Bimmerlabs 330i Tune DIY Step by Step

tsk94 · 11-08-2020, 11:51 AM

I've been running the 130i tune in my 128i with the manifold swap for about 2 years now and it's been working flawlessly.

I see Bimmerlabs is now offering performance tunes for the N52. Has anyone on here gotten one of these from them, if so, thoughts? I'm looking to do headers + a performance tune in the near future and the Bimmerlabs one is an option.

E92William · 11-08-2020, 01:53 PM

I put headers on my car recently running on the mafless 330i tune and it runs great, big difference. I inquired about the performance tunes, will see what they say.

tsk94 · 11-08-2020, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92William

I put headers on my car recently running on the mafless 330i tune and it runs great, big difference. I inquired about the performance tunes, will see what they say.

I inquired as well about a performance tune, would like to do one when I install headers.

Good to know it runs good with the 330i mafless map + headers.

bluewater328 · 11-08-2020, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92William

I put headers on my car recently running on the mafless 330i tune and it runs great, big difference. I inquired about the performance tunes, will see what they say.

Curious what did you do about the O2 sensors since you dont have a tune that maps it out...or do you?

eljay · 11-09-2020, 09:11 AM

Just tagging on to say THANKS! I'll be using this video soon. Just need to replace my VCG.

SO, MAF-less tune can be flashed and I can just leave the MAF in place as is without swapping to IAT-only sensor?

E92William · 11-09-2020, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

Just tagging on to say THANKS! I'll be using this video soon. Just need to replace my VCG.

SO, MAF-less tune can be flashed and I can just leave the MAF in place as is without swapping to IAT-only sensor?

That's what I'm currently running with no issues

Might aswell do MILVs if you're doing the valve cover

E92William · 11-09-2020, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92William

I put headers on my car recently running on the mafless 330i tune and it runs great, big difference. I inquired about the performance tunes, will see what they say.

Curious what did you do about the O2 sensors since you dont have a tune that maps it out...or do you?

I didn't do anything about them really. Since my headers have the proper o2 sensor location you'd want for this engine, everything lines up and fits as it should. Only needs a tune but it runs great as it is. I think it took like a week to pop a service engine light.

bluewater328 · 11-09-2020, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92William

I didn't do anything about them really. Since my headers have the proper o2 sensor location you'd want for this engine, everything lines up and fits as it should. Only needs a tune but it runs great as it is. I think it took like a week to pop a service engine light.

Catless, right? Good to know.

E92William · 11-09-2020, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92William

I didn't do anything about them really. Since my headers have the proper o2 sensor location you'd want for this engine, everything lines up and fits as it should. Only needs a tune but it runs great as it is. I think it took like a week to pop a service engine light.

Catless, right? Good to know.

Yeah catless. I saw a few dynos of guys making weak numbers with catted and decided it wasn't even worth doing unless I'm going catless

eljay · 11-09-2020, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92William

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

Just tagging on to say THANKS! I'll be using this video soon. Just need to replace my VCG.

SO, MAF-less tune can be flashed and I can just leave the MAF in place as is without swapping to IAT-only sensor?

That's what I'm currently running with no issues

Might aswell do MILVs if you're doing the valve cover

Thanks.
I need to get the car together tonight, so no MILVS for me.

But I guess I'll see if I can do a 330i MAFless tune from the start while I'm at this.

bmwbob89 · 11-10-2020, 11:19 AM

First update on the Vaico DISA's. I didn't think the car had much of a power improvement with the manifold and flash. So for jollies I hooked up my laptop and INPA to activate the DISA's The big one made the appropriate noise so I'm assuming it's working. Then I tried the small one and only could hear a little click. Damn! Yesterday I pulled it out of the manifold far enough to see the flap and it does nothing. Pulled the alt and removed the DISA. Hooked up my old BMW DISA and it worked fine. Installed it and FCP Euro is sending me another Vaico DISA. I'll throw that one in and see how it goes and keep everybody updated. Probably should have just left the ones that came with the manifold in but they had over 100k on them. It did test the Vaico DISA's before I installed them and they both worked. Probably didn't have a 50 miles on the one that failed.

E92William · 11-10-2020, 12:22 PM

That sucks I wonder what actually failed on it, I've been meaning to order a vaico unit to take apart and compare with a Chinese valve I ordered a while ago. The failure scenario I've seen that just causes a click the most is the board taking a crap, sometimes once you send power to it enough times it gets moving and works perfectly after until it might do it again after sitting. I would almost bet the vaico valve is the same inside as a Chinese one, surprised fcp euro is even carrying that stuff.

