[RobRed]

I've received a couple of messages asking about the tune done to my 2019 M5 base - So I'm replying here as well for public consumption.

I'm aware that everyone that gets a tune loves it and it's the best thing ever. I'll be as objective as I can with updates to the thread. If you know me you know I don't have any problem calling out shortcoming or issues even though I've spent the money. I also like to praise where it's a job well done.

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3 days in... First impressions: There is a direct and noticeable improvement in the response characteristics from throttle input. The F90 rev'd just fine but with the software it now has an eagerness and smoothness it didn't have before. I'd guess the car is making an additional 75hp to the wheels but that's not the whole story.

The driving modes are much closer to what I would have expected when I bought the car. Efficient is still smooth but with a bit more urgency than before. Sport is the sweet spot with just the right amount of balance and effortless thrust. Sport+ has a new personality and is a bit too touchy for "around town". I previously used S+ almost exclusively, now S fills that use case.

The overrun (burble / pops) has been toned down (thankfully) but retains a natural overrun rumble.

Speed limiter is removed and power meters recalibrated.

I cannot comment on octane changes. This is a street car limited to 91 (California) but I would expect the software won't require any special adaption to handle it since its a flash it can read all of the existing sensors.

I'm going to talk to Steve about it more maybe he'll let me drive his stage 2 M8 as I was looking to go S2 out of the gate but decided to be incremental about it so I could experience both.

This work was done by Carbahn directly (San Jose). The cost was $1000 (incl labor).

Bonus: On my drive from Sacramento to San Jose to get the work done I achieved about 23.4 MPG on the BC. Returning on the same route I got 23.3 MPG. I drove in efficient primarily but also used Sport and Sport+ occasionally. I assume if I was being aggressive those figures would come down drastically

[Advantage]

Thank you for your reply and the details. This really helps me and possibly others make an informed decision. I am talking to my local authorized Carbahn dealer now. There are a lot of choices on the market when it comes to piggybacks and tunes and, personally, I prefer going this route. I bet you'll go to stage 2 in no time.

[RobRed]

im really liking how smooth the power delivery is. it feels like a well sorted OEM car with a lot more oomph than before.i've adapted to around town driving with the extraness of the tune- very easy to manage the extra power.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Thank you for the review