[mo335i]

I am about to purchase a tune for my 2007 335i Sport AT. I have been researching for a few weeks and decided I only want to move forward with a flash tune. I narrowed it down to ESS Stage 1&2, GIAC Stage 1&2, Dinan S2.

I am not looking for the biggest HP/TQ gains but rather looking for improved performance, response, and overall fun. Here is where I am, will be installing RPi FMIC and will be running on 91 Octane.

I was going to purchase the ESS because I like the idea of the handheld flash loader with Stage 1 and 2. I like the idea of switching the stages for different requirements. I also like the idea that ESS designs their tunes on the concept of longevity and safety of the engine and turbos. I did see some negative comments but they seemed to be limited to users not feeling they were getting enough HP after dyno results, not issues with how the car was running.

GIAC, seems good on paper but my local shop which is 40 minutes from me which performs the GIAC tune had no idea that GIAC offered the tune and did not even know the difference between stage 1&2. As well they did not know how much it would be to buy stage 1&2 with the handheld stage switcher. I am willing to do the leg work with them to get it done if the flash is better and the price is good. However, I am a little drawnback since they have never done one. They say they are more of Audi experts.

Dinan Flash S2, more tempting today as they are offering 20% off and I think I will have less trouble selling the car with a Dinan flash when time comes. Most likely I will be trading in 2-3 years not selling private party. I noticed some do not like the Dinan flash due to the high price and gains compared to the piggybacks but as I mentioned above I do not want the max. It seems all who have it like the performance and have not commented negatively about the performance.

Lastly, since these are flash tunes and cannot be resold I was wondering how they may effect the resale or trade-in-value when I sell the car. My guess would be the Dinan flash would have the least negative effect if any. Anybody have any experience with this?

Let me know if you have any experience with the tunes or have compared all 3. Thanks.

[Brey335i]

COBB or GIAC. None other...

[fisherbln]

None, wait for cobb to support 2007 models and get that.

[cyniclaus]

Accessport FTW! And you can sell it later when you trade in the car

[Trojan4evr]

I haven't heard anything but good from GIAC. Many people use their flash for their 996/997TT cars.

[tscdennab]

I think Dinan will actually have some resale value. For the other ones, you better not mention them when selling the car As far as power, I would definitely recommend GIAC Stage 1 (I have GIAC Stage 2). But for stage 2 you need intercooler, intake, downpipes and also 93 octane gas (on 91 octane my timing is pulled sometimes).

GIAC Stage 1 is your best bet. It has been around for a long time, it's solid.

[Mr. 5]

GIAC has been nothing but superb for me.
Every time I get a code, it's related to the actual device that triggered the code and not tune related.

[vasillalov]

GIAC is excellent!

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Giac or Cobb if you insist on flash.

I'm persuaded towards Cobb for its future releases in ATR and Protune and ability to resell.

[BobS]

GIAC, i love it. So solid, smooth, good power, and no codes.

I would go on GiAC's website and look for another dealer if the local dealer didnt' know much about your car. They have a lot of authorized shops.

If the giac dealer is to far from you, I would go with the Cobb, i've never used the cobb but from what i've read, it looks pretty good and you can load/unload the flash yourself without having to go to a authorized cobb dealer.

[UltraRacer13]

Understand you cannot resell the GIAC. I have run the Cobb for about a month now (it is new to the market, but Cobb has been around for awhile) and just love it. 75 hp/ 100 ftlb gain otherwise stock.

[unic66]

Any issues since they are new to tuning the N54?Any fault codes?
The problem is that it is not a proven product for BMW!

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

GIAC has been nothing but superb for me.
Every time I get a code, it's related to the actual device that triggered the code and not tune related.

Same here.

If you don't want to further modify your car, the GIAC stage 1 should be ideal for you.

Alpina_B3_Lux

[Alext]

OP: Where are the ESS dynos you refer to that show the tune isnt making what is advertised? I don't believe it until I see it.

[mo335i]

Regarding the dyno results, for ESS, I do not have the results, I only ran across them when I was researching ESS. In particular, I remember somebody commenting about 20+ HP with 100 octane gas. Not even sure if they posted the results. I have spoken to ESS and think they are a stand up company.

I was leaning towards ESS based on the switching features between 1, 2 and stock as my wife carpools to work in it 1-2 times a week and I have a daughter who will be driving later this year. We also have a 545i and neither car seems ideal to start driving on and would not want her to drive the tuned 335i. I was just about to purchase until I read some not so positive reviews on the forum and was hoping more people with positive feedback would chime in as I have found a few others which love the tune.

However, GIAC seems to be getting the best perforamce reviews and results but will cost a little more with the hand held flash option with a stock option. One draw back is I cannot install at home and will need to stay a GIAC dealer for 3 hours or so as this will be their first 335i tune and have not loaded the software.

Only considered Dinan as it is on sale and may not impact resale as much, but ruling it out as I do not think it is worth the additional investment as my warranty expires next month and I only have the 100k service contract.

Down to ESS and GIAC.

[sunnydshine]

I have the ess stage 2 and I absolutely love it. Where are you located in ca. If you want I can give you a ride in it to see if its for you .

[DisGuy]

I have the stage 1 GIAC and i love it. the power delivery is so freaking smooth and you can really feel the power. i hear Cobb is another flash that is up to par with GIAC. GIAC also has a map switcher but its extra $$$$. i think its around 200-250 for the switcher, but i wont be purchasing that until i get my stage 2. theres really no point witht he stage 1.

[kanecvl]

If you sell your car don't tell them GIAC is on there. I have GIAC and cant complain drives great. That shop of yours dont need to be technical to install GIAC I wouldn't worry bout that. They also have a flash loader/map switcher for around $200

[ZTUNER]

I am biased but i choose Cobb because

1. Removable easily and does not affect warranty like ESS and Giac
2. Resellable
3. Cheapest ? I think i have seen them go around $800, don't think the other flashes are cheaper or are they ?
4. Additional stages are free, future updates are free
5. No other flash offers logging ability
6. No other unit allows you to read and clear codes

Almost a no brainer to me. I would wait for the 07 version

Harry

[mo335i]

Originally Posted by sunnydshine

I have the ess stage 2 and I absolutely love it. Where are you located in ca. If you want I can give you a ride in it to see if its for you .

I am in Santa Rosa.

[BobS]

So far the GIAC has been no issue with warranty for me. I've had my spark plugs replaced one time and the software updated twice with no mention of the tune. Recently i've had my recall performed (HPFP) even though the old one was running fine and again, no mention of the tune. So i am not really worried about the tune hurting my warranty.

[UltraRacer13]

Originally Posted by ZTUNER

I am biased but i choose Cobb because

1. Removable easily and does not affect warranty like ESS and Giac
2. Resellable
3. Cheapest ? I think i have seen them go around $800, don't think the other flashes are cheaper or are they ?
4. Additional stages are free, future updates are free
5. No other flash offers logging ability
6. No other unit allows you to read and clear codes

Almost a no brainer to me. I would wait for the 07 version

Harry

add
7. map switching (including stock and valet modes)
8. pro-tune-able
9. ability to unflash and reflash yourself