BMS or AA Tune?

gindajatt1 · 04-10-2011, 11:43 PM

Hey guys wanted to know which of these mods will work better on My 325i, will really appreciate feedback from members who have these in their cars, are they worth it? Thanks

AlpineSwift · 04-10-2011, 11:49 PM

BMS is a piggy back throttle booster.

Go for the AA tune if you value your money and want a real gain you can feel.

gindajatt1 · 04-11-2011, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

BMS is a piggy back throttle booster.

Go for the AA tune if you value your money and want a real gain you can feel.

Will I have to get the AA tune installed at a shop or can I do it my self?

jaceaholic · 04-11-2011, 01:33 AM

you can get it installed in a shop if you have a place that does AA install.. or you can send out your ecu to AA then they send it back..

Wlew · 04-11-2011, 01:47 AM

Do people not search and read anymore?

to answer your question, 100% go for the AA tune. dont even worry about the bms powerbox.

search the "for sale" area in the vendors section or one of the 10 recent AA topics for all you need to answer your questions.

Go with AA man, you wont regret it.

canucklion · 04-11-2011, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wlew

Do people not search and read anymore?

to answer your question, 100% go for the AA tune. dont even worry about the bms powerbox.

search the "for sale" area in the vendors section or one of the 10 recent AA topics for all you need to answer your questions.

Go with AA man, you wont regret it.

Mods should temp-ban any new threads re. AA or BMS tune.

t1mmy · 04-11-2011, 10:40 AM

well, they ask and we deliver, we're not really encouraging them to search are we lol

R12ax7 · 05-26-2011, 07:03 AM

Well this is the most recent AA vs. PBX thread (I did search, lets face it, while this may be the best BMW forum, the search feature on here, or any forum for that matter, is not its best function), so I am going to repost my post from another thread. If theres a way to consolidate these AA vs. PBX threads lets do that.

From this thread http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=534159:

It seems people who have tried both think the AA tune is better, but does it also give the improved, free revving throttle response?

My understanding is that the PBX is slightly more effective on the 325/330 than the 328, can anyone confirm this? Does the same apply for AA (also its $100 more for the 328)?

Either one better for 6MT versus Step? My understanding is that most "software" tunes are a little more effective on autos than manual. I am about to join the 6MT club myself so I wonder if the "feel" (of the PBX) is more important, then again maybe AA gives you that and then some.

One last question for anyone with input. Any more likely warranty issues with one versus the other? I understand the PBX is a physical thing whereas the AA tune is not, but is the AA detectable and will the stealership wipe it from your ECU?

Sorry to thread jack but the PBX vs AA threads are much more scattered than the JB vs PROcede vs COBB threads. I dont know if theres a way to organize them better, I guess theres just a lot more n54/5 traffic than n51/2.

mike-y · 05-27-2011, 11:16 AM

the biggest benefit of the BMS is the throttle booster. It will give some hp, but it won't really be that noticeable. Mine showed a 9-10hp gain in the midrange a week after I installed it, but the gain tapered off at the top, where it was only about 2 peak hp.

but the throttle mapping is a must on the 325i, especially if you have an automatic. last week, I accidentally reset the BMS power box while I was parked, talking on the phone. I was tapping the gas pedal while listening to the radio (car was on, but motor was off). anyway, after the call, I just shut the car off and went inside.

the next morning I got in my car and started to drive away, and I was like WTF IS WRONG WITH MY CAR?? It just wouldn't go anywhere at all unless I really mashed the pedal down. So I pulled over, reset the BMS to map 3 and BAM, everything felt good again.

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 05-28-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

BMS is a piggy back throttle booster.

Go for the AA tune if you value your money and want a real gain you can feel.

The PBX adds a noticeable amount of power. Here is a dyno AA did comparing the two vs stock. Where the PBX shines is in cost and being able to install/remove at home. It's also more warranty friendly as you are not modifying the DME code directly. Customers report positive experiences with both products so I'm sure you can't go wrong either way.

Mike

Tim@EMSTUNING · 05-28-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

The PBX adds a noticeable amount of power. Here is a dyno AA did comparing the two vs stock. Where the PBX shines is in cost and being able to install/remove at home. It's also more warranty friendly as you are not modifying the DME code directly. Customers report positive experiences with both products so I'm sure you can't go wrong either way.

Mike

Agreed at the end of the day the Customer has the option to select either tune that would better fit their driving habits, and the performance level they are looking to obtain.

Raine · 05-29-2011, 02:32 AM

The BMS PBX is great for throttle response and revving but the AA tune is definitely better for refinement and linear throttle/shifts.

BandaE92 · 05-30-2011, 01:45 PM

AA son!

ah gon · 05-30-2011, 10:23 PM

AA!

ninja3.8 · 05-31-2011, 01:03 AM

And there you have it. AA is the overwhelming favorite. I have had the powerbox and like it but sold it when i realized I had 200 dollars sitting in my engine bay doing next to nothing.

Andrew@ET · 05-31-2011, 02:06 PM

I wouldn't say its doing next to nothing because for the price it actually does a hell of a lot especially for the price in the Bmw world.

