Review: AA Tune for my 128i - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

Raine · 02-08-2011, 02:17 PM

After much forum browsing and talking to Viral (who was very friendly and answered my questions promptly), I decided to get the AA tune installed @ Bimmersport in Mississauga, ask for Johnny (great guy).

Preface:

As you all know, the GM auto in the 128i/328i is fairly horrible. There is simply no other way of expressing it. Throttle lag, rough shifts, and constant gear searching are common complaints. Many people including myself have regret not getting a manual. I figured it wasn't the tranny itself but a software issue. I think I was correct.

Observations after the AA tune:

-Shifts in D are smooth as glass (very quiet and not noticeable)
-Shifts in DS are composed and well timed (as opposed to the previous screaming, rubber band feel)
-The car holds gear and rev more intelligently
-No more automatic engine braking when you let off the gas pedal (car downshifts when you brake hard or stop)
-Power delivery and throttle response is VERY linear now (pulls evenly and eagerly across the band) -> This is a huge plus
-Fuel economy improved (by 2-3 mpg overall)
-Have not dyno'ed yet but there graphs on the 3'er forum (you can do a search)

Verdict: A must have tune, especially if you running an aftermarket intake, exhaust, etc. + 93 or higher Octane. HP/Torque gains are even higher if you drive stick. The BMS Powerbox is the best "bang for buck", but this tune is highly recommend those looking for the complete package.

+1 to Active Autowerke and their awesome R&D

Frack · 02-08-2011, 04:11 PM

anybody did it on manual????

Riley1524 · 02-08-2011, 06:28 PM

I thought about doing the BMS.. If I'm not happy with the BMS, I will be going aa or even that German company that claims 40hp

Evice · 02-09-2011, 11:09 AM

how much did this tune cost?

Frack · 02-09-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evice

how much did this tune cost?

AA web site shows 499

Jeef Beef · 02-09-2011, 09:26 PM

OE and AA tuning is very popular over at e90post, you guys should definitely check it out.

Peak hp gain is only about 10hp, but the curve looks much smoother and midrange is noticeable stronger than stock. Plus all the other benefits Raine here has mentioned

Jon@Bimmersport Automotive · 02-09-2011, 10:21 PM

Luis,

Thanks for your business, it is greatly appreciated - more so we are ecstatic to see you are happy with your new tune and it's results! Thanks for the kudos as well, much appreciated.

The pricing is reg. $499, although if you wish to take advantage of promo pricing please contact me soon as it ends it Feb...think of it as a valentines gift to Bimmerpost members.

Best Regards,

Jon

P.S. Thanks for the lead on that air freshener, the pine trees just don't cut it anymore.

Riley1524....40hp, from a flash on an N52????

Omar@ActiveAutowerke · 02-10-2011, 09:35 AM

Enjoy the car in good health my friend.

Frack · 02-10-2011, 04:35 PM

Omar, is your tune warranty friendly???? or is it one of those that you're better off pulling out for service??

FlashBimmer9er · 02-10-2011, 04:48 PM

I can get the aa tune for around $300

gonna pair it with an injen intake and an exhaust to be named later on. Lol any suggestions on exhausts under $1,000?

Greenkirby21 · 02-10-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashprats128i

I can get the aa tune for around $300

gonna pair it with an injen intake and an exhaust to be named later on. Lol any suggestions on exhausts under $1,000?

please please write a write up : ). or get a dyno.

I wonder how much AA+exhaust+ intake would give you

!!!

FlashBimmer9er · 02-11-2011, 01:09 AM

Intake should be in next week and I'm going to aa on Saturday

lol. I've focused on looks on the car for so long, but I think it's time for some performance

exhaust wise, I might go magnaflow or just go to a local exhaust shop and see what they can do. Lol. I'll be sure to make a post when I get the aa tune and intake in. Exhaust will take some time to save up for tho.

Alex_bm · 02-15-2011, 09:48 AM

How does the throttle response compares to stock or powerbox?

mrow · 02-21-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDaVinci

Omar, is your tune warranty friendly???? or is it one of those that you're better off pulling out for service??

+1. I would like to do either the powerbox or this tune. Am going to go with the powerbox if the AA tune isn't warranty friendly though so I'd also like to know.

Raine · 03-30-2011, 01:35 PM

Hey guys,

Just an update. I had a friend who knows coding and he reset all the adaptations for my car (Air/Fuel, Octane, VANOS, VVT, Throttle, Knock, etc) and I proceeded to drive the sht out it (revving to redline, on the highway of course in each gear).

After about 1,000 kilometers I think the tune has "adapted" to my ECU and it honestly feels great. DS mode is simply amazing and shifts are smooth and unnoticeable. So much pull from 2k+.

