-=review: MIKE BENVO TUNE - And I thought my NA M3 was fast before=-

[DKM3]

After getting a full blown CiC Retrofit (http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695241) from Mike I made the decision to go all out and tune my car with some added toys.

My setup consisted of:
-AFE scoops
-AFE stage 2 intake
-RPI X-Pipe test pipes (Thank you Trinity Motorsports! Shout out)
-Agency Power Cat Back (The agency guys create a beautiful exhaust and offer amazing support).

-Euro DCT (Benvo added)
-Euro MDM (Benvo added)

BENVO TUNED:

After consulting Mike about what type of changes we should make I took the plunge.

Wow! I finally found that lowend torque I've been looking for in my M3 for a long time. 2500-4500 pulls hard and it doesn't stop. It was lacking so much there before. I had the following changes in my tune so far

NOTE: some of the changes may be a bit over my head to talk about confidently / proprietary to Mike's tune. From what I understand my test pipes allow for more timing and cylinder fill.

-No cold start (now I don't wake up the neighborhood)
-Advanced tuning of my VANOS timing, cam adjustments, higher resolution of maps at the high end
-Emissions fault cleared/off
-Remapped Sport, and Sport+
-Raised redline and optimized top end maps

RESULT: wow, omg, holy sh*t! This is how an M3 is supposed to feel. The tune was so noticeable it literally changed the sound of my car from a nasty v8 to a more refined and exotic racing engine. The thing is a beast! I literally feel like I'm 5 years old again. The car just begs to be floored.

Mike literally tuned my file by hand, byte by byte. He wanted my input to tailor the car to what I wanted and how I drove (well how I would drive with the M button on ). I felt like I was being fitted for a fine Italian suit and the service was unbelievable. Mike's quality of service is unbelievable. He does what only a few brands can do - He makes you feel special and as if your the only client and purpose he has. This attention to detail and service are second to none.

If you're the type of guy who dreams of having, has custom tailored suits, or just like that professional attention Mike is for you. With Mike you're a client not a customer.

Thank you again Mr. Benvo!


UPDATE 2 - May - Sept (4-5 months) AFTER
--------------------------------------------------
No errors thrown! The tune is perfect. Looking forward to the newest tunes with my end user cable.

UPDATE 1 - TRIP UP TO SF
----------------------------
So after the tune I had to drive up to SF for the startup that I'm advising on over the summer. I decided to take PCH up to the 101 then the 1. For the first leg I decided to drop by the BMW engine development center.

After the 101 came the amazing 1. Everyone on the forum who loves driving should at least do it once in they're life. I'm almost surprised that top gear haven't made something out of it because the drive literally transports you to the isle of man.

On the drive the car was a beast. It was SO easy to control. Euro MDM gave me that little extra comfort I needed but to tell you the truth I just cruised because what's the point to being reckless? The tune Mike did gave me the torque in the ranges I needed to just lay back with windows down, listening to my exhaust, and enjoying the beauty that is the 1. Anyone second guessing a tune by Benvo should take comfort in the fact that the car was comfortable yet powerful when needed and most importantly: reliable. Mike is a custom tuner and though my tune may be catered to me and my driving style the same techniques are employed in his other tunes. His tunes truly = Power + Emotion which I believe is hard to find.

[THE TECH]

I'm excited to get my tune from him as well.

[Stealth ///M]

I want to know more! I just had him update my oem software to 231E version. If i had known about this, I would had done it!

[Raptor251]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

I'm excited to get my tune from him as well.

In for reviews! I know we can always trust you for your honest opinion so hurry up already!

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by Raptor251

In for reviews! I know we can always trust you for your honest opinion so hurry up already!

HAHA!! You know it!

[Cal@Sonic MS]

Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing!

[Trevor .:R]

Dark! I love the car and review ! Please try the Rpi induction kid! I bet more power. The BMC filter and the Rpi scoops! Agency is ok i was told but id do RPI's full system!

[Porschefile]

Nice review, I may get Mike to tune/code mine in the near future too I've heard nothing but good things and I'd like to get some stuff coded that the other tuners don't offer (to my knowledge anyway).

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by Trevor .:R

Please try the Rpi induction kid! I bet more power. The BMC filter and the Rpi scoops! Agency is ok i was told but id do RPI's full system!

Are you serious?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by DKM3

After getting a full blown CiC Retrofit (http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695241) from Mike I made the decision to go all out and tune my car with some added toys.

