BPM Stage I tune worth it for a 2013?

[Fooksdaddy]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

I have the BPM stage 2 ecu tune on both of my e92 M3s and GTS & stage 1 tunes on my f82. I have the e9x M standard tune and the Akra EVO tune that deals with the low rpm torque dip. Both have performed flawlessly for the past 15 (‘09 MY e92 M3) and 13 years (‘12 MY e92 M3). Also, zero issues with the GTS DCT flash. BPM/Mike has excellent customer service and he’ll help you with tuning and coding at all hours. Mike has helped me at 1-3 am edt/est.

Also, I had an AA stage 2 tune on the ‘09 MY and, after switching to BPM’s stage 2, I won’t be going back to the AA tune. The BPM stage 2 has better low & mid rpm torque which is noticeable on track. I’m consistently 0.25-0.50 sec faster per lap with the BPM tune. BPM may cost more but it’s worth the price.

Exactly, text is the best…. The whole “I emailed him about purchasing a tune and he didn’t respond” is funny as hell to me! BPM has a whole ass online store to purchase the tune….

[GinTonic]

Just do the test pipes and stage 2 tune and be done with it. Buy another exhaust (really good deals on used exhausts here and market place) that is quieter than the MPE and sell the MPE.

I too was hesitant on test pipes for the same reason not wanting a loud car which also put me in a dilemma between stage 1 & stage 2. At this point I have full bolt ons and Epic stage 2 and couldn't be happier. Night and day difference all around and stopped me from selling the car.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Fooksdaddy

Exactly, text is the best…. The whole “I emailed him about purchasing a tune and he didn’t respond” is funny as hell to me! BPM has a whole ass online store to purchase the tune….

Huh, whats funny about that? Typically creates less hassle for both parties if any question marks are sorted prior purchase, no?

[TboneS54]

Originally Posted by GinTonic

Just do the test pipes and stage 2 tune and be done with it. Buy another exhaust (really good deals on used exhausts here and market place) that is quieter than the MPE and sell the MPE.

I too was hesitant on test pipes for the same reason not wanting a loud car which also put me in a dilemma between stage 1 & stage 2. At this point I have full bolt ons and Epic stage 2 and couldn't be happier. Night and day difference all around and stopped me from selling the car.

What muffler do you run?

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by Fooksdaddy

BPM tune…clean from the start none of the above problems. Communication has been great and he’ll respond to text fairly instantly and I never felt like I was bugging. Pricing is higher but the customer service I feel is worth it. Currently on the BPM tune and will not be changing back.

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

I have the BPM stage 2 ecu tune on both of my e92 M3s and GTS & stage 1 tunes on my f82. I have the e9x M standard tune and the Akra EVO tune that deals with the low rpm torque dip. Both have performed flawlessly for the past 15 (‘09 MY e92 M3) and 13 years (‘12 MY e92 M3). Also, zero issues with the GTS DCT flash. BPM/Mike has excellent customer service and he’ll help you with tuning and coding at all hours. Mike has helped me at 1-3 am edt/est.

Also, I had an AA stage 2 tune on the ‘09 MY and, after switching to BPM’s stage 2, I won’t be going back to the AA tune. The BPM stage 2 has better low & mid rpm torque which is noticeable on track. I’m consistently 0.25-0.50 sec faster per lap with the BPM tune. BPM may cost more but it’s worth the price.

Gents purpose of this Post is specifically sharing experiences to provide this Community for considerations related to well-known Tuner(s) product performance, and after-sale customer support.

I’m an original owner of both a 2008 & 2012 e92 M3. Joined Community as an observer and contributor since 2008. Since 2020 proactively refreshed virtually all system components, parts with PMs, upgrades and repairs.
I have tune experience with both Alpine & BPM. I can assure you all, you pay for what you get.

I'm not in the habit of of 'flaming or blaming'...
However, consistently suffered performance issues with Alpine tune and tuner since 2019 [Stage I, II, & E85]. Even compared with OE 240e flash, which showed nominal live data values with cat-less exhaust...absolutely nucking futs!
Spent crazy $,$$$ chasing issues with Alpine tune a small example of categories:

• Emissions - 'extreme lean' condition
• O2 sensors [4 sets <7000 mls]
• Idle issues [pegged idle trim]
• Limp modes

Before asserting "you have other causes", know I maintain my Whip in peak condition. Virtually, all work done professionally [SSR Performance]. Major components/parts repaired or replaced proactively with PMs along with high quality upgrades...basically you name it I've replaced or upgraded it for longevity and/or performance. [BTW - Got email receipts to prove-it]

Another key Tuner consideration is customer service and support:

