Are the tunes even getting updated over the years or same tune from a while ago being sent still?
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06-22-2026LAST POST
What would there be to update?
Regarding customer service and overall quality of the Alpine tune.... As someone who is customer facing and deals with customers myself, also an Engineer by trade, Alex is extremely rude and unprofessional in most cases. Ask to send him money, his tone changes. Once this is complete, it's best effort from here on out. The rudeness is just ridiculous, perhaps its arrogance if you ask me. I've used other tuners in the past, tried Alex's Stage 2 tune out for the past couple years. I’ve had my E90 since 2012. My E90 is not a daily, at best I may put a couple hundred miles on the car a year. Since installing his tune, I've had nothing but problems with the "Service Car" light on the dash. Upon every email to Alex, he passes blame off to the car, O2's every time. God forbid you mention it's his tune, he gets extremely butt hurt. I've replaced my O2's multiple times per his request. I've spent a ton of money chasing his Ghosts with this tune.
This past week, I've finally decided to have the car software changed at a local Shop that races out of Road Atlanta I found. I'm local to these guys and they asked if they could see what might be the issue. As most of you know, Alex is west coast based. California does not allow you to do certain things to our cars bc Cali sux overall but emission related for sure. The professional at the track I stumbled upon pulled the codes for Alex's tune that never seem to go away. You can clear them out with a scan tool, let the car re-adapt and they come back every time. I've sent these to Alex multiple times and his response is always, "your O2's are bad". So, after pulling the info off the DME, the professional noticed that the code is saying "Post Catalyst Fuel trim system too lean Bank 1". Everyone knows, that you code out the post O2's on these tunes to keep the car from constantly trying to "adapt" Post Cat. However, in California you CAN NOT code out those O2's because it is illegal, so Alex cannot legally do that. I believe his software may not allow him to do that or he could get in big trouble with the Cali Overlords. I believe what he is doing could potentially be unethical to a degree if he has knowledge of this, I mean he is an engineer right? Can't blame ignorance here in my opinion.
Long story short, since removing his tune and installing a different tune that is suited to the parts installed on my car and all things being considered, the car is running well, and like it hasn't ran in a couple of years. I'm just hoping that the Alpine tune did not damage anything in the motor. My car has already been all sorted out with Rod Bearings, TBA's, O2's, Water Pump, seals....etc. Needless to say, I’m a little irritated about the situation.
I hope this helps folks on here, crappy that I had to spend so much money chasing a tune that was not done correctly based on someone else that knows these cars well. Cheers.
This past week, I've finally decided to have the car software changed at a local Shop that races out of Road Atlanta I found. I'm local to these guys and they asked if they could see what might be the issue. As most of you know, Alex is west coast based. California does not allow you to do certain things to our cars bc Cali sux overall but emission related for sure. The professional at the track I stumbled upon pulled the codes for Alex's tune that never seem to go away. You can clear them out with a scan tool, let the car re-adapt and they come back every time. I've sent these to Alex multiple times and his response is always, "your O2's are bad". So, after pulling the info off the DME, the professional noticed that the code is saying "Post Catalyst Fuel trim system too lean Bank 1". Everyone knows, that you code out the post O2's on these tunes to keep the car from constantly trying to "adapt" Post Cat. However, in California you CAN NOT code out those O2's because it is illegal, so Alex cannot legally do that. I believe his software may not allow him to do that or he could get in big trouble with the Cali Overlords. I believe what he is doing could potentially be unethical to a degree if he has knowledge of this, I mean he is an engineer right? Can't blame ignorance here in my opinion.
Long story short, since removing his tune and installing a different tune that is suited to the parts installed on my car and all things being considered, the car is running well, and like it hasn't ran in a couple of years. I'm just hoping that the Alpine tune did not damage anything in the motor. My car has already been all sorted out with Rod Bearings, TBA's, O2's, Water Pump, seals....etc. Needless to say, I’m a little irritated about the situation.
I hope this helps folks on here, crappy that I had to spend so much money chasing a tune that was not done correctly based on someone else that knows these cars well. Cheers.
WiFiGuy wroteInteresting input.Regarding customer service and overall quality of the Alpine tune.... As someone who is customer facing and deals with customers myself, also an Engineer by trade, Alex is extremely rude and unprofessional in most cases. Ask to send him money, his tone changes. Once this is complete, it's best effort from here on out. The rudeness is just ridiculous, perhaps its arrogance if you ask me. I've used other tuners in the past, tried Alex's tune out for the past couple years. I’ve had my E90 since 2012. My E90 is not a daily, at best I may put a couple hundred miles on the car a year. Since installing his tune, I've had nothing but problems with the "Service Car" light on the dash. Upon every email to Alex, he passes blame off to the car, O2's every time. God forbid you mention it's his tune, he gets extremely butt hurt. I've replaced my O2's multiple times per his request. I've spent a ton of money chasing his Ghosts with this tune.
