported that in some cars paddle shifter does not work, but owners still retained the Alpina software as according to them its more worth of having than the paddle shifted.

Windy, can you pm me your postcode so I can check if I ever pass by you.

Thanks.

[seanblee]

I'm running it on my car and I'm pretty happy with it. I didn't have any trouble with the flashing but agree it is potentially risky if you're not 100% comfortable with what you're doing.

It works much as described on the US boards...

'D' shifts smoother than standard and tends to sit in a higher gear than standard, presumably to make better use of the B3 engine's increased torque output. On gentle acceleration with light throttle openings, it can be a bit CVT-like - revs remain constant but it shifts up through the gears and varies the torque converter slip to control road speed. At wider throttle openings, it's much as before.

'DS' becomes 'S' as it shows the ratio the box has selected on the dash (e.g. 'S1', 'S2' etc). It tends to hold gears longer than standard, rev-matches downshifts better and shifts quicker. 'M' is more of the same, except obviously you control when it shifts. There's talk that it won't automatically upshift if you hit the limiter, but I've never yet felt the need to rev the engine to the limiter to find out!

[ArsE92]

So has this really taken off over here? I'd love to get mine done but unfortunately I'm up north.

I might look into doing it myself when I get a moment!