Drivetrain The Always Up-to-Date Thread on Tuning 2011+ (N18) MINIs
Thanks. As of today we have two working N18 prototypes. One that can be installed in 10 seconds and other that takes more like 10 minutes to install. Both are invisible to the DME once removed making them "warranty/lease friendly". To start we'd be shooting for the low hanging fruit. The easy gains with minimal risk and minimal cost. What I refer to as a Stage1. The tuning is currently dialed in well enough to study the approaches on the dyno so we can quantify whether it's reasonable to move forward to customer alpha testing with either. But I'm cautiously optimistic things will work out nicely. Will know more next week. Fortunately the sensors and logic used are very similar to other BMW models we tune meaning no waiting for connectors or PCBs.
To start the Stage1 N18 tuning system would be simple (similar to an N54 JB+) but we also have a relatively advanced Stage2+ CAN based JB4 system with features like in dash gauge hijacking (showing boost in dash, for example), on the fly map switching, 1st & 2nd gear boost limiting, etc, that we could adapt down the road if demand justified it. The CAN based system is able to datalog timing, air/fuel, knock count, etc, all through the factory DME and even self tune itself to optimize performance and safety as you race around. I won't waste my time talking about the JB4 much as that would be a long way out for N18 owners I will say its one of the most popular BMW N54/N55 tunes in use today.
Thanks!
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
So someone who doesn't read all 50+ pages of this thread and sees you're a 6th gear rated 1,600+ poster might take each one of those: this is the one I'm getting comments as a major glowing endorsement (if they happen to just see that page).
I know I did...until I kept reading and reading. Good thing, since that was your pick of ETG and we know how that turned out for another member.
I guess we'll see...maybe even a before & after dyno. Just have seen in the past 90 days or so 4 or 5: this is the one I'm getting comments, all changes from the previous one.
So someone who doesn't read all 50+ pages of this thread and sees you're a 6th gear rated 1,600+ poster might take each one of those: this is the one I'm getting comments as a major glowing endorsement (if they happen to just see that page).
I know I did...until I kept reading and reading. Good thing, since that was your pick of ETG and we know how that turned out for another member.
Brentuning is good but he wants a flash tool. Bet you didn't read that either.
Evolve can't tune my N18.
NM can't tune auto's as of right now but they'll be coming out with automatic tune this summer.
RennTech and PAW are both reliable and good bench tunes(RennTech produces a bit more power).
RMW can tune an N18 but it'll take him forever so he's waiting on a flash tool.
...is that better for you? Stop antagonizing me. I started searching for a tune in late March and after talking to each person from each company, RennTech is the best tune for me. Glad I sorted that out and I'm excited to have it on my car. Also I'm not doing a before dyno, it's MY car, so I'm just doing an after dyno. Everyone else can get their own tune.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Yeah well at least I looked for other tuners. That's why you dig deeper. When this thread started, lets see, ETG was named. So I looked into all of those named since noone had an idea. Then I did my hw deeper. If you actually read it, I said ETG is very skeptical because Jags tune was under a different name and a liar in his so-called software. But I guess you didn't read all 50 pages and the other thread on the search function.
Brentuning is good but he wants a flash tool. Bet you didn't read that either.
Evolve can't tune my N18.
NM can't tune auto's as of right now but they'll be coming out with automatic tune this summer.
RennTech and PAW are both reliable and good bench tunes(RennTech produces a bit more power).
RMW can tune an N18 but it'll take him forever so he's waiting on a flash tool.
...is that better for you? Stop antagonizing me. I started searching for a tune in late March and after talking to each person from each company, RennTech is the best tune for me. Glad I sorted that out and I'm excited to have it on my car. Also I'm not doing a before dyno, it's MY car, so I'm just doing an after dyno. Everyone else can get their own tune.
Brentuning is good but he wants a flash tool. Bet you didn't read that either.
Evolve can't tune my N18.
NM can't tune auto's as of right now but they'll be coming out with automatic tune this summer.
RennTech and PAW are both reliable and good bench tunes(RennTech produces a bit more power).
RMW can tune an N18 but it'll take him forever so he's waiting on a flash tool.
