[HD81]

I'm kinda new to this site and was hoping I could get some advice and input on whether to get the Dinan software upgrade or a JB type mod on my E92 2008 335xi. I'm not big on mods which is why I purchased this car since it has both all-wheel and a 300HP twin turbo powerhouse under the hood. But like the rest of us who own a 335, there's always that little part of me that wants the extra oomph.

So I have almost 40k on my engine right now and as far as I've read, Dinan only matches the 4/50k BMW Maintenance warranty only on new BMWs and from what I've been reading about JB tuning, you have to pretty much contact the owner of JB to troubleshoot issues with their mod which is kinda pushing me away from it. If I do get either mod, I want to do it without having to bolt on any more parts so I can pretty much only get the Stage 1 SW upgrade from Dinan and I guess from JB I'd be looking at JB+.

I'm happy with the ~360 hp/380 tq i can get from the Dinan and about the same from JB+. I just need to know (from anyone who has or knows someone with these mods) whether it is worth the money and if it can potentially screw up the engine in the long run.

Lately, for maybe a couple months, I've been driving pretty conservatively at about 65-70mph and don't really beat up on the car, but when I first bought it (it was CPO with ~16k miles), up until about 35k miles, I drove it like its meant to be driven. So if I do get the chip mod, I'd only use it very seldomly (i'm one of those types who likes to have everything whether i can use it or not).

Any and all input is appreciated.

[bahn stormer]

Read the tune comparison chart in the sticky.

I personally would stay away from the JB+... go for the JB4 if you are planning to use a Burger Tuning product. I also think that Dinan is overpriced for what you get. You do get to keep the waranty but how much waranty do you have left anyways?

You will get many responses. Everyone has their preference. I happen to like my Procede. Asking which one to get is opening a can of worms!

If I were you I would at least stick to what seems to be the most popular tunes at the moment, which are JB4, Procede, COBB, and maybe GIAC. You can use any of these tunes without any other mods but be warned... this is just the start of what most of us find very addicting. Good Luck!

[HD81]

Thanks for the input Bahn. Does modding it increase the risk of blowing the motor given that the boost will increase and create more heat than the engine could possibly take?

[bahn stormer]

Originally Posted by HD81

Thanks for the input Bahn. Does modding it increase the risk of blowing the motor given that the boost will increase and create more heat than the engine could possibly take?

You could say that any additional load/stress/heat etc. that is put on the engine beyond stock has at least a slight increased risk. The advantage you now have jumping in at this point is the literally thousands of tuned 335i cars that have been on the road proving how bullet proof this engine is before you. The three or four blown engines that I have heard of were pushing the envelope far far from where you are now. They knew they were pushing limits and assumed the risk. At least I hope so.

Anyways, I have no regrets. This car responds to tuning like it was always meant for that kind of power. Even BMW is now installing dealer installed tunes, a direct admission to me that they know there is a lot in reserve. Many theorize that BMW did not want to cut into M3 sales.

[Bme30]

do it!!

[BMWsky]

The best advice I could give would be to learn as much as you can about how the N54 works, first. Once you're comfortable with that, figure out which tuning philosophy you agree with (Shiv, Burger, GIAC, Cobb, Dinan, etc.). Figure out which method you're most comfortable with and pull the trigger.

Horsepower is a seductive woman.

[BMWsky]

Originally Posted by 335coupe2007

what would u consider torque to be? lol

Her equally hot, twin sister.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Do some reading, if you have any questions I'm a PM away and have experience with all the popular tunes currently available and readily used.

[Wookie420]

I would highly recommend the COBB tune. I switched from JB3/4 over to COBB and have never looked back... Awesome tune, insane power and it's, IN MY OPINION, the safest tune available.

[LAE92]

+1 for COBB, have had it for a few months now and it runs great! Easy to use, tons of power, and you can easily resale it after if you don't want it. With that said... it will put more strain on your engine, but if maintained properly (spark plugs, oil changes, etc.) your enging should be fine! I have had my COBB for 4 months now and love it!

