06-03-2019, 01:13 PM | #1 |
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xDrive35d (N57) Malone Stage 1 OBDII ECU/DDE Flash
Tunes
I recently picked up a 35d and immediately began researching ECU tunes. I decided to go with the Malone Tuning Stage 1 tune (https://malonetuning.com/ecu-tuning/bmw-diesel), mostly because they can provide an Alientech tablet to flash the tune yourself from the OBDII port, and can easily be flashed back to stock at anytime. The tune is also available from a network of dealers who can OBDII or bench flash your DDE as well. I reached out to a few local dealers, and was told they charge the same as is quoted on the Malone website. Malone Tuning is based in Canada and has a long history of DDE tuning, especially with VW TDIs. They have a very good reputation on the VW tuning forums, and I liked how the specialized in diesel tuning. Other alternatives include DUDMD and BPC. My understanding is that most are quite similar in terms of performance (at least at Stage 1), so it's entirely up to you. Ordering The Malone Stage 1 tune is estimated to increase output from 255 hp/413 ft/lbs stock to 340 hp/510 ft/lbs with the tune (an increase of 85 hp and 97 ft/lbs of torque!). Unfortunately, they don't have any dyno results for the N57 up on their site currently, but based on their reputation I have no reason to doubt their claims. The ordering process from Malone Tuning was pretty straight forward. I emailed them a few questions and provide my vehicle info, and they responded back quickly. After I decided on the tune, they sent me a PayPal invoice to cover the cost of the FlashZilla v3 tuning module and the Stage 1 tune, and shipped it quickly via Priority Mail. Cost FlashZilla v3: $180+$15 shipping Stage 1 Tune: $749 Total: $944 Flashing The FlashZilla v3 was very similar to other ECU tuning tablets I've used before (as I'm sure most are made by Alientech). The box includes the FlashZilla, a USB cable to upload and download updates from your computer, and an OBDII cable for connecting to you car. I downloaded the FlashZilla software from Malone and made sure the tablet was up to date, then took it out to the X5 to read the ECU. I had to contact support to confirm I was selecting the correct ECU as there is no entry for the US model xDrive35d, but they responded via email almost immediately and told me to select xDrive30d (eg the EU model where the model number actually reflects the displacement). For reference, you want to select this engine/ECU: xDrive30d 8AT, N57D30O1, EDC17C56 Before starting, I had the car hooked up to a battery charger and had the car on (press start button without foot on gas) without the engine running, and shut off the lights, radio, and climate control. In hindsight this wasn't really necessary for the reading step since it was so quick. Reading the stock ECU took about 30 seconds, at which point a file is stored on the device. You then connect it to your computer again, download the file, and email it to Malone. I received the Stage 1 tune file back a few hours later and uploaded it to the FlashZilla. In preparation for flashing, I again connected the battery charger and turned off all accessories. The FlashZilla also instructs you to buckle the drivers seat belt and turn on the hazards during the flashing procedure, presumably to prevent the car from going to sleep. The flashing process took about 20 mins total, with the FlashZilla displaying a status bar along with alternating messages of "erasing flash memory" and "writing flash memory" along the way. A number of warning messages popped up on the iDrive during the procedure, but these are normal. After the flash was completed, the FlashZilla instructs you to turn off the car and disconnect the device. I then let the car sit for a few minutes while I disconnected the charger, then took it for a test drive. There were no error messages or CELs when I started the car, and no stored codes. Result Around town the low end torque/acceleration seems smoother, but the tune really shines on the highway when you get higher in the rev range. The engine just keeps pulling when you accelerate onto the highway, and is a nice improvement over stock where the initial torque was good but seemed to run out of steam as the revs increased. It may be my imagination, but it seems to be getting quicker the more I drive it. Maybe the engine is re-learning some adaptations? At this point, Malone only offers a Stage 1 tune for the N57, but I feel it is plenty for my current needs. It's a nice bump in HP and torque over stock, and should have a minimal impact on reliability. I'm also wondering if I'll see any increase in fuel economy due to the increase in torque (eg whether the engine being able to stay in higher gear will offset the slightly increased fuel usage needed to generate the increased power). Overall, I'm quite happy with the tune. The guys at Malone were very responsive to my questions and provided great support, and the convenience of flashing the DDE yourself in your driveway on your own schedule is great. You can also easily flash back to stock at anytime if necessary. I'll try to provide some updates as I have more time with it. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them! Edit to add: I received no compensation for this review and have no relationship with Malone Tuning or any other tuner/manufacturer. Just a satisfied customer Last edited by InsipidMonkey; 06-12-2019 at 10:06 AM.. |
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06-03-2019, 01:46 PM | #2 | |
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06-03-2019, 02:10 PM | #3 |
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I keep saying for years that Malone tuning is the best for VW Audi and BMW Diesel engines. Good to read this review on the tune. Enjoy!
