What did you do to/for your 1er today?

[desertman123]

With this short geared diff I wish I had 7th

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Hmmm can't find 7th either, knob only says 6 speeds, maybe secret hidden shift pattern?? I tried UP UP DOWN DOWN LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT A A B B


This must be a CONSPIRACY.

That's the Konami code and it only works on Japanese cars. Gives them an extra 200,000 miles.

[Zombie_Head]

Just came from from a Tuner in Munich, was an interesting experience.

Walked into the shop, all you see are BMW ECUs and circuit boards everywhere.

After reading the correct engine software in my car, the gentleman spoke with me, saying that the current software is fine and it is the "usual copy and paste" software that most tuners offer. I inform him that, while it is better than stock, somehow i feel like the engine is capable of more and kind of struggles in the upper rpms.

I informed them that i do a lot of track days, so i do not wish for an aggressive tune, but something reliable and making the engine more fun to constantly push on the street or track without issues. They said that all they can offer is some minor tweaks here and there, go for a test drive and see.

An hour later, they finished, deleted the old software and installed their new one. Went out for a drive, and noticed how the engine responds a bit better in the city at low speeds. On the highway, that engine is a peach at 4K+ rpms to redline. From 3K rpms it starts to "wake up" so to speak, and at 4K it kicks in and just keeps going. I left it in 5th gear on the autobahn at 100kph/roughly 3,000 rpms and was constantly at 160 kph-200kph. Very smooth and strong, i can just imagine how nice it will be on track days when one never drops below 4K. That engine is very happy to rev all day long, that is the feeling i got at the end, never ran hotter than 115c despite aggressive driving on the autobahn, which is also a tad cooler than before.

Fuel consumption is actually lower by around 0.5l/100kms now, it sounds a bit smoother and i am very happy. Sadly, this is the best that tuning has to offer in Germany, they do not tune for 3 stage intakes. I was concerned at first, but now i have 1/3 tank left that i wish to empty over the weekend, they also recommended another fuel brand for more octane (102) and proven to be cleaner for the engine.

Overall i am pleased, and i regret not going to them before, but at least the engine is done, just a good tune and forget about it. Time to focus on M3 bits front and rear, as well as wheel/tires for track days.

[tjswarbrick]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Just came from from a Tuner in Munich, was an interesting experience.

Walked into the shop, all you see are BMW ECUs and circuit boards everywhere.

After reading the correct engine software in my car, the gentleman spoke with me, saying that the current software is fine and it is the "usual copy and paste" software that most tuners offer. I inform him that, while it is better than stock, somehow i feel like the engine is capable of more and kind of struggles in the upper rpms.

I informed them that i do a lot of track days, so i do not wish for an aggressive tune, but something reliable and making the engine more fun to constantly push on the street or track without issues. They said that all they can offer is some minor tweaks here and there, go for a test drive and see.

An hour later, they finished, deleted the old software and installed their new one. Went out for a drive, and noticed how the engine responds a bit better in the city at low speeds. On the highway, that engine is a peach at 4K+ rpms to redline. From 3K rpms it starts to "wake up" so to speak, and at 4K it kicks in and just keeps going. I left it in 5th gear on the autobahn at 100kph/roughly 3,000 rpms and was constantly at 160 kph-200kph. Very smooth and strong, i can just imagine how nice it will be on track days when one never drops below 4K. That engine is very happy to rev all day long, that is the feeling i got at the end, never ran hotter than 115c despite aggressive driving on the autobahn, which is also a tad cooler than before.

Fuel consumption is actually lower by around 0.5l/100kms now, it sounds a bit smoother and i am very happy. Sadly, this is the best that tuning has to offer in Germany, they do not tune for 3 stage intakes. I was concerned at first, but now i have 1/3 tank left that i wish to empty over the weekend, they also recommended another fuel brand for more octane (102) and proven to be cleaner for the engine.

Overall i am pleased, and i regret not going to them before, but at least the engine is done, just a good tune and forget about it. Time to focus on M3 bits front and rear, as well as wheel/tires for track days.

Sounds delightful.

