ESS vs VF vs BPM tune

[and1313]

guys, I am currently considering a tune for my 2009 e92 but I am not sure which one to choose from the 3 options. all 3 seem to have similar increase in hp and torque as well as upgrade to 231E OEM software. any pro or cons please list them all. Thanks for your help

[IMG]

[j2m]

6MT or DCT?

[rjd598]

omg

[Its_lobelt]

Originally Posted by and1313

guys, I am currently considering a tune for my 2009 e92 but I am not sure which one to choose from the 3 options. all 3 seem to have similar increase in hp and torque as well as upgrade to 231E OEM software. any pro or cons please list them all. Thanks for your help

How about a simple search and it will yield a billion results on this very topic discussed to death.

I'll make this easy if you don't want to search. Get either one. They are all pretty much the same.

[GIdriver]

CF roof or moonroof?

[happos2]

What color wheels?


Yes, you will get a lot of ass hat responses in this thread, and then someone will comment that we are being too harsh and drinking too much kool aid. Boo ya!

[and1313]

trust me i used that fucking search button. most reviews i see are from ess and bpm. no vf tune. so, if you have a tune and you want to help, post your opinion. if not, move along.

[and1313]

Originally Posted by j2m

6MT or DCT?

DCT

[thekurgan]

OP, I've not heard of the vf tune, but I've been comparing tunes myself and leaning more and more towards the BPM. From what Mike Benvo explains, he's not simply bouncing off the knock control, like some other tunes out there. I have had ESS tunes on previous M cars and loved it, but I primarily got it for the MSS54 and MSS70 DMEs as there wasn't a 91 octane map. PM Mike directly and he can explain quite a bit to you about his tune, abilities and the logic behind the software.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

OP, I've not heard of the vf tune, but I've been comparing tunes myself and leaning more and more towards the BPM. From what Mike Benvo explains, he's not simply bouncing off the knock control, like some other tunes out there. I have had ESS tunes on previous M cars and loved it, but I primarily got it for the MSS54 and MSS70 DMEs as there wasn't a 91 octane map. PM Mike directly and he can explain quite a bit to you about his tune, abilities and the logic behind the software.

this should be verified with at least two things

-data logs showing timing. timing drops will easily identify any pre-detonation or detonation events

-dyno pulls which will show dips in power and torque related to significant detonation related events at a given RPM should they exist

without this data, those comments are all smoke and no fire and should not be made without actual evidence backing the claims up.

(unbiased 1M owner, no dog in this fight)

[and1313]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

OP, I've not heard of the vf tune, but I've been comparing tunes myself and leaning more and more towards the BPM. From what Mike Benvo explains, he's not simply bouncing off the knock control, like some other tunes out there. I have had ESS tunes on previous M cars and loved it, but I primarily got it for the MSS54 and MSS70 DMEs as there wasn't a 91 octane map. PM Mike directly and he can explain quite a bit to you about his tune, abilities and the logic behind the software.

i did pm him a couple days ago. still waiting on the reply. seems like he's been busy. I found the VF tune from Sonic MS but I've been having difficulty in finding real feedback from fellow users

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by and1313

guys, I am currently considering a tune for my 2009 e92 but I am not sure which one to choose from the 3 options. all 3 seem to have similar increase in hp and torque as well as upgrade to 231E OEM software. any pro or cons please list them all. Thanks for your help

No....upgrade will be to 240 E !
And without speaking...i consider this...check this out v v v i think he is the best !!!
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=816790

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

this should be verified with at least two things

-data logs showing timing. timing drops will easily identify any pre-detonation or detonation events

-dyno pulls which will show dips in power and torque related to significant detonation related events at a given RPM should they exist

without this data, those comments are all smoke and no fire and should not be made without actual evidence backing the claims up.

