[335twins]

Anyone running ESS stage 2 tune? how does it compare to Cobb?

[335twins]

Anyone? ESS is a BMW tuner, doesn't that mean its the safest tune out there for the BMW platform? I'm surprised there isn't more people running it...

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by 335twins

Anyone? ESS is a BMW tuner, doesn't that mean its the safest tune out there for the BMW platform? I'm surprised there isn't more people running it...

With the same price as a COBB AP/Vishnu Procede REV3.0, it doesnt make sense to go with it when it has 1% as much R/D compared to a tune like the Procede. Just saying. ESS is big for M3 superchargers, but not very common for the N54 platform, in my experience. Its not that its a bad tune, its just that there are tunes within 50$ that are much more reputable.

EDIT: Well, ill take back the R/D comment, but i feel the biggest reason its not popular is that it requires you to send them your DME. See here:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227862

ESS Performance Products has been tuning BMWs for over 18 years. Based in Norway and with services in the US and around the world, we have tuned thousands of BMW vehicles. A strong history of supercharging and forced induction backgrounds makes tuning the N54 to perfect a natural step into the future!

Our full DME flash comes in 3 flavors:

Stage 1 makes 11psi - 350hp/360tq and requires 91 minimum octane.
Stage 2 makes 13psi - 375hp/380tq and recommends 93 octane.
Stage 3 makes 15psi - 400hp+/425tq+ and recommends 93 and upgraded IC.

See this post: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193156

ESS Tuning engine software is available on ALL MSD80/81 equipped vehicles including the new 2009s.

All flashes also include a raised REV LIMITER (7200) and remove the TOP SPEED limiter directly.

All stages will adapt to current bolt-on mods including intakes, diverter valves, downpipes, and exhausts. The better the car can breathe, the more efficiently it will make more power!

We offer a FREE option to disable the post-cat O2 SES function for catless DP operation (For off-road use only).

All ESS Tuning flashes include the lastest Progman updates, smoother throttle usage, upgraded torque management, FULL direct control of boost curves, wastegates, ignition curves, fueling curves, smoother automatic transmission operation, water pump speed modifications, VANOS, eGas, EWS updates, and more. They will adapt from 91 to 100 octane automatically, no need to switch any maps. They adapt specifically to your driving style and engine specifics. There is no fooling the DME here like non-flash products, this is direct FULL DME CONTROL.

It is not visible to dealer diagnostics and will pass all Test Plans normally. It will not trip "detection" codes. It has not voided any warranties. It is not a "copy" of Alpina's work like other flashes are. ESS Tuning MSD80/81 flashes are new from the ground up and are specifically written for each vehicle, not cookie cuttered from one master.

This software was 2 years in the making and is the result of hundreds of hours of dyno time and thousands of miles driven from Scandinavia to Arizona. This included Autobahn and Nurburgring testing and extreme weather and altitude testing.

ESS Tuning strives for safe, reliable tuning options for users who understand there are limits. ESS worked with Bosch, Seimens, and MHI to get the most accurate information possible when pushing to the SAFE limits of this engine. This includes multiple stages of safety fueling, never operating the turbos past their max rated impeller speeds, and carefully tweaking the cool-down and temperature maps to maximize the life of your engine and driving experience.

Simply ship the DME to one of our programming centers (Arizona in the US and Norway in Europe). Use our custom removal instructions and order form, protect the pins and connectors on the DME, and ship it in. Normal turnaround is 24 hours from when it is received. Plug it in and enjoy!

All you have to do now is, PICK YOUR STAGE!

This is an E90Post Special for everyone here:

ANY STAGE - 1, 2, or 3 is ONLY $750.

Feel free to PM me for more information or email sales@esstuning.com!

Look at the bolded text. Also, it seems that its max PSI is not nearly as high as the Procede (which can run close to 19/20 PSI on stock turbos). The safety of 19/20 PSI is questionable, but it just goes to show you the extensiveness of the Procede.

[335twins]

Well, I spoke to a local tuner and they said that ESS will mail you the maps so you don't have to mail them the DME. I am worried about running 18,19 psi on stockers, I feel that they won't last long at those numbers. That post is from 2009, I think ESS changed some things.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by 335twins

Well, I spoke to a local tuner and they said that ESS will mail you the maps so you don't have to mail them the DME. I am worried about running 18,19 psi on stockers, I feel that they won't last long at those numbers. That post is from 2009, I think ESS changed some things.

Your most likely correct, its just that i havent heard anything about ESS tunes in months. Just offering what i know/my opinion Post up more info when you get it!

[335twins]

I definitely will if i get it, appreciate your input on this though, thank you.

Originally Posted by Eric335

Your most likely correct, its just that i havent heard anything about ESS tunes in months. Just offering what i know/my opinion Post up more info when you get it!

[Envuks]

ESS no longer requires a user to send in the DME to get the tune... That was their old process which I think cost them a lot of market share early on when N54 tuning was growing momentum. From what I understand, ESS has spent a lot of time and money on R&D for the N54 tune. It seems to be more popular on M1s and on 335 in Europe.

For me, my goal was not to run the highest amount of boost possible from my turbos. I wanted a good, reliable tune and felt the power offerings from ESS were fine (385 w/ stage 2) while keeping my boost lower than with some of the other tunes available.

