[Dinosoar]

Anyone try CarBahn's (Steve Dinan's new shop) tuner for the G42? I have a 230, but interested in anyone's thoughts on a B58 tune as well. Looks like it's just a "piggy back" style boost adder. Seems pricey for that, but the power increase on a B46 is 44HP / 50 TQ with 93 octane.

Experience with it? Thoughts?

[rons e92]

I'm curious about this as well. Trying to decide between Carbahn and JB4 for my M240i.

Warranty is nice, but so is ethanol.

[In Extremis]

Originally Posted by rons e92

I'm curious about this as well. Trying to decide between Carbahn and JB4 for my M240i.

Warranty is nice, but so is ethanol.

There is a significant price bump for that warranty too. I’m very conflicted on which route to go. It’s ironic, I feel the safest option is a femto unlock and proper dyno tune, but that would make a lot of warranty claims impossible.

[rons e92]

Originally Posted by In Extremis

There is a significant price bump for that warranty too. I’m very conflicted on which route to go. It’s ironic, I feel the safest option is a femto unlock and proper dyno tune, but that would make a lot of warranty claims impossible.

This is a debate I've been having with myself for at least 6 weeks now.

This morning I pulled the trigger on the JB4.

I think having a company who will review your logs and make sure everything is good is better than paying a company $1,000 for a warranty that might not even work out in the long run, and while they're all finger pointing you're out a $60k+ car.

Having BMS take a proactive approach to reviewing logs to prevent an issue, vs Carbahn's reactive approach with the warranty, IMO is a better way to do this kind of thing. Plus, more power, and the ability to run ethanol.

I think I made the right choice.

As for shipping my ECU to Finland to be unlocked, that's just not something I'm willing to do. The car is my daily so shipping my ECU overseas isn't an option. I'd have to buy a replacement, and in that case this process just to make the car into something I could tune is starting at over $2k. Once they crack these things I'll go that route, but until then, I think JB4 is the best option for what I'm looking to do with my car.

[Dinosoar]

Yeah, I have the Dinan Sportronics. I like it. Cheap...I assume pretty safe...but it is "crude" and not the 300HP/350TQ I'd like to get. Between the more expensive Dinan options, JB4, and now CarBahn...I am totally torn and uncertain. I ain't getting the warranty, and I ain't pulling my ECU. So, I have to consider an expensive "piggy back" tune but just do not know the safest way to go. Steve Dinan seems a good way to go, but the adjustability of the JB4 is so cool too.

You look at CarBahn's dyno numbers, including OE runs, lots of power! Hell, I look at the OE runs and I've exceeded my goals with just the 3.4PSI boost I get from my Dinan Sportronics tuner on 93 octane.

Should call it day and be happy, but...we know how that goes. As long as it is safe and affordable, more power is best!

[Coconut]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

You look at CarBahn's dyno numbers, including OE runs, lots of power! Hell, I look at the OE runs and I've exceeded my goals with just the 3.4PSI boost I get from my Dinan Sportronics tuner on 93 octane.

Should call it day and be happy, but...we know how that goes. As long as it is safe and affordable, more power is best!

Do you feel a noticeable difference with the Dinantronics?

[PNTDG42]

I was also considering the little Dinantronics as a hold-over until it makes more sense to do the full unlock and tune. Shipping overseas is no big deal, its not my only car, so a week or 2 without driving it is no problem. For me the problem is that I dont want to lock myself out of OEM software updates yet. Idrive8 is a bit new/fresh to do that.

All these "tuners" do the same thing; manipulate more boost out of the system. None of them are really tuning. None of them are contributing to the capability to run more ethanol (what capability you have to do so, is already there). I already own the ECUTEK Connect Bluetooth dongle/logger and can review the logs myself... which doesn't accomplish much other than making sure you don't need to remove the device. I don't really care that the more expensive versions will make more power by running more boost, because its just a hack anyway... its not an ideal way to push the power. So if 30-40hp is all it makes... cool. I think I just talked myself into it.

[Dinosoar]

Originally Posted by Coconut

Do you feel a noticeable difference with the Dinantronics?

I do, yes. I did not instrument my testing, but did do several back-to-back tests with STOCK and RACE modes. It is worth the money at $230.

I still would like that higher output of 300HP though.

[Dinosoar]

Originally Posted by PNTDG42

I was also considering the little Dinantronics as a hold-over until it makes more sense to do the full unlock and tune. Shipping overseas is no big deal, its not my only car, so a week or 2 without driving it is no problem. For me the problem is that I dont want to lock myself out of OEM software updates yet. Idrive8 is a bit new/fresh to do that.

All these "tuners" do the same thing; manipulate more boost out of the system. None of them are really tuning. None of them are contributing to the capability to run more ethanol (what capability you have to do so, is already there). I already own the ECUTEK Connect Bluetooth dongle/logger and can review the logs myself... which doesn't accomplish much other than making sure you don't need to remove the device. I don't really care that the more expensive versions will make more power by running more boost, because its just a hack anyway... its not an ideal way to push the power. So if 30-40hp is all it makes... cool. I think I just talked myself into it.

Agree with all your points. I think you'd easily get those power boost numbers for your B58. My B48 gets about 25HP/35-40TQ increase. It's the OE base number that seems hard to nail down based on some dyno runs and BMW's reputation on declared power numbers. I think anyone would be happy with the Dinan device, and if not, man it is cheap and easily sold off.

