N63TU 50i tunes, mods, numbers (1/4, 0-60 etc) dyno thread

[Doberman16]

Awesome AZTWW! Definitely no worries on it being posted here DuSh. I couldn't remember where I posted it so I just found it interesting to accidentally come across

Time slips below, as promised. The only hardware "modification" for any of these runs, including tuned, is the OEM X5M Air Filters. Tires are Continental ExtremeContact DWS. No weight reduction. Any other questions just let me know!

5/14/18 - OEM Tune

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5/14/18 - OEM Tune: a little later in the day, cooler temps.

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6/1/18 - BM3 Stage 1

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6/1/18 - BM3 Stage 1: a litter later in the day, cooler temps.

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6/22/18 - BM3 Stage 1: Annnd this is what it looks like when your dash lights up and the car goes into limp mode, right at about the 1000'. Please only be spark plugs/coils! (picked up a set of both)
Also, originally thought this limp mode required a laptop and an Online Recode using the BM3 software, however shutting the car off for about a minute and restarting did clear it up and allow me to get home normally. I will keep everyone posted if the plugs clear up limp mode issues. I'm pretty certain they will.

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[Rotzy]

Doberman16

Great before and after comparison numbers. I find it interesting that your 60’ times are a tad bit slower at the colder temperatures, both stock and tuned. Were you having traction problems at launch? What modes were you using for Launch?

What codes did the car throw?

[Doberman16]

I agree, that's interesting. And it is probably due to my launching technique more than anything. Every single run was done the same:

Sport+
Shifter in Sport
Launch Control to 3k rpm and release.

Traction could certainly be the issue since it's not fully off in Sport+, however I did not see the light come on. I feel like the traction light is lazy in this car and only comes on when it's doing quite a bit of correction. As opposed to my previous car which had a flashing traction light the instant a wheel slipped. Anyone else notice this?

That being said, what is the best launch method?

As mentioned above, I believe I need spark plugs to support this tune (highly recommended by ProTuning Freaks/BM3). Perhaps that could be causing some of the variation as well?

Being a n00b to this, I'm not even certain how to check for misfire. What tools/software are used to do this?

Here are the fault codes:
For some reason, I couldn't get this image to thumbnail for me:
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[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by Doberman16

I agree, that's interesting. And it is probably due to my launching technique more than anything. Every single run was done the same:

Sport+
Shifter in Sport
Launch Control to 3k rpm and release.

Traction could certainly be the issue since it's not fully off in Sport+, however I did not see the light come on. I feel like the traction light is lazy in this car and only comes on when it's doing quite a bit of correction. As opposed to my previous car which had a flashing traction light the instant a wheel slipped. Anyone else notice this?

That being said, what is the best launch method?

As mentioned above, I believe I need spark plugs to support this tune (highly recommended by ProTuning Freaks/BM3). Perhaps that could be causing some of the variation as well?

Being a n00b to this, I'm not even certain how to check for misfire. What tools/software are used to do this?

Here are the fault codes:
For some reason, I couldn't get this image to thumbnail for me:
Page 1

View post on imgur.com

Page 2

View post on imgur.com

My guess is that you were having traction issues and launch control was pulling power slightly to stop wheel slip. It’s still probably the best launch method for a novice drag racer, but faster times may be available with DSC OFF and a manual launch method.

Hopefully someone smarter than me can help you with the codes. I don’t recognize that format. Usually, codes are formatted a letter followed my 4 numbers.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by AZTWW

I feel you might have better results in launch mode since you have an M sport. Activate launch mode and try again.

I think he was using Launch Control.

[Doberman16]

Yes, I was using Launch Control, Sport+, Shifter in S.

In the middle of doing my plugs and coils right now. 3 down.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by Doberman16

Yes, I was using Launch Control, Sport+, Shifter in S.

In the middle of doing my plugs and coils right now. 3 down.

While they can't hurt, I really don't think they were your problem. I googled some of your codes and they were mostly transfer case faults.

[Doberman16]

Well that is not promising to hear. I shouldn't have assumed. I wonder if that could be solved with a change of fluid or if I'm worse off...

[pits200]

Ya, that 60 foot looks a little slow for a tuned car. A 2.0 60 foot equates to about a 5 second 0 to 60 car. Not an exact science but you should be between a 1.8 and 1.9 pretty easily.

[Doberman16]

Okay, plugs & coils are done. 1st impression is the car immediately felt smoother and quicker on hard acceleration. My old plugs didn't look horrible, but the gap was .32" compared to the .20" recommended by ProTuning Freaks.

During my test drive with the new plugs, I did throw a CEL, went into limp and was misfiring cylinder 5. Found the harness was not latched properly. Oops... triple checked the rest and they were good. When it threw that CEL, it drove identical to the way it did the night at the track when it went into limp. This made me a little less concerned about the transfer case faults.

pits200, with the slight bump I'm getting with these new plugs, I wouldn't doubt my 60ft will be better. Hoping to get to the track this Friday and will post up slips if I do.