Oem valves are junk after 100k or so very often, I rarely find one that works fine when I pick up a manifold but maybe yours didn't get as much pcv oil inside it

chrisgto · 11-10-2020, 03:31 PM

Hi all, first time poster here. Just wanted to say thanks very much to everyone for all their helpful input. I've been on the receiving end of it, but I hope I can contribute at some point.

Is there still a Bimmerlabs 330i tune in the works for the N51? Or a trans. tune for non-paddle GM trans?

Thanks again.

E92William · 11-10-2020, 04:05 PM

I think the gm trans tune will work for any gm trans vehicle except for the newer models but after a few failures this was taken out of the site so not sure. The e83 x3 3.0si the tune comes from doesn't have paddles as far as I can see in pictures

eljay · 11-10-2020, 05:28 PM

Another quick question on the MAFless tune for my 2009 328xi (MSV80) manual. Does the cruise control work with thus tune?
Earlier in the thread someone mentioned theirs works but William said his doesn't.

E92William · 11-10-2020, 05:39 PM

Mine does work perfectly fine. Only time it doesn't is when my dsc goes into limp because of my transfer case actuator which is a problem to my car. Otherwise it works like it would stock.

bluewater328 · 11-10-2020, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

Another quick question on the MAFless tune for my 2009 328xi (MSV80) manual. Does the cruise control work with thus tune?
Earlier in the thread someone mentioned theirs works but William said his doesn't.

I think it was nsjames who said his didn't work. My cruise control (2011 E90 328i Auto) works.

bmwbob89 Sorry to hear the Vaicos died. Was hoping the new gen was better. Too bad Mahle doesn't make an OE version -- seems they're the only ones who can get this one right.

And, dunno if it's just placebo effect, buy I had the MAF in for awhile and it worked well. But when I put in the IAT, it seems to run smoother...but again, maybe just the butt dyno.

eljay · 11-11-2020, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92William

Mine does work perfectly fine. Only time it doesn't is when my dsc goes into limp because of my transfer case actuator which is a problem to my car. Otherwise it works like it would stock.

Thank you.
The site still shows this under mafless tune for MSV80, so it got me confused:

Quote:

Note: currently this tune disables cruise control. That will be fixed with a future update.

Another thing I noted when reading flashing instructions:

Quote:

Note: If you used the Bimmergeeks download, you can skip this step - but only if you skip their instruction that says to delete the folders. Bimmerlabs does not require all of the daten files, just the .prg and .ipo files.

I believe I followed all instructions from the Bimmergeeks setup, so likely deleted the folders as instructed. Do I have to re-install Standard Tools from scratch? That would be a big pain.
Edit: re-read the instructions and Step 3 shows how to get the files back that would have been lost with the Bimmergeeks folder delete step. So, I believe, I'm good.

E92William · 11-11-2020, 01:48 PM

If you delete the folders I believe the bimmergeeks download has the ones that you can put in place of the deleted ones. I did it I think the first time and no big deal

bmwbob89 · 11-11-2020, 02:40 PM

Go back to page 7 where I had the same question and it was answered.

tsk94 · 11-12-2020, 02:49 PM

So I currently have the standard 128i-130i tune on my car, using the MAF.

If I want to change out the tune to the MAF-less one available on Bimmerlabs, do I just do the process as normal? RSA delete then flash on the MAF-less tune? I already have the euro IAT to put in as well once the tune is swapped over.

neilvan · 11-12-2020, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsk94

So I currently have the standard 128i-130i tune on my car, using the MAF.

If I want to change out the tune to the MAF-less one available on Bimmerlabs, do I just do the process as normal? RSA delete then flash on the MAF-less tune? I already have the euro IAT to put in as well once the tune is swapped over.

I just did the same thing to my brothers. Originally had the standard tune then swapped out to the MAF-less while the IAT was on order(and it make sure cruise worked, which it did). Just change the program file, and only flash the program file

The Euro IAT We found to be a noticeable difference as well. I have another one here for if they (hopefully) come out with one for the E60 N52s.