[atenzany62]

I have the dinantronics X not the sport, with mst intake and map 7 I did 0-60 in 3.66 fastest. 4 Draggy runs, other 3 were 3.7, 3.7, 3.9. The X use the same app as race chip and this carbahn tuner as well. I noticed on map 7 carbahn calls for 100 octane while the X calls for 93 octane. I guess they are programmed differently afterall.

[bmwman4life11]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

Anyone try CarBahn's (Steve Dinan's new shop) tuner for the G42? I have a 230, but interested in anyone's thoughts on a B58 tune as well. Looks like it's just a "piggy back" style boost adder. Seems pricey for that, but the power increase on a B46 is 44HP / 50 TQ with 93 octane.

Experience with it? Thoughts?

I have the Carbahn unit on my g42 m240i. My car was actually the test car for them to test compatibility/etc. I have had zero issues with it, I know other options are out there that offer the same, but I love being able to go on an App and change the Stage of the piggyback. if you haven't already, look into a downpipe. I went with the AA catted downpipe and that gave the most noticeable bump in power, especially torque down low.

[Zemzam]

I had the Carbahn unit on my 2022 M240i. I put it on the car 60 days after buying the car, and drove it for a month before adding the AA catted DP. I later went to an E30-E40 blend.

In all of those configurations the Carbahn unit was rock solid, felt as smooth as stock, and performed flawlessly. I only recently switched to a JB4 and am not yet ready to offer feedback on that unit yet. However the Carbahn unit is still technically in the car (with the harness removed) and will stay until I am sure the JB4 will perform the way I wish for it to.

One other note: Dealerships will install the Carbahn tune in many cases (BMW of Louisville installed mine).

[heelsmj]

[QUOTE=rons e92;29881393]
This morning I pulled the trigger on the JB4.

You made the right choice. I have been running a JB4 on my M340 for 3 years and plan on moving it over to my M240 when it arrives. Great power gains and zero issues. There is a huge community supporting it and anytime I had a question they responded immediately. Incredible customer service.

[viperx100]

bmwman4life11 and Zemzam, how do you guys like your AA catted downpipes? How much did it change the sound of the exhaust? I heard a few clips online and it sounds like the consensus is that it makes it deeper without sounding obnoxious or drony while driving. Was the bump on torque down low with it instantly noticeable or only in conjunction with Carbahn? Thanks!

[Zemzam]

Originally Posted by viperx100

bmwman4life11 and Zemzam, how do you guys like your AA catted downpipes? How much did it change the sound of the exhaust? I heard a few clips online and it sounds like the consensus is that it makes it deeper without sounding obnoxious or drony while driving. Was the bump on torque down low with it instantly noticeable or only in conjunction with Carbahn? Thanks!

It deepens the tone significantly, and it makes the car sound a lot better. It is not a replacement for the sound of a good exhaust, but at least this has a performance gain. I am not a fan of the stock exhaust on the G42 and that is still the case, but the AA cat definitely improved the sound and will do just fine until I eventually add a custom axle back later.

[bmwman4life11]

Originally Posted by viperx100

bmwman4life11 and Zemzam, how do you guys like your AA catted downpipes? How much did it change the sound of the exhaust? I heard a few clips online and it sounds like the consensus is that it makes it deeper without sounding obnoxious or drony while driving. Was the bump on torque down low with it instantly noticeable or only in conjunction with Carbahn? Thanks!

So I did cold air intake, then tune and then AA downpipe. I coded in Sporty mode ( keeps the valves open after it's warm) for me, the sound is perfect. Even with the tune off, the bump in torque especially down low is awesome. But looking back, the downpipe is the best bang for your buck mod.

[viperx100]

Thank you both for the helpful replies! Sounds like AA downpipe is in the...werks for me. I used to have the AA charge pipe with their blow-off valve on my 2013 BMW 335is and absolutely loved it. Great build quality and sound.

[Rdurty2]

Originally Posted by viperx100

Thank you both for the helpful replies! Sounds like AA downpipe is in the...werks for me. I used to have the AA charge pipe with their blow-off valve on my 2013 BMW 335is and absolutely loved it. Great build quality and sound.

If you are able to swing it now is the time to buy the AA downpipe. X-ph.com has it for 15% off.

[TJZ67201]

Has anyone DIY installed the AA downpipe? Definitely considering this if it is DIY friendly

Can you go back to stock if needed? Apologies I’m a newbie at this

[Rdurty2]

Originally Posted by TJZ67201

Has anyone DIY installed the AA downpipe? Definitely considering this if it is DIY friendly

Can you go back to stock if needed? Apologies I’m a newbie at this

A bunch of us here have DIYed it. It’s pretty simple on jack stands. Takes a couple hours.

Easy to swap and go back to stock if needed for whatever reason.

[viperx100]

I am a little concerned about the warranty and BMW dealerships should anything go wrong with the turbo/exhaust. I know that this has been discussed in great detail and the chance of it happening is not that big, but I can't help but worry. Does anyone else worry about it and has it prevented you from getting a DP before the warranty expires?

[Rdurty2]

Originally Posted by viperx100

I am a little concerned about the warranty and BMW dealerships should anything go wrong with the turbo/exhaust. I know that this has been discussed in great detail and the chance of it happening is not that big, but I can't help but worry. Does anyone else worry about it and has it prevented you from getting a DP before the warranty expires?

No worries here.

The answer is simple, if you are that worried then don’t do it.

You have the chance of encountering way more issues with a piggyback at the dealer than a downpipe.