If you find a 3-stage intake, can't they at least tune it like a 130i?
Sweet, high-output N/A 3.0.
That's the car I wanted, but they never released it in the states. Wife demanded I go 'vert. To cope with the extra weight, and "girliness" of a drop-top, I had no choice but to get an M-Sport with the turbo engine.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Kidding aside, sorry that happened...

I love IT Crowd!

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Hmmm can't find 7th either, knob only says 6 speeds, maybe secret hidden shift pattern?? I tried UP UP DOWN DOWN LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT A A B B


This must be a CONSPIRACY.

Someone should've told you, but in BMWs this gives you infinite herpes instead. Get yourself checked.

My 135i has a 7th gear, btw

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

Sounds delightful.

If you find a 3-stage intake, can't they at least tune it like a 130i?
Sweet, high-output N/A 3.0.
That's the car I wanted, but they never released it in the states. Wife demanded I go 'vert. To cope with the extra weight, and "girliness" of a drop-top, I had no choice but to get an M-Sport with the turbo engine.

The Germans are insisting that the engines in the 130i E8x cars and the 125i E8x cars are identical mechanically in every way, with the exception of software. Yet here you guys are in the US proving otherwise with 3 stage intakes. Even several tuners in the UK agree, that the engine is identical, one can theoretically take a scrap 130i engine and install it in a 125i and get the same results.

I asked them regarding the intake in the 330i, they said that it is a 3 stage but also the VANOS is different. I asked about installing the intake from the 330i and tuning it for my car, they were hesitant and by the end of the conversation, they said "stick with a software tune and forget about the engine". I am really unsure, why the all the tuners i spoke with are like this (more or less). They even tune the N54 software and forget about the turbos, maybe an intercooler and downpipes but that is as far as they will go, really confusing.

I just came back from a 1 hour drive, goodness does 3rd gear really pull now. It is a very nice and punchy engine now with these small tweaks in the software, only at 220+kph and slight uphill on the autobahn does 6th gear take a bit in acceleration, but that is understandable for a sub 300hp car.

I was very hesitant with my choice for the N52 engine, i tackled the suspension and brakes first before tuning. When the engine tune, despite it being better than stock, just felt lagging behind so to speak, i kind of felt that the nearly €3.5K i spent (KW V3, 330i OE discs front + OE caliper carriers new etc) was a small let down. Now this tune really brings some life into the car, and i can see myself spending more money refueling due to fun.

Now i can start saving up for the smaller bits and pieces (M3 front arms, M3 RSB, LSD and probably KW/ST/Eibach/M3 front and rear sway bars and OZ Ultraleggera 18x8 wheels w/Cup 2s 235s all round) during the winter, then just hit the track as much as i can (i got hooked).

I might look at the BMW Performance brakes in the future, they are an upgrade for the 125/128i (not to mention lighter calipers and bigger discs up front), but right now factory calipers +/330i big discs are nice.

(Sorry for the long post).

[tjswarbrick]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

The Germans are insisting that the engines in the 130i E8x cars and the 125i E8x cars are identical mechanically in every way, with the exception of software. Yet here you guys are in the US proving otherwise with 3 stage intakes. Even several tuners in the UK agree, that the engine is identical, one can theoretically take a scrap 130i engine and install it in a 125i and get the same results.

According to RealOEM, the Germans are right!

Couldn't test them all, obviously, but an early 2012 E82 125i N52N, late 2011 E87 130i N52N, and early 2012 E81 128i N51 all have proper 3-stage 11617559523 intake manifold. Only the (US) 128i N52N gets stunted with the 11617559524 part.

Only the N51 has a different piston (11257560131 vs 11257558528.)

Take your tuned 3-stage-intake, high-compression NA engine and run!

[YearOneOne]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

I installed LEDs in mine. Much brighter, no heat.

Whered you get these I'm having trouble finding some quality bulbs

[a4nut]

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

Whered you get these I'm having trouble finding some quality bulbs

Yes, please tel

[duder13]

I added performance rally stripes and gloss black door handles today, so I'm pretty much done with aesthetic changes on my 2012 cashmere silver 135i (now on to suspension.)