Recommend the AA tune for anyone with an auto (great reviews on the E90post from 328i owners as well), and especially those with a stick (you supposedly receive higher gains). It would great if someone who has a 6MT get the AA tune and post their thoughts on it. Definitely better than the PBX, albeit 2x the cost.

Killswitch · 03-30-2011, 03:19 PM

Definitely going to take a look at this....last time i had tune was a APR tune on my 02 GTI which ripped my transmission fixed the problems but cost me tons of money and i still have the car. But I'm going to check out the AA tune for my 128. If you say it fixed all those problems that you stated then I believe its worth it, plus not interested in any horsepower gains if there were anyways. I just hate how my auto trans shifts.

Satalite · 04-25-2011, 03:06 PM

Can this be spotted by BMW flashes etc..?

Raine · 04-28-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satalite

Can this be spotted by BMW flashes etc..?

Hey Sat,

I brought my car in for some warranty work (dam rattle) and they updated the software and reset that adaptations for my car. They made no mention of the tune and I wasn't going to tell them

Sarracino89 · 04-28-2011, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raine

Hey Sat,

I brought my car in for some warranty work (dam rattle) and they updated the software and reset that adaptations for my car. They made no mention of the tune and I wasn't going to tell them

did the software update and reset affect the tune at all? the last time I spoke to a ActiveAutowerkes rep, they said that its possible for it to be overwritten causing you to have to get the tune again.

Riley1524 · 04-29-2011, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raine

Hey Sat,

I brought my car in for some warranty work (dam rattle) and they updated the software and reset that adaptations for my car. They made no mention of the tune and I wasn't going to tell them

So, they flashed your ECU with a update???I'd be worried that it would overwrite the AA tune. LOL. I hope that's not the case.

I also heard that the ecu will "relearn" and go into a stock map after awhile also. It would be best to call AA up and ask if this is actually possible.

Satalite · 05-04-2011, 02:33 AM

Yah. That would be interesting to read up on. I had mine updated, but no tune in...

02-08-2011, 02:17 PM	#1
Raine Captain Drives: '11 E82, '04 E60 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 843 iTrader: (3)	Review: AA Tune for my 128i After much forum browsing and talking to Viral (who was very friendly and answered my questions promptly), I decided to get the AA tune installed @ Bimmersport in Mississauga, ask for Johnny (great guy). Preface: As you all know, the GM auto in the 128i/328i is fairly horrible. There is simply no other way of expressing it. Throttle lag, rough shifts, and constant gear searching are common complaints. Many people including myself have regret not getting a manual. I figured it wasn't the tranny itself but a software issue. I think I was correct. Observations after the AA tune: -Shifts in D are smooth as glass (very quiet and not noticeable) -Shifts in DS are composed and well timed (as opposed to the previous screaming, rubber band feel) -The car holds gear and rev more intelligently -No more automatic engine braking when you let off the gas pedal (car downshifts when you brake hard or stop) -Power delivery and throttle response is VERY linear now (pulls evenly and eagerly across the band) -> This is a huge plus -Fuel economy improved (by 2-3 mpg overall) -Have not dyno'ed yet but there graphs on the 3'er forum (you can do a search) Verdict: A must have tune, especially if you running an aftermarket intake, exhaust, etc. + 93 or higher Octane. HP/Torque gains are even higher if you drive stick. The BMS Powerbox is the best "bang for buck", but this tune is highly recommend those looking for the complete package. +1 to Active Autowerke and their awesome R&D
	Tweet

02-08-2011, 04:11 PM	#2
Frack Euro Member Drives: SGM e46 M Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NYC by M3 Bus stop Posts: 405 iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 BMW 328 [5.00] 2004 BMW M3 [5.00] 2009 128i [5.00]	anybody did it on manual???? __________________ SGM e46 M

02-09-2011, 11:09 AM	#4
Evice Major Drives: BSM 128i M-sport and '98 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere here Posts: 1,382 iTrader: (1)	how much did this tune cost? __________________ -- '09 BSM 128i - MSport trim, 6MT, Heated Seats, Xenons, Premium Sound. -- '98 E36 M3 - BMWCR IS #718 BMWCCA Instructor and Club Racer. http://www.youtube.com/alisalih

02-09-2011, 09:26 PM	#6
Jeef Beef Lord Captain Commander Drives: a sleeper Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 3,020 iTrader: (0)	OE and AA tuning is very popular over at e90post, you guys should definitely check it out. Peak hp gain is only about 10hp, but the curve looks much smoother and midrange is noticeable stronger than stock. Plus all the other benefits Raine here has mentioned __________________ E82 135i M-sport: SGM/6MT/Black PROcede V5 \| BMS DCI \| AR Catless DPs \| BMW PE \| ER CP \| HKS BOV \| BMW SSK \| KW V1 coilovers \| Dunlop Direzza Star Specs \| GTC-CX Matte Black 18" \| GP Thunder 7500K \| Kerscher CF Lip

