[W37V]

This is a very subjective take on the new AA tune (2017 version - let's call it v3) for 3 stage intake manifold and headers on N52 engine. Why subjective? Because I do not have dyno to confirm any of my statements. This is all based on my butt dyno, so YMMV. I am planning on doing dyno, but it will most likely happen in late August or early September. If you want to contribute towards dyno cost, let me know - I would appreciate it It's about $135 do the run.

Thanks to Andrew and Nic from AA for providing me with the tune (for free) for testing.

My specs: N52, 6 speed, 3SI, AA headers, revo hose. All else is stock

Background: I've done dyno of BPC tune and previous version of AA tune (v2) for my setup. Thanks to forum members for making it possible.
Previous comparisons can be found here:

Here is my initial take:

Since I installed the tune, I put about 150 miles on the car, so this is really an initial impression. If anything changes I will update the post.


Delivery:
TL;DR: Smooth

This new tune (v3) can be described with one word: Smooth. The tune is super smooth in power delivery. It is well refined and disa transitions are seamless. The easiest way to describe it would be - it's very similar to single stage power delivery. There are no power hiccups or surges. The delivery feels very linear from 1k all the way to 7.5k rpm. In comparison, the earlier version of AA tune had rather strong transition in disa stages - especially, around 4.5k. It also seemed like it run out of breath around 6.5k. BPC tune is smoother than AA v2, but transitions are still noticeable. With BPC, the TQ surge is noticeable especially in lower RPM range. BPC's tune feels strong, but also feels like it tapers off around 6700rpm. Like I said, with this tune (AA v3), no strong transitions.


Power:
TL;DR: Less TQ, but it feels bit stronger around 4k and redline (7.5k rpm).

The new AA tune feels like it has less torque than BPC, especially in low rpm range - between 1500 and 3500 rpm. Per my butt dyno, I think the difference between BPC and AA v3 might be about 5-7wtqs. In comparison, the difference between AA v2 and BPC tune was about 20wtq. However, around 3.5k and 4.5k AA v3 feels slightly stronger than BPC. AA v3 also feels stronger on top, as the car pulls strongly all the way to 7500rpm.


Issues:
As usual, the idle is but erratic. So far this has happened with every flash I did (AA, AA, BPC, AA) . Idle usually settles after about tank of gas (3-400 miles).


Conclusion:
I love the smoothness of this tune. It feels linear. However, BPC's TQ is still unmatched. I think, if there was a tune that is combination of AA v3 and Bpc's tune, that would be the perfect tune. I guess that could only be achieved by doing a custom tune.

If you prefer smoothness, this is def tune to get. If you want more daily driver power, then Bpc, since it is very torque-ie from 1k to about 3k rpm.

Once again: This is very subjective initial review. Once I put on more miles, and once I get a dyno done, I will update it accordingly.

I am ready to take on your questions.

[gunnerxq]

How much? And when can I get it?

[W37V]

Originally Posted by gunnerxq

How much? And when can I get it?

You'll need to reach out to AA about it.
https://store.activeautowerke.com/collections/e9x-328

[rick100]

I believe the update was going to be free for the people with AA stage 2 already

Im not surei like smooth as i like to feel the power increase after 4.5k makes the car feel alive

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by rick100

I believe the update was going to be free for the people with AA stage 2 already

Im not surei like smooth as i like to feel the power increase after 4.5k makes the car feel alive

I wish.

[3002 tii]

Great review, never had the BPC tune but I can attest that the latest AA tune is a big improvement. The car just pulls harder at the 3k mark. Can't wait to take her on track next month!

In all the years I've had headers, the only time my erratic idle went away was either a) used o2 spacers or b) installed o2 sims. And between the 2, spacers was more effective whereas with the sims there was still slight fluctuations at times.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Great review, never had the BPC tune but I can attest that the latest AA tune is a big improvement. The car just pulls harder at the 3k mark. Can't wait to take her on track next month!

In all the years I've had headers, the only time my erratic idle went away was either a) used o2 spacers or b) installed o2 sims. And between the 2, spacers was more effective whereas with the sims there was still slight fluctuations at times.

Interesting to hear about your idle. This is my 5th tune flash, and every time I had the same issue with idle being erratic. However, erratic idle usually went away after about a tank of fuel. Weird how your never did until you did spacers. I wonder why? I mean tune should've compensated for lack of cats.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by W37V

Interesting to hear about your idle. This is my 5th tune flash, and every time I had the same issue with idle being erratic. However, erratic idle usually went away after about a tank of fuel. Weird how your never did until you did spacers. I wonder why? I mean tune should've compensated for lack of cats.

No clue but it was only after dealing with the rear o2 sensor directly one way or another that got rid of it. Fwiw I have supersprint headers...

[W37V]

So, I just got SES code 2c3a - "lambda probe front catalyst 2, dynamic".

Not sure if it is tune related.

[JohnG7]

I have been running a newer AA tune since March, my results pretty much mirror yours. While I have been enjoying my improved tune, I do have something else going on with my car that needs resolved (not tune related).

I have a smallish stumble (just off idle), my gas mileage has fallen off quite a bit. I pulled my MAF and cleaned it, seemed to improve a bit. Still stumbles just off idle. Engine runs great, and this flat spot is hardly noticeable to a passenger. Mileage is low 20's whereas was low 30's before. I have the new plugs, but living just next to the sun really limits my outdoor activity (a long story).

I have no first hand experience with the BPC tune, but was impressed when talking with the guys there.