The only thing I may add in the future, externally, are white meatballs on the doors and hood for race numbers. Oh yeah, and I'm getting Apex EC-7 wheels for the track.

- new windshield
- new OEM headlights
- new OEM side markers
- performance gloss black grill
- 135i debadge
- gloss black side mirrors (paint)
- gloss black door handles (wrap)
- performance rally "tii" stripes

[BAN_M2C]

Deep wash.. prepping for a meet at the local BMW dealer tomorrow

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

My 135i has a 7th gear, btw

So does my 128i......... Reverse.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by YearOneOne

Whered you get these I'm having trouble finding some quality bulbs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

According to RealOEM, the Germans are right!

Couldn't test them all, obviously, but an early 2012 E82 125i N52N, late 2011 E87 130i N52N, and early 2012 E81 128i N51 all have proper 3-stage 11617559523 intake manifold. Only the (US) 128i N52N gets stunted with the 11617559524 part.

Only the N51 has a different piston (11257560131 vs 11257558528.)

Take your tuned 3-stage-intake, high-compression NA engine and run!

So that is why you Americans are replacing them! it is a US spec thing! Man this US spec vs EU spec can really be confusing, which also explains why the UK owners on babybmw forums said "Just get a good tune and forget about the engine".

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

So does my 128i......... Reverse.

but in truth, even if they gave you 6 more gears, it'd still be slow

Only teasing.

[Zombie_Head]

Had somewhat of an interesting conversation over at the German 1 series forums.

I reported my experience, how i swapped tunes and that i am very happy and satisfied how the engine is now, the 1st tuner came into the picture.

He claims i "violated" an agreement, he copied and pasted a condition from his website, stating that any means of reading, downloading, copying or distributing "his" software tune is a violation, and that all parties involved must pay a fine of €5,000.

Personally, i never saw that agreement on his website, till he posted it today, and no way to prove otherwise. Also the invoice i received has his stamp and signature but not mine and that term/condition is not mentioned.

I also find this very silly and annoying, which shows how a "one man show" tuner likes to run his business. So if i got a tune from the USA and they asked to read what is on my ECU, would that tuner abroad be forced to pay? I took my car to the dealership and they read the ECU as well, should they also pay for this?

It is rubbish like that, that really makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with the tuning scene in Germany. I could ignore everything, and if he sends me an invoice i could also ignore it. But if the issue blows up, which it always could, i can fight against this somehow.

I never attacked him or called his tune bad, just that i was not fully satisfied and wanted something more or a second opinion. For him to come out of the blue and jump in like this frustrates me.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Had somewhat of an interesting conversation over at the German 1 series forums.

I reported my experience, how i swapped tunes and that i am very happy and satisfied how the engine is now, the 1st tuner came into the picture.

He claims i "violated" an agreement, he copied and pasted a condition from his website, stating that any means of reading, downloading, copying or distributing "his" software tune is a violation, and that all parties involved must pay a fine of €5,000.

Personally, i never saw that agreement on his website, till he posted it today, and no way to prove otherwise. Also the invoice i received has his stamp and signature but not mine and that term/condition is not mentioned.

I also find this very silly and annoying, which shows how a "one man show" tuner likes to run his business. So if i got a tune from the USA and they asked to read what is on my ECU, would that tuner abroad be forced to pay? I took my car to the dealership and they read the ECU as well, should they also pay for this?

It is rubbish like that, that really makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with the tuning scene in Germany. I could ignore everything, and if he sends me an invoice i could also ignore it. But if the issue blows up, which it always could, i can fight against this somehow.

I never attacked him or called his tune bad, just that i was not fully satisfied and wanted something more or a second opinion. For him to come out of the blue and jump in like this frustrates me.

I don't know about German Law, but he could do nothing to you in American courts since you never signed it.

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Had somewhat of an interesting conversation over at the German 1 series forums.

I reported my experience, how i swapped tunes and that i am very happy and satisfied how the engine is now, the 1st tuner came into the picture.

