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      09-30-2022, 05:37 PM   #1
FastGpa
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3-stage tuning. Which tune is "best"

Just installed a 3 stage intake on my 2006 325i. New starter, and new CCV and hoses as well.

I know have to add a tune to take advantage of the DISAs. What tune is 'best"? I know using best is subjective...I just want an easy install, no codes, and good driveability.

thx
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      09-30-2022, 05:49 PM   #2
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Just get the Bimmerlabs NO maf tune
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      09-30-2022, 06:24 PM   #3
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Best tunes are the free tunes, so Bimmerlabs is going to be a good choice. MAF or no MAF, little better response with NO MAF tune but no cruise control. Same power output as a 330i.
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      10-01-2022, 10:07 PM   #4
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3-stage tuning. Which tune is "best"

Quote:
Originally Posted by chilledn52 View Post
Best tunes are the free tunes, so Bimmerlabs is going to be a good choice. MAF or no MAF, little better response with NO MAF tune but no cruise control. Same power output as a 330i.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chilledn52 View Post
Best tunes are the free tunes, so Bimmerlabs is going to be a good choice. MAF or no MAF, little better response with NO MAF tune but no cruise control. Same power output as a 330i.
I got the no maf and I still have cruise control t
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      10-02-2022, 11:11 AM   #5
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The no-MAF tune only causes cruise issues with 1 series cars. Or so I’m told.

“Best tune” depends on your budget. If your only modification is 3IM, then sticking with 330 software makes sense. But if you’re interested in the best performance regardless of cost, then a paid tune like the StageFP tune will likely deliver that.

But again, if you’re running only 3IM then the marginal increase in performance you’d get for your $500 probably doesn’t make sense. I was happy with BimmerLabs until I got MILVS and headers, and then absolutely it made sense to go StageFP. I also bumped redline to 7500.
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      10-02-2022, 01:20 PM   #6
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I agree, if you only have done the 3IM then just stick with Bimmerlabs, After a few more mods with intake and exhaust its worth going to StageFP or AA. Personally getting a custom tune done
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      10-02-2022, 07:52 PM   #7
FastGpa
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Thanks for the feedback y'all
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      10-04-2022, 07:54 AM   #8
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how much hp did you get *dyno'd* after the stageFP update w/ the head changes and the exhaust upgrade?
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      10-04-2022, 08:43 AM   #9
MOD.Works
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I have a StageFP N54 tune.
I would like to go with a 3 Stage Intake next winter.

I have emailed StageFP three times. To Robert, Phil and service@ email. I have not got an answer.

I'm a little surprised because I would have paid for a new tune, I asked the price for the 3IM tune update and I haven't received an answer.

Last edited by MOD.Works; 10-04-2022 at 08:48 AM..
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      10-09-2022, 08:54 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MOD.Works View Post
I have a StageFP N54 tune.
I would like to go with a 3 Stage Intake next winter.

I have emailed StageFP three times. To Robert, Phil and service@ email. I have not got an answer.

I'm a little surprised because I would have paid for a new tune, I asked the price for the 3IM tune update and I haven't received an answer.
I had the same issue and ended up switching to 22RPD. They got me sorted in a week.
I'm running this tune on mine https://bavautoparts.com/products/22rpd-n52b30-stage-2-tune


I would recommend staying with the n54 intake however, as I just did what you are wanting to do, and am now switching back to the n54 intake.

The 3si powerband is just kinda lumpy and boring compared to the n54 in my opinion. I would only keep a 3si if I never went above 50% throttle or 5000rpm. I know many will disagree with me though.
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      10-13-2022, 12:08 PM   #11
MOD.Works
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 303bmw View Post
I had the same issue and ended up switching to 22RPD. They got me sorted in a week.
I'm running this tune on mine https://bavautoparts.com/products/22...0-stage-2-tune


I would recommend staying with the n54 intake however, as I just did what you are wanting to do, and am now switching back to the n54 intake.

The 3si powerband is just kinda lumpy and boring compared to the n54 in my opinion. I would only keep a 3si if I never went above 50% throttle or 5000rpm. I know many will disagree with me though.
I went back to the 3IM setup. OMG how strong the low and mid RPM feel.
I had forgotten about it, I ran the N54 manifold for several months. N54 wins only after 6000RPM. Below 6000RPM the 3IM is much stronger.
But 3IM is not bad at high revs now, my car pulls well up to 7500RPM. This was a pleasant surprise.



MAF curves:
Upper picture Tune and 3IM, MILVs, headers, custom exhaust, N54TB and K&N air filter + Dinan mod., 7500 rev limiter.
Middle picture stock 130i tune and 3IM, MILVs, Headers, N52TB and OE air filter. 7000 rev limiter.
Lower picture N54 intake and tune, MILVs, Headers, custom exhaust, N54TB and K&N air filter + Dinan mod, 7500rpm.








I have an OE intake elbow and intake resonator. Next I'm going to go Silicone hose and aluminum elbow.



Here's a comparison.
Red= Stock and 3IM, headers, MILVs,
Blue= Tune and 3IM, headers, MILVs, N54 TB, custom exhaust and airbox mod. (Dinan mod and K&N filter).
Green= N54 intake + custom exhaust, N54 TB, custom exhaust and airbox mod.



N54 is strong only after 6000rpm.

Last edited by MOD.Works; 10-19-2022 at 12:06 PM..
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