n55 6AT w/Alpina B3 trans flash

torqnDC · 02-28-2013, 07:13 AM

Don't know how many have heard about the Alpina B3 flash for the TCU in the 6ATs, but it has been confirmed functional on the n54's after 03/07. I have tried this on the n55 and it works, but I need more data points from anyone else to see if they get the same results. Only unexpected thing I've noticed that varies from the n54 guys is when I'm in manual mode, when I shift gears the tach will drop to 0 for about a second then shoot back up to it's proper place. The car (engine and transmission) physically behave fine, just the tach seems to get confused.

Anyone else on here want to try it out? The main thread on this is over on [Admin Notified] but it has all the information needed.

For what it's worth, this flash has a pronounced impact on how the 6AT functions. The car feels more like a DCT than an automatic, and it's so much fun to drive. I'm going to drive the car more to get more of a burn-in period to see if I notice any negative impacts, but barring anything too intrusive I would say this is definitely a performance upgrade for all E9x 6AT's

turo · 02-28-2013, 09:05 AM

Thanks for trying this out, this is definitely something I want to look into (I've been following that other thread since it started). Did you get your paddle shifters working yet?

torqnDC · 02-28-2013, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turo

Thanks for trying this out, this is definitely something I want to look into (I've been following that other thread since it started). Did you get your paddle shifters working yet?

That's going to be tonight's endeavor.

Slops · 02-28-2013, 09:37 AM

wow this sounds pretty cool, not sure if i want to venture doing that yet though. I dont know where Admin notified is? Can you link me? I would like to read more about this. Also, can you get a vid that shows how quick it shifts?

335Fresh · 02-28-2013, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torqnDC

Don't know how many have heard about the Alpina B3 flash for the TCU in the 6ATs, but it has been confirmed functional on the n54's after 03/07. I have tried this on the n55 and it works, but I need more data points from anyone else to see if they get the same results. Only unexpected thing I've noticed that varies from the n54 guys is when I'm in manual mode, when I shift gears the tach will drop to 0 for about a second then shoot back up to it's proper place. The car (engine and transmission) physically behave fine, just the tach seems to get confused.

Anyone else on here want to try it out? The main thread on this is over on [Admin Notified] but it has all the information needed.

For what it's worth, this flash has a pronounced impact on how the 6AT functions. The car feels more like a DCT than an automatic, and it's so much fun to drive. I'm going to drive the car more to get more of a burn-in period to see if I notice any negative impacts, but barring anything too intrusive I would say this is definitely a performance upgrade for all E9x 6AT's

was wondering if youd be willing to do it on my n54

torqnDC · 02-28-2013, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slops

wow this sounds pretty cool, not sure if i want to venture doing that yet though. I dont know where Admin notified is? Can you link me? I would like to read more about this. Also, can you get a vid that shows how quick it shifts?

It's another forum. Google for what this thread is discussing and you should find it (I can't post any links to it). I'll get a video up either tonight or tomorrow night if I can, but the real difference is in what you feel, not see. It might not translate very well across the video, but I'll give it a shot. At the very least you can look at the videos the n54 guys have posted, the shift times and downshift rev-matching are the same.

torqnDC · 02-28-2013, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335Fresh

was wondering if youd be willing to do it on my n54

I haven't done it on an n54, just the n55. I'm not an expert at the stuff, so if you're concerned I would go to one of the experts like cn555ic or Wedge who actually are the masterminds behind getting this to work. But I can try to help you if you'd like.

335Fresh · 02-28-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torqnDC

I haven't done it on an n54, just the n55. I'm not an expert at the stuff, so if you're concerned I would go to one of the experts like cn555ic or Wedge who actually are the masterminds behind getting this to work. But I can try to help you if you'd like.

yea i dont have the cable and figured since you had done it maybe you could do mine as well...for them to do it remote i think you have to have all the software and cable...most likely im just gonna order the cable, just didnt wanna wait...lol

cn555ic · 02-28-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torqnDC

I haven't done it on an n54, just the n55. I'm not an expert at the stuff, so if you're concerned I would go to one of the experts like cn555ic or Wedge who actually are the masterminds behind getting this to work. But I can try to help you if you'd like.

Text me tonight so we can get your paddles to work!

Also thanks for being a pioneer for the N55..

Slops · 02-28-2013, 10:30 AM

this is getting me excited

torqnDC · 02-28-2013, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Text me tonight so we can get your paddles to work!

Also thanks for being a pioneer for the N55..

Absolutely. Totally worth it

torqnDC · 02-28-2013, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Text me tonight so we can get your paddles to work!

Also thanks for being a pioneer for the N55..

You are the MAN!! Your DIY part 2 worked like a charm and the paddles came back to life.

Car feels like a whole different animal now with new life breathed into the transmission. D mode is softer and smoother (GREAT for traffic and anyone you don't trust with the torque of your car), S mode (what DS changed to) really lets the car show its potential, and M mode is just plain fun (I use it about 98% of my driving). Puts a smile on my face every time I shift, and an enormous grin every time I downshift.

Sunny D · 02-28-2013, 08:57 PM

I can't even explain how excited I am to get this done! There is somebody in S.FLA who is doing it, and when I am home in a few weeks it a must. Keep us posted how you do with the tach.

Slops · 03-01-2013, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torqnDC

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Text me tonight so we can get your paddles to work!

Also thanks for being a pioneer for the N55..

You are the MAN!! Your DIY part 2 worked like a charm and the paddles came back to life.