This past week, I've finally decided to have the car software changed at a local Shop that races out of Road Atlanta I found. I'm local to these guys and they asked if they could see what might be the issue. As most of you know, Alex is west coast based. California does not allow you to do certain things to our cars bc Cali sux overall but emission related for sure. The professional at the track I stumbled upon pulled the codes for Alex's tune that never seem to go away. You can clear them out with a scan tool, let the car re-adapt and they come back every time. I've sent these to Alex multiple times and his response is always, "your O2's are bad". So, after pulling the info off the DME, the professional noticed that the code is saying "Post Catalyst Fuel trim system too lean Bank 1". Everyone knows, that you code out the post O2's on these tunes to keep the car from constantly trying to "adapt" Post Cat. However, in California you CAN NOT code out those O2's because it is illegal, so Alex cannot legally do that. I believe his software may not allow him to do that or he could get in big trouble with the Cali Overlords. I believe what he is doing could potentially be unethical to a degree if he has knowledge of this, I mean he is an engineer right? Can blame ignorance here in my opinion.
Long story short, since removing his tune and installing a different tune that is suited to the parts installed on my car and all things being considered, the car is running well, and like it hasn't ran in a couple of years. I'm just hoping that the Alpine tune did not damage anything in the motor. My car has already been all sorted out with Rod Bearings, TBA's, O2's, Water Pump, seals....etc. Needless to say, I’m a little irritated about the situation.
I hope this helps folks on here, crappy that I had to spend so much money chasing a tune that was not done correctly based on someone else that knows these cars well. Cheers.
I'm using Alex stage 1 tune i.e. for original exhaust/OS2 system. For my understanding; do you mean that Alex has NOT coded out the OS2 on his Stage 2 sw, hence the codes in your case?
Thanks
Helmsman wroteThat's what I was told by another shop. He is not legally allowed to do that given he is in California. It's illegal in that state from what I was told. I've don't do tunes so this is news to me.Interesting input.
I'm using Alex stage 1 tune i.e. for original exhaust/OS2 system. For my understanding; do you mean that Alex has NOT coded out the OS2 on his Stage 2 sw, hence the codes in your case?
Thanks
WiFiGuy wroteThanks mate. Should be good on stage 1 sw then.That's what I was told by another shop. He is not legally allowed to do that given he is in California. It's illegal in that state from what I was told. I've don't do tunes so this is news to me.
Ps. And although the guy behaves like a prick, the tune has been flawless and makes a nice difference.
No comment about his customer service part but purely about the tune, I've been running his stage 2 with servotronic and gts dct flash on my catless x pipe since end of 2023 without any issues. At least back then there were no issues regarding cats, illegal coding, etc. as someone mentioned
WiFiGuy wroteSo an Alpine stage 2 will always have a check engine light on???Regarding customer service and overall quality of the Alpine tune.... As someone who is customer facing and deals with customers myself, also an Engineer by trade, Alex is extremely rude and unprofessional in most cases. Ask to send him money, his tone changes. Once this is complete, it's best effort from here on out. The rudeness is just ridiculous, perhaps its arrogance if you ask me. I've used other tuners in the past, tried Alex's Stage 2 tune out for the past couple years. I’ve had my E90 since 2012. My E90 is not a daily, at best I may put a couple hundred miles on the car a year. Since installing his tune, I've had nothing but problems with the "Service Car" light on the dash. Upon every email to Alex, he passes blame off to the car, O2's every time. God forbid you mention it's his tune, he gets extremely butt hurt. I've replaced my O2's multiple times per his request. I've spent a ton of money chasing his Ghosts with this tune.
This past week, I've finally decided to have the car software changed at a local Shop that races out of Road Atlanta I found. I'm local to these guys and they asked if they could see what might be the issue. As most of you know, Alex is west coast based. California does not allow you to do certain things to our cars bc Cali sux overall but emission related for sure. The professional at the track I stumbled upon pulled the codes for Alex's tune that never seem to go away. You can clear them out with a scan tool, let the car re-adapt and they come back every time. I've sent these to Alex multiple times and his response is always, "your O2's are bad". So, after pulling the info off the DME, the professional noticed that the code is saying "Post Catalyst Fuel trim system too lean Bank 1". Everyone knows, that you code out the post O2's on these tunes to keep the car from constantly trying to "adapt" Post Cat. However, in California you CAN NOT code out those O2's because it is illegal, so Alex cannot legally do that. I believe his software may not allow him to do that or he could get in big trouble with the Cali Overlords. I believe what he is doing could potentially be unethical to a degree if he has knowledge of this, I mean he is an engineer right? Can't blame ignorance here in my opinion.
