Opinions on tuned n52 with 3 stage

[Solo_M_Tech]

Ok I can't make up my mind. I have 3 options, Evolve, Active Autoworks, and local. For those who have done this what are your impressions? The Active Autowerke tune is the cheapest option for me, but I've seen mixed results. Evolve is the middle ground, but is it really that much better? Locally I have a couple options that are 130i remaps. All claim the DISA drops are almost unnoticeable. I don't plan on going to headers anytime soon, if ever, but I need to keep my options open. I know this is gonna be a controversial topic, as I'm kinda calling out the vendors and making them face off so to speak. I want to put my hard earned money to the best tune. Reliability, power and reflash to stock options are all important. I don't need the fanciest option, but the most durable and easiest to upload. Let's keep this thread focused on the pros and cons of each tune. Personal expirience is greatly helpful. Thank you!

[TheSt|G]

I feel like everything that people want to say already has been said.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

I feel like everything that people want to say already has been said.

I've read every thread on here and the e90 forums. Evolve seems to be the least problematic. I know who you vote for stig. I guess I shouldn't have asked.

[Iron Man]

I did a poll on here awhile back. Results should still be posted.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Ok well I guess this thread is closed. Thanks for the help/ confirmation.

[andrey_gta]

Kinda simple analysis

You go local and you get to share with us a new tune and if and when you dyno in USA you can show us the gains of a German tune. The result will either shatter our high hopes or surprise us
Maybe if your relation with the tuner is good he can licence you for the states and you will be able to tune local cars

Evolve is a great path to headers and in active development and use

AA usually wins on price and is in active development, an admirable trait. It's path to headers is not as good as evolve
OE and euro charged are the same idea.

P-torque.co.uk is an experiment, but that's not everyone's approach. It's headers path is probably like AA

Goodluck. No wrong answer. We won't stop talking to you lol

[Solo_M_Tech]

Well I won't be going to headers for a couple years. The reason I posted this thread is because in every other thread I took a look at, besides the StIgs write up, no one said " this tune is the best buy it". No one has made a concise "this is the best out there" statement, and backed it up with data. I've seen 125i graphs, 631's graph, some other random graphs on e90post, they all show the same basic data, and the same power.

[andrey_gta]

The best tune is the tune you actually buy
I bought evolve because I was excited to try new path, they had Christmas sale, and I knew they were reliable. I have no regrets, esp after learning about their header advantage as a piece of mind.

For you, headers is not a sticking point. And also right now the e90 guys are playing around with O2 sims/foulers, therefore there is less risk now about header options.

In the future, headers + foulers/O2sim mini-cat + header software is all you will need. Software for just 3 stage manifold will still work with headers, but has new dips that a header tune may address.

So for you the sticking point becomes flexibility: do you care and if you do how to apply and how much extra for a software update. This may limit you to just tuners with remote tunes, or it may not.

If Local tune < AA simon tool cost ( no software) OR Local < AA NonRemoteOption Then
do Local because its cheap

If Headers AND dont trust O2-sim than
do Evolve
Else
do AA

If experiential_desire
do p-torque

If support is important
do Evolve

If indifferent
decide AA vs Evolve

[631twentyeighteye]

If i were to do it over again i'd pony up the extra cash for Evolve. Mostly because they have more experience, especially with catless headers. The fact that they turn down the secondary o2's instead of shutting them off is a big plus in my opinion. That being said, I'm very happy with my tune considering i purchased it when it was on sale.

The main reason i don't suggest the local tune is because if you move and need a reflash it's sort of a pain in the ass. I like having my own Flash tool. One thing i really don't like about Evolve is that it just uses a cable and a laptop(that i don't have) to flash the car, where as the Simon tool is standalone.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Can I have them tune for headers now and just run that tune with stock manifolds?

[631twentyeighteye]

I wouldn't, the headers require fueling changes. AA strongly advised against it when i asked them and i assume Evolve and others would as well.

[andrey_gta]

+1 Headers tune fixes dips, a e90post dyno recently showed these dips

[Solo_M_Tech]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

+1 Headers tune fixes dips, a e90post dyno recently showed these dips

Are you saying get the header tune, or are you agreeing with 631 about not getting a header tune on stock manifolds?

[andrey_gta]

Agreeing with 631. Headers on a regular DISA tune makes the top end drop at 6.5k

[Solo_M_Tech]

Well I sent evolve an email or two now with questions and haven't got a response. I hope they are better when I spend 900 bucks with them.

[Pothole]

Originally Posted by Sinister_1

Well I sent evolve an email or two now with questions and haven't got a response. I hope they are better when I spend 900 bucks with them.

Did you consider to call the local guys? For instance, Digi-tec.de?

Maybe they had experience with the 128i before? May be worth a try. Same amount of money...

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Pothole

Did you consider to call the local guys? For instance, Digi-tec.de?

Maybe they had experience with the 128i before? May be worth a try. Same amount of money...

I don't see the allure of being the test dummy.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

The best tune is the tune you actually buy
I bought evolve because I was excited to try new path, they had Christmas sale, and I knew they were reliable. I have no regrets, esp after learning about their header advantage as a piece of mind.

For you, headers is not a sticking point. And also right now the e90 guys are playing around with O2 sims/foulers, therefore there is less risk now about header options.

In the future, headers + foulers/O2sim mini-cat + header software is all you will need. Software for just 3 stage manifold will still work with headers, but has new dips that a header tune may address.

So for you the sticking point becomes flexibility: do you care and if you do how to apply and how much extra for a software update. This may limit you to just tuners with remote tunes, or it may not.

If Local tune < AA simon tool cost ( no software) OR Local < AA NonRemoteOption Then
do Local because its cheap

If Headers AND dont trust O2-sim than
do Evolve
Else
do AA

If experiential_desire
do p-torque

If support is important
do Evolve

If indifferent
decide AA vs Evolve

Who knew I was going to discover code on this forum

I've been heavily searching on tunes for N51s, and it looks like AA or Local is my route.

Question on AA tune, for those who have it. Does it change throttle position or sensitivity? Please tell me no.

[631twentyeighteye]

Does AA change throttle position/mapping

No, not unless requested. I noticed zero difference in that regard when i put my AA tune on.

[livewire85]

AA tune works excellent on N51. No tricky throttle re-mapping to give the illusion of more power. It really unlocks the power of the three stage manifold. Power delivery is very smooth. See my thread "My 128i Project" for more info.

[Pothole]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

I don't see the allure of being the test dummy.

Not for 900 bucks no. But several german tuners get lots of power out of the engine. So a call couldn't hurt right?

[Solo_M_Tech]

Of the German tuners I've talked to the price is more expensive vs. the Evolve tune. The price difference between Evolve and Active Autowerkes is about $150. In my eyes Evolve is the better choice, but none of them seem bad.