[SubzeroVR4]

I'm not going to get crazy with modifications. I used to own a 3000GT VR-4 that I modified up to 378AWHP and 383AWTQ on pump gas. But once I upgraded the turbochargers the money just kept adding up on things I needed which consequently resulted it me blowing the motor because I simply screwed up the settings from the boost controller.



With the 335i I'm not looking to go down the road again, I've just been kicking around the idea of having more power. I would like to keep stock driveability. I don't want to have to upgrade A to run B etc. I tried reading through 200+ pages of the Cobb thread but I was just overwhelmed.

I didn't want to go JB route because I don't want to tinker with anything under the hood since I'm still under warranty.

My questions is would it be worth it to spend 800+ for just a flash of the ECU?

[The Ghost]

Yes.

The tune is bar the largest power gain. Any of the tunes will work wonders.

[Eric335]

Either JB4, Procede, or COBB. If i had to do it over again, i would probably have gotten COBB. Just my $0.02.

The JB4/Procede are piggyback tunes. This requires uninstalling/installing in the ECU. Rather simple, but nowhere as easy as the COBB (for obvious reasons).

You wont have to worry about the car with any of those major tunes. Although, you WILL catch the mod bug. Its infectious around here, be careful!

[JacanF80]

Cobb FTW...buy one used for $650. Easy install. Great tune.

[spool twice]

+1, it doesn't get easier than COBB if you don't want to mess with the ECU.

In fact, I believe it's the ONLY tune if you don't want to open the hood to install it.

If it's not enough, you can also ATR it if you know what you're doing

[redlineryder]

I just did this recently to my car, it's 100% stock with a Cobb PTF pro tune on 94 octane. Tuning made a huge difference, car is very quick for just a software upgrade. Do it, it's the biggest bang for the buck. If you have access to 93 octane or e85 I would suggest getting a protune to get the most out of the stock hardware, then you can decide if you want to spend money on parts to make more power.

[benzy89]

Get a COBB -- If you don't want to mod any more, you can always get ProTune Maps (Pump Gas & E85/Jungle Juice Blends) so you can basically enjoy the benefits of Stage 1+/Stage 2 power

[Ænema]

Get the Accessport.

[ken1137]

Yes, but I would recommend GIAC for the same money and Stage I. They also have a handheld flash unit so you can change back to stock when needed. No mods are required for Stage I and the GIAC is a lot smoother than Cobb. I used the Cobb AP Stage I, then Stage II with FBOs on my 135i. I now have GIAC Stage II on my 335i and dont regret it at all. The only question would be is there a dealer close to your location so you can go in for the install.

[Ænema]

Originally Posted by ken1137

Yes, but I would recommend GIAC for the same money and Stage I. They also have a handheld flash unit so you can change back to stock when needed. No mods are required for Stage I and the GIAC is a lot smoother than Cobb. I used the Cobb AP Stage I, then Stage II with FBOs on my 135i. I now have GIAC Stage II on my 335i and dont regret it at all. The only question would be is there a dealer close to your location so you can go in for the install.

I believe the GIAC map switcher has a stock "simulation" map. Not the actual stock tune. GIAC is a great tune though. Just a bit weak and the latest Cobb maps are pretty freaking smooth.

[johmei]

I got the Cobb thinking I would only go tune and liked the ease of use. The simple flash process and tunes available made me get some hardware pretty soon. What I am saying is that Cobb makes you catch the bug soo easily. If stage 1 is what you want for sure I would say GIAC even though Cobb is great and gives you updated maps every once in awhile.
I went FBO + E85 a while ago and would never go back. You get so much return on small investments in mods on the x35 machines.

[zeenon53]

Hands down go with the cobb. I used to own a 91 vr4. That is one of the few cars that I miss. There's no way your going to keep this car "stock" if you had upgraded turbo vr4. Good luck.

[VNeBLOB42]

Originally Posted by SubzeroVR4

.

My questions is would it be worth it to spend 800+ for just a flash of the ECU?

Yes

But watch out for the bug, it will sneak up on you.

[Turbo Frenetic]

I'm happy with COBB. Simple install and big power.

[Jnat]

I used Cobb with ATR extensively on my STI and WRX with the knowledge that it could be detected from a warranty stand point. I don't read much conversation about that with BMW, has it been an issue for anyone?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Yes, many people run just a Cobb with no other mods. It's good for about 60WHP+ and its a very noticeable bump in power.

[Bimmer07]

I am in the same situtaion. Just tune (cobb preferable) and no other mods. Is it safe to go with Cobb and 91 octane ? Because I'm in Cali and I havent seen any gasstations here offering anything above that. And would I stillget 60WHP?

[Ænema]

Originally Posted by Bimmer07

I am in the same situtaion. Just tune (cobb preferable) and no other mods. Is it safe to go with Cobb and 91 octane ? Because I'm in Cali and I havent seen any gasstations here offering anything above that. And would I stillget 60WHP?

Yes, the Cobb will be safe with 91ACN. However, you're definitely not get a 60whp bump on ACN fuel. If you have any e85 available you can run ~25% blend and run the aggressive map and get close to a 60hp bump.

[mump]

Yup, I was in the same boat as you. I came from 2 Evos that I modded. I got tired of my X always needing something fixed so I bought my 335is and a Cobb AP. it's been since July, no regrets yet.

[zeenon53]

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

Yes, many people run just a Cobb with no other mods. It's good for about 60WHP+ and its a very noticeable bump in power.

I don't know about 60, on my stock car i picked up 30whp.

[Bimmer07]

Originally Posted by nema

Yes, the Cobb will be safe with 91ACN. However, you're definitely not get a 60whp bump on ACN fuel. If you have any e85 available you can run ~25% blend and run the aggressive map and get close to a 60hp bump.

Will I at least get 40whp?

[Bimmer07]

Originally Posted by zeenon53

I don't know about 60, on my stock car i picked up 30whp.

what Gas do u use?