TGS N55 PPK Install

[Jsargevt]

Happy to see that there is another satisfied PPK customer here! I took the car out last night and I can say that the PPK should have been installed on the car from the factory, especially with the DCT transmission.

For the person asking about a warranty - I doubt that having someone code in the PPK will affect the warranty. I would assume that if there was a suspected software issue with the vehicle they would just overwrite it with a software flash. Joe at TGS said that if the dealer does an update to the vehicle which overwrites the PPK tune that they can re-install it for a reduced fee.

I'll say that the cost from TGS, including the cable was, shall we say, much less expensive than having BMW install it. However, I can appreciate the desire and peace of mind of keeping the warranty in effect with no possible run-around headaches should something happen.

I don't think that I could handle the sound of the vehicle without a muffler AG135i. Honestly, the stock muffler is fine by me but I'm not a loud exhaust guy anyway. I fight the urge to flip off the super loud motorcycles that seem to be popular in these parts. I did hear a BMW performance exhaust on a 135i this summer and that was nice but not worth the price to me.

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by perryo91

Even though this is the PPK from BMW, it's not installed by them. Do you all think this would interfere with an aftermarket warranty?

That's the only thing holding me back for something like this.

Thanks!

Edit: Also would it be a good idea to update to the latest software, THEN getting the PPK?

When installing the PPK, you will be updated to the latest software during the flash.

As for the warranty, I doubt it would interfere, but I can't guarantee.

[Muppet]

I had Joe do this last night, very efficient and value packed. Thanks again.

Drove the car for 20klms today and can report that the installation resolved the delay on takeoff with a DCT. Also resolved the delay with trailing throttle and then putting the foot down. I wonder whether this is due to the remapping of the throttle pedal? It does feel the power comes on sooner but that could well be just the pedal remap as the car always felt strong once you were on 50% throttle.

I wonder whether in the real world you never use full throttle anyway and thus would not feel whether there is more under the foot than before and the real benefit comes from the better pedal response.

On the other side the car appears quieter than before. Drove with the widows down and heard little on trailing throttle. I have a standard exhaust with a wire tie around the vacuum tube on the exhaust flap.

Would this have something to do with the mapping of additional boost and the turbo dulling the sound???

I quite liked the level of sound previously and if this is a permanent result of PPK on my car I may get rid of the rear box.

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

All PMs replied to.

[Jsargevt]

Originally Posted by Muppet

On the other side the car appears quieter than before. Drove with the widows down and heard little on trailing throttle. I have a standard exhaust with a wire tie around the vacuum tube on the exhaust flap.

Would this have something to do with the mapping of additional boost and the turbo dulling the sound???

I quite liked the level of sound previously and if this is a permanent result of PPK on my car I may get rid of the rear box.

I will agree that post PPK the car IS quieter with stock exhaust. I am wondering if the PE would be a good complement to the PPK. Typically I never want to change exhaust, but this change has me considering it.

That said, totally worth it to get rid of the DCT lag so there are no complaints here. I'd do it again for sure.

[ignote]

Joe flashed my 2011 with DCT just over a week ago. The process could not have gone smother and I am quite happy with the results. This flash is a must do for anyone with a DCT and you can feel the increase in power, especially in sport or manual modes. For the price, it cannot be beat.

[Muppet]

Originally Posted by Jsargevt

I will agree that post PPK the car IS quieter with stock exhaust. I am wondering if the PE would be a good complement to the PPK. Typically I never want to change exhaust, but this change has me considering it.

That said, totally worth it to get rid of the DCT lag so there are no complaints here. I'd do it again for sure.

Bit rowdier now after a few weeks but still would like a bit more. Problem is that most options would be too noisy and probably add a bit of drone. Will leave as is.

[Jsargevt]

Originally Posted by Muppet

Bit rowdier now after a few weeks but still would like a bit more. Problem is that most options would be too noisy and probably add a bit of drone. Will leave as is.

