BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Today's Posts


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Drivetrain, ECU Software Modifications
 
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-10-2019, 05:52 PM   #859
Alex@Alpine
Colonel
1303
Rep
2,441
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: United States

iTrader: (50)

Black Friday special live now.

http://www.alpinemss.com/product_p/FMT.htm

Coupon code: BF19
Appreciate 4
wfdeacon881104.00
SoCalRPM885.50
chocstraw495.50
derbo3605.50
      11-10-2019, 06:36 PM   #860
Fezza
Second Lieutenant
Fezza's Avatar
Australia
149
Rep
254
Posts

Drives: '11 Japan Red E92 M3
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Perth, Western Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Powashiftin View Post
Where did you read that? I'd love to know if he has other specific tunes.
on page 5 of this thread
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2019, 10:58 AM   #861
timo1980
Private First Class
10
Rep
114
Posts

Drives: 135i
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: santa clara, ca

iTrader: (3)

Does anyone know if passing emissions with stage 2 tune, but stock exhaust will be a problem? What about passing with stage 2 tune and no primary cats?
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2019, 11:19 AM   #862
Alex@Alpine
Colonel
1303
Rep
2,441
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: United States

iTrader: (50)

Quote:
Originally Posted by timo1980 View Post
Does anyone know if passing emissions with stage 2 tune, but stock exhaust will be a problem? What about passing with stage 2 tune and no primary cats?
You need to be 100% stock.
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2019, 11:21 AM   #863
omgzirra_exe
Lieutenant Colonel
omgzirra_exe's Avatar
United_States
1462
Rep
1,673
Posts

Drives: 4.4L M3, IS300
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by timo1980 View Post
Does anyone know if passing emissions with stage 2 tune, but stock exhaust will be a problem? What about passing with stage 2 tune and no primary cats?
stock tune / oem xpipe w/ aftermarket muffler will be fine.

has to be 100% stock tune.
__________________
Build: ZillaSpec M3 N1 Build
M3Post Track General Discussion: Discord
#fakeGTS
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 09:38 AM   #864
E46tknv
Private First Class
60
Rep
194
Posts

Drives: BMW E90 M3
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Hello everyone. Just flashed the car with stage 1.


Am I the first one on this thread that can say that there’s no real difference? Am I missing something? Is there a break in period? I’ll ask Alex the logistics and thinks to look for but wanted to get an opinion from someone here.
Appreciate 1
E92M3GT101.00
      11-14-2019, 09:54 AM   #865
Merlin_83
Merlin
Merlin_83's Avatar
United_States
474
Rep
730
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW M3 6MT w/ZCP
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW M3 ZCP  [0.00]
2008 BMW 335i  [0.00]
2008 BMW 335xi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
Hello everyone. Just flashed the car with stage 1.


Am I the first one on this thread that can say that there’s no real difference? Am I missing something? Is there a break-in period? I’ll ask Alex the logistics and thinks to look for but wanted to get an opinion from someone here.
I'm curious if others say this too, I'm right on the fence on doing the tune with Alex Alpine Tune or BPM. My car is totally stock, will I 'feel' it? When I read the description of the tune it states 20-25 hp on a stock vehicle.

And which is better? Alpine or BPM? BPM charges more, but maybe do other stuff too?
__________________


2012 E92 M3 ZCP | 2008 E90 335xi | 2008 E90 335i |
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 09:59 AM   #866
E46tknv
Private First Class
60
Rep
194
Posts

Drives: BMW E90 M3
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin_83 View Post
I'm curious if others say this too, I'm right on the fence on doing the tune with Alex Alpine Tune or BPM. My car is totally stock, will I 'feel' it? When I read the description of the tune it states 20-25 hp on a stock vehicle.

And which is better? Alpine or BPM? BPM charges more, but maybe do other stuff too?
That’s why I went with alpine. He’s doing a Black Friday deal for $500 and this thread raves how great the dude is. Everyone else charging an arm and a leg for essentially the same exact plug n play tune.