[135i]

COBB has been amazing for me. I had Vishnu V5 but honestly Cobb is a head and shoulders above in power and refinement.

Do it!

[Ozzie Goat]

DO IT !!

[HD81]

Guys, thank you all for your input. The more comments I see about the tunes being safe, the more safer I'll feel with tuning it. I just want to make sure I don't void out my CPO warranty which we all know covers the engine/powertrain and i'm covered until 2014 or 100k so any input on that would also be great. I honestly only want a stage 1 tune (of which Dinan is possible without having to purchase an oil cooler since mine doesn't have one ) and 360hp/380tq would be plenty to burn those damn S4s/S5s and STis and lancer EVOs, C-350 AMGs, etc. I can't stand when dudes pull up to me in those cars thinking they can stand up to a 335..i mean are they serious?!?

[dicostal]

GIAC is a flash tune and from my experience there are no known cases where the tune was detected from dealer.

[jlh335i]

Well they're either 16 or yeah they're serious... besides the merc, the cars you mentioned can be potent when modified. Just because you drive a 335 doesnt mean anything.

Any tune will void your warranty

[skim7x]

I have Dinan Stage II -- but I only got it because
1. I was new to the tuning scene and wanted to be conservative
2. This is back in 2008 when tuning the N54 was new... so I new I could trust Dinan with their warranty back-up program
3. My car was only 1 year old, so I had 3 years to take advantage of the warranty

Since then, all these companies... JB4, PROcede, GIAC, COBB, have all proved to be reliable for the most part and produce tons more power with a fraction of the cost. AND, since your warranty is basically out, no reason to get Dinan...

I'd go for Cobb... they are a reputable company and everyone seems happy with their software.

But like others said above, you'll need to really read up on all these tunes and pick the one that suits you... I don't think any of them will "blow your engine up." haha

[HD81]

Totally agreed on those cars being potent, but I got taken by a dude in a 2010 S4 by about 2 car lengths from a rolling 3rd gear start and I was pretty disappointed. But I'm not embarrassed because S4s are incredibly ballsy and of course it had a hp and torque advantage on me.

[ModBargains III]

335i + Tune = Love.

Obviously it takes a certain kind of person to tune a 335i, but for the most part, I always recommend a tune to my customers. Easily the best mod for this car is a tune.

[HD81]

I have Dinan Stage II -- but I only got it because
1. I was new to the tuning scene and wanted to be conservative
2. This is back in 2008 when tuning the N54 was new... so I new I could trust Dinan with their warranty back-up program
3. My car was only 1 year old, so I had 3 years to take advantage of the warranty

Since then, all these companies... JB4, PROcede, GIAC, COBB, have all proved to be reliable for the most part and produce tons more power with a fraction of the cost. AND, since your warranty is basically out, no reason to get Dinan...

I'd go for Cobb... they are a reputable company and everyone seems happy with their software.

But like others said above, you'll need to really read up on all these tunes and pick the one that suits you... I don't think any of them will "blow your engine up." haha


Thanks man. Would you mind sharing your numbers with the stage II? Also, after the tune, when does peak torque kick in versus the stock 1400rpm.

[FastBimmerN54]

This should answer most of your questions

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1300941860

I would recommend Jeff @ Top Gear as he is very knowledgeable and his presence and help on the forums sets him apart from the rest of the vendors.

[Skydive]

I would say that the Cobb tune is your best bet. I enjoy the Procede because I am a "tinkerer" with considerable experience, and the Procede is most effective if your are inclined to tinker with it. (The JB products are similar in this regard.) Anyway, the Cobb and others like it, (flash calibrations), are set it and forget it arrangements which make them better choices for those who don't intend to do anything beyond DME tuning. The piggybacks do provide flexibility, but it's flexibility you likely won't want.

The Dinan tunes are flashes as well, but the Dinan warranty will not provide much for you. Cobb or GIAC will be better in the long run, given the cost.

[marv85]

Definitely tune your car!! I should have tuned it the second I bought it!

As for teh tune, I'd go with COBB -> peace of mind...