Active Autowerke N51 Tuning Review

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

I must be drinking juice because myself and a multi-national champion SCCA driver noticed it.

The one big thing about the tune I've noticed quickly off the bat is that the car doesn't fall on its face in low RPM (below 4k). Before the car just sucked and couldn't pull. It is a VERY strong pull from the low RPM now...I'd say it is pretty close to my S54 from that instant throttle response and low end grunt feel.

Didn't mean to imply you're not experiencing it, just that I'm not.

[MarkkyyMan]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

It is, I've caught myself a couple times in 2nd gear cruising in traffic only to let off the gas and expect to slow down and only come closer to that car in front of you.



No, no baseline dyno.

I may in the future go and throw the stock map back in and run it. But for now I'm sure it is pretty well known the baseline on the N51/52 engines

I somewhat experienced this in the past in traffic when I downshift to 2nd gear. I feel like it got better after I replaced the headers.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

I must be drinking juice because myself and a multi-national champion SCCA driver noticed it.

The one big thing about the tune I've noticed quickly off the bat is that the car doesn't fall on its face in low RPM (below 4k). Before the car just sucked and couldn't pull. It is a VERY strong pull from the low RPM now...I'd say it is pretty close to my S54 from that instant throttle response and low end grunt feel.

I've determine I don't have this problem of throttle delay that you describe. I experience none of the symptoms that you seem to be having.

In regards to engine pull, mine also pulls like a mofo under 4k and even 3k. It's similar to my bro's tuned 335i in the lower rpm range because I drive his car every now and then, and I never experience that "damn my car is so fcking slow" thought unless I'm really getting on it. he's gotten in my car and has even pointed it out how much it pulls in the lower rpms.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Chrisar82

I've determine I don't have this problem of throttle delay that you describe. I experience none of the symptoms that you seem to be having.

In regards to engine pull, mine also pulls like a mofo under 4k and even 3k. It's similar to my bro's tuned 335i in the lower rpm range because I drive his car every now and then, and I never experience that "damn my car is so fcking slow" thought unless I'm really getting on it. he's gotten in my car and has even pointed it out how much it pulls in the lower rpms.

Good to hear.

Made some changes to original file. Car seems to pull a bit harder under high load/high RPM

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Good to hear.

Made some changes to original file. Car seems to pull a bit harder under high load/high RPM

When the DISA kicks over at around 4.4k it pulls noticably harder.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Chrisar82

When the DISA kicks over at around 4.4k it pulls noticably harder.

Yea, from stock tune to version 1 it was a huge difference.

Talked with AA some more, showed them my dyno graphs and we made some revisions.

Redline, hard cut at @7200 (before it was a soft cut at 6500)
More valetronic opening at high rpm
small adjustment in ignition timing and wide open fuel

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Yea, from stock tune to version 1 it was a huge difference.

Talked with AA some more, showed them my dyno graphs and we made some revisions.

Redline, hard cut at @7200 (before it was a soft cut at 6500)
More valetronic opening at high rpm
small adjustment in ignition timing and wide open fuel

How are you tuning it? Are they just sending you an updated version or something?

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Chrisar82

How are you tuning it? Are they just sending you an updated version or something?

Yea they are revising files and sending them to me.

I own the Simon tool so I just upload that way.

[Taskmaster]

Added to the dyno thread.

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Yea, from stock tune to version 1 it was a huge difference.

Talked with AA some more, showed them my dyno graphs and we made some revisions.

Redline, hard cut at @7200 (before it was a soft cut at 6500)
More valetronic opening at high rpm
small adjustment in ignition timing and wide open fuel

Love to see an updated dyno on this, and the low end does look a little soft, how does it drive?

[kobeballer96]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Yea they are revising files and sending them to me.

I own the Simon tool so I just upload that way.

Are you paying for the revisions? I thought you had to buy the tune and everytime you wanted a new map it was a huge chunk of change even if you have the simon tool.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

Added to the dyno thread.



Love to see an updated dyno on this, and the low end does look a little soft, how does it drive?

Yea, I need to get it on the dyno but it won't happen for awhile.

Drives perfectly normal, there is much more pull in low gears and the car seems to rev much more happy.