11-08-2020, 11:51 AM	#199
tsk94 Lieutenant Colonel 1522 Rep 1,591 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E82 128i, F82 M4, E36 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Calgary iTrader: (2)	I've been running the 130i tune in my 128i with the manifold swap for about 2 years now and it's been working flawlessly. I see Bimmerlabs is now offering performance tunes for the N52. Has anyone on here gotten one of these from them, if so, thoughts? I'm looking to do headers + a performance tune in the near future and the Bimmerlabs one is an option.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2020, 01:53 PM	#200
E92William Banned 1998 Rep 2,026 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328xi Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 328xi [0.00]	I put headers on my car recently running on the mafless 330i tune and it runs great, big difference. I inquired about the performance tunes, will see what they say.
	Appreciate 1 tsk941522.00 Quote

11-09-2020, 09:11 AM	#203
eljay Colonel 1444 Rep 2,127 Posts Drives: ///M + E91 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NS iTrader: (1)	Just tagging on to say THANKS! I'll be using this video soon. Just need to replace my VCG. SO, MAF-less tune can be flashed and I can just leave the MAF in place as is without swapping to IAT-only sensor?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2020, 11:19 AM	#209
bmwbob89 First Lieutenant 150 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 07 328XI 04 325XI 740 88 M5 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	First update on the Vaico DISA's. I didn't think the car had much of a power improvement with the manifold and flash. So for jollies I hooked up my laptop and INPA to activate the DISA's The big one made the appropriate noise so I'm assuming it's working. Then I tried the small one and only could hear a little click. Damn! Yesterday I pulled it out of the manifold far enough to see the flap and it does nothing. Pulled the alt and removed the DISA. Hooked up my old BMW DISA and it worked fine. Installed it and FCP Euro is sending me another Vaico DISA. I'll throw that one in and see how it goes and keep everybody updated. Probably should have just left the ones that came with the manifold in but they had over 100k on them. It did test the Vaico DISA's before I installed them and they both worked. Probably didn't have a 50 miles on the one that failed.
	Appreciate 1 aphael91.00 Quote

11-10-2020, 12:22 PM	#210
E92William Banned 1998 Rep 2,026 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328xi Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 328xi [0.00]	That sucks I wonder what actually failed on it, I've been meaning to order a vaico unit to take apart and compare with a Chinese valve I ordered a while ago. The failure scenario I've seen that just causes a click the most is the board taking a crap, sometimes once you send power to it enough times it gets moving and works perfectly after until it might do it again after sitting. I would almost bet the vaico valve is the same inside as a Chinese one, surprised fcp euro is even carrying that stuff. Oem valves are junk after 100k or so very often, I rarely find one that works fine when I pick up a manifold but maybe yours didn't get as much pcv oil inside it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2020, 03:31 PM	#211
chrisgto Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: E90 N51 Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: CT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328xi E90 N51 [0.00]	N51 Tune Hi all, first time poster here. Just wanted to say thanks very much to everyone for all their helpful input. I've been on the receiving end of it, but I hope I can contribute at some point. Is there still a Bimmerlabs 330i tune in the works for the N51? Or a trans. tune for non-paddle GM trans? Thanks again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2020, 04:05 PM	#212
E92William Banned 1998 Rep 2,026 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328xi Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 328xi [0.00]	I think the gm trans tune will work for any gm trans vehicle except for the newer models but after a few failures this was taken out of the site so not sure. The e83 x3 3.0si the tune comes from doesn't have paddles as far as I can see in pictures
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2020, 05:28 PM	#213
eljay Colonel 1444 Rep 2,127 Posts Drives: ///M + E91 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NS iTrader: (1)	Another quick question on the MAFless tune for my 2009 328xi (MSV80) manual. Does the cruise control work with thus tune? Earlier in the thread someone mentioned theirs works but William said his doesn't.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2020, 05:39 PM	#214
E92William Banned 1998 Rep 2,026 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328xi Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 328xi [0.00]	Mine does work perfectly fine. Only time it doesn't is when my dsc goes into limp because of my transfer case actuator which is a problem to my car. Otherwise it works like it would stock.
	Appreciate 1 eljay1443.50 Quote

11-11-2020, 01:48 PM	#217
E92William Banned 1998 Rep 2,026 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328xi Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 328xi [0.00]	If you delete the folders I believe the bimmergeeks download has the ones that you can put in place of the deleted ones. I did it I think the first time and no big deal
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2020, 02:40 PM	#218
bmwbob89 First Lieutenant 150 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 07 328XI 04 325XI 740 88 M5 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Go back to page 7 where I had the same question and it was answered.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-12-2020, 02:49 PM	#219
tsk94 Lieutenant Colonel 1522 Rep 1,591 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E82 128i, F82 M4, E36 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Calgary iTrader: (2)	So I currently have the standard 128i-130i tune on my car, using the MAF. If I want to change out the tune to the MAF-less one available on Bimmerlabs, do I just do the process as normal? RSA delete then flash on the MAF-less tune? I already have the euro IAT to put in as well once the tune is swapped over.
	Appreciate 0 Quote