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MrTookies457.50 |
06-03-2019, 09:50 PM | #4 |
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06-04-2019, 07:50 PM | #6 |
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Only 250 miles on the tune so far, with much of it in traffic. I have some longer drives coming up soon, I'll have a much better idea of any changes in fuel economy then.
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06-04-2019, 07:50 PM | #7 |
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I did my Stage tune with Malone along with my ABC delete about a year ago and getting 33-37mpg in general. Also wrote a post about it... Search for ABC Delete.
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06-04-2019, 08:40 PM | #8 | |
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06-05-2019, 05:59 PM | #9 | ||
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06-10-2019, 09:02 PM | #11 |
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I averaged 1 mpg more on this tank than I did the last tank (pre-tune), although I can't be sure the highway speeds/traffic ratio was comparable. Will report back after the next long road trip where I can directly compare highway mileage.
The power increase is more noticeable now, although it could just be due to the cool, damp conditions we've had lately. I'm actually surprised mileage didn't decrease this tank since the tune makes it hard to keep your foot off the throttle |
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06-11-2019, 02:31 PM | #12 |
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OP,
Just in the sake of full disclosure, have you been compensated in anyway for this post?
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Daily: G30 M550i, Bluestone, JB4, 1 step colder plugs, 6WB retrofit
Winter Beast: Audi S4 4.2L V8, Supercharger, brakes, suspension & exhaust mods Wifes': F15 M50d clone, DUDMD tune, WMI, MPBK Gone: E92 335i N54 468rwtq |
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06-11-2019, 08:03 PM | #13 | |
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I paid full price for the tune and have not received any compensation from any manufacturer. As far as I can tell all of the Stage 1 tunes are pretty similar as far as power goes, so I don't think it really makes much difference which one you choose. I wanted to write this up for anyone who's interested in tuning or on the fence so they could get an idea of the procedure and results. If anyone knows of a similar post for another tuner or wants to write up their own review, I hope they include a link here! |
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06-12-2019, 03:22 PM | #14 |
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I recently bought a diesel myself and was looking for tuning too.
I found this post very useful. I always appreciate when people share their experiences and provide good reviews like this. I wish I could see feedbacks from other folks on their tuning then I could make an educated choice. |
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06-24-2019, 03:18 PM | #15 | |
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06-25-2019, 11:11 AM | #16 | |
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Again I did the ABC delete and the tune in one. https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1525210 |
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menelaos1226.00 InsipidMonkey49.50 |
06-30-2019, 08:50 PM | #17 | |
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09-06-2019, 04:46 PM | #19 | |
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The boost in low to mid-range torque is nice when driving in comfort mode, and it is noticeably faster in Sport+ when you keep the revs up a little higher. |
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09-09-2019, 12:58 PM | #20 | |
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09-09-2019, 05:05 PM | #21 | |
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Note that Malone has since revised the advertised gains for the N57 Stage 1 tune to 325hp 536 ft/lbs. https://malonetuning.com/ecu-tuning/bmw-diesel |
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35d, dde, ecu, flash, malone, n57, obdii, tune, tuning |
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