[AMERICUS]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

There are no tuner codes with GIAC.
GIAC doesn't trigger anything of the sort. The dealer cannot see anything so regular maintenance and small repairs are fine. If there is a major fix at the dealer then the tech may have to upload the ECU code data and BMW USA might be able to see something.
If a major fix is going to happen (new turbos, trans, etc) then the best thing to do is take your car back to where it was originaly flashed to have the OEM software put on.

So the stock program is not the OEM software, it is just a map that resembles the stock settings, correct?

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by BadBoostedBMWM3

AND, the dealer can't read the code at all even if they "update" the computer??


Also, I never thought this would be available with flash tuning.

The dealer will have no clue if on the stock setting.
If they update the ECU then they'll just overwrite the GIAC software.
So, you just go back to the place that flashed you to begin with and get your flash back.

Originally Posted by AMERICUS

So the stock program is not the OEM software, it is just a map that resembles the stock settings, correct?

Yes, this has been talked about quite a bit.

[FrankiE90]

i'm bump'n
because i'm counting the days til GIAC flashes the N55.
i luv that flash loader.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by FrankiE90

i'm bump'n
because i'm counting the days til GIAC flashes the N55.
i luv that flash loader.

That will happen. My N55 is going to GIAC shortly.

[FrankiE90]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

That will happen. My N55 is going to GIAC shortly.

WTF?
u have an N55?
N55 what? u get a 335... let me guess 135 DCT, has to be!

Harold did you test ur filter.
pm me, I can dyno.
and let me know when ur N55 goes to GIAC i wanna tag alone and
learn.

sorry Mr.5 to thread jack.

[Terrance28]

Wow this looks amazing. If I was keeping my 335i I would definitely get this.

[htoudiee]

This is awesome. I have some usuall questions (like most people):
- Can S1 guys get this?
- What does it take
- When is it available?

[shockin330i]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

That will happen. My N55 is going to GIAC shortly.

Damn, and I was just in SB on Monday...

[335timb]

IF we have both a Stage I or II flash AND the "stock-like" software, and we switch to the latter before going to the dealership, then if the dealership updates the software, they'll only overwrite the stock-like portion, correct? We could then use the switcher to go back to our stage I or II software, which would have been untouched by the dealer's update. Is this correct?

[s.myrr]

Nope - you'll need a reflash.

[vasillalov]

Originally Posted by 335timb

IF we have both a Stage I or II flash AND the "stock-like" software, and we switch to the latter before going to the dealership, then if the dealership updates the software, they'll only overwrite the stock-like portion, correct? We could then use the switcher to go back to our stage I or II software, which would have been untouched by the dealer's update. Is this correct?

Wrong, wrong wrong!

1. You can't have both stage1 and stage2. Guys, for the MILLIONTH TIME NOW, the ECU has limited amounts of memory. When you get GIAC software they will wipe the entire ECU and put their code which MAY include up to 3 different settings based on your fuel (depending on how many you purchase). Call them maps, call them presets, call them anything you want. There is a 91 octane, 93 octane, 98 octane maps and of course valet map which cuts the boost. You are NOT running multiple versions of the same ECU software! You are simply altering parameters!

2. If the dealer overwrites your software, its GONE, DONE, FINISHED, CAPUT, regardless of how many maps you purchased with your flash loader! You will need to go back to GIAC dealer to get your GIAC flash installed again!

In most cases, there will be a fee for having your car reflashed after the dealer updates your ECU. Why? Because the installer wastes their time reflashing your ECU. You also have to wait and see if GIAC can create a software version based on your new OEM software. Sometimes this can take months!

[335timb]

vasillalov,

I didn't write stage I "AND" stage II, wrote "OR." Please read carefully before reacting harshly.

I appreciate knowing that regardless of whether or not I can switch back and forth from Stage I OR II to stock-like, a dealer overwrite clears it all. This really lessesns the need for a switcher, since I'd have to go back to the GIAC installer for a reflash regardless... I'll just pass on the whole multiple maps with switchability, and go with (in my case) a Stage I flash.

Thanks guys.

[vasillalov]

Originally Posted by 335timb

vasillalov,

I'll just pass on the whole multiple maps with switchability, and go with (in my case) a Stage I flash.

Thanks guys.

Sorry for loosing it a bit there... It just that GIAC has been tuning cars for well over a decade now and it seems to me that people should have done a little bit more research.

The point of the map switcher is that it gives you the ability to take advantage of higher octane fuels whenever you want to. A lot of VW/AUDI/Porsche owners initially started with just one map + valet mode which is always there. Later on they found out that they really wanted the ability to run higher octane fuels and take advantage of that. So they upgraded.

Regardless of whether you choose Stage 1 or Stage 2, you can still purchase different "maps" and use the hand held map switcher. Also, in either case, if you go to the BMW dealer to get new software update, you will still loose your GIAC tune and would have to get your car reflashed.

[vasillalov]

I've been lurking and researching various engine tuning options for various brands of automobiles over the last decade. Simply put you have the following choices:

PIGGY-BACKS:
Pros:
* Maintain your OEM software intact. Great for dealership visits and OEM software updates
* Highly customizable to user, in most cases.
* Better data logging abilities
* Can be cheaper

Cons:
* Power delivery is not nearly as smooth compared to ECU flash
* Somewhat complicated to deal with and require lots of tinkering if you start messing with the different maps
* Become obsolete more quickly as a newer versions are released


ECU Flashes (a.k.a. chip tuning):
Pros:
*Unmatched smoothness of power delivery. Often produce more power.
* Simplicity. You don't even have to open your hood to get it installed. No user adjustables to mess with and fuck up.
* Safer, more reliable. NO QUESTIONS ABOUT IT!

