Thanks!!
That's what I thought too. The companies that spend actual R&D time developing proper tunes make you pay for it! Just compare the price of an ESS or Evolve tune, $900, vs a Kelleners or Dähler which is minimum €3000...
As for the full evo Akra vs Akra slip-ons with N55 or third party midpipes the price difference is considerable! So I'm glad that you think it's overpriced for what it is and that it works just fine with your MadDad pipes! I'm also definitely getting the wireless kit as without it you're really only getting two working tips because of the blocking plate.
One more question - what exactly do you gain from modifying the clutch delay valve? Are you getting more grip when the clutch is engaged? Do you get smoother shifts and less bobbing back and forth?
Thanks again for your words of wisdom!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ///M1
Thinking yes, but nothing out there that I've tried is worthwhile at the moment. The sad truth (which tuners won't readily admit) is that the aftermarket is not spending the necessary R&D time to develop a real true tune for the 1///M, or as I call it, peel the onion in full. Whatever is out there is a basically an overlay of their existing N54 product offering, so the 1///M feels...well, like a tuned 135i. The behavior and character of the car is adversely affected to the point it doesnt feel like the special M car that it is. Sooo, lots more wood to be chopped IMO.
As far as the mid pipe, I had the MadDad left over from my 135i days and I love it. Fit and finish is great, no issue with the integration with the Akra. It still saves you good weight over the stock (Akra is marginally more because of the Ti material but it is only nominal). Most of what you pick up in gains is from the mid pipe (my setup resulted in 10whp gains, without allowing for any adaptation, so perhaps by now there is a bit more). I couldn't justify spending the full amount for the Evolution when the aftermarket mid pipe achieves pretty much the same (HP and weight wise). But the valve feature is a must IMO, makes a very big difference sound wise, and frankly, the only exhaust I have heard that makes the 1///M sound completely different. A lot of the other offerings still make it too close in sound to an aftermarket exhaust on a 135i. Just my $0.02, I realize I may be hurting some people's feelings but that was my take on it. Lastly - you ask about tips. I went with CF as they are really unique and integrate well with the BMW Performance spoiler, my CF roof wrap, and eventually whatever CF diffuser I decide to do (Revo or SleK). I prefer black tips as well, if the Ti tips were offered in black it would have been a tougher decision, but once you see the quality of the CF tips, you'll be sold! Best of luck!
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