[DuSh]

I wonder if turning DSC off completely has something to do with better 60' time.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by DuSh

I wonder if turning DSC off completely has something to do with better 60' time.

Lot will depend on the tires, sticky summers, 325s in the rear, etc. Don't forget with an awd vehicle and being this heavy, even with dsc partially on, I doubt their is much spin or engagement of traction control. But only a log will tell to show if there is throttle closure at launch.

[perry8912]

Hey guys,

A bit confusion with spark plugs selection. I was set on using X5M’s plug. Until I got the link that bm3 sent me.

https://bootmod3.atlassian.net/wiki/...t/view/2558945

In that link, bm3 indicates that the plug from s55(same as s63tu) and n55 has the same heat range. I searched bmw website, the part number for 50i and M is ZR5TPP330A and ZMR5TPP330, which does have the same 5 heat range rating from Bosch.

Then I googled NGK 97506, and that plug is OEM on N20! I asked myself why the hell they think a 4 bangers’s plug is better than M’s. Then I found out Alpina B7 also choose that one as well. I think it’s interesting that Alpina went to the effort to not use the M’s Bosch plug and use these NGK’s instead. Consider B7’s mods for our engine is approved by bmw, and it does push 100+hp more than stock.

So which one would you guys choose? Bosch or NGK?

DuSh Maverik259

[V8LIFE]

Originally Posted by perry8912

Hey guys,

A bit confusion with spark plugs selection. I was set on using X5M’s plug. Until I got the link that bm3 sent me.

https://bootmod3.atlassian.net/wiki/...t/view/2558945

In that link, bm3 indicates that the plug from s55(same as s63tu) and n55 has the same heat range. I searched bmw website, the part number for 50i and M is ZR5TPP330A and ZMR5TPP330, which does have the same 5 heat range rating from Bosch.

Then I googled NGK 97506, and that plug is OEM on N20! I asked myself why the hell they think a 4 bangers’s plug is better than M’s. Then I found out Alpina B7 also choose that one as well. I think it’s interesting that Alpina went to the effort to not use the M’s Bosch plug and use these NGK’s instead. Consider B7’s mods for our engine is approved by bmw, and it does push 100+hp more than stock.

So which one would you guys choose? Bosch or NGK?

DuSh Maverik259

Personally I would go with NGK. Iridium is way better than platinum.

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by perry8912

Hey guys,

A bit confusion with spark plugs selection. I was set on using X5M’s plug. Until I got the link that bm3 sent me.

https://bootmod3.atlassian.net/wiki/...t/view/2558945

In that link, bm3 indicates that the plug from s55(same as s63tu) and n55 has the same heat range. I searched bmw website, the part number for 50i and M is ZR5TPP330A and ZMR5TPP330, which does have the same 5 heat range rating from Bosch.

Then I googled NGK 97506, and that plug is OEM on N20! I asked myself why the hell they think a 4 bangers’s plug is better than M’s. Then I found out Alpina B7 also choose that one as well. I think it’s interesting that Alpina went to the effort to not use the M’s Bosch plug and use these NGK’s instead. Consider B7’s mods for our engine is approved by bmw, and it does push 100+hp more than stock.

So which one would you guys choose? Bosch or NGK?

DuSh Maverik259

Thanks for finding that out! Interesting.

My logic is that X5M oem plugs are chosen by BMW to match 575hp crank output (compared to our 445hp) - exactly what we need for tuned 50i. If I'm not mistaken they are oem platinum plugs (plus something extra added to platinum).
That been said - I think it might very well be that NGK Iridium is even more effective than oem X5M plugs. I know X5M plugs are tried and true by many (not only on this forum, but on other forums too). If you can go for NGK and let us know how they do with BM3 - I would appreciate!

X5M plugs are I think cheapest oem plugs for $4-5 per plug. I can swap X5M plugs every 30k miles for little money. How much is NGK? Other than that - NGK may indeed be a bit more effective.

[perry8912]

Originally Posted by DuSh

Thanks for finding that out! Interesting.

My logic is that X5M oem plugs are chosen by BMW to match 575hp crank output (compared to our 445hp) - exactly what we need for tuned 50i. If I'm not mistaken they are oem platinum plugs (plus something extra added to platinum).
That been said - I think it might very well be that NGK Iridium is even more effective than oem X5M plugs. I know X5M plugs are tried and true by many (not only on this forum, but on other forums too). If you can go for NGK and let us know how they do with BM3 - I would appreciate!

X5M plugs are I think cheapest oem plugs for $4-5 per plug. I can swap X5M plugs for $4 every 30k miles for little money. How much is NGK? Other than that - NGK may indeed be a bit more effective.

It’s about $20 from ebay. But I have to pay labor everytime I change plugs. So NGK looks promising, as Iridium seem last longer and require lower voltage(easier on coils).

[Doberman16]

Originally Posted by DuSh

Thanks for finding that out! Interesting.

My logic is that X5M oem plugs are chosen by BMW to match 575hp crank output (compared to our 445hp) - exactly what we need for tuned 50i. If I'm not mistaken they are oem platinum plugs (plus something extra added to platinum).
That been said - I think it might very well be that NGK Iridium is even more effective than oem X5M plugs. I know X5M plugs are tried and true by many (not only on this forum, but on other forums too). If you can go for NGK and let us know how they do with BM3 - I would appreciate!

