[BMW-Neil-E90]

Ive been hearing that the AA tune is better then BMS tune...now my question is where can i find an AA tune and how does it differ from the BMS tune.

[mlifxs]

my understanding is: AA tune is a hard code change of part of the ECU software.
I think the BMS powerbox is a hardware device that changes the signals sent by the ECU.
I have the AA tune and recommend it but there are also folks who swear by the BMS. Also, you can re-sell the BMS (it can be installed on another BMW) but you can't do that with the AA tune.

You can remove and send your ECU to ActiveAutowerke (AA) or go to one of their authorized dealers who can perform a flash (not all of them can)
see dealers in link below, dealers highlighted in red
http://activeautowerke.com/dealers.php

[BMW-Neil-E90]

^^oh ok i understand, thanks for explaining that. do you know how much an AA tune would cost, and can you install the bms hardware and use the AA software

[kamek]

Originally Posted by BMW-Neil-E90

^^oh ok i understand, thanks for explaining that. do you know how much an AA tune would cost, and can you install the bms hardware and use the AA software

They can't be used in conjunction with each other. There's no sense in running BMS on top of AA, or vice versa. You can have the AA tune tailored to your car with any mods you're running (e.g. AA can customize the tune to your car if you're running, say, BMW PE and BMW PI).

To my understanding, AA authorized dealers don't honor AA's internet pricing. AA offers special online pricing at times, but you have to send your ECU in to them to get that price. Otherwise, AA authorized dealers charge MSRP. Call and find out for yourself.

Do a search and you'll find plenty of posts covering this in the N/A section.

[dangeris]

So what's the HP gain...and I know it's all about the mods that you put in but typically, whats the gain on a 328xi?

[D335NUTZ]

IMO performance mods aren't worth it on the N52.

[mlifxs]

To my understanding, AA authorized dealers don't honor AA's internet pricing. AA offers special online pricing at times, but you have to send your ECU in to them to get that price. Otherwise, AA authorized dealers charge MSRP. Call and find out for yourself.

Do a search and you'll find plenty of posts covering this in the N/A section.[/QUOTE]

that is what AA told me as well: dealers can set their own pricing.

That said, our dealer here in Tampa (Lutz Performance) gave me a discount from the $499 AA web price....including labor it was close to 400

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by Wilazn

IMO performance mods aren't worth it on the N52.

I think it's all a matter of expectations. Compared to your car, you may be right as $$$ go much further in terms of percentage gains. But, if you already made the choice to go NA and can't upgrade to a better car like yours, incremental mods like these are reasonable and don't bump up the auto insurance bill (I think a 335i tradeup might).

[kamek]

Originally Posted by Wilazn

IMO performance mods aren't worth it on the N52.

C'mon Wil, you don't even drive an N52. Let us N/A drivers be in peace!

But to be fair, performance mods are very well worth it. Modding an N52 isn't about trying to get your car as fast as possible, or better yet, closer to 335 territory... It's about the enjoyment of driving our cars. If a reliable tune will help our cars run more efficiently and give it more pep, then why not?

[BMW-Neil-E90]

by no means am i trying to make my car as fast as a 335....but i want it to be a little bit more responsive and have a more aggressive take off.... i actually found a 330(N52) that breyton modified and it did 306hp and 285 torque which is just about the same torque as an M3 , although they put mad work in, they were able to make NA motor just as fast as a 335....im pretty sure Breyton had a performance intake, full exhaust (headers-to-muffler), Port n Polish and a ECU tune..and some other goodies,....I choses an NA over turbos because i dont have to worry about the turbos going out...I hav a turbo Lexus IS 3 and once they hit high miles every other month u gotta fix somthing

[LemonIce]

Originally Posted by kamek

C'mon Wil, you don't even drive an N52. Let us N/A drivers be in peace!

But to be fair, performance mods are very well worth it. Modding an N52 isn't about trying to get your car as fast as possible, or better yet, closer to 335 territory... It's about the enjoyment of driving our cars. If a reliable tune will help our cars run more efficiently and give it more pep, then why not?

+1

[D335NUTZ]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

I think it's all a matter of expectations. Compared to your car, you may be right as $$$ go much further in terms of percentage gains. But, if you already made the choice to go NA and can't upgrade to a better car like yours, incremental mods like these are reasonable and don't bump up the auto insurance bill (I think a 335i tradeup might).

Thats what meant. I mean a tune is nice but any further its too much money for small gains. i'd go and get some nice cosmetics mods done if i had a 328/330 after a tune.

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by Wilazn

Thats what meant. I mean a tune is nice but any further its too much money for small gains. i'd go and get some nice cosmetics mods done if i had a 328/330 after a tune.

i suspect you are right, after a tune, the marginal return on money is for perf mods is lower. Only thing I plan to do is sportier suspension (once my struts wear out) and maybe maybe lightweight wheels.

[BMW-Neil-E90]

http://www.germanmotoring.com/produc.../bmw/bmw3/e90/

How to make 300+ in your N/A (look at the engine tunning part)