Its a great bang for the buck !

FrankE90xi · 06-02-2011, 09:20 AM

to be honest the aa tune does grant more overall power but i think that the bms tune is more about the throttle responce that you get so for the money i think it would be better to go pbx but if money and time arent an issue go aa.

JB E92 · 06-16-2011, 12:59 PM

AA

dman918 · 06-16-2011, 09:18 PM

I think everyone will agree AA is better, but is it really worth 2x the price of a used powerbox? Doesn't seem like it...

redlinedbimmer · 06-17-2011, 07:18 AM

no it doesn't seem worth it at all its like less than 5 ft/lbs and 5hp difference, plus you have to mail your ecu and be with out a car for a few days, and not really resellable

AlpineSwift · 06-17-2011, 11:49 PM

Why the hell is the pbx being labeled a JB3 in that dyno sheet?

I'm sorry, but unless you have an automatic, PBX is a waste. Didn't make any difference to me whatsoever when I had it on my car. Only thing I noticed was that my throttle was now going wide open at only 25% pedal travel. Sorry but if you value you're fuel economy and know that a steady pedal will outshine cruise control, then you'll be pissed about the new throttle response being so sensitive.

AA without a shadow of a doubt is the best mod to go for concerning engine tunes.

Raine · 06-18-2011, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

Why the hell is the pbx being labeled a JB3 in that dyno sheet?

I'm sorry, but unless you have an automatic, PBX is a waste. Didn't make any difference to me whatsoever when I had it on my car. Only thing I noticed was that my throttle was now going wide open at only 25% pedal travel. Sorry but if you value you're fuel economy and know that a steady pedal will outshine cruise control, then you'll be pissed about the new throttle response being so sensitive.

AA without a shadow of a doubt is the best mod to go for concerning engine tunes.

^

The PBX is definitely an improvement over the stock throttle of the auto, but the tune is just the complete package.

Understandable considering a used PBX goes for around 170-200 and the tune costs $400+