Alpine - Alex is 'hot/cold' with responses and can be darn right rude and ugly with correspondence to customers. Again, "Got the receipts to prove-it".
Just the latest in a series of examples - - In Mar`25 alone, Alex refused to respond or assist for weeks because the email sent didn't follow 'his format' and more...really asinine, petty, nonsense. Then goes on-n-on to blame, blame, blame...zero meaningful feedback for potential solutions. After ~4wks in shop with hours of exhaustive inspections, analysis became clear with issues stemming from Alpine tune.
Cookie cutter tuner ==> suboptimal results likely

BPM - Decided to go with Mike after multiple 'live discussions', not anal emails, but conversations...decided to go with BPM. Mike not only listened to issues, symptoms he, unsolicited from me, offered to do an in-person analysis of my Whip. With BPM tool, Mike confirmed what SSR Performance found as issues particularly wild, crazy, out-of spec fuel idle trim values.
Loaded BPM tune with instant gratification...ran & sounded awesome, more importantly live data illustrated and confirmed corrections to out-of spec settings/measures from Alpine tune.

I unequivocally, 100% endorse BPM/Mike with my highest recommendation.
BPM actually communicates and cares about the tune product successfully working for your Whip.
IMO, the level of performance, professionalism & support from BPM is unmatched especially compared to Alpine/Alex.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Huh, whats funny about that? Typically creates less hassle for both parties if any question marks are sorted prior purchase, no?

What’s funny is BPM/Mike and his employees responsed to emails and texts quickly (typically it’s <= one day). Pickup the phone and call if the email response time is too slow for you. It’s much easier to call to get your concerns and/or questions addressed than having a back-and-forth email train exchange. I don’t understand why people can’t pickup the phone and call a business? Apparently, it helps to reduce the response time by creating a post complaining about email response time than it is to pickup the phone and call?

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

What’s funny is BPM/Mike and his employees responsed to emails and texts quickly (typically it’s <= one day). Pickup the phone and call if the email response time is too slow for you. It’s much easier to call to get your concerns and/or questions addressed than having a back-and-forth email train exchange. I don’t understand why people can’t pickup the phone and call a business? Apparently, it helps to reduce the response time by creating a post complaining about email response time than it is to pickup the phone and call?

Not sure where you want to go with this. Vendor didn't respond to mail, no big deal. Didn't want to call from the other side of planet/9h away, placed the order with another vendor who answered my questions. I know BPM has a solid rep, so does Alpine. Chatted with Mike off line, no issues. Still don't get what's funny?

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Not sure where you want to go with this. Vendor didn't respond to mail, no big deal. Didn't want to call from the other side of planet/9h away, placed the order with another vendor who answered my questions. I know BPM has a solid rep, so does Alpine. Chatted with Mike off line, no issues. Still don't get what's funny?

Helmsman understand your experience/sentiment on BPM responsiveness; IMO, likely a one-off miss on their part.
Check their longstanding Community rep/impressions

If tune is working for you then you're likely good...genuinely best of luck regarding Alpine tune!

I can assure you of this...
Alpine/Alex will provide you with crap responses if at all, then with utter nonsensical nasty emails if you request ANYTHING other than a 'cookie cutter' map or request any assistance tune related concerns/questions.

Alex will at ya'; with eventual back-n-forth incessant emails without containing meaningful, tangible solutions/options other than blaming.

To be clear, I did not want to purchase or experiment with any other tune.
My vehicle PERFORMANCE & DRIVER SATISFACTION compelled it!!!

> BPM tune solved ALL longstanding Alpine induced, nagging, & costly tune issues

[Lanhorn9]

Hey everyone, I ended up going with Alex from Alpine's stage 1 tune and GTS DCT tune. All in all I'm pleased enough with the improvements and really like the subtle changes like the redline for cold starts dropping to 4500rpm and the car starting out in D2 instead of S3 now. I can actually feel a bit of difference in the car surprisingly too, which I was not expecting, but as the car climbs in RPM I can tell it pulls smoother and harder. I attribute that to the engine being about to utilize the 93 octane fuel and timing a bit more. The GTS tune is very sharp and I can see why it's popular, but I honestly can't tell enough of a difference in it from stock. The one thing I will say that I absolutely have noticed is that it requires driving a tad differently than before. What I mean by that is I can tell the GTS software is expecting more torque at lower RPMs than the stock non-GTS S65 outputs. When driving in D4 previously on stock DCT tune, it shifted in a much more intelligent manner than what I've experienced with the GTS tune. I'm experiencing a bit more gear hunting and a fair amount more laziness to downshift when going uphill, or just rolling on the throttle a bit. It is most happy to drive more aggressive, and it definitely expects more low end torque.

Overall, I'm pleased enough with the two tunes. My favorite thing I got from Alex BY FAR is the Euro MDM coding. That option dramatically changed the driving characteristics and greatly improved the spirited driving for me. Also, I am definitely leaning more towards going to the cat delete stage 2 now. I am just going to have to find an exhaust set-up I'm pleased with because MPE is too loud for me right at the 75-80mph mark when in 7th gear cruising on the highway. It's great for eveything else, but the resonance/drone right at that speed is too much for extended trips.