I had been running my previous AA tune since late 2015- was always happy, but wanted more. I felt AA had left room for improvement. Looks like they found some with their updated tunes. The DISA transitions are much smoother, I thought I actually liked the transition before, now much smoother. My engine pulls better as it runs up the RPM. It does pull harder all the way to my shift (or to redline), the low end torque feels somewhat better. W37V's comparison of the BPC tune to the new AA tune is intriguing, I still feel this tune can offer better low end torque, similar to BPCs.

The tune I received may be slightly different from W37Vs due to mine being early beta, I'll ask later this week. Maybe I'll get around to changing my plugs and then give my tune a workout, (when we get a cool front, prolly October).

Thanks OP, good review.

My hope was to be a beta tester for AA if needed, but then summer got in my way. The guys at AA have improved their tune, they realized BPC had upped the game. Both groups have worked together before, the competition between them is professional and we benefit.

My take from this: Whether you decide to purchase your tune from AA or BPC, you will see results that are real. Which tune is best? Both have their strengths. Either way you benefit when people work to improve our N52 tunes/options. More choices are becoming available all the time.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by W37V

So, I just got SES code 2c3a - "lambda probe front catalyst 2, dynamic".

Not sure if it is tune related.

That or coincidentally your o2's are now failing

[W37V]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

That or coincidentally your o2's are now failing

I'm gonna flash back to BOC to see if the error is still there.

[AWSB328iM]

What's the max usable redline for a N52? Stock is 7000? BPC is 7200? New AA STAGE 2 V2 is 7500?

I think I read somewhere that 8000rpm is possible? Is there power to be made with fuel and timing adjustments or is the cam lift and head flow past it's limits??

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by AWSB328iM

What's the max usable redline for a N52? Stock is 7000? BPC is 7200? New AA STAGE 2 V2 is 7500?

I think I read somewhere that 8000rpm is possible? Is there power to be made with fuel and timing adjustments or is the cam lift and head flow past it's limits??

Max power is still made at 6600 so going past 7k just saves having to shift earlier imo. My redline was extended to 7200 so for track I set my shift warning at 6850 which allows me to shift ~7000 and have some buffer in case I have a braking zone coming up.

I believe 8000 was with the n54 manifold...

[Volasko]

Does this V3 tune only apply if you have catless headers, or would improvements over the version 2 tune apply with stock headers?

[W37V]

Originally Posted by Volasko

Does this V3 tune only apply if you have catless headers, or would improvements over the version 2 tune apply with stock headers?

To my understanding, they revised all tunes, single stage (stock), 3si, catless, etc.

The last one they did was for 3si + catless.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by AWSB328iM

What's the max usable redline for a N52? Stock is 7000? BPC is 7200? New AA STAGE 2 V2 is 7500?

I think I read somewhere that 8000rpm is possible? Is there power to be made with fuel and timing adjustments or is the cam lift and head flow past it's limits??

BPC pushed it to over 8k. I think it was 8200?

With 3si, power drops after 6600rpm. However, BPC and (per my butt dyno) AA tune push the power band further up, so you are now peaking at closer to 7k. Having a nice buffer with the redline makes it nice, so you are not in a rush to shift gears as soon as you hit your optimal power. With new tunes, power drop is more gradual, so you are not losing much momentum.

[rick100]

Wondering when AA would make this tune official and if it'll be a free update for the guys with the original stage 2.

[Volasko]

Originally Posted by rick100

Wondering when AA would make this tune official and if it'll be a free update for the guys with the original stage 2.

Spoke with Bimmersport (our local AA dealer) and they confirmed the update is free, just gotta pay a minimal labour amount for the re-flash which is completely fair. Getting something scheduled soon.

[rick100]

Originally Posted by Volasko

Spoke with Bimmersport (our local AA dealer) and they confirmed the update is free, just gotta pay a minimal labour amount for the re-flash which is completely fair. Getting something scheduled soon.

thats what I thought as I sent a private message to AA two months ago and they said the tune was free for the guys with stage 2 tune.

Who is doing it at bimmersport now? Jon is not there anymore. Please let us know how it works out and how it goes. I m on the fence right now as I love the way the car behaves now and I have zero issues with the tune .

[W37V]

Originally Posted by rick100

thats what I thought as I sent a private message to AA two months ago and they said the tune was free for the guys with stage 2 tune.

Who is doing it at bimmersport now? Jon is not there anymore. Please let us know how it works out and how it goes. I m on the fence right now as I love the way the car behaves now and I have zero issues with the tune .

If you are going from v2 to this one - V3, you should feel the difference. If the upgrade is free, I would recommend getting it. It's still not as torquee as BPC tune, but it is nicely done.

[JohnG7]

Originally Posted by W37V

If you are going from v2 to this one - V3, you should feel the difference. If the upgrade is free, I would recommend getting it. It's still not as torquee as BPC tune, but it is nicely done.

Hey W37V,
The folks at AA sent me the newer updated tune to test, said they have worked to increase low end torque since my "beta" tune from March. I really liked the tune they sent me then, but like you, thought maybe they can bump up the lower RPM torque. Nic said this later version worked to improve it. Well, Ima gonna give this tune a try.

In fairness, I really need to get my injectors cleaned and swap plugs to get my car to it's full potential- I will. Even with my slight hesitation, with that tune the power is there and it smoothed out disa transitions more than I thought possible.

More is always the goal, AA is still working to improve the tune- I believe most tunes are "a work in progress". I'll report back after I load and test this latest version (maybe is V3.011A??) AA is listening...