Euro box or AFE Stage 2

Geoffrois · 01-31-2015, 11:47 AM

Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting some extra ponies out of my N52 come spring.

Shoud I be buying a Euro Box or a AFE Stage 2.

I know the reviews on the AFE intakes vary, some people say they even loose power, also; what's the deal with the Euro boxes? I see a ton of them for sale why is this such a popular mod?

Also,

Looking at buying a BMS Powerbox. I know this is to fix the lagging in the throttle. Does it have the same effect on a 6spd ?

Thanks

hassmaschine · 01-31-2015, 12:31 PM

you'd be better off getting none of the above and using the money for AA tune instead.

justpete · 01-31-2015, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

you'd be better off getting none of the above and using the money for AA tune instead.

^What he said

cpie168 · 01-31-2015, 01:40 PM

What improvements does the AA tune yield and how much does it run?

hassmaschine · 01-31-2015, 02:38 PM

Well, the airbox is like 2hp. The AA tune is like 15-20. And the BMS thing is a joke.

Tom Droze · 01-31-2015, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

Well, the airbox is like 2hp. The AA tune is like 15-20. And the BMS thing is a joke.

It's a bit over $700 and trust me it's worth every penny. The difference in low end torque and throttle response alone is worth the price of admission!

I have the Dinan ram-air intake, and from a performance gain standpoint it may have provided some increased power but only in the upper RPM range and only when I am pulling through the gears at higher speeds. I have the PE and there was no noticeable increase in power, though the sound improvement was very impressive. I had the Sprint Booster, which is similar to the BMS Powerbox, and while it did improve the throttle response, there was no power increase. I was a skeptic when it came to the reflash, as I held off buying it for many months. Finally over Black Friday I pulled the trigger. I was so impressed with the performance gain, which is very noticeable, I smashed the Sprint Booster with a hammer so I wouldn't sell it and further contaminate the BMW world.

cpie168 · 01-31-2015, 08:41 PM

How does one "get" the AA tune? Does one go to an authorized dealer and get it flashed there?

justpete · 01-31-2015, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpie168

How does one "get" the AA tune? Does one go to an authorized dealer and get it flashed there?

You can contact Andrew of Active Autowerke here on the forum or go to the Active Autowerke site and see what the options are. You can buy a terminal that allows you to upload and download from the DME yourself or you can have it done for you at one of their authorized shops, which is less expensive.

Geoffrois · 02-01-2015, 11:45 AM

Hey Guys,

So essentially you're saying screw the BMS and keep the stock intake and get a AA Tune.

What is a AA tune? I've never heard of this before!

Thanks

justpete · 02-01-2015, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoffrois

Hey Guys,

So essentially you're saying screw the BMS and keep the stock intake and get a AA Tune.

What is a AA tune? I've never heard of this before!

Thanks

AA = Active Autowerke

See above

Tom Droze · 02-01-2015, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoffrois

Hey Guys,

So essentially you're saying screw the BMS and keep the stock intake and get a AA Tune.

What is a AA tune? I've never heard of this before!

Thanks

If you are seeking the biggest bang for the buck, yes!! Essentially, it reprograms your ECU and increases power and drivability. You can either do it yourself by also purchasing the personal programmer (which is what I did) or have an authorized shop install the software for you. Here is a link to read more about it.

http://store.activeautowerke.com/col...-tune-software

J-Spec Dan · 02-01-2015, 12:53 PM

I think you need to read this before buying anything: http://www.bmwblog.com/2013/04/29/bu...take-manifold/

Taskmaster · 02-01-2015, 01:04 PM

Dinan or AFE Si, either way there are better mods for the money.

cpie168 · 02-01-2015, 02:18 PM

Does the AA tune increase fuel consumption for normal daily driving?

Tom Droze · 02-01-2015, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpie168

Does the AA tune increase fuel consumption for normal daily driving?

Yes, if your driving habits remain consistent. For me not so much because I fell in love I with the newfound low end torque so I have mostly jackrabbit starts now.

