Alex Alpine ECU Tune

[Jerezblack.m3]

Originally Posted by tigermack

It's probably been asked before, I recently went back to stage 2 tune with the Akra catted x-pipe and got a code while driving for insufficient something for the cat, just deleted the code and kept driving. It's just the system detecting there's a cat delete, right?

that's weird. I'm running stage 2 with catted akra x-pipe and never got any error regarding my cats. I think they disable the o2 sensors

[pjk380]

Same here..running Akra Evo exhaust with Stage 2 tune. The code came up a couple times last year., cleared the code and no longer having the code come back. I thought one of the o2 sensors was going bad but all seems good now. No idea on what was the issue. I only have 35k miles on the car.

[t_win]

Has anyone had luck contacting him lately? I've been trying to get a coding session scheduled but haven't heard anything back regarding my scheduling requests.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by tigermack

It's probably been asked before, I recently went back to stage 2 tune with the Akra catted x-pipe and got a code while driving for insufficient something for the cat, just deleted the code and kept driving. It's just the system detecting there's a cat delete, right?

Originally Posted by Jerezblack.m3

that's weird. I'm running stage 2 with catted akra x-pipe and never got any error regarding my cats. I think they disable the o2 sensors

Originally Posted by pjk380

Same here..running Akra Evo exhaust with Stage 2 tune. The code came up a couple times last year., cleared the code and no longer having the code come back. I thought one of the o2 sensors was going bad but all seems good now. No idea on what was the issue. I only have 35k miles on the car.

Gents

My understanding, most 'generic' Stage 2 tunes intended for cat-less configs irrespective of AM brand since cat inputs to ECU are altered, 'coded out' for emissions, error codes, etc
...may be incorrect

With that, indicates Stage 1 likely best suited with AM HFCs, retaining an OEM primary cats coupled with AM axle back configs.
Can confirm, cat-less dual or quad resonated X-pipes work with Stage 2.

AM Tuner can validate...A key input Alex requests is 'your specific' config to obtain proper tune files, feedback etc [i.e. cat-less, X-pipe type].

[ConceptE92]

Any current promos going on? Looking to get this tune!

[Trap.]

Originally Posted by ConceptE92

Any current promos going on? Looking to get this tune!

If you go on m3list website you can find promo code.

[Zurek]

Originally Posted by 1FastSicilian

has anyone had luck with passing NYS inspection with a stage 2 tune?

Also wondering?

[1FastSicilian]

Originally Posted by Zurek

Also wondering?

update.. I pass with no issuees with my stage2 tune from alpine. 2nd year in a row that I passed.

[M3JayM]

I don’t need to flash my DCT GTS transmission tune back to stock prior to loading Stage 1 tune, right?

Per Alex’s email instructions: “The DCT Flash must be installed after the motor tune. Please make sure to flash the motor tune first then proceed to flashing the DCT.”


I already have the DCT GTS tune installed though.


Sorry if dumb question and thanks in advance.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by M3JayM

I don’t need to flash my DCT GTS transmission tune back to stock prior to loading Stage 1 tune, right?

Per Alex’s email instructions: “The DCT Flash must be installed after the motor tune. Please make sure to flash the motor tune first then proceed to flashing the DCT.”


I already have the DCT GTS tune installed though.


Sorry if dumb question and thanks in advance.

you can flash the dme. don't worry about it, the only reason he says that is if you have his DCT tune which uses a different cable to change the parameters of the dct.

[cmichaelo]

Originally Posted by 1FastSicilian

update.. I pass with no issuees with my stage2 tune from alpine. 2nd year in a row that I passed.

Did you put mini cats on the 2ndary sensors?

[1FastSicilian]

Originally Posted by cmichaelo

Did you put mini cats on the 2ndary sensors?

no cats anywhere

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by M3JayM

VM Fusion was giving me an error so I think I have to attempt it with Windows 11 via Parallels...

As previously recommended, Parallels + W10 works flawlessly with Alpine tuning software.

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

As previously recommended, Parallels + W10 works flawlessly with Alpine tuning software.

I'm surprised why in the hell a lot of the tuning companies do not have a simple Apple app. I use my shops windows laptop to upload all my tunes. Some of the companies have started using android and ios app options to read and write tunes to cars.

I had both windows and apple laptops but since the windows one crapped out on me twice taking all my stuff with it i just gave up and went full macbook pro.

[M3JayM]

Is it necessary to “Read ECU Memory” per Alex’s instructions, prior to flashing?

What car data does it backup? Anything I’d ever need?

[sdbmwcoding]

Originally Posted by M3JayM

Is it necessary to “Read ECU Memory” per Alex’s instructions, prior to flashing?

What car data does it backup? Anything I’d ever need?

No not necessary and takes a long time to backup your current software

[M3JayM]

Second drive after installing Stage 1… on start up, the redline/rev limiter started down at 4000 or 4500 as if in limp mode, instead of 6000. Car warmed up as normal and limiter eventually reached standard 8400.

Is this typical? Not really an issue I guess just curious.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by M3JayM

Second drive after installing Stage 1… on start up, the redline/rev limiter started down at 4000 or 4500 as if in limp mode, instead of 6000. Car warmed up as normal and limiter eventually reached standard 8400.

Is this typical? Not really an issue I guess just curious.

M3JayM the tach rev indicators [yellow & red] are always shown at reduced levels for 'cold starts' whether stock or tuned.
Indicators act to visually 'warn' driver to prevent over revs until engine reaches safer operating temps.

High rev rips when 'cold' are certainly possible ==> at your own peril; longer-term engine damage inevitable.

Limp Mode - Completey different behavior.

> Characterized by CEL, DME messages, warning 'bongs', etc. In this case, the DME PREVENTS power and revs beyond ~4K

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by M3JayM

Is it necessary to “Read ECU Memory” per Alex’s instructions, prior to flashing?

What car data does it backup? Anything I’d ever need?

Backup - Purpose to allow reversion of DME to original OE tune as an option or future need.

> Time to complete ~40-45min [not a big deal to do]

Reversion to OE tune - For example, can be particularly favorable when experiencing more complex and/or simultaneous engine, sensors, DME errors and codes...removes the variable of an AM Tune being causal factor to diagnose, remedy issues.

[M3JayM]

Originally Posted by smokinjoe64

M3JayM the tach rev indicators [yellow & red] are always shown at reduced levels for 'cold starts' whether stock or tuned.
Indicators act to visually 'warn' driver to prevent over revs until engine reaches safer operating temps.

High rev rips when 'cold' are certainly possible ==> at your own peril; longer-term engine damage inevitable.

Limp Mode - Completey different behavior.

> Characterized by CEL, DME messages, warning 'bongs', etc. In this case, the DME PREVENTS power and revs beyond ~4K

Completely understood. But every other time I've started the car prior to the install of the tune, the reduced level began at 6000 rpm and climbed from there as the car warmed up. I know I wasn't in limp mode this time, but the only other time I'd ever seen the indicator that low was in limp mode.

And yes, I always allow the car to fully warm up prior to any spirited driving/high rev rips. It's my baby so I'm very conscious of that.

[smokinjoe64]

Originally Posted by M3JayM

But every other time I've started the car prior to the install of the tune, the reduced level began at 6000 rpm and climbed from there as the car warmed up. .

M3JayM sure bout your 6K RPM recall???...or maybe I'm not understanding your concern. Next time include a pic for clarity.

Here's mine...a quick pic heading out this afternoon; ignition On w/o engine start-up.
That said, not from a bone 'cold start' [ran it earlier today].

Point is...sounds like nothing to fret over. Enjoy the tune!

BTW - Running Alpine Stage II for ~3yrs; previously began w/ Stage I circa 2019
...best of all, 'smiles/gallon' exponentially better than ever

[BMWsE92]

I'm sure this is a dumb question, but Im looking to get the Alpine tune with GTS flash - but what is the Coding (Euro MDM)? Thanks!