Long story short, since removing his tune and installing a different tune that is suited to the parts installed on my car and all things being considered, the car is running well, and like it hasn't ran in a couple of years. I'm just hoping that the Alpine tune did not damage anything in the motor. My car has already been all sorted out with Rod Bearings, TBA's, O2's, Water Pump, seals....etc. Needless to say, I’m a little irritated about the situation.
I hope this helps folks on here, crappy that I had to spend so much money chasing a tune that was not done correctly based on someone else that knows these cars well. Cheers.
I just made a request for a tune on Friday, hope to get it back soon so I can get rid of these check engine lights or at least I hope so..
Same problem - poor customer service. Not recommended. Recommend Mike BPM. He's the OG and where most of these wannabe tuners stole their code.
WiFiGuy wroteSounds like a load of BS or a made up story, perhaps you purchased the wrong tune or selected the wrong options.So, after pulling the info off the DME, the professional noticed that the code is saying "Post Catalyst Fuel trim system too lean Bank 1". Everyone knows, that you code out the post O2's on these tunes to keep the car from constantly trying to "adapt" Post Cat. However, in California you CAN NOT code out those O2's because it is illegal, so Alex cannot legally do that.
I run fully catless with no codes on Alpine MSS Stage 2. I can also confirm that it throws misfire codes when i had a bad coil, unlike some other tuners. It also throws overheat warning on track in florida heat before I did my do88 cooling upgrades. So that tells me the safeties are in place, unlike some other tunes...
narkotic wroteSame problem - poor customer service. Not recommended. Recommend Mike BPM. He's the OG and where most of these wannabe tuners stole their code.
tdott wroteJust a sampling of personal experience(s) some time ago - - unfavorable outcomes and results from Alpine tune(s); have a lookSounds like a load of BS or a made up story, perhaps you purchased the wrong tune or selected the wrong options...
Described issues are by no means unique, a plethora of other forum members struggled with documented, similar experiences...and no it ain't a "load of BS".
smokinjoe64 wroteDon't really care to go back and forth with whatever experience you had, when buying an off the shelf tune, I wouldn't expect a tuner to troubleshoot car related issues.Just a sampling of personal experience(s) some time ago - - unfavorable outcomes and results from Alpine tune(s); have a look
Described issues are by no means unique, a plethora of other forum members struggled with documented, similar experiences...and no it ain't a "load of BS".
There are too many variables, maybe you are trying to run a 93 tune, or a stage 2 tune but still have cats or some other type of mod or changes you aren't mentioning, or like most people can't read and didn't select the right dropdowns. Certain ppl like a barebones approach (Tesla hands you the keys to your new car and tell you to open the app) vs some people like their hands held and a manual read to them like they are an idiot. Different strokes. There is a market for both options.
I've had BPM tune from ~2014-2020 with no issues, but once I installed headers and went catless it would bog low rpm/high load. I inquired about a custom tune revision, Mike advised me to purchase logging software and send him logs, after sending him logs he said nothing could be done
. I had to go elsewhere and with my current setup, my current tune (AlpineMSS) runs better than my previous tune did (BPM).
I got my tune from Alex yesterday and I can confirm no codes on stage 2. I reset adaptions so car would have felt a little different as a baseline and it was one of the hottest days of the year yesterday, so reserving judgement until I take it out this evening with cooler air. Drive-ability does seem smoother, but unsure how much of that was adaption clearings vs the tune
tdott wroteAppreciate comment and generally concur...with that, my 2¢Don't really care to go back and forth with whatever experience you had, when buying an off the shelf tune, I wouldn't expect a tuner to troubleshoot car related issues.
There are too many variables, maybe you are trying to run a 93 tune, or a stage 2 tune but still have cats or some other type of mod or changes you aren't mentioning, or like most people can't read and didn't select the right dropdowns. Certain ppl like a barebones approach (Tesla hands you the keys to your new car and tell you to open the app) vs some people like their hands held and a manual read to them like they are an idiot. Different strokes. There is a market for both options.
I've had BPM tune from ~2014-2020 with no issues, but once I installed headers and went catless it would bog low rpm/high load. I inquired about a custom tune revision, Mike advised me to purchase logging software and send him logs, after sending him logs he said nothing could be done
Point agreement; "there are too many variables" along with whip status impact any OTS tune overall 'mod success'. Add 'unique' use cases [ie track], likely tune performance/outcomes are even more conditional.