He claims i "violated" an agreement, he copied and pasted a condition from his website, stating that any means of reading, downloading, copying or distributing "his" software tune is a violation, and that all parties involved must pay a fine of €5,000.

Personally, i never saw that agreement on his website, till he posted it today, and no way to prove otherwise. Also the invoice i received has his stamp and signature but not mine and that term/condition is not mentioned.

I also find this very silly and annoying, which shows how a "one man show" tuner likes to run his business. So if i got a tune from the USA and they asked to read what is on my ECU, would that tuner abroad be forced to pay? I took my car to the dealership and they read the ECU as well, should they also pay for this?

It is rubbish like that, that really makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with the tuning scene in Germany. I could ignore everything, and if he sends me an invoice i could also ignore it. But if the issue blows up, which it always could, i can fight against this somehow.

I never attacked him or called his tune bad, just that i was not fully satisfied and wanted something more or a second opinion. For him to come out of the blue and jump in like this frustrates me.

Sounds like a frivolous way of just getting you to pay €5000

Wouldn't stand a chance in a US court being you didn't sign anything.

Go on wayback machine/internet archive (Google it) and see if the agreement was on his website prior to today

Also contact Hassmachine at Bimmerlabs, I've been running a 130i tune for months now with the 3 stage intake. I'm sure he can help even though you have a German spec car

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Had somewhat of an interesting conversation over at the German 1 series forums.

I reported my experience, how i swapped tunes and that i am very happy and satisfied how the engine is now, the 1st tuner came into the picture.

He claims i "violated" an agreement, he copied and pasted a condition from his website, stating that any means of reading, downloading, copying or distributing "his" software tune is a violation, and that all parties involved must pay a fine of €5,000.

Personally, i never saw that agreement on his website, till he posted it today, and no way to prove otherwise. Also the invoice i received has his stamp and signature but not mine and that term/condition is not mentioned.

I also find this very silly and annoying, which shows how a "one man show" tuner likes to run his business. So if i got a tune from the USA and they asked to read what is on my ECU, would that tuner abroad be forced to pay? I took my car to the dealership and they read the ECU as well, should they also pay for this?

It is rubbish like that, that really makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with the tuning scene in Germany. I could ignore everything, and if he sends me an invoice i could also ignore it. But if the issue blows up, which it always could, i can fight against this somehow.

I never attacked him or called his tune bad, just that i was not fully satisfied and wanted something more or a second opinion. For him to come out of the blue and jump in like this frustrates me.

I know nothing about German law but there is now chance he can prevent you from having someone read your ECU. In EU I would bet there are laws against monopoly and the like.

I'd leave him alone, let it die off on its own.

[VF08822]

I replaced one of my little "parking lamp" bulbs. Ended up knocking the retaining clip for the low beam loose and spend a half hour fiddling with it before I was able to get the bulb secure again. But I have a clear dash now!

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by desertman123

Sounds like a frivolous way of just getting you to pay €5000

Wouldn't stand a chance in a US court being you didn't sign anything.

Go on wayback machine/internet archive (Google it) and see if the agreement was on his website prior to today

Also contact Hassmachine at Bimmerlabs, I've been running a 130i tune for months now with the 3 stage intake. I'm sure he can help even though you have a German spec car

It will not, the money spent on lawyers and courts will not be worth it and yes he is just trying to get me to pay €5K for services i was not satisfied with.

Originally Posted by Gangplank

I know nothing about German law but there is now chance he can prevent you from having someone read your ECU. In EU I would bet there are laws against monopoly and the like.

I'd leave him alone, let it die off on its own.

I will do just that, i just wrote to him explaining how even my local dealer read all the modules in the vehicle, which means technically from his terms and conditions they should also receive payment.

I made it clear to him, that i contacted him on several occasions, asking for any changes possible since i was not satisfied and felt something was off, he just replied very rudely. Even then i never accused his software as "bad" or "terrible" in anyway. I informed him that we can ignore this little game and go about our lives, since i did contact him first several times about the issue and left me no other choice. Or if he wants to, send me the bill and i will take it to a lawyer and to BMW and let them deal with you directly, since i want nothing to do with this topic, lets see the reply.