Geoffrois · 02-01-2015, 03:24 PM

Hey,

If i understand this correctly. I can keep the car totally stock, or through on an aftermarket intake.

By buying this it'll help actually realize any of those gains and make the car funner to drive.

I don't necessarily have to go out and buy a stage 3 intake etc.

The car is a 2006, I don't wanna be dropping tons of cash into her, just want to improve the driving for the time being.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Droze

If you are seeking the biggest bang for the buck, yes!! Essentially, it reprograms your ECU and increases power and drivability. You can either do it yourself by also purchasing the personal programmer (which is what I did) or have an authorized shop install the software for you. Here is a link to read more about it.

http://store.activeautowerke.com/col...-tune-software

mlifxs · 02-01-2015, 03:50 PM

On the air intake side, I did what's called a "charcoal filter delete". It may have improved horsepower ever so slightly as one is removing one of two filters from the air box. In theory there should be improved air flow. Costs nothing if you're okay with permanently modifying your air box (the charcoal filter needs to be cut out and all remains sanded down). There's a DIY on the site.

I also did the AA tune. You will definitely feel some improvement and it also reduces throttle lag (my understanding is the bms power box ONLY reduces throttle lag).

You should talk to AA. I think there are a few delivery options for the product, including those mentioned in the above posts. I was able to get the tune for $400, three years ago, flashed by an authorized installer here in FL. $400 is about what a new Euro box costs.

...so pass on the Euro box, do the charcoal delete and use that $400 for the AA tune

Tom Droze · 02-01-2015, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoffrois

Hey,

If i understand this correctly. I can keep the car totally stock, or through on an aftermarket intake.

By buying this it'll help actually realize any of those gains and make the car funner to drive.

I don't necessarily have to go out and buy a stage 3 intake etc.

The car is a 2006, I don't wanna be dropping tons of cash into her, just want to improve the driving for the time being.

You understand correctly. From a bang for the buck standpoint, the 3-stage intake manifold is the second mod you would do or you would do it in conjunction with the tune. Many people have added the tune without the 3-stage intake manifold. Because I have a N51, my car already had the 3-stage intake manifold. Hey, I was a doubting Nellie too, until I took the plunge, and my only regret was waiting as long as I did to buy the tune!

Mike. · 02-01-2015, 04:16 PM

I really don't understand why people remain skeptical about the AA tune after countless positive review threads on it.

Geoffrois · 02-02-2015, 09:44 AM

Thanks for the great reply's everyone.

I'm definitely going to be getting a AA tune come spring.

I failed to mention one thing however. When i bought the car the previous owner had put on a crap ebay air filter and pipe. I've since switched the filter for a K&N but i wanna put a decent intake on for now.

Should i got AFE Stage 2 Pro Dry S or Eurobox in this case?

I'm thinking euro cause i like to stay OEM, especially since it's not a race car.

thanks about the info on the AA tune. Until yesterday i didn't know it existed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Droze

You understand correctly. From a bang for the buck standpoint, the 3-stage intake manifold is the second mod you would do or you would do it in conjunction with the tune. Many people have added the tune without the 3-stage intake manifold. Because I have a N51, my car already had the 3-stage intake manifold. Hey, I was a doubting Nellie too, until I took the plunge, and my only regret was waiting as long as I did to buy the tune!

Taskmaster · 02-02-2015, 10:11 AM

The Eurobox = your stock box with the Charcoal filter removed. If you MUST spend money on an intake, the AFE SI or Dinan are the best bet.

Tom Droze · 02-02-2015, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

The Eurobox = your stock box with the Charcoal filter removed. If you MUST spend money on an intake, the AFE SI or Dinan are the best bet.

Since he doesn't have the stock airbox the Dinan isn't a choice for him.

