Looking for N55 PPK experience. Throttle response?

[widell]

My last DD was a N/A BMW 325i -88. (Yes, I upgraded 24 model years ^^ )
I really enjoy the immediate throttle response in older cars with mechanically actuated throttle. My N55 135i feels very sluggish in comparison. However, I've heard that the PPK remedies a lot of that, both the throttle engagement and disengagement.
What is the PPK like? Is it worth it for the throttle response and exhaust note? Obviously, it adds some power too. I don't mind more power, but quick response and minimal lag is much more important to me.

[davis449]

Totally worth it to pay one of the vendors on here to do it for way less than they dealer. Totally NOT worth paying the dealer what they want for it. I had TGS do mine and I couldn't be happier. The vehicle is far more responsive in D and S mode without the Sport button. For DD'ing, I couldn't be happier since I only use the Sport button during very spirited driving (when just cruising around, the aggressiveness can get annoying). The exhaust note is definitely more noticeable and oh so enjoyable. Now I can't really think of a reason to get the sport exhaust. Basically, after two months with the flash, I experience and assess the tune to really deliver exactly what you stated you want. It's not that the added HP and torque make it faster so much as the tune just provides better overall driveability.

[Downeaster1]

Because the E30 has mechanical linkage to the throttle, you won't get anything exactly like that, however the PPK does make a noticeable difference. Like @widell said, it's more cost effective to have a vendor do it for you rather than a dealership.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by davis449

Totally worth it to pay one of the vendors on here to do it for way less than they dealer. Totally NOT worth paying the dealer what they want for it. I had TGS do mine and I couldn't be happier. The vehicle is far more responsive in D and S mode without the Sport button. For DD'ing, I couldn't be happier since I only use the Sport button during very spirited driving (when just cruising around, the aggressiveness can get annoying). The exhaust note is definitely more noticeable and oh so enjoyable. Now I can't really think of a reason to get the sport exhaust. Basically, after two months with the flash, I experience and assess the tune to really deliver exactly what you stated you want. It's not that the added HP and torque make it faster so much as the tune just provides better overall driveability.

Glad you are enjoying it!

PPK has been EXTREMELY popular so I'd have to highly recommend it.

[shawnj]

that's funny. My last dd was a 91 e30. PPK def worth doing. I got a lot more pops and gurgles now too.

[shawnyeeah]

Planning on installing next week. Hopefully it isn't a complete waste of money...will update

[shawnyeeah]

Drove it for about 50 miles after PPK install (both highway and city). I had issues with throttle lag after rolling stops, rpm fluctuations at idle, occasional jerkiness.
1. Solved all of the problems I had with the car/dual-clutch trans (N55)
2. Car drives a lot smoother and also pulls a lot harder, which surprised me considering the low to moderate gain in hp/tq.
3. The exhaust burbles are insane...and besides my BMS intake and golf-tee mod, car is stock.

[SkullV]

I just flashed the PPK to my '11 135i today. Throttle response is the #1 improvement. I can't believe BMW didn't just program this type of throttle response into all of their drive-by-wire vehicles.

[shawnyeeah]

Drive by wire?...not sure about that part but I agree with better tuning to come stock.

[SkullV]

Originally Posted by yeezy4me

Drive by wire?...not sure about that part but I agree with better tuning to come stock.

Drive by wire means that there is an electronic motor on the throttle body that physically opens the throttle blade when you push the pedal. There is no physical cable that pulls the throttle body open when you push the pedal. Throttle response is an "issue" on all drive by wire vehicles across all makes, but its barely noticeable at times. It is one of the main reasons that products like sprint booster exist.

[shawnyeeah]

Gotcha! I was thinking steer by wire when I read that for some reason...

[Cmoney135i]

how much is ppk from a vendor on here?

[Yeineken]

I paid the dealer price when I first got the car. I really felt it was worth it. Now you can do it for much cheaper with a vendor.

Really weakens the car up. However if you feel like spending the big bucks I would skip it and go for Dinan. That's my next move.

[Gangplank]

Worth every penny. I paid my Indy to have it done. As said above its how the n55 w/ DCT should have been stock.

[The Wind Breezes]

What is PPK like? It's extremely boring and pales in comparison to a real tune. Don't get PPK even if you're afraid of a real tune, get a real tune and your future self will thank you.

[shawnj]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

What is PPK like? It's extremely boring and pales in comparison to a real tune. Don't get PPK even if you're afraid of a real tune, get a real tune and your future self will thank you.

For a small bump in HP and torque, best $60 spent on the car. I felt a difference as soon as I pulled away from the vendor. Most get it for the gurgle but it definitely feels more responsive.

[SkullV]

Originally Posted by shawnj

For a small bump in HP and torque, best $60 spent on the car. I felt a difference as soon as I pulled away from the vendor. Most get it for the gurgle but it definitely feels more responsive.

Mine was free and I feel the same way. It was hardly a matter of power increase and far more of a drivability mod for me.

[Gangplank]

Agreed! I paid a few hundred and it's worth it. In my book unless your drag racing (insert Fast & Furious quote) the PPK is a great upgrade with no concerns or problems. The throttle response is far better than stock.

[gmartan]

Originally Posted by SkullV

Drive by wire means that there is an electronic motor on the throttle body that physically opens the throttle blade when you push the pedal. There is no physical cable that pulls the throttle body open when you push the pedal. Throttle response is an "issue" on all drive by wire vehicles across all makes, but its barely noticeable at times. It is one of the main reasons that products like sprint booster exist.

None of my other drive by wire cars had any appreciable throttle lag. This is all about the DCT not knowing what it should be doing and when.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by gmartan

None of my other drive by wire cars had any appreciable throttle lag. This is all about the DCT not knowing what it should be doing and when.

Interesting. So it's the DCT and not the programming or coding in the DME/CPU?

[SkullV]

Originally Posted by gmartan

None of my other drive by wire cars had any appreciable throttle lag. This is all about the DCT not knowing what it should be doing and when.

I have to strongly disagree with you. All of my drive-by-wire cars (pre tune, which on several I did the programmig myself) had noticeable throttle lag. Some are more sensative to this than others which was clear when some customers asked about it before writing their tunes and others didn't. I feel that there is also a generational gap with regard to drive-by-wire throttle lag. Many younger drivers who have never experienced a true cable driven throttle body don't notice the lag because they think it is "just how cars are supposed to drive."

[gmartan]

Originally Posted by SkullV

I have to strongly disagree with you. All of my drive-by-wire cars (pre tune, which on several I did the programmig myself) had noticeable throttle lag. Some are more sensative to this than others which was clear when some customers asked about it before writing their tunes and others didn't. I feel that there is also a generational gap with regard to drive-by-wire throttle lag. Many younger drivers who have never experienced a true cable driven throttle body don't notice the lag because they think it is "just how cars are supposed to drive."

Still, my Nissan and Acura does not. My BMW 135i and my friend's 335i does. And yes, he thought is was normal until we talked about it.