+2 on that one. I don't want to have any drone and from what I can tell the BMW PE is the only one which really manages that well.

I'll leave as-is though and put the $ toward something useful.

[Tallicia]

Just wanted to Thank Joe for making the last two weeks with the PPK amazing!! He was incredibly helpful and super accommodating.

Anyone without the PPK should be poking themselves in the eye. That would be less nonsensical than going without it. It's great having the gurgles and pops, and extra torque. Even more so that I got a few more mods this weekend and that make it even more joyful!

Might be the absolute best mod for the dollar one can get. Wow, really WOW..

I feel for those who aren't topless and can't enjoy the sound directly though.

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

Thanks everyone, all messages replied to.

[Latebraker22]

Another happy TGS (Joe) customer. PPK installed this weekend. Thanks Joe

[BHorn]

New member here, and another happy TGS customer. Joe installed PPK on my 2012 135 DCT Friday night. I noticed an immediate difference in the way the car pulls and the throttle lag was gone, awesome. If you don't have ppk yet I highly recommend reaching out to Joe for the install. Very easy process.

[rvelt999]

Joe installed the PPK on my N55 about a month ago and I could not be more satisfied with the overall experience. I was surprised at how fast I received a response from Top Gear Solutions. We encountered some issues but he is very knowledgeable and worked right through to completing the install. I highly recommend Joe and TGS. Love the PPK...snap, crackle, pop!!!

[BHorn]

The gurgles and pops aren't that loud with my stock exhaust. Guess I need to get a catless downpipe

[Muppet]

Joe, have sent a pm.

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

All PMs replied to, and invoices sent.

[1smokehouse]

I see that the PPK is only available for 2/2012 and older. Is that going to change? I have 2013 (7/2012) 135i DCT on its way to Guam. My dealer here wants $2500 for the PPK

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by 1smokehouse

I see that the PPK is only available for 2/2012 and older. Is that going to change? I have 2013 (7/2012) 135i DCT on its way to Guam. My dealer here wants $2500 for the PPK

For vehicles after 2/2012 it needs to be activated by the dealer, they have a different DME. As of right now, there is no work around.

[1smokehouse]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

For vehicles after 2/2012 it needs to be activated by the dealer, they have a different DME. As of right now, there is no work around.

Thanks Jeff, good news is that I got the dealer down to $789. They said it was originally giving them the PPK2 pricing...

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by 1smokehouse

Thanks Jeff, good news is that I got the dealer down to $789. They said it was originally giving them the PPK2 pricing...

They will probably price it that way if your car doesn't have the upgraded cooling package. Not too sure if they could warranty any future problems if they flash it without the car having it.

I did get feedback from a recent PPK customer who had warranty work done and the dealership replaced the DME without any hesitation (they even knew PPK had been flashed) since they determined the PPK flash wasn't the cause of the problem.

[zerotohundred]

Just a quick shoutout to Joe @ Topgear for the seamless PPK install he performed for me last friday on my '11 135i - even though i didn't have the required files,he sorted the download and in 15 minutes we were good to go.

The dealer here in Australia quoted $1600AUD for the PPK software (and requisite stickers/plaque) with a 10-15 day lead time on the parts so i'm pretty satisfied with the result!

Car drives brilliant, but TBH i can't really feel the extra power. The pops and burbles however...that was worth the price of admission alone. Adds a whole other dimension to the character of the car.

With the limited availability of such services here in Aus, guys like these are awesome to have around.

[Dthltm]

My BMW dealer here wants $714 after taxes for PPK. I have a CPO year 2013 with DCT.

Pros:
-Improved throttle response/ shift points/ less turbo lag
-Wouldn't void out my remaining 30 months or 55k worth of warranty for sure
-Exhaust burbles and pops

Cons:
-Price at BMW vs 3rd party aftermarket. Seems aftermarket PPK may not be available with my model year
-Would make my stock exhaust sound quieter overall??

Is that a decent breakdown? Thoughts?