[GeorgiaTech335coupe]

Originally Posted by carlsontheflyer

First of all, it is illegal, and secondly, your exhaust will smell pretty foul, like raw fuel vapors and rotten eggs.

Run a mix of e85. Problem solved and actually improved. It's like giving your car a good cologne.

[carlsontheflyer]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaTech335coupe

Run a mix of e85. Problem solved and actually improved. It's like giving your car a good cologne.

I thought e85 would make your exhaust smell like popcorn...

[Greatdane84]

I think legality is out the door the second you "tune" your bmw. I don't know anyone that is abiding by the speed laws on a daily basis when you have that much power under your foot.

1st purchase for any car enthusiast should be a radar detector but that might be illegal for some of you goodie goodies too

[tennis_pr0]

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Change to NGK spark plugs # ILZKBR7A-8G . Have them gaped to 0.56mm (0.022″)

Make sure your car's DME has the latest software update, of course you will have to pay for this via the dealer but do your best to haggling them. (My personal recommendation)


Edit: As for what FMIC, it is highly recommended to get Helix

I was just planning on doing the accessport tune, not anything else. How do I know if my car has the latest software? Will I absolutely need the latest software if my car does not have it?

[tennis_pr0]

Is there a huge advantage to having a fmic? I really don't want to spend an extra thousand on something I don't really need.

[sickem]

Originally Posted by tennis_pr0

Is there a huge advantage to having a fmic? I really don't want to spend an extra thousand on something I don't really need.

Need is perhaps a strong word But you need to decide what your power goals are. You might find you're happy with tune only. But Fmic makes a big difference if you're looking for more power. For instance Cobb stage 1+ Fmic is stronger than stage 2 due to upgraded intercooler. Oh and you don't have to spend $1k. Maybe $500-700 on a decent unit.

[loweredram]

That's possible. I have an 07 335i with ur catted downpipes. I have 25k on them and I've never thrown a cat related code. I've even driven it a week without the tune and nothing. I've heard that I won't pass smog. I know the cats are 200cell per UR so ill see.

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

FYI - no one that ever said they were going to leave their car stock ever did!

As for the downpipes, go catless - I did the catted ones and regret it - I did the AR ones so that I didn't have to mess around with the issues of throwing codes and getting my annual inspection, but apparently the AR catted pipes only worked with very early N54 software and later updates make the O2 sensor checks more strict and after about a year and a software upgrade, my car started setting cat codes, so I had to do the BMS downpipe fix. AR claims that the only high flow cats that won't set codes are crazy expensive - they will make downpipes with them, but price is 2k. If I did it again, would just get some $350 catless DP's and BMS downpipe fix.

[tennis_pr0]

Originally Posted by sickem

Need is perhaps a strong word But you need to decide what your power goals are. You might find you're happy with tune only. But Fmic makes a big difference if you're looking for more power. For instance Cobb stage 1+ Fmic is stronger than stage 2 due to upgraded intercooler. Oh and you don't have to spend $1k. Maybe $500-700 on a decent unit.

Dies the fmic make the engine run cooler? I mean is it something that will increase engine life and reliability with a tune, or is it just a performance mod?

[carlsontheflyer]

Originally Posted by tennis_pr0

Dies the fmic make the engine run cooler? I mean is it something that will increase engine life and reliability with a tune, or is it just a performance mod?

It lowers the air intake temps, which makes the turbos job easier to produce the same amount of boost. That's the reason cars with forced induction run stronger in colder weather. Your turbos work less, and last longer.

[Ovitrix335]

It's better to run upgraded fmic and catless downpipes with increased boost. Turbos have less back pressure from the catless dps and less heat soak from an upgrade fmic = more fun/reliable

[Rob@RBTurbo]

ROFL at the OP's thread title, yes those are typically the famous last words... if only I had a nickel for everytime I've heard or said that... hahahah.

Good luck with the mod bug bud.

Rob

Originally Posted by Mayuri Krab

" I am definitely keeping my car stock"

For at least the next 6 month to 1 year since I'm broke at the moment...

[N8N]

Laughing at your thread title, see here:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=824184

That was what I said when I bought my car but I've been slowly trying to make it the perfect road trip car and it's pretty close.