It could be 20-25whp but more then likely at the top end. My intentions is to go stage 2 soon so that’s why I went with the tune
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 10:08 AM   #867
Merlin_83
Merlin
Merlin_83's Avatar
United_States
474
Rep
730
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW M3 6MT w/ZCP
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW M3 ZCP  [0.00]
2008 BMW 335i  [0.00]
2008 BMW 335xi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
That’s why I went with alpine. He’s doing a Black Friday deal for $500 and this thread raves how great the dude is. Everyone else charging an arm and a leg for essentially the same exact plug n play tune.

It could be 20-25whp but more than likely at the top end. My intentions is to go stage 2 soon so that’s why I went with the tune
Oh! I guess I didn't see the coupon code lowers the price to $499 - wow!

So that is a big incentive since BPM charges $400 MORE - why doesn't BPM offer coupons to match at least?

I guess that's what makes me wonder what else do they do (BPM) to charge so much more? $400 is a huge difference.
__________________


2012 E92 M3 ZCP | 2008 E90 335xi | 2008 E90 335i |
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 10:16 AM   #868
E46tknv
Private First Class
60
Rep
194
Posts

Drives: BMW E90 M3
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin_83 View Post

I guess that's what makes me wonder what else do they do (BPM) to charge so much more? $400 is a huge difference.
Absolutely NOTHING. Depends who you want to deal with and price is a factor. Look at both vendors, both providing the same services. But Alex, gives his personal number to get in contact with him quick. That’s a huge factor for me.

Good luck
Appreciate 1
      11-14-2019, 10:18 AM   #869
Alex@Alpine
Colonel
1303
Rep
2,441
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: United States

iTrader: (50)

Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
Hello everyone. Just flashed the car with stage 1.


Am I the first one on this thread that can say that there’s no real difference? Am I missing something? Is there a break in period? I’ll ask Alex the logistics and thinks to look for but wanted to get an opinion from someone here.
Always possibility your vehicle was already tuned when you purchased it. These vehicles are generally difficult to tell if they are already tuned so it is always best to ask the previous owner if he/she tuned the vehicle.

Coming from a stock car to tuned you will definitely feel the difference.

Did you also clear adaptions?

Another factor is also customers coming from turbo/supercharged vehicles. A 335i can gain 80hp and 80lbs of torque with just a simple tune and these customers sometimes aren't impressed with the low torque gains on these NA motors.

Having drove the 335i from 2006 to end of 2007 and jumping into a E9X M3 I almost thought the vehicle had a problem but came to understand it is a fine tuned instrument that gives predictable results every single time.
Appreciate 1
tigermack473.50
      11-14-2019, 10:18 AM   #870
Dpc2u
Major
Dpc2u's Avatar
No_Country
11503
Rep
1,069
Posts

Drives: E93 M3, E60 M5, F15 X5, E46
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Middle Tennessee

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
Hello everyone. Just flashed the car with stage 1.


Am I the first one on this thread that can say that there’s no real difference? Am I missing something? Is there a break in period? I’ll ask Alex the logistics and thinks to look for but wanted to get an opinion from someone here.
Did you clear adaptations? Also, it takes 100 miles or so to relearn adaptations with the new tune. I definitely feel a difference, but it was not earth shattering and immediate.
__________________
E46, E60 M5, E93 M3, F15 X5

IG - @thebimmerhaus
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 10:33 AM   #871
Dpc2u
Major
Dpc2u's Avatar
No_Country
11503
Rep
1,069
Posts

Drives: E93 M3, E60 M5, F15 X5, E46
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Middle Tennessee

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin_83 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
That’s why I went with alpine. He’s doing a Black Friday deal for $500 and this thread raves how great the dude is. Everyone else charging an arm and a leg for essentially the same exact plug n play tune.

It could be 20-25whp but more than likely at the top end. My intentions is to go stage 2 soon so that’s why I went with the tune
Oh! I guess I didn't see the coupon code lowers the price to $499 - wow!