...is that better for you? Stop antagonizing me. I started searching for a tune in late March and after talking to each person from each company, RennTech is the best tune for me. Glad I sorted that out and I'm excited to have it on my car. Also I'm not doing a before dyno, it's MY car, so I'm just doing an after dyno. Everyone else can get their own tune.
So is that to say that the dyno/tune party you set up at Detroit Tuned and you were trying to get people to join you in is history?
I thought that was scheduled for Sept 14/15.
If you know anyone that has a N14 or R53, tell them to call DT. Slots are still open.
We are getting along, just a friendly conversation;-). Everyone will have disagreements on many things.
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 519
Likes: 3
From: terry@burgertuning.com
Terry, my brother in-law had the JB on his 335 and spoke very highly of it. Interested to see where this goes. Are you aware of the issues some of us with auto tranny's are having after being tuned? Just wanted to make sure you were aware of the issues some of us were having.
Thanks!
Thanks!
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
It is but Jan decided to not do my N18 because it'll take the whole day so it's not fair for the others to wait on me or anyone else. I told them I would pay extra, but Jan didn't want to. It's understandable.
If you know anyone that has a N14 or R53, tell them to call DT. Slots are still open.
If you know anyone that has a N14 or R53, tell them to call DT. Slots are still open.
Also I know you do your homework, making phone calls, emails and probably reading stuff here and all over the web. And taken as a whole this is all very helpful.
I was only ribbing you with the flip comment because you've been so definitive when it comes to what tune you're doing then next thing you know you jump to the next tune out there.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I'm curious as to why. If you're going to the trouble to get a tune wouldn't you want to know exactly what you got for your time/effort/money? You're mailing them your ECU, right? Is it just a matter of not wanting to expend the time/money to go do a dyno run before sending it off and then again when it comes back? (I suppose I could understand that but don't think it's the choice I'd make.)
That's cool. I did wonder what happened. I get it now. Before I just thought it was weird that you'd set it all up and then not do it.
Also I know you do your homework, making phone calls, emails and probably reading stuff here and all over the web. And taken as a whole this is all very helpful.
I was only ribbing you with the flip comment because you've been so definitive when it comes to what tune you're doing then next thing you know you jump to the next tune out there.
I know I've been so I decisive but the quote I received from RennTech and service I received was exceptional compared to NM and PAW.
Also, if you have any friends with a N14 or R53 let them know about DT tuning party.
I'm curious as to why. If you're going to the trouble to get a tune wouldn't you want to know exactly what you got for your time/effort/money? You're mailing them your ECU, right? Is it just a matter of not wanting to expend the time/money to go do a dyno run before sending it off and then again when it comes back? (I suppose I could understand that but don't think it's the choice I'd make.)
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
How did it get to $1,250? I thought they were $945. Also did they give you a list of needed mods or mods that actually effect their tune?
My mods were fine, I'm not adding a DP cause of me moving in the winter(Cali). Otherwise I would have. I just got a FMIC, Hot side pipe, K&N panel filter, and a 2.5" custom exhaust with 2nd delete. They said that's good.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
$945 tune, $64 their shipping back, $58 shipped there, and like $160 for spark plugs.
My mods were fine, I'm not adding a DP cause of me moving in the winter(Cali). Otherwise I would have. I just got a FMIC, Hot side pipe, K&N panel filter, and a 2.5" custom exhaust with 2nd delete. They said that's good.
Cops only look at Hondas lmao
But seriously, you're set for that tune.
Will most likely be my pick as well.
Last edited by NewCooperFanatic; Jun 23, 2013 at 02:58 PM.
Agreed on the Honda's.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
unfortunately, they smog all cars. and personally, i would hate to drive around with the CEL on.
Yeah that's what I keep hearing. I heard they don't do it to cars that are new for five years, is that a lie?
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
what part of cali you moving to? if it's socal, i'd love to see how your car runs when you move out here, assuming no one else gets a renntech tune by then. i'm not in a rush to tune my mini, but maybe i'll have that itch come winter.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
As for the cel, I just with with the Akra-R....pricey but that sucker works.