Everyone wants something a little different from their tune which is why there is no right answer when it comes to the question "what is the best tune?"

Originally Posted by Eric335

With the same price as a COBB AP/Vishnu Procede REV3.0, it doesnt make sense to go with it when it has 1% as much R/D compared to a tune like the Procede. Just saying. ESS is big for M3 superchargers, but not very common for the N54 platform, in my experience. Its not that its a bad tune, its just that there are tunes within 50$ that are much more reputable.

EDIT: Well, ill take back the R/D comment, but i feel the biggest reason its not popular is that it requires you to send them your DME. See here:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227862



Look at the bolded text. Also, it seems that its max PSI is not nearly as high as the Procede (which can run close to 19/20 PSI on stock turbos). The safety of 19/20 PSI is questionable, but it just goes to show you the extensiveness of the Procede.

[Envuks]

Here's how it works:

You buy the tune from ESS
They ship you a OBD2 cable and a software program which you install on your laptop
You setup the program on your laptop and copy your car's current software
you send that file to ESS via email
they email you back files for stage 1 and 2
You upload either file

Done

You can then switch between stock, stage 1, and stage 2 as you wish. You can also use the program on your laptop to read and clear codes.

I have heard that ESS will also do custom tuning (custom files) for around $200 to $300 per file. (note: I have not done this myself, and it is what I have heard from others)

Originally Posted by Eric335

Your most likely correct, its just that i havent heard anything about ESS tunes in months. Just offering what i know/my opinion Post up more info when you get it!

[bigdaddycane]

COBB > ESS

no hassle with sending DMEs in and such....great customer service as well.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

COBB > ESS

no hassle with sending DMEs in and such....great customer service as well.

Read the rest of the thread But yeah, id recommend COBB or Procede. Although, if what your seeking is a nice power-bump with 'stock-like' safety, ESS > Dinan. I view them as being in their own market.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by 335twins

Well, I spoke to a local tuner and they said that ESS will mail you the maps so you don't have to mail them the DME. I am worried about running 18,19 psi on stockers, I feel that they won't last long at those numbers. That post is from 2009, I think ESS changed some things.

Running 18psi in the midrange (3k-5.5k) is completely fine, you just need to make sure that the tune tapers it back to 15psi at Redline.


I'd recommend going with any of the 3 majors for a tune (COBB, JB4, PROcede; in that order) and let ESS focus on making their supercharger kits for the E9x M3s.

[bigdaddycane]

^ well said...kinda what I meant in a bit more detail.

It's no disrespect, but ESS is not really offering what the Big 3 currently have.

[335twins]

I am looking for a tune that will give me power but also safety, cobb sounds like a good decision, I think I'll give cobb a try, but with OTS maps i wont get the highest power with FBO, I would need someone to costume tune it, correct? one of those e-mail custom tune companies?

Thanks

[bigdaddycane]

Email custom tunes are free....if you go with a custom (3rd party) tuner like Pro Tuning Freaks, it will cost money, but is the way to go for maximizing the COBB tune.

[335twins]

got it, i read about the custom tunes for cobb to squeeze another 10-20whp which is pretty good on top of the OTS maps..

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

Email custom tunes are free....if you go with a custom (3rd party) tuner like Pro Tuning Freaks, it will cost money, but is the way to go for maximizing the COBB tune.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by 335twins

I am looking for a tune that will give me power but also safety, cobb sounds like a good decision, I think I'll give cobb a try, but with OTS maps i wont get the highest power with FBO, I would need someone to costume tune it, correct? one of those e-mail custom tune companies?

Thanks

The OTS Maps are kept conservative so they work safely on everyone's car that meet the requirements. A ProTune really let's you expose the gains that are made possible by installing specific parts (Stock or Aftermarket CBE, Stock or Aftermarket Turbos, Different Intakes/FMICs, etc) and allow you to run more aggressive timing & boost curves. I'd recommend you run the OTS Maps until you're done modding the car & then making the ProTune you're last piece, that way you don't have to keep paying for updated Custom Tunes.

Another thing is with the COBB is that you can get multiple ProTune Maps. I currently have 2: a Max Power 93 Octane Pump Gas Map that's basically become my default, and an E85 Blend ProTune (FUN Map ). I really like the flexibility with the COBB that I can switch back & forth, and that the maps was made specifically to my car & the mods I have installed

You can PM me for more info or Jake@ProTuningFreaks (who did the tuning for my car).

PS -- You'll def get A LOT more then 10-20 WHP from a ProTune

[benzy89]

For your viewing pleasure, here's a PTF Tune E90 335 vs a JB4 135 + a Mercedes E55. All cars are using Pump Gas, mods are detailed in the video

[ttribe]

Just went with ESS; my results:

[Envuks]

Assuming stage 1, correct?

[ttribe]

Originally Posted by Envuks

Assuming stage 1, correct?

I think that depends on what you mean. It's Stage 2 w/stock cats according to the files. There's a Stage 2+ for no cats that I can't run because of my stock setup on the exhaust.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by ttribe

Just went with ESS; my results:

Nice gains... Good to see how the performs with the new tune over the stock baseline on the same dyno

[AK 335i]

wow