Originally Posted by kobeballer96

Are you paying for the revisions? I thought you had to buy the tune and everytime you wanted a new map it was a huge chunk of change even if you have the simon tool.

I have an agreement with AA.

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by kobeballer96

Are you paying for the revisions? I thought you had to buy the tune and everytime you wanted a new map it was a huge chunk of change even if you have the simon tool.

$100 from regular tune to offroad tune, that's the only other fee i've paid with AA(I bought the simon tool when it was on sale for 200 off). They've also sent me an updated tune that i'm currently testing. Still need to get some more miles on it before i comment, but so far so good.

[mike@x-ph.com]

@Kgolf31 glad to hear you are happy with the results

[Suhb]

I have the throttle lag you're talking about on my N52. Both on acceleration and deceleration. Hopefully when I get around to headers the AA tune will fix it for me too.

[markslc1]

Originally Posted by Suhb

I have the throttle lag you're talking about on my N52. Both on acceleration and deceleration. Hopefully when I get around to headers the AA tune will fix it for me too.

I have a stock N52 right now and the throttle sucks compared to my e36
- Not linear
- a bit too sensitive
- noticeable lag
- no feedback (needs a stronger spring?)

I was hoping that my manifold and AA tune would fix this ,but they are saying the throttle just gets 15% "more aggressive". We shall see....

[markslc1]

Originally Posted by markslc1

I have a stock N52 right now and the throttle sucks compared to my e36
- Not linear
- a bit too sensitive
- noticeable lag
- no feedback (needs a stronger spring?)

I was hoping that my manifold and AA tune would fix this ,but they are saying the throttle just gets 15% "more aggressive". We shall see....

Update. Now that I have the tune it is just more aggressive. Still not smooth and maybe a little less lag. Not what I was hoping for. But tons of power, so all is forgiven.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by markslc1

Update. Now that I have the tune it is just more aggressive. Still not smooth and maybe a little less lag. Not what I was hoping for. But tons of power, so all is forgiven.

Reset throttle adaptions.

[sprp85]

Manual cars have reset procedures as well? (His profile says 6SPD..)

[markslc1]

Originally Posted by sprp85

Manual cars have reset procedures as well? (His profile says 6SPD..)

The simon program has a "reset adaptations" button but its always greyed-out for my car. I asked and the AA guy said it didn't matter for me. True?

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by markslc1

The simon program has a "reset adaptations" button but its always greyed-out for my car. I asked and the AA guy said it didn't matter for me. True?

No, it works on manual as well. You can do the pedal procedure if you want.

[Motohip]

What's stock hp vs aa?

[BimmerxVision]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

So, as well all know the N51 engine does not have much data points when it comes to the tuning game. Search all you want, there is some trouble when it comes to finding a N51 engines.

So, with the help from Active Autowerke, they've helped me tune my N51 for SCCA STX.

The engine is stock with the exception to a muffler delete.

Now there has been much speculation when it comes to the actual potential of a N51 engine. People say that they cannot make as much power as a N52...yada yada. I'll put that to rest.

Active Autowerke has been outstanding with communication and answering all my questions. I presented them with some questions that I've experienced with a stock tune and they've figured it out.

Now lets just make clear, this is the first iteration of many tunes to come. I've made some observations from my dyno and I'll present those after AA has given me the approval to do so. But let me tell you, the car is 100% driveable, and no codes/SES/error lights are being thrown.

So, my questions to AA about what they can tune is as follows:

1. Can you actually really tune a N51 DISA Manifold?
2. There is a delay when you get on the throttle and off throttle for the N51. It is around a second of delay and it is VERY frustrating especially when you're driving the car at the limit.

AA took it under their wing and I'm confident to say that they've fixed both of these issues. On throttle is VERY responsive and still retains OEM sensitivity (AKA there isn't 100% throttle when you move the pedal 1% of travel).

As well, when you get off throttle [...]

Have you heard of or checked out MILVS? They are machined spacers for your valvetrain lifter. N51’s are somewhat limited from everything I’ve researched but I’ve heard great things about MILVS and an AA tune for the DISA. This is the route I’m looking at going with as well as installing a catback dual exhuast and a custom diff.