02-10-2011, 04:35 PM	#9
Frack Euro Member Drives: SGM e46 M Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NYC by M3 Bus stop Posts: 405 iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 BMW 328 [5.00] 2004 BMW M3 [5.00] 2009 128i [5.00]	Omar, is your tune warranty friendly???? or is it one of those that you're better off pulling out for service?? __________________ SGM e46 M

02-08-2011, 06:28 PM	#3
Riley1524 Lieutenant Drives: A Slow Ass BMW Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 490 iTrader: (4)	I thought about doing the BMS.. If I'm not happy with the BMS, I will be going aa or even that German company that claims 40hp

02-09-2011, 10:21 PM	#7
Jon@Bimmersport Automotive First Lieutenant Drives: E46 M3 Active Supercharged Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Mississauga, On Canada Posts: 340 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003.5 BMW M3 [5.00]	Luis, Thanks for your business, it is greatly appreciated - more so we are ecstatic to see you are happy with your new tune and it's results! Thanks for the kudos as well, much appreciated. The pricing is reg. $499, although if you wish to take advantage of promo pricing please contact me soon as it ends it Feb...think of it as a valentines gift to Bimmerpost members. Best Regards, Jon P.S. Thanks for the lead on that air freshener, the pine trees just don't cut it anymore. Riley1524....40hp, from a flash on an N52????

02-10-2011, 09:35 AM	#8
Omar@ActiveAutowerke Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Miami Posts: 1,783 iTrader: (1)	Enjoy the car in good health my friend.

02-10-2011, 04:48 PM	#10
FlashBimmer9er 2009 Alpine White/Coral Red leather 128i Drives: AW/Coral Red leather 2009 128i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 262 iTrader: (2)	I can get the aa tune for around $300 gonna pair it with an injen intake and an exhaust to be named later on. Lol any suggestions on exhausts under $1,000?

02-11-2011, 01:09 AM	#12
FlashBimmer9er 2009 Alpine White/Coral Red leather 128i Drives: AW/Coral Red leather 2009 128i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 262 iTrader: (2)	Intake should be in next week and I'm going to aa on Saturday lol. I've focused on looks on the car for so long, but I think it's time for some performance exhaust wise, I might go magnaflow or just go to a local exhaust shop and see what they can do. Lol. I'll be sure to make a post when I get the aa tune and intake in. Exhaust will take some time to save up for tho.

02-15-2011, 09:48 AM	#13
Alex_bm Captain Drives: 335is... for now Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canada, Toronto Posts: 654 iTrader: (0)	How does the throttle response compares to stock or powerbox?

03-30-2011, 01:35 PM	#15
Raine Captain Drives: '11 E82, '04 E60 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 843 iTrader: (3)	Hey guys, Just an update. I had a friend who knows coding and he reset all the adaptations for my car (Air/Fuel, Octane, VANOS, VVT, Throttle, Knock, etc) and I proceeded to drive the sht out it (revving to redline, on the highway of course in each gear). After about 1,000 kilometers I think the tune has "adapted" to my ECU and it honestly feels great. DS mode is simply amazing and shifts are smooth and unnoticeable. So much pull from 2k+. Recommend the AA tune for anyone with an auto (great reviews on the E90post from 328i owners as well), and especially those with a stick (you supposedly receive higher gains). It would great if someone who has a 6MT get the AA tune and post their thoughts on it. Definitely better than the PBX, albeit 2x the cost. __________________ AW/Coral Red \| Premium \| Sport \| HK Sound \| AA Tune \| E93 M3 Front Sway \| BMW Performance Exhaust

03-30-2011, 03:19 PM	#16
Killswitch aka Nemco Drives: A Car Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston Posts: 165 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i [0.00]	Definitely going to take a look at this....last time i had tune was a APR tune on my 02 GTI which ripped my transmission fixed the problems but cost me tons of money and i still have the car. But I'm going to check out the AA tune for my 128. If you say it fixed all those problems that you stated then I believe its worth it, plus not interested in any horsepower gains if there were anyways. I just hate how my auto trans shifts.

04-25-2011, 03:06 PM	#17
Satalite Colonel Drives: 128i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,821 iTrader: (9) Garage List 2009 128i [5.00]	Can this be spotted by BMW flashes etc..? __________________

05-04-2011, 02:33 AM	#21
Satalite Colonel Drives: 128i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,821 iTrader: (9) Garage List 2009 128i [5.00]	Yah. That would be interesting to read up on. I had mine updated, but no tune in... __________________

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