Cons:
* Need to reflash every time you get an OEM Software upgrade and you might have to wait a long time before the tuner releases a flash version based off the latest OEM software update
* Less user adjustability
* Can be more expensive


Just so you know, I am still running on stock ECU with factory software. My car has never been updated @ dealer. I realize that there are a few options for our cars out there and I have carefully evaluated each one of them. I am not partial to ANY tuner at this moment, although I must say that I am postponing my tune purchased because I am waiting for GIAC Stage 2+ to be released officially. I don't like BETA software.

[BzzzBom]

Originally Posted by vasillalov

I've been lurking and researching various engine tuning options for various brands of automobiles over the last decade. Simply put you have the following choices:

PIGGY-BACKS:
Pros:
* Maintain your OEM software intact. Great for dealership visits and OEM software updates
* Highly customizable to user, in most cases.
* Better data logging abilities
* Can be cheaper

Cons:
* Power delivery is not nearly as smooth compared to ECU flash
* Somewhat complicated to deal with and require lots of tinkering if you start messing with the different maps
* Become obsolete more quickly as a newer versions are released


ECU Flashes (a.k.a. chip tuning):
Pros:
*Unmatched smoothness of power delivery. Often produce more power.
* Simplicity. You don't even have to open your hood to get it installed. No user adjustables to mess with and fuck up.
* Safer, more reliable. NO QUESTIONS ABOUT IT!

Cons:
* Need to reflash every time you get an OEM Software upgrade and you might have to wait a long time before the tuner releases a flash version based off the latest OEM software update
* Less user adjustability
* Can be more expensive


Just so you know, I am still running on stock ECU with factory software. My car has never been updated @ dealer. I realize that there are a few options for our cars out there and I have carefully evaluated each one of them. I am not partial to ANY tuner at this moment, although I must say that I am postponing my tune purchased because I am waiting for GIAC Stage 2+ to be released officially. I don't like BETA software.

I am running GIAC stage 1 and love it - no codes, no messing around with the ECU, etc. The dealer reflashed my software with the latest OE version a few months ago. GIAC had to design a new flash. They were able to do a full DME read on my new OE software, design a new GIAC flash and install it in my car in about four hours. After running GIAC for several months I would never go back to any of the piggybacks. When the flashloader is available the piggyback prices will probably plunge. If you are still considering a piggyback I would wait several months when the prices should be a lot less.

[JhnR]

I come from a VW mk5. and I had GIAC on my car as well as APR (another majore software co) and never had a problem with neither.

As some members said earlier, everytime there was a dealer software update, you had to take the car back to your closest GIAC/APR dealer and get flashed FOR FREE.

I dont understand why in the BMW community you have to pay extra to get Flashed for something you already paid.

And GIAC had stock OEM maps for VW/Audi. So they will have one for BMW if they dont already do.

[shockin330i]

So I'm assuming that stage II won't be avalible for the n55 at this time sibce there aren't any dp or intakes?

[vasillalov]

Originally Posted by JhnR

I come from a VW mk5. and I had GIAC on my car as well as APR (another majore software co) and never had a problem with neither.

As some members said earlier, everytime there was a dealer software update, you had to take the car back to your closest GIAC/APR dealer and get flashed FOR FREE.

I dont understand why in the BMW community you have to pay extra to get Flashed for something you already paid.

And GIAC had stock OEM maps for VW/Audi. So they will have one for BMW if they dont already do.

You may have been lucky. The GIAC/APR dealers may or may not charge a small fee for reflashing.

BMW releases software updates every fucking week or so it seems. VAG takes longer between updates so the tuners have more time to adapt.

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by JhnR

I come from a VW mk5. and I had GIAC on my car as well as APR (another majore software co) and never had a problem with neither.

As some members said earlier, everytime there was a dealer software update, you had to take the car back to your closest GIAC/APR dealer and get flashed FOR FREE.

I dont understand why in the BMW community you have to pay extra to get Flashed for something you already paid.

And GIAC had stock OEM maps for VW/Audi. So they will have one for BMW if they dont already do.

Originally Posted by vasillalov

You may have been lucky. The GIAC/APR dealers may or may not charge a small fee for reflashing.

BMW releases software updates every fucking week or so it seems. VAG takes longer between updates so the tuners have more time to adapt.

Vasillalov is correct. I think you were just lucky.
It all depends on the dealer that flashed your car.
IMO, it is great customer service for a dealer to reflash a car for free but at the same time...time is money and if one were to take away a tech for 30 minutes instead of them performing a brake job, oil change, etc. then I can see why the charge is valid.

[shockin330i]

Originally Posted by shockin330i

So I'm assuming that stage II won't be avalible for the n55 at this time sibce there aren't any dp or intakes?

...

[enrita]

Originally Posted by shockin330i

...

i think you answer that yourself.... there is not even stage 1 available for the n55.

[faded67]

Keep in mind guys unless you absolutely need to switch on the fly, the flash file has the switching module built in, so you could also switch using the free downloadable flashloader app on the GIAC site. You would just need to get a USB to OBDII adapter and just use a laptop. GIAC confirmed this for me yesterday. I don't see myself needing anything except one map and the occaisional "stock" setting for dealership visits.