[m3s65b4.x]

Hi, live in euro area and that Euro MDM nothing special - not granny spec rather newcomer option. Better choose M power and DSC off that give's you control over the car.

Also can't agree MPE is too loud and droney - MPE is most quieter aftermarket silencer and without drone in my opinion.

My bad but absolutely don't understand your claims

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Lanhorn9

Hey everyone, I ended up going with Alex from Alpine's stage 1 tune and GTS DCT tune. All in all I'm pleased enough with the improvements and really like the subtle changes like the redline for cold starts dropping to 4500rpm and the car starting out in D2 instead of S3 now. I can actually feel a bit of difference in the car surprisingly too, which I was not expecting, but as the car climbs in RPM I can tell it pulls smoother and harder. I attribute that to the engine being about to utilize the 93 octane fuel and timing a bit more. The GTS tune is very sharp and I can see why it's popular, but I honestly can't tell enough of a difference in it from stock. The one thing I will say that I absolutely have noticed is that it requires driving a tad differently than before. What I mean by that is I can tell the GTS software is expecting more torque at lower RPMs than the stock non-GTS S65 outputs. When driving in D4 previously on stock DCT tune, it shifted in a much more intelligent manner than what I've experienced with the GTS tune. I'm experiencing a bit more gear hunting and a fair amount more laziness to downshift when going uphill, or just rolling on the throttle a bit. It is most happy to drive more aggressive, and it definitely expects more low end torque.

Overall, I'm pleased enough with the two tunes. My favorite thing I got from Alex BY FAR is the Euro MDM coding. That option dramatically changed the driving characteristics and greatly improved the spirited driving for me. Also, I am definitely leaning more towards going to the cat delete stage 2 now. I am just going to have to find an exhaust set-up I'm pleased with because MPE is too loud for me right at the 75-80mph mark when in 7th gear cruising on the highway. It's great for eveything else, but the resonance/drone right at that speed is too much for extended trips.

Interesting feedback!

Loaded Alpines GTS sw the other day. Immediately noticed quite a bit more violent (manual) gear shifts, the yolting is much stronger compared with my original (European) sw. This is in S4 mode which I normally use.
The Eu sw doesn't have the reverse delay I read the US have so no difference. Shifts supposely 100ms vs 120ms (believe tuned down from GTS 80ms) which I can't tell the difference of really. I'll feel my way for a while, maybe go back to original Eu which is aggressive enough while not "disturbing" grip.

After some more driving with the engine tune its shining more and more. Initially thought it was the cold weather but it is really providing more grunt. Coming up above 150km/h it pulls stronger no doubt.

Edit: Driving a bit more in D I see what you mean, it drags its feet a it more before it shifts. Possibly another reason for me to go back to stock.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Lanhorn9

Hey everyone, I ended up going with Alex from Alpine's stage 1 tune and GTS DCT tune. All in all I'm pleased enough with the improvements and really like the subtle changes like the redline for cold starts dropping to 4500rpm and the car starting out in D2 instead of S3 now. I can actually feel a bit of difference in the car surprisingly too, which I was not expecting, but as the car climbs in RPM I can tell it pulls smoother and harder. I attribute that to the engine being about to utilize the 93 octane fuel and timing a bit more. The GTS tune is very sharp and I can see why it's popular, but I honestly can't tell enough of a difference in it from stock. The one thing I will say that I absolutely have noticed is that it requires driving a tad differently than before. What I mean by that is I can tell the GTS software is expecting more torque at lower RPMs than the stock non-GTS S65 outputs. When driving in D4 previously on stock DCT tune, it shifted in a much more intelligent manner than what I've experienced with the GTS tune. I'm experiencing a bit more gear hunting and a fair amount more laziness to downshift when going uphill, or just rolling on the throttle a bit. It is most happy to drive more aggressive, and it definitely expects more low end torque.



Overall, I'm pleased enough with the two tunes. My favorite thing I got from Alex BY FAR is the Euro MDM coding. That option dramatically changed the driving characteristics and greatly improved the spirited driving for me. Also, I am definitely leaning more towards going to the cat delete stage 2 now. I am just going to have to find an exhaust set-up I'm pleased with because MPE is too loud for me right at the 75-80mph mark when in 7th gear cruising on the highway. It's great for eveything else, but the resonance/drone right at that speed is too much for extended trips.

Went back to OEM EU (the one Alpine delivered with the pack which present the same ver no as my original). Feels much better (to me) right away. Can't tell any difference in shift speed, lightning fast. Goes into R equally fast. But most of all it doesn't jolt in a way that upset the car. The OEM (at least EU) also slams in the gears and jolt on full throttle while the GTS does it already at moderate throttle and gets worse with more.