Car feels like a whole different animal now with new life breathed into the transmission. D mode is softer and smoother (GREAT for traffic and anyone you don't trust with the torque of your car), S mode (what DS changed to) really lets the car show its potential, and M mode is just plain fun (I use it about 98% of my driving). Puts a smile on my face every time I shift, and an enormous grin every time I downshift.

Sounds like a blast. This is completely separate from flashing the ECU right? If I do this the my Cobb flash won't be affected if I update maps or uninstall the AP right?

madmanhiker · 03-01-2013, 10:13 AM

what is this wizardry you speak of?

SpartanGA · 03-01-2013, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmanhiker

what is this wizardry you speak of?

yeah...more info please

edit: Ok, I see it now elsewhere...basically coding the car.

Kalud · 03-01-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmanhiker

what is this wizardry you speak of?

It's recoding the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) not the DME so compatible with Cobb and other. The trans will shift faster and rev-match on downshift.

e92sport · 03-01-2013, 11:21 AM

Is there a DIY for the n55 6at???

Where do we get the cable?

madmanhiker · 03-01-2013, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalud

It's recoding the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) not the DME so compatible with Cobb and other. The trans will shift faster and rev-match on downshift.

Thanks Kalud...

this sounds like it's the next best thing to actually having a DCT - which is something the freakin 335i should have had in the first place.

I am very interested in this - as long as the tachometer issue gets addressed I am down ASAP.

SpartanGA · 03-01-2013, 11:30 AM

I question the affect on durability of the transmission. Can it handle the quicker shifting and be reliable? Is this just a choice that BMW didnt make for the average driver?

torqnDC · 03-01-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalud

It's recoding the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) not the DME so compatible with Cobb and other. The trans will shift faster and rev-match on downshift.

It also changes D to D1-D6 which runs up through the gears quicker (basically lower torque, higher economy mapping), changes DS to S1-S6, and M1-M6 stays the same. All shifts are quicker, firmer, and when in regular drive mode, the shifts are so smooth you have a hard time feeling them. The more you drive it, the better it feels its wild.

torqnDC · 03-01-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92sport

Is there a DIY for the n55 6at???

Where do we get the cable?

There are two DIYs, but I would recommend having someone help you or do it for you if you've never messed with coding before. The first DIY is for the transmission flash, followed by another to get the paddles working. They're both posted on a different forum that I can't reference or link to... but if you search Alpina B3 winkfp DIY you should find it

02-28-2013, 07:13 AM	#1
torqnDC Private 5 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 2011 335i E92 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Arlington, VA iTrader: (0)	n55 6AT w/Alpina B3 trans flash Don't know how many have heard about the Alpina B3 flash for the TCU in the 6ATs, but it has been confirmed functional on the n54's after 03/07. I have tried this on the n55 and it works, but I need more data points from anyone else to see if they get the same results. Only unexpected thing I've noticed that varies from the n54 guys is when I'm in manual mode, when I shift gears the tach will drop to 0 for about a second then shoot back up to it's proper place. The car (engine and transmission) physically behave fine, just the tach seems to get confused. Anyone else on here want to try it out? The main thread on this is over on [Admin Notified] but it has all the information needed. For what it's worth, this flash has a pronounced impact on how the 6AT functions. The car feels more like a DCT than an automatic, and it's so much fun to drive. I'm going to drive the car more to get more of a burn-in period to see if I notice any negative impacts, but barring anything too intrusive I would say this is definitely a performance upgrade for all E9x 6AT's
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02-28-2013, 09:05 AM	#2
turo Lieutenant 158 Rep 468 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: North VA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [8.40] 2024 BMW M2 [9.00] 2018 BMW 340i XDrive [10.00]	Thanks for trying this out, this is definitely something I want to look into (I've been following that other thread since it started). Did you get your paddle shifters working yet?
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02-28-2013, 09:37 AM	#4
Slops Major General 188 Rep 5,417 Posts Drives: 2005 C55 AMG Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oxford iTrader: (2)	wow this sounds pretty cool, not sure if i want to venture doing that yet though. I dont know where Admin notified is? Can you link me? I would like to read more about this. Also, can you get a vid that shows how quick it shifts?
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02-28-2013, 10:30 AM	#10
Slops Major General 188 Rep 5,417 Posts Drives: 2005 C55 AMG Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oxford iTrader: (2)	this is getting me excited
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02-28-2013, 08:57 PM	#13
Sunny D Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 250 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 ZCP Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: ATL iTrader: (2)	I can't even explain how excited I am to get this done! There is somebody in S.FLA who is doing it, and when I am home in a few weeks it a must. Keep us posted how you do with the tach. __________________ Current - 2017 AW F80 ZCP Past - 2011 AW E90 M3 ZCP Past - 2011 AW E90 335i
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03-01-2013, 10:13 AM	#15
madmanhiker Lieutenant Colonel 82 Rep 1,615 Posts Drives: '11 E92 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Jacksonville, Fl iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 335i M-Sport [6.00] 2008 328i Sport Pre ... [0.00]	what is this wizardry you speak of? __________________ -madmanhiker jax,fl
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03-01-2013, 11:21 AM	#18
e92sport Captain 38 Rep 600 Posts Drives: black e92 sport Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	Is there a DIY for the n55 6at??? Where do we get the cable? __________________
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03-01-2013, 11:30 AM	#20
SpartanGA Captain 97 Rep 643 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M4 Comp F83 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	I question the affect on durability of the transmission. Can it handle the quicker shifting and be reliable? Is this just a choice that BMW didnt make for the average driver?
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