Safe to assume, most customers expect 'tune basics':
- Enhance performance with consistent, reliable 'normal' drivability
- Results - Devoid of flaws/errors [as noted, posted by many others]
> Often car related issues may be directly attributable to a tune
> Finding - Alpine tune was, in fact, root cause of outcomes shared
> BPM (Mike) went above and beyond [w/o xtra charge] - Diagnosed, ultimately corrected plaguing Alpine tune issues detailed previously
Over several years...arguably, enough info/data, evidence, and anecdotal findings show there are clearly tuners far superior than others for this platform.> Finding - Alpine tune was, in fact, root cause of outcomes shared
> BPM (Mike) went above and beyond [w/o xtra charge] - Diagnosed, ultimately corrected plaguing Alpine tune issues detailed previously
Get what you pay for [ie solid performance, customer service]...a matter of choice => YMMV, right?
Can’t speak to whatever issues others have run into but my recent experience has been smooth start to finish. Just follow his process, it’s really not that complicated.
My car came with a Stage 1 AA tune from the previous owner. When I reached out to AA they wouldn’t do a license transfer, wouldn’t provide the stock file, and wanted full price for a Stage 2 upgrade. That sent me looking elsewhere.
Tried Mike at BPM. Reached out a couple times through their website form/email, and Instagram. Got a delayed response, replied back, and then got ghosted.
Reached out to Alex on Instagram before buying since the car wasn’t ready to flash yet. He got back to me same day, confirmed I could buy the tune and hold onto it until I was ready, and shipped the cable right away. This was during Black Friday weekend which made it even more appreciated.
I just got around to flashing the car a couple weeks ago, I filled out the request form, listed my mods, selected Stage 2, and the files came through within a day. Motor tune, DCT tune, everything. Flashed without a single issue.
As for how it drives, honestly the power delivery is smooth and linear all the way through the rev range. DCT GTS tune shifts like butter. Car seems to love it, just feels solid and healthy, which is exactly what you want after a flash.
This thread alone is 70+ pages deep and overwhelmingly positive, which says something on its own. Also worth pointing out, unlike others, Alex isn’t money hungry about any of this, free map revisions/upgrades for life, no charging you every time you change hardware or want to step up a stage. That tells you he’s not just running a cash grab.
As far as I’m concerned, Alex at Alpine is honest and clearly knows this platform inside and out. Couldn’t ask for more from a tuner.
I will be posting before and after Dyno soon. Stay tuned.
My car came with a Stage 1 AA tune from the previous owner. When I reached out to AA they wouldn’t do a license transfer, wouldn’t provide the stock file, and wanted full price for a Stage 2 upgrade. That sent me looking elsewhere.
Tried Mike at BPM. Reached out a couple times through their website form/email, and Instagram. Got a delayed response, replied back, and then got ghosted.
Reached out to Alex on Instagram before buying since the car wasn’t ready to flash yet. He got back to me same day, confirmed I could buy the tune and hold onto it until I was ready, and shipped the cable right away. This was during Black Friday weekend which made it even more appreciated.
I just got around to flashing the car a couple weeks ago, I filled out the request form, listed my mods, selected Stage 2, and the files came through within a day. Motor tune, DCT tune, everything. Flashed without a single issue.
As for how it drives, honestly the power delivery is smooth and linear all the way through the rev range. DCT GTS tune shifts like butter. Car seems to love it, just feels solid and healthy, which is exactly what you want after a flash.
This thread alone is 70+ pages deep and overwhelmingly positive, which says something on its own. Also worth pointing out, unlike others, Alex isn’t money hungry about any of this, free map revisions/upgrades for life, no charging you every time you change hardware or want to step up a stage. That tells you he’s not just running a cash grab.
As far as I’m concerned, Alex at Alpine is honest and clearly knows this platform inside and out. Couldn’t ask for more from a tuner.
I will be posting before and after Dyno soon. Stay tuned.
I recently had great experience with Alpine. I was having some annoying issues on my ESS M3 with another tuners map. I'm not dropping names, but it got to the point where I was starting to not like the car anymore. I reached out to Alex and he let me try his Supercharger tune for a few days before purchasing it and sure enough it had resolved my issues and I'm happy. I also purchased his Supercharger DCT tune prior to the ecu tune and that made quite the difference. I'm going through a phase where I'm trying to find the perfect exhaust note and I recently switched to a forward X-pipe and it was nice getting an updated file at no charge. If I decide to switch back to my rear x-pipe, at least I already have that tune on my desktop ready to go. Which tuner would let you try his tune for a few days with a guarantee that the problem will be resolved before letting you pay for the tune? I don't think there's much out there.