My setup consisted of:
-AFE scoops
-AFE stage 2 intake
-RPI X-Pipe test pipes (Thank you Trinity Motorsports! Shout out)
-Agency Power Cat Back (The agency guys create a beautiful exhaust and offer amazing support).

-Euro DCT (Benvo added)
-Euro MDM (Benvo added)

BENVO TUNED:

After consulting Mike about what type of changes we should make I took the plunge.

Wow! I finally found that lowend torque I've been looking for in my M3 for a long time. 2500-4500 pulls hard and it doesn't stop. It was lacking so much there before. I had the following changes in my tune so far

NOTE: some of the changes may be a bit over my head to talk about confidently / proprietary to Mike's tune. From what I understand my test pipes allow for more timing and cylinder fill.

-No cold start (now I don't wake up the neighborhood)
-Advanced tuning of my VANOS timing, cam adjustments, higher resolution of maps at the high end
-Emissions fault cleared/off
-Remapped Sport, and Sport+
-Raised redline and optimized top end maps

RESULT: wow, omg, holy sh*t! This is how an M3 is supposed to feel. The tune was so noticeable it literally changed the sound of my car from a nasty v8 to a more refined and exotic racing engine. The thing is a beast! I literally feel like I'm 5 years old again. The car just begs to be floored.

Mike literally tuned my file by hand, byte by byte. He wanted my input to tailor the car to what I wanted and how I drove (well how I would drive with the M button on ). I felt like I was being fitted for a fine Italian suit and the service was unbelievable. Mike's quality of service is unbelievable. He does what only a few brands can do - He makes you feel special and as if your the only client and purpose he has. This attention to detail and service are second to none.

If you're the type of guy who dreams of having, has custom tailored suits, or just like that professional attention Mike is for you. With Mike you're a client not a customer.

Thank you again Mr. Benvo!

Can you elaborate on Euro DCT? I believe the car defaults to D2 (instead of S3) at start-up on the Euro version, but are there other differences?

[M3 Montreal]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Can you elaborate on Euro DCT? I believe the car defaults to D2 (instead of S3) at start-up on the Euro version, but are there other differences?

Plus 1... What's euro DCT?

I've heard of euro MDM but not euro DCT.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by Trevor .:R

The BMC filter and the Rpi scoops!

So strange the scoops are so prevalent on this forum.. you wouldn't think...

Also the tune is mainly for the test pipes, correct?

[GrumpyBimmerFan]

what's euro mdm?

[hotbrick]

Nice review, but what did he charge you for the tune?

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by hotbrick

Nice review, but what did he charge you for the tune?

He got a lot more done than a tune. Just PM Mike for a price.

[aajami]

Do we have an answer on what Euro DCT is, besides defaulting to D2 instead of S3 at startup?

[PhoenixM3]

But Dude, you have to respond to my email.


Jeff

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by PhoenixM3

But Dude, you have to respond to my email.


Jeff

Since his recent excursion to the East Coast, he's been a bit behind on the emails. He is planning to be current by the end of the week. Keep hope alive!

[aajami]

Originally Posted by aajami

Do we have an answer on what Euro DCT is, besides defaulting to D2 instead of S3 at startup?

Bump.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by aajami

Do we have an answer on what Euro DCT is, besides defaulting to D2 instead of S3 at startup?

I've been running EU DCT since December, and regularly see track/street use.

With the EU flash, the transmission will default in S5 in manual mode (or S3, whichever you left it at). Otherwise, there is no improvement in shifting firmness/speed compared to US file. We've programmed a couple of local M3s with it and monitored over the months - it's not enough to label this as "performance".

IMHO, it's more of a convenience decision than performance-based. Hope this helps.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

I've been running EU DCT since December, and regularly see track/street use.

With the EU flash, the transmission will default in S5 in manual mode (or S3, whichever you left it at). Otherwise, there is no improvement in shifting firmness/speed compared to US file. We've programmed a couple of local M3s with it and monitored over the months - it's not enough to label this as "performance".

IMHO, it's more of a convenience decision than performance-based. Hope this helps.

Nice. I for one am tired of pushing the right side of the button twice (S3 to S5) each time I start the engine.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by OC3

Nice. I for one am tired of pushing the right side of the button twice (S3 to S5) each time I start the engine.

Then push the "M" button once instead

Thanks for clarifying, Tom.