(unbiased 1M owner, no dog in this fight)

You're absolutely correct, Kenny, it's all I have to go on searching here though. I don't know how to acquire the data, so I'll just read, research and speak more with Mike.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by and1313

i did pm him a couple days ago. still waiting on the reply. seems like he's been busy. I found the VF tune from Sonic MS but I've been having difficulty in finding real feedback from fellow users

He is busy, but he usually gets back to me within a few days.

[VF-Engineering]

We maintain all factory sensors and fail-safes to ensure proper and reliable driving. Besides the 20-25hp gain (~17whp/~12ftlbs.tq), the increased feel and throttle response alone gives you a much more connected feel to the car. Sometimes that feel makes your butt-dyno feel like you're gaining much more out of the box than just ~17whp at WOT when you're normally driving around not at WOT anyway.

We also offer $500 credit towards any Supercharger for every Hex Flash purchase.

Here are some of the features of the E9x M3 Hex Flash. Hope this info helps while you're deciding:
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If you like this topic, you may also be interested in:
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[BPMSport]

Sorry guys on slow replies.. Doing my best, very high load.

It's best to pick whichever tuner you feel comfortable with based on your research. There are solid tuning offerings by many vendors here.

Information on our software tuning can be found here:
http://www.bpmsport.com/BPMTune.pdf

Also, the link that ///M Power Belgium posted shows process for flashing the car: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=816790

thekurgan: You are correct that we are conservative with our tuning. We do not turn off any factory safeguards, and do not push high ignition targets. Doing this leads to a car that is ultimately slower in the long run. By tailoring the software to the octane that will be used and the modifications on the vehicle, achievable targets are set in the software which cause the vehicle to perform properly without added undue stress.

My personal M3 which I purchased the first week that they made it to the US has 48,000+ miles, and has been tracked multiple times. It never fails to put a smile on my face.

[Nati Beastcat]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Sorry guys on slow replies.. Doing my best, very high load.

I'm not a fan of these types of threads. Pick whichever tuner you feel comfortable with based on your research. There are solid tuning offerings by many vendors here.

Information on our software tuning can be found here:
http://www.bpmsport.com/BPMTune.pdf

Also, the link that ///M Power Belgium posted shows process for flashing the car: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=816790

thekurgan: You are correct that we are conservative with our tuning. We do not turn off any factory safeguards, and do not push high ignition targets. Doing this leads to a car that is ultimately slower in the long run. By tailoring the software to the octane that will be used and the modifications on the vehicle, achievable targets are set in the software which cause the vehicle to perform properly without added undue stress.

Got my cable Mike. Going to get my test pipes in tomorrow or Friday and give you a call.

[W///]

Not sure what you are expecting OP. There's plenty of reviews around, but it's not like many people have had all 3 tunes at one point.

I'd just go with whatever you are comfortable with, and who has the best customer service.

[tom @ eas]

We've dynoed them all and hands-down recommend the ESS E-Flash.

There's plenty of threads to base your own opinion on.

[Superfly_M3]

Wait a day or two.

I chose ESS tune and will be installing it tomorrow.
For objective comparisson I will dyno tomorrow for my baseline with the 240E software. I have a theory that the 240E by itself adds some whp/tq figures over the old software. That being said, tuners will upload the new 240E software along with their tune which can hide the effects of the 240E. Again only a theory.

I baselined back in December and got 339whp with an older software ... not sure what version, but the car came with it from the factory in Dec 2011. I will be going to the same dyno, and the weather coditions are similar at this point.

My car is stock with the exception of the AA green drop in filter. I will dyno with stock and AA filter 3 runs each to achieve my baseline. I also have the P3cars gauge which shows ignition timing (taken from OBD port). So I will video the timings along with the RPM an compare them to the dyno graphs.

After the base dyno, I will install the ESS tune (91 octane) and burn through a tank of gas for adaptations. I will then dyno again and post results including timing values.

This is as far as I can take this objective comparisson without the data logger. Stay tuned (no punn intended)

[and1313]

thanks guys for the responses. much more useful.