Edit: And yes, the EO sw shifts more clever in D mode.

[M3SQRD]

I doubt the difference in stock DCT tcu tuning and GTS DCT tcu tuning is based on the GTS’s 10% higher engine torque peak at 3700 rpm (325 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm vs. 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm). I have never driven my e92 M3 with GTS tcu tuning in auto (D) mode (I use S5/S6) and my wife always drives her e92 M3 with GTS DCT tcu tuning in auto (D5) mode. I have not noticed as a passenger the GTS tcu tuning in auto (D) mode hunting for gears and/or holding onto a lower gear longer compared to the stock tcu tuning. Also, no difference in downshift blips in auto (D) or manual (S) mode. However, IMO, the only way to drive the e92 M3 with DCT is in manual (S) mode because the DCT is a manual transmission and it gives you complete control over the transmission and engine.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

I doubt the difference in stock DCT tcu tuning and GTS DCT tcu tuning is based on the GTS’s 10% higher engine torque peak at 3700 rpm (325 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm vs. 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm). I have never driven my e92 M3 with GTS tcu tuning in auto (D) mode (I use S5/S6) and my wife always drives her e92 M3 with GTS DCT tcu tuning in auto (D5) mode. I have not noticed as a passenger the GTS tcu tuning in auto (D) mode hunting for gears and/or holding onto a lower gear longer compared to the stock tcu tuning. Also, no difference in downshift blips in auto (D) or manual (S) mode. However, IMO, the only way to drive the e92 M3 with DCT is in manual (S) mode because the DCT is a manual transmission and it gives you complete control over the transmission and engine.

My M3 is my daily, I drive mainly in S mode as well but certainly use D occasionally, during warm up, when lazy etc. Whether I use a feature a lot or not I prefer them to function the way I like, and this tune didn't quite do it for me. Again, I'm comparing with the OEM European sw which from what I read clearly is different from the US version.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

My M3 is my daily, I drive mainly in S mode as well but certainly use D occasionally, during warm up, when lazy etc. Whether I use a feature a lot or not I prefer them to function the way I like, and this tune didn't quite do it for me. Again, I'm comparing with the OEM European sw which from what I read clearly is different from the US version.

I’ve tried all of the different DCT tcu software and IMO the GTS version is by far the best version. The DCT is a MT and, therefore, you have complete control over the gear selected and engine rpm you want. IMO to get the best experience and the most performance from the e9x M s65 you must use the DCT manual (S) mode in all driving conditions, even during the engine warn-up cycle where you don’t want the rpm to exceed 3000 rpm. BPM sets the cold limit to start at 4500 rpm and I wait at least an additional 15 min after the red lights go out on cold days before I come close to hitting the raised 8600 rpm redline. I prefer to drive DCT-equipped cars like they have a MT because they do have a MT. I have three DCT-equipped cars (four if you include the SMG with CSL tcu software and a lightweight flywheel) and I’ve never once driven any of them in auto (D) mode. The DCT IMO is not used in the g8x because too many people drove a DCT in auto (D) mode and complained to BMW that it’s a terrible automatic transmission so BMW gave them what they wanted a rear 8AT. The 8AT is one of the main reasons I won’t buy a g82 ending my streak of buying all of the M3/M4 generations.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

I’ve tried all of the different DCT tcu software and IMO the GTS version is by far the best version. The DCT is a MT and, therefore, you have complete control over the gear selected and engine rpm you want. IMO to get the best experience and the most performance from the e9x M s65 you must use the DCT manual (S) mode in all driving conditions, even during the engine warn-up cycle where you don’t want the rpm to exceed 3000 rpm. BPM sets the cold limit to start at 4500 rpm and I wait at least an additional 15 min after the red lights go out on cold days before I come close to hitting the raised 8600 rpm redline. I prefer to drive DCT-equipped cars like they have a MT because they do have a MT. I have three DCT-equipped cars (four if you include the SMG with CSL tcu software and a lightweight flywheel) and I’ve never once driven any of them in auto (D) mode. The DCT IMO is not used in the g8x because too many people drove a DCT in auto (D) mode and complained to BMW that it’s a terrible automatic transmission so BMW gave them what they wanted a rear 8AT. The 8AT is one of the main reasons I won’t buy a g82 ending my streak of buying all of the M3/M4 generations.

Got it, D mode functionality doesn't matter to you. While it has been a nice feature for me during my 11y with the car.

[interactivebizco]

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[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by interactivebizco

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Joining a forum to blast a vendor by showing a picture of a brick is childish.
Provide details on what happened.

[smokinjoe64]

Some say...a picture is worth a 1000 words
No explanation necessary