Another ESS tune review

[Rekrul]

So... I finally caved.

Mods: Dinan X pipe, Akra Slip, AA green filter


First off, big thanks to ESS for timely question answering and also shipment. I placed my order for the tune Saturday and got it today. I sent my file to ESS and within 4 hours I had my tune all ready. Impeccable customer service from both Roman and AJ(answered by emails within minutes). Super fast delivery, and I was almost shocked by how fast I got my tune back.

My impressions may be a bit premature as the car is still acclimating to the tune. Power delivery is certainly smoother. After I put the X pipe on, I felt like the car almost had a bit of a lag from 0-2800 rpm(as the power from stock didn't increase) but above that point the X pipe had markedly increased power and torque so it almost felt like a mini turbo. Now that is markedly lessened, the power delivery is more linear and once it reaches 3500 RPM it rockets. I flew down a long on ramp onto the highway, I was at 100 before I knew it. Behind me was a R6, he pulled up next to me afterward and gave me a big thumbs up lol. The car sounds sick and it more than fast enough at this point, it feels complete. I'd really like to get a dyno at some point. I pulled on my friends 370 whp EVO from a roll with just my slip on exhaust (the magic of DCT), I'd be real curious as to what would happen now.

So, I will say I am happy as the power delivery is smoother. Also I feel like the car is a little quieter for whatever reason, perhaps because it is making more power than before so there isn't as much load being exerted to move the car. Overall I am a fan of ESS now for sure, its no surprise they have such a great reputation on here.

[GOLFFRR]

Awesome! Congrats welcome to the ESS Family. Enjoy and be safe.

[M3ree]

i just bought my ESS tune as well.. cannot wait to put it on!!!!!!

[IMG]

Thanks for the review. ESS does great work. Enjoy in good health !

[flipm3]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

I really NEED a freer flowing X Pipe!

[Dovetonsils]

Thanks for the review.

[Rekrul]

Drove about 50 miles today cit/highway, so more to add. The car is certainly smoother and feels more efficient. Pulls harder in 7th gear on the highway than before. Just feels like it should after the modifications. The power bump is not drastic, but it is noticeable and the smoothness is undeniable.

[BMW Fanatic]

Sweet, cannot wait to get this done eventually.

[sales@ESSTuning]

Glad you like it

[redline9001]

Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic

Sweet, cannot wait to get this done eventually.

Don't wait.... Just do it

[CarinNunnery]

i just bought my ESS tune as well

[GOLFFRR]

^^

[signes]

Rekrul, I thought you were going to go with Evolve (based on some comments during the recent Roman/Sal/Mike battle thread)? Curious if that is correct what might have changed your mind. Maybe better asked over PM, lol...

[Rekrul]

Originally Posted by flipm3

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

I really NEED a freer flowing X Pipe!

That is the best mod for this car, without a doubt.

[Rekrul]

Here are some last minute videos I took a little bit ago. I am a retard and was taking the video with my iphone at a funny angle hence the video being flipped on its side.

Drive By

Revs

[Rekrul]

Originally Posted by signes

Rekrul, I thought you were going to go with Evolve (based on some comments during the recent Roman/Sal/Mike tbattle thread)? Curious if that is correct what might have changed your mind. Maybe better asked over PM, lol...

Honestly, I was neutral about the whole matter. I found it humorous more than anything. I was in contact with both tuners, and I got the responses I wanted from ESS. Regardless of the comments in that thread, I don't think you can go wrong with either tuner. It was more an issue of what I as a person felt more comfortable with and my gut was in favor of ESS after exchanging numerous PMs. ESS, Roman, AJ have been nothing but courteous and prompt in their replies and furthermore their work speaks for itself , I mean look at how many ESS supercharged M3's there are and none with any problems(I made that point in the epic battle royal of a thread). So I guess what I'm saying is ESS has a rock solid reputation with regard to their products, some may have had bad personal experiences with them but I didn't so I had no reason not to go with a tune I felt comfortable with.

I will say one thing that did concern me about the Evolve tune is that they keep the O2 readiness sensors turned ON somehow. I read a post in which Mike Benvo stated that the following four things are the easiest ways for BMW to tell if your car had ever been tuned 1) Exceeding Rev Limit 2) Exceeding Speed Governor 3) Cold Start Removal 4) Keeping the O2 readiness sensors ON but disabling the SES light. Whether ore not 3,4 are pure speculation by Benvo I wanted to err on the side of caution. However, I still think Evolve and Sal are also very solid tuners.. it was more a matter of personal preference.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by Rekrul

I read a post in which Mike Benvo stated that the following four things are the easiest ways for BMW to tell if your car had ever been tuned 1) Exceeding Rev Limit 2) Exceeding Speed Governor 3) Cold Start Removal 4) Keeping the O2 readiness sensors ON but disabling the SES light. Whether ore not 3,4 are pure speculation by Benvo I wanted to err on the side of caution. However, I still think Evolve and Sal are also very solid tuners.. it was more a matter of personal preference.

FYI, it's your choice whether you want the rev limit changed, the speed governor changed, the cold start off and the 02 readiness on or off when you have them make the tune so I find it odd that you used it as a reason to use ESS instead when they can do the same things.

[Rekrul]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

FYI, it's your choice whether you want the rev limit changed, the speed governor changed, the cold start off and the 02 readiness on or off when you have them make the tune so I find it odd that you used it as a reason to use ESS instead when they can do the same things.

That was part of the equation as I did realize that those factors were modifiable by both, number 4 I am not sure. However the aforementioned, weren't the only things that swayed me toward ESS. I'm not one for theatrics or drama either. I am very happy with ESS and am glad I made this choice.

[signes]

Originally Posted by Rekrul

Honestly, I was neutral about the whole matter. I found it humorous more than anything...

Thanks for the response, car sounds phenomenal BTW.

[Rekrul]

Originally Posted by signes

Thanks for the response, car sounds phenomenal BTW.

Thanks my man. The Akra is such a great exhaust and even with a catless x pipe still sounds great and isn't loud. The thing I am most surprised by is the slight reduction in loudness of my setup after the tune.

[TX335]

Originally Posted by Rekrul

Thanks my man. The Akra is such a great exhaust and even with a catless x pipe still sounds great and isn't loud. The thing I am most surprised by is the slight reduction in loudness of my setup after the tune.

Is it a reduction of noise inside or outside the car?

[Rekrul]

Originally Posted by TX335

Is it a reduction of noise inside or outside the car?

Inside.