01-31-2015, 11:47 AM	#1
Geoffrois Private First Class 6 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 325I Join Date: May 2014 Location: Montreal,QC, Canada iTrader: (0)	Euro box or AFE Stage 2 Hey guys, I'm looking at getting some extra ponies out of my N52 come spring. Shoud I be buying a Euro Box or a AFE Stage 2. I know the reviews on the AFE intakes vary, some people say they even loose power, also; what's the deal with the Euro boxes? I see a ton of them for sale why is this such a popular mod? Also, Looking at buying a BMS Powerbox. I know this is to fix the lagging in the throttle. Does it have the same effect on a 6spd ? Thanks
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01-31-2015, 12:31 PM	#2
hassmaschine Major General 3973 Rep 7,215 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	you'd be better off getting none of the above and using the money for AA tune instead.
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01-31-2015, 01:40 PM	#4
cpie168 Major 173 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 328i 6MT ZSP BSM Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: K/W and GTA, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	What improvements does the AA tune yield and how much does it run?
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01-31-2015, 02:38 PM	#5
hassmaschine Major General 3973 Rep 7,215 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	Well, the airbox is like 2hp. The AA tune is like 15-20. And the BMS thing is a joke.
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01-31-2015, 08:41 PM	#7
cpie168 Major 173 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 328i 6MT ZSP BSM Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: K/W and GTA, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	How does one "get" the AA tune? Does one go to an authorized dealer and get it flashed there?
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02-01-2015, 11:45 AM	#9
Geoffrois Private First Class 6 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 325I Join Date: May 2014 Location: Montreal,QC, Canada iTrader: (0)	Hey Guys, So essentially you're saying screw the BMS and keep the stock intake and get a AA Tune. What is a AA tune? I've never heard of this before! Thanks
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02-01-2015, 12:53 PM	#12
J-Spec Dan ALL RIGHTY THEN 222 Rep 2,957 Posts Drives: 12 STX Advance Join Date: May 2011 Location: G O T H A M iTrader: (2)	I think you need to read this before buying anything: http://www.bmwblog.com/2013/04/29/bu...take-manifold/ __________________ BMW CCA Member 483866 \|Officially Official Build Thread\| \|Widebody Thread\| Follow me on instagram: @jspecdan
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02-01-2015, 01:04 PM	#13
Taskmaster Banned 2465 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	Dinan or AFE Si, either way there are better mods for the money.
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02-01-2015, 02:18 PM	#14
cpie168 Major 173 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 328i 6MT ZSP BSM Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: K/W and GTA, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	Does the AA tune increase fuel consumption for normal daily driving?
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02-01-2015, 03:50 PM	#17
mlifxs Diamond Geezer 212 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2007 328i Saloon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida iTrader: (6) Garage List 2016 VW Golf Sportw ... [10.00]	On the air intake side, I did what's called a "charcoal filter delete". It may have improved horsepower ever so slightly as one is removing one of two filters from the air box. In theory there should be improved air flow. Costs nothing if you're okay with permanently modifying your air box (the charcoal filter needs to be cut out and all remains sanded down). There's a DIY on the site. I also did the AA tune. You will definitely feel some improvement and it also reduces throttle lag (my understanding is the bms power box ONLY reduces throttle lag). You should talk to AA. I think there are a few delivery options for the product, including those mentioned in the above posts. I was able to get the tune for $400, three years ago, flashed by an authorized installer here in FL. $400 is about what a new Euro box costs. ...so pass on the Euro box, do the charcoal delete and use that $400 for the AA tune
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02-01-2015, 04:16 PM	#19
Mike. Mike: Everyone's Pal 2044 Rep 2,972 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Eastern Long Island iTrader: (5) Garage List 2013 BMW 335xi [10.00]	I really don't understand why people remain skeptical about the AA tune after countless positive review threads on it. __________________ Alpine MSS Stage 2+ E30 tune\|MST Intakes\|VRSF Single Mid Pipe\|Agency Power Intercooler\|VTT Full solution crank hub fix
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02-02-2015, 10:11 AM	#21
Taskmaster Banned 2465 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	The Eurobox = your stock box with the Charcoal filter removed. If you MUST spend money on an intake, the AFE SI or Dinan are the best bet.
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