So that is a big incentive since BPM charges $400 MORE - why doesn't BPM offer coupons to match at least?

I guess that's what makes me wonder what else do they do (BPM) to charge so much more? $400 is a huge difference.
Not to mention the free tunes moving forward that Alex offers!
__________________
E46, E60 M5, E93 M3, F15 X5

IG - @thebimmerhaus
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 10:39 AM   #872
Merlin_83
Merlin
Merlin_83's Avatar
United_States
474
Rep
730
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW M3 6MT w/ZCP
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW M3 ZCP  [0.00]
2008 BMW 335i  [0.00]
2008 BMW 335xi  [0.00]
I have an important question for Alex, and this is one of the many reasons I enjoy the forums. I can ask a question from experienced persons that have a deep understanding of the S65.

Alex, in terms of the 'adaptions', is this basically adaptive driving learning that the DME or ECU uses based on how I drive the car? Meaning how often a WOT, or shift early or late, or redline?

I've owned my car for 6 years now and have around 43K miles on it, I drive very mildly with it. It took me years to be able to afford this car, and I've always been careful with how the engine is treated. Reluctant to admit it, but I've only redlined the engine maybe 8 times. I will play in the 5K-7K RPM range frequently, but not every day.

And if a person set up their car for an 'ideal' selection of mods for performance in what order should they do them in?

Thank you,
Merlin
__________________


2012 E92 M3 ZCP | 2008 E90 335xi | 2008 E90 335i |
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 02:39 PM   #873
Alex@Alpine
Colonel
1303
Rep
2,441
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: United States

iTrader: (50)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin_83 View Post
I have an important question for Alex, and this is one of the many reasons I enjoy the forums. I can ask a question from experienced persons that have a deep understanding of the S65.

Alex, in terms of the 'adaptions', is this basically adaptive driving learning that the DME or ECU uses based on how I drive the car? Meaning how often a WOT, or shift early or late, or redline?

I've owned my car for 6 years now and have around 43K miles on it, I drive very mildly with it. It took me years to be able to afford this car, and I've always been careful with how the engine is treated. Reluctant to admit it, but I've only redlined the engine maybe 8 times. I will play in the 5K-7K RPM range frequently, but not every day.

And if a person set up their car for an 'ideal' selection of mods for performance in what order should they do them in?

Thank you,
Merlin
I personally like doing mods one at a time so I can get a feel for everything and also have something to look forward to. No real order or preference on mods, it is all to your personal liking/needs.

Consider adaptions as a learning point for the vehicle. It picks up on patterns of driving, fueling, elevation, and many other factors to improve the overall vehicles function. A more aggressive driver will get a more aggressive response from the vehicle whereas your driving would cause the vehicle to probably conserve fuel and have a less jumpy throttle/pedal.

IMO these cars shine when you take it up to 8K. The sound alone at 8K till this day puts a smile on my face. Sounds like you have a pristine example and I would not want you to change your driving habits based on mines or anyone else's. I personally rarely red line, but I do take it up to 8000-8100 all the time.

Aggressive drivers will generally have a more responsive vehicle and more power but they also have more problems. Heavy footed drivers put more stress on the motor, specially a newer motor will open up more. Overtime a aggressive driver will cause components (and the engine block) to somewhat stretch/move easier using less energy and make more power.

The key is maintenance & care.
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2019, 09:20 PM   #874
shootnjunky
Private
United_States
23
Rep
93
Posts

Drives: e92 bmw m3
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: concord ohio

iTrader: (0)

Alex do you do anything for the N52?

I love what you’ve done for my s65
Appreciate 0
      11-18-2019, 01:36 PM   #875
Alex@Alpine
Colonel
1303
Rep
2,441
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: United States

iTrader: (50)

Quote:
Originally Posted by shootnjunky View Post
Alex do you do anything for the N52?

