DCT GTS Tune Review - (Alex@Alpine)

[Brian0473]

I just had Alex@Alpine perform the GTS upgrade on my 2010 Coupe. I've actually only had the car about 2 weeks but right away I could tell I wanted this mod to help smooth out the DCT...and the faster shifts don't hurt either!

Let me start by saying that Alex was awesome to work with. Setting up the time was as simple as a couple of emails. There was a little bit of pre-work to do to set up so that Alex could remote into my laptop and do the coding. Of course I screwed that up somehow and was getting errors trying to connect. Alex quickly found an alternate way, undid my mistakes, reinstalled the software and was on his way.

Once the real work started I would say it took maybe 45 minutes or so total. This also included some coding work which Alex walked me through one step at a time. While he worked I just farted around in my garage and kept an eye on the laptop. Overall, a VERY customer oriented experience which could not be simpler and easier.

Quick review - I've only put a dozen miles on it since the tune but the difference is already apparent. Smoother shifting at low speed, especially when slowing the car and coming to a stop. Manual shifts are quicker also. A nice benefit is the car now starts in D2 on the first click of the shifter.

Once I rack up more miles I will post an update. Either way I would already highly recommend Alex for your DCT and coding needs.

And a quick pic of the work in progress:

[Grapesape]

+1
Somehow I managed to screw up my computer too. Like a pro, he zoomed around my laptop and fixed everything. I wished it defaulted to at least D3 or above, or even better, remembered the last setting, instead of D2 But that's not Alex's fault.

[lsal]

+1

[dparm]

Dat extended fox red leather.

[ZEEM3R]

What's the difference between this and the DCT tunes tuners sell like BPM and ESS?

[Brian0473]

Originally Posted by ZEEM3R

What's the difference between this and the DCT tunes tuners sell like BPM and ESS?

From my research, I could find no discernible difference other than Alex does it for a fraction of the cost.

And I forgot to mention he also hooked me up with a 2014 map update which worked perfectly!

And trust me, I have no affiliation with Alex or Alpine and I rarely go out of my way to praise vendors unless they blow my socks off.

[ZEEM3R]

Originally Posted by Brian0473

From my research, I could find no discernible difference other than Alex does it for a fraction of the cost.

And I forgot to mention he also hooked me up with a 2014 map update which worked perfectly!

And trust me, I have no affiliation with Alex or Alpine and I rarely go out of my way to praise vendors unless they blow my socks off.

haha don't worry! Alex already coded my car and I'm currently running Alpine HIDs. I think ill send him another PM and get some more info on this tune as well.

[edwinm3]

Originally Posted by ZEEM3R

What's the difference between this and the DCT tunes tuners sell like BPM and ESS?

It's the same OEM software, some might have tweaked it a bit not sure but pls don't give your money away.

[Edward]

So you're telling me that the oem programmed GTS DCT software is smoother on slowdowns but faster on all other shifting during performance driving and somehow our cars still came with sh*ttier software?

Is there a DCT software prog that is 100% oem and developed by BMW that is better than the one that came on my 2013? Yesterday I was in my car w someone and I shifted into 1 slowing down at around 10 mph and her head damn well near hit the dashboard. really embarrassing because it looks like you can't properly modulate the brake pedal.

[Brian0473]

I'm not sure how much of the GTS tune is pure BMW and how much is aftermarket magic. I'm sure Alex can answer that if you shoot him a message.

But yes, it's noticeably smoother AND faster when you want it to be. Best mod for the bucks as far as I can tell.

[ZEEM3R]

Originally Posted by edwinm3

It's the same OEM software, some might have tweaked it a bit not sure but pls don't give your money away.

so you are recommending that I don't purchase this tune from Alpine or the tune all together from anyone?

[edwinm3]

Originally Posted by ZEEM3R

so you are recommending that I don't purchase this tune from Alpine or the tune all together from anyone?

Didn't say that, I don't think dealers will program it. I've dealt with Alex in the past and I highly recommend him. One of the best to deal with here.

[ZEEM3R]

Originally Posted by edwinm3

Didn't say that, I don't think dealers will program it. I've dealt with Alex in the past and I highly recommend him. One of the best to deal with here.

I actually purchased it from him just yesterday lol. Haven't installed it yet because of Christmas but can't wait!

[edwinm3]

Originally Posted by ZEEM3R

I actually purchased it from him just yesterday lol. Haven't installed it yet because of Christmas but can't wait!

Great choice! Enjoy it in good health

[0_to_60]

Alex upgraded mine too months ago, and i can say shifting to reverse has zero lag now, smoother shifts and faster launches. Also you can immediatelu shift from 5to2 rev matching your speed

[spool twice]

another benefit that I came across...

On the OEM software, when you have DSC off and you floor it at WOT, the revs will rise to 3,000rpm and the clutch would do a "soft" dump to reduce wheelspin, like the clutch will only grab 80% initially, and gradually give you 100%

The GTS software will do a "hard" dump to make the clutchs grab 100% to incude wheelspin immediately and will pretty much burn through first gear to warm up the tires (such as drag radials).

[dparm]

Originally Posted by edwinm3

Didn't say that, I don't think dealers will program it. I've dealt with Alex in the past and I highly recommend him. One of the best to deal with here.

Dealers won't flash a GTS program. They can update the US DCT program to the newest one (many cars already had this performed prior to delivery), but they won't do Euro or GTS flashes. I don't think they even have access to those.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Brian0473

I'm not sure how much of the GTS tune is pure BMW and how much is aftermarket magic. I'm sure Alex can answer that if you shoot him a message.

I believe Alex has posted on here that he adjusted the GTS program for proper performance on a non-GTS car.

IIRC the shift time is not the GTS's 90ms, but is instead 100ms due to the small but still significant trans differences: bigger clutch packs and a cooler.

[flipm3]

Thanks for sharing! If I didn't already have a DCT Tune, I would have totally went with Alex@Alpine. Sounds like this great customer service continues to please the forums!

Enjoy the new calibration.

[spool twice]

Originally Posted by flipm3

Thanks for sharing! If I didn't already have a DCT Tune, I would have totally went with Alex@Alpine. Sounds like this great customer service continues to please the forums!

Enjoy the new calibration.

+1, his reviews appear to be stand-up enough for me to recommend him, even though I've never personally dealt with him.

Thankfully our DCT file was included

[JDM2GDM]

+1. Just got the dct tune from Alex via remote coding plus other coding upgrades. Process was smooth and it made a world of a difference.

[grantmax]

Originally Posted by dparm

Dat extended fox red leather.

That's all I could see.

Alex does a great job. Simple and seamless.