X5M plugs are I think cheapest oem plugs for $4-5 per plug. I can swap X5M plugs every 30k miles for little money. How much is NGK? Other than that - NGK may indeed be a bit more effective.

Yeah, the NGKs are the recommendation from BM3, which is why I went with them. I can tell you on a BM3 tuned 50i, there is a noticeable difference. However that probably is more to do with the gap than the actual plug.

NGKs are $13.50 from Rock Auto. Cheapest I've found them, but didn't search hard because I like RA.

Edit: Coming from a Nissan, it surprised me to see the NGKs being called into question at all. The brand is highly respected among in the JDM crowd. FWIW, it's also often the OEM choice of these models all the way up to the GT-R.

[perry8912]

Originally Posted by Doberman16

Yeah, the NGKs are the recommendation from BM3, which is why I went with them. I can tell you on a BM3 tuned 50i, there is a noticeable difference. However that probably is more to do with the gap than the actual plug.

NGKs are $13.50 from Rock Auto. Cheapest I've found them, but didn't search hard because I like RA.

Edit: Coming from a Nissan, it surprised me to see the NGKs being called into question at all. The brand is highly respected among in the JDM crowd. FWIW, it's also often the OEM choice of these models all the way up to the GT-R.

Glad to see NGK runs well. I may give it a try this time. I know it’s the OEM choice for GTR, but here in Canada, Bosch is actually a bit expensive than NGK. And makes me wonder if higher price means better choice.

https://shop.bmw.ca/p/Spark-plug--Hi...120039634.html

https://shop.bmw.ca/p/Spark-plug--Hi...120039664.html

Edit, After some digging, the heat range of our OE Bosch plug is 5, which equals 7 in NGK. So NGK 8 should be truly one step colder. Now I decide to go with NGK, will report back for sure

[Doberman16]

Originally Posted by perry8912

Glad to see NGK runs well. I may give it a try this time. I know it’s the OEM choice for GTR, but here in Canada, Bosch is actually a bit expensive than NGK. And makes me wonder if higher price means better choice.

https://shop.bmw.ca/p/Spark-plug--Hi...120039634.html

https://shop.bmw.ca/p/Spark-plug--Hi...120039664.html

Edit, After some digging, the heat range of our OE Bosch plug is 5, which equals 7 in NGK. So NGK 8 should be truly one step colder. Now I decide to go with NGK, will report back for sure

Correct! 1 Step colder is ideal with a tune.

[Maverik259]

Ya NGK is fine. I've never seen anyone talk bad about them. Used them in my AMG. Only went with X5M cuz everyone on this forum always props up M as the end all be all when it comes to performance and can do no wrong so I said ok. For $5 a plug then let's go with what M engineers use and let's gap them a bit less than oem and I'll be a happy camper. Which I am. But doesn't mean I won't use NGK in the future. Lord knows I'll need to change them again in about 20-30k miles.

[Doberman16]

Okay guys. Although I didn't make it to the track last night, I found a shortcut to Mexico and a nice straight road for a couple tests. Times were recorded using Torque App and OBD Bluetooth adapter plugged into the car. So this is unofficial, but still.

Sport+, Shifter in S, Launch Control:
0-60 = 5.1sec
1/4mi = 12.46sec

DSC Fully off, Shifter in S. Launch control not available in this mode, but I still brake boosted to just over 3k rpm:
0-60 = 3.6sec
1/4mi = 12.1sec

I am chirping the tires at launch, so without logging, I'm pretty confident traction control was hurting all of my previous times (tuned, at least).

Keep in mind I'm running All Season tires. Continental ExtremeContact DWS.

Stay tuned as I just learned of an event tonight at the track where I could win some money. I'll have some slips to post up later tonight to confirm the above time.

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by Doberman16

Okay guys. Although I didn't make it to the track last night, I found a shortcut to Mexico and a nice straight road for a couple tests. Times were recorded using Torque App and OBD Bluetooth adapter plugged into the car. So this is unofficial, but still.

Sport+, Shifter in S, Launch Control:
0-60 = 5.1sec
1/4mi = 12.46sec

DSC Fully off, Shifter in S. Launch control not available in this mode, but I still brake boosted to just over 3k rpm:
0-60 = 3.6sec
1/4mi = 12.1sec

I am chirping the tires at launch, so without logging, I'm pretty confident traction control was hurting all of my previous times (tuned, at least).

Keep in mind I'm running All Season tires. Continental ExtremeContact DWS.

Stay tuned as I just learned of an event tonight at the track where I could win some money. I'll have some slips to post up later tonight to confirm the above time.

I'm wondering in that mode when you turn DSC completely - does car go to Comfort mode by default? I'm just asking because I have similar experience and imho X5 has a bit weird logic - when I turn DSC completely - car goes to comfort (it no longer stays in Sport+ mode). I'm not sure why this is.