I love what you’ve done for my s65
Hello, send me an email alex@alpinemss.com
Appreciate 0
      11-19-2019, 09:25 PM   #876
Jerezblack.m3
First Lieutenant
Jerezblack.m3's Avatar
149
Rep
307
Posts

Drives: BMW E92 M3
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (4)

Do you have an instagram alex?
Appreciate 0
      11-19-2019, 09:31 PM   #877
chocstraw
Lieutenant
chocstraw's Avatar
496
Rep
457
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
That’s why I went with alpine. He’s doing a Black Friday deal for $500 and this thread raves how great the dude is. Everyone else charging an arm and a leg for essentially the same exact plug n play tune.

It could be 20-25whp but more then likely at the top end. My intentions is to go stage 2 soon so that’s why I went with the tune
I’m on stage 2 and I notice a lot more in the midrange, it’s harder to say, I’m sure there’s more top end but I find the bump in usable power from 3000-6000 much more apparent.
Appreciate 2
wfdeacon881104.00
tigermack473.50
      11-19-2019, 10:10 PM   #878
wfdeacon88
Major
1104
Rep
1,389
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Triad, NC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlin_83 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
Hello everyone. Just flashed the car with stage 1.


Am I the first one on this thread that can say that there's no real difference? Am I missing something? Is there a break-in period? I'll ask Alex the logistics and thinks to look for but wanted to get an opinion from someone here.
I'm curious if others say this too, I'm right on the fence on doing the tune with Alex Alpine Tune or BPM. My car is totally stock, will I 'feel' it? When I read the description of the tune it states 20-25 hp on a stock vehicle.

And which is better? Alpine or BPM? BPM charges more, but maybe do other stuff too?
Alpine is the best. Map changes are incredibly simple, easy to request, and customizable. I'm sure BPM is solid given the reviews, so no negatives to say about either, but Alpine has served me so well and is much more affordable with all the options you could want to customize and no hassle to go from stage 1 to 2 plus unlimited map changes. I've been running his tune for almost a year. started stage 1. Nice little bump, car ran smoother, some nice changes to preferences, such as cold start delete, cold start rev limiter, etc.. Then I went stage 2 with test pipes. Big difference over stock with stage 2... I wouldn't NEVER go back to stock now. I also would never use another tune personally, because Alpine has been flawless for me thus far. It's how the car should be.
Appreciate 2
      11-19-2019, 10:13 PM   #879
wfdeacon88
Major
1104
Rep
1,389
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Triad, NC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chocstraw View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by E46tknv View Post
That's why I went with alpine. He's doing a Black Friday deal for $500 and this thread raves how great the dude is. Everyone else charging an arm and a leg for essentially the same exact plug n play tune.

It could be 20-25whp but more then likely at the top end. My intentions is to go stage 2 soon so that's why I went with the tune
I'm on stage 2 and I notice a lot more in the midrange, it's harder to say, I'm sure there's more top end but I find the bump in usable power from 3000-6000 much more apparent.
This. Mid range is definitely where I feel most of the increase. High range is there, but it's a flat curve power range, so the initial bump in power is where you feel it most and it just continues all the way to redline. Its such a nice upgrade from 3-5K RPM over stock...
Appreciate 0
      11-20-2019, 01:35 AM   #880
chocstraw
Lieutenant
chocstraw's Avatar
496
Rep
457
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wfdeacon88 View Post
This. Mid range is definitely where I feel most of the increase. High range is there, but it's a flat curve power range, so the initial bump in power is where you feel it most and it just continues all the way to redline. Its such a nice upgrade from 3-5K RPM over stock...
I find myself shifting a bit earlier than before because the powerband is more usable than it already was.

Like everyone else has said, Alex is great to deal with, the application he made for programming the car is very lean and works great, and the tune makes the car more livable.

I've seen a 10% increase in fuel economy too. Consider that the average person fills up once a week in this car, for roughly $2500 in gas a year. I think if you see a 10% increase in MPG, it'll pay for itself over 2-3 years. Maybe the car is running a bit leaner in the midrange?

This tune is second to TPs in the $/HP ratio, it's well worth it.
Appreciate 1
wfdeacon881104.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:21 PM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST