MHD on N54?

[LaurentZo]

Hey all,

I'm seeing a lot of people are using the MHD tune on N55's and are having good results.

How about N54's? Mine is an N54, so I'm wondering which route of tuning I should go. I hear a lot about JB4, a classic, but the custom settings of MHD are appealing to me. Target is a Stage1+ (for this year, at least)

Anyone with experience using MHD on M54? And even better, anyone tracking that?

[fast1eddy]

MHD is the way to go for N54 tuning. It's so simple to use and the results are incredible. I had a JB4 ready for install but really didn't feel like messing with my wiring when MHD is a simple flash. The fact that you can easily upload different stages as you add mods is a plus too. I'm now at stage 2+ and my car is faster than I can use on the street but I love it.

[dizzy619]

Mhd definitely for all the reasons the post above says...

[ShocknAwe]

I've used both, like both. JB4 can be run in tandem with a flash and still allows fast map switching without reflashing if changing fuel mixtures if that's your thing. MHD is much more for custom tuning and setting a final map IMO which is why I switched over recently.

Track? Better detune, have an upgraded cooling system, or factor in frequent cool down laps and paddock time with either. N54 runs HOT especially when tuned on stock turbos.

Tldr; JB4 still more versatile for the average user, MHD catching up quick.

[The Wind Breezes]

JB4 is a piece of shit for people who don't know any better. There are reasons you might still want one but not without unusual extra equipment on that bad boy like nitrous.

You stock engine computer does everything a JB4 does but better and more reliably since you're not adding in some extra connections and points of failure.

Go for the MHD, it is a very refined tune with lots of power.

[LaurentZo]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Track? Better detune, have an upgraded cooling system, or factor in frequent cool down laps and paddock time with either. N54 runs HOT especially when tuned on stock turbos.

That's an interesting point I had not considered. What are the symptoms of the car running hot? What should I watch for?

And then what would you recommend in order to help that heat problem?

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by LaurentZo

That's an interesting point I had not considered. What are the symptoms of the car running hot? What should I watch for?

And then what would you recommend in order to help that heat problem?

Reduced power mode with half engine. Other thing you'll see is oil temp over 260+++

The fix? Bigger and more oil coolers. Other than that the best oil is fresh oil.

[dizzy619]

If you run mhd you can monitor all the necessary temperatures plus mhd have a track setting for cooling. I only ever run for 15-20 mins then leave it to cool with bonnet open... Go and have a chat with people get a coffee etc

[duder13]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Reduced power mode with half engine. Other thing you'll see is oil temp over 260+++

The fix? Bigger and more oil coolers. Other than that the best oil is fresh oil.

FWIW, at least on the N55, up to 300 F is normal operating range for oil temp, and then component protection kicks in after that, lowering engine output (and A/C.)

[dizzy619]

If you run mhd you can monitor all the necessary temperatures plus mhd have a track setting for cooling. I only ever run for 15-20 mins then leave it to cool with bonnet open... Go and have a chat with people get a coffee etc

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by duder13

FWIW, at least on the N55, up to 300 F is normal operating range for oil temp, and then component protection kicks in after that, lowering engine output (and A/C.)

Sure. Point is you'll actively watch it climb quickly until you lose power.

N54 also overheats faster than the N55, magnitudes worse if running higher boost on stock twins.

[darkrom]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

JB4 is a piece of shit for people who don't know any better. There are reasons you might still want one but not without unusual extra equipment on that bad boy like nitrous.

You stock engine computer does everything a JB4 does but better and more reliably since you're not adding in some extra connections and points of failure.

Go for the MHD, it is a very refined tune with lots of power.

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

JB4 is a piece of shit for people who don't know any better. There are reasons you might still want one but not without unusual extra equipment on that bad boy like nitrous.

You stock engine computer does everything a JB4 does but better and more reliably since you're not adding in some extra connections and points of failure.

Go for the MHD, it is a very refined tune with lots of power.

I have been considering this lately but unless I'm missing something you don't get 2step or no lift shift with just MHD alone. I wouldn't want to give those up.

[LaurentZo]

Update 1 year later

I got the MHD wifi module and MHD tuning app and maps. I flashed to Stage 1 oct 91 first, then oct 93.

Result is absolutely amazing. I understand why there's a setting fo limit power in low gears, this thing spins despite the tires! I'm thoroughly impressed. Will start playing with this progressively to understand it well and find the sweet spot.

[dizzy619]

[Oleg_bimmer_e92]

I was in the same situation reading through N54 forum threads, trying to decide between JB4 and MHD. After seeing how many people moved to MHD for its simplicity, logging, and reliability, it started to make a lot of sense. This guide explains it really well from a European perspective and helped me put everything together in one place: https://tunepoint.eu/blogs/news/bmw-...ide-for-europe