To your question about tuning - definitely change the plugs, keep an eye on codes for the coils and replace as required, other than that just fix stuff as it breaks. The only actual failures I've had on my car in my short-ish ownership have been one fuel injector and the A/C needed to be vacuumed and recharged a few weeks ago. Other than that it's been surprisingly good. I say that because the service records from the PO are kind of shocking the amount of stuff that was done under warranty... but hey, I ended up with a nice car.

Edit: I suspect I may be due for a walnut blasting, that's really just mileage related not tune related though.

[sickem]

Originally Posted by carlsontheflyer

It lowers the air intake temps, which makes the turbos job easier to produce the same amount of boost. That's the reason cars with forced induction run stronger in colder weather. Your turbos work less, and last longer.

+1. Also the reason it allows you to run more aggressive mapping is that as IAT's rise the DME will pull timing and reduced power overall. the upgraded fmic will avoid this condition. In addition, the piping tends to be less restrictive (less high angle bends) and thus less air turbulence which also contributes to a happier car. With something like stage 1 cobb OTS maps they are designed for the stock intercooler, so the car should be safe/reliable on them, but they are also very conservative tunes. but if you try to run say stage 1+fmic with the stock unit the car wouldn't be very happy.

[secretsquirrel]

I'll be checking back in a couple of months after Tennis is FBO and has spent a 3k in mods. And 2 years from now he's gonna be getting an upgraded suspension so he can properly power down. LOL.

[BQTuning]

Originally Posted by tennis_pr0

I was just planning on doing the accessport tune, not anything else. How do I know if my car has the latest software? Will I absolutely need the latest software if my car does not have it?

Dealer or Indy shop that has the ability, will be able to tell you if you have the latest software or not

Like I said "I think" it is something "essential" to be done "IMO". Their might be something that BMW found that needs correction in the OEM software. No, they don't tell you there is a new software.

More than likely the dealer will charge for this though, but again, this is my opinion, and not something necessary at this time

What is more important is changing your spark plugs which depends on the last time they were changed

[sickem]

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Dealer or Indy shop that has the ability, will be able to tell you if you have the latest software or not

Like I said "I think" it is something "essential" to be done "IMO". Their might be something that BMW found that needs correction in the OEM software. No, they don't tell you there is a new software.

More than likely the dealer will charge for this though, but again, this is my opinion, and not something necessary at this time

What is more important is changing your spark plugs which depends on the last time they were changed

good advice...also OP read and become familiar with the misfire sticky on the main N54 page...it might save you a lot of unnecessary posts should you encounter misfires. (FWIW I haven't but some on here do, particularly if their plugs and coilpacks need changing)

[WRichieX]

Hahaha. I totally feel you. I thought I would be content with the bmw ppk version 2 but nope. Gotta do more!!!!!!

[tennis_pr0]

Well i called the dealership and my car had the spark plugs replaced at 31k (car has 35 on it now). So they were done literally right before I bought the car. The latest software is also in my car. So I should be good to go right?

I am really stretching my budget by spending 900 on the cobb tune, so the fmic will have to wait a while if I do get it. Is the car perfectly safe to run without the fmic and just the accessport tune?

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by tennis_pr0

Well i called the dealership and my car had the spark plugs replaced at 31k (car has 35 on it now). So they were done literally right before I bought the car. The latest software is also in my car. So I should be good to go right?

I am really stretching my budget by spending 900 on the cobb tune, so the fmic will have to wait a while if I do get it. Is the car perfectly safe to run without the fmic and just the accessport tune?

Yes if you run Stage 1 maps or protune for stock hardware.

[tennis_pr0]

I am reading, and it seems it is always recommended to get the fmic with the tune to keep engine temps down. Hmm...I definitely not looking to spend close to 2k on all this, so if that is the case I will hold off on the tune for a good while.

[enrita]

Who gives a fuck about legality, seriously. Stay stock if thats your first thought...

[sickem]

Originally Posted by tennis_pr0

I am reading, and it seems it is always recommended to get the fmic with the tune to keep engine temps down. Hmm...I definitely not looking to spend close to 2k on all this, so if that is the case I will hold off on the tune for a good while.

again, you don't NEED an FMIC. Cobb stage 1 is designed for stock fmic. You just need to understand that you will make less power without an upgrade. If you're fine with that, then go for it. Cobb tune or JB4/Procede alone is a HUGE upgrade over the stock tune. It will feel like a new car, man. you can pick up an AP on here for $625-$650 used, and there's no reason to buy one new. you can always upgrade the other stuff later if you want, or not.