04-10-2011, 11:43 PM	#1
gindajatt1 Second Lieutenant 26 Rep 276 Posts Drives: Like a criminal! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	BMS or AA Tune? Hey guys wanted to know which of these mods will work better on My 325i, will really appreciate feedback from members who have these in their cars, are they worth it? Thanks
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04-10-2011, 11:49 PM	#2
AlpineSwift Colonel 77 Rep 2,114 Posts Drives: 2008 335Xi Coupé Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Castle Rock, CO iTrader: (3)	BMS is a piggy back throttle booster. Go for the AA tune if you value your money and want a real gain you can feel. __________________ E92 '08 335Xi 6AT - Cobb AP3 Tuned by MAC Autosport, Original Prototype Xi DOCRace 6266 Single Turbo Swap, VRSF CP w/Synapse BOV, VRSF 7" FMIC, BMS Cowl, H&R Coilovers, Renn Motorsport RS-51's, Stoptech Stage 2 Slotted, xHP Stage 3, Earl's Racing Oil Cooler, Turner Boost Gauge, M3 Lip Spoiler. Standing Mile Record Holder for Xi over a mile high: 168.2MPH @ 5512'; The Colorado Mile hosted by The US Mile.
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04-11-2011, 01:33 AM	#4
jaceaholic thestream.tv 120 Rep 3,134 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 sparkling graphite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: northern california iTrader: (7)	you can get it installed in a shop if you have a place that does AA install.. or you can send out your ecu to AA then they send it back.. __________________
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04-11-2011, 01:47 AM	#5
Wlew Major 77 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (12)	Do people not search and read anymore? to answer your question, 100% go for the AA tune. dont even worry about the bms powerbox. search the "for sale" area in the vendors section or one of the 10 recent AA topics for all you need to answer your questions. Go with AA man, you wont regret it. __________________ 2011 335i Sports Package \| VRSF FMIC \| Cobb AP3 \| Dinan Exhaust \| BMS Intake \| VRSF CP \| Lux H8 Angel Eyes \| Mtec LED Fogs \|
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04-11-2011, 10:40 AM	#7
t1mmy Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 224 Posts Drives: BMW 328i 2008 Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	well, they ask and we deliver, we're not really encouraging them to search are we lol
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05-26-2011, 07:03 AM	#8
R12ax7 Major 120 Rep 1,053 Posts Drives: 2021 340xi Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 328i [0.00]	Well this is the most recent AA vs. PBX thread (I did search, lets face it, while this may be the best BMW forum, the search feature on here, or any forum for that matter, is not its best function), so I am going to repost my post from another thread. If theres a way to consolidate these AA vs. PBX threads lets do that. From this thread http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=534159: It seems people who have tried both think the AA tune is better, but does it also give the improved, free revving throttle response? My understanding is that the PBX is slightly more effective on the 325/330 than the 328, can anyone confirm this? Does the same apply for AA (also its $100 more for the 328)? Either one better for 6MT versus Step? My understanding is that most "software" tunes are a little more effective on autos than manual. I am about to join the 6MT club myself so I wonder if the "feel" (of the PBX) is more important, then again maybe AA gives you that and then some. One last question for anyone with input. Any more likely warranty issues with one versus the other? I understand the PBX is a physical thing whereas the AA tune is not, but is the AA detectable and will the stealership wipe it from your ECU? Sorry to thread jack but the PBX vs AA threads are much more scattered than the JB vs PROcede vs COBB threads. I dont know if theres a way to organize them better, I guess theres just a lot more n54/5 traffic than n51/2.
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05-27-2011, 11:16 AM	#9
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	the biggest benefit of the BMS is the throttle booster. It will give some hp, but it won't really be that noticeable. Mine showed a 9-10hp gain in the midrange a week after I installed it, but the gain tapered off at the top, where it was only about 2 peak hp. but the throttle mapping is a must on the 325i, especially if you have an automatic. last week, I accidentally reset the BMS power box while I was parked, talking on the phone. I was tapping the gas pedal while listening to the radio (car was on, but motor was off). anyway, after the call, I just shut the car off and went inside. the next morning I got in my car and started to drive away, and I was like WTF IS WRONG WITH MY CAR?? It just wouldn't go anywhere at all unless I really mashed the pedal down. So I pulled over, reset the BMS to map 3 and BAM, everything felt good again.
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05-29-2011, 02:32 AM	#12
Raine Captain 44 Rep 841 Posts Drives: '11 E82, '04 E60 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	The BMS PBX is great for throttle response and revving but the AA tune is definitely better for refinement and linear throttle/shifts. __________________ AW/Coral Red \| Premium \| Sport \| HK Sound \| AA Tune \| E93 M3 Front Sway \| BMW Performance Exhaust
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05-30-2011, 01:45 PM	#13
BandaE92 New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 07 328i Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	AA son!
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05-30-2011, 10:23 PM	#14
ah gon Colonel 112 Rep 2,433 Posts Drives: bmw e90 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: vancouver b.c. canada iTrader: (12)	AA! __________________
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05-31-2011, 01:03 AM	#15
ninja3.8 Private 3 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: May 2011 Location: alabama iTrader: (1)	And there you have it. AA is the overwhelming favorite. I have had the powerbox and like it but sold it when i realized I had 200 dollars sitting in my engine bay doing next to nothing.
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05-31-2011, 02:06 PM	#16
Andrew@ET Brigadier General 181 Rep 4,038 Posts Drives: Red thing Join Date: May 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (9)	I wouldn't say its doing next to nothing because for the price it actually does a hell of a lot especially for the price in the Bmw world. Its a great bang for the buck !
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06-02-2011, 09:20 AM	#17
FrankE90xi Private First Class 13 Rep 182 Posts Drives: Black 2007 BMW 328xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orland park iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 328 xi [8.40]	to be honest the aa tune does grant more overall power but i think that the bms tune is more about the throttle responce that you get so for the money i think it would be better to go pbx but if money and time arent an issue go aa.
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06-16-2011, 12:59 PM	#18
JB E92 Private 4 Rep 67 Posts Drives: e90 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Socal iTrader: (8) Garage List 2008 328i coupe [10.00]	AA
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06-16-2011, 09:18 PM	#19
dman918 Captain 81 Rep 699 Posts Drives: 2014 335i x-drive m-sport Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Algonquin, IL iTrader: (1)	I think everyone will agree AA is better, but is it really worth 2x the price of a used powerbox? Doesn't seem like it...
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06-17-2011, 07:18 AM	#20
redlinedbimmer Private First Class 10 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2008 328i 6 speed Join Date: May 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	no it doesn't seem worth it at all its like less than 5 ft/lbs and 5hp difference, plus you have to mail your ecu and be with out a car for a few days, and not really resellable
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06-17-2011, 11:49 PM	#21
AlpineSwift Colonel 77 Rep 2,114 Posts Drives: 2008 335Xi Coupé Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Castle Rock, CO iTrader: (3)	Why the hell is the pbx being labeled a JB3 in that dyno sheet? I'm sorry, but unless you have an automatic, PBX is a waste. Didn't make any difference to me whatsoever when I had it on my car. Only thing I noticed was that my throttle was now going wide open at only 25% pedal travel. Sorry but if you value you're fuel economy and know that a steady pedal will outshine cruise control, then you'll be pissed about the new throttle response being so sensitive. AA without a shadow of a doubt is the best mod to go for concerning engine tunes. __________________ E92 '08 335Xi 6AT - Cobb AP3 Tuned by MAC Autosport, Original Prototype Xi DOCRace 6266 Single Turbo Swap, VRSF CP w/Synapse BOV, VRSF 7" FMIC, BMS Cowl, H&R Coilovers, Renn Motorsport RS-51's, Stoptech Stage 2 Slotted, xHP Stage 3, Earl's Racing Oil Cooler, Turner Boost Gauge, M3 Lip Spoiler. Standing Mile Record Holder for Xi over a mile high: 168.2MPH @ 5512'; The Colorado Mile hosted by The US Mile.
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