[AggieM235i]

I have some numbers regarding Active Autowerke's OBD ECU Flash Stage 1 and Stage 2 tunes for the M235i's and wanted to share and get the opinion of others who have more experience than I... I currently run the Active Autowerke Stage 1 tune with an intake and MPE on 93 octane for reference.

From Nic at AA: "With a stage 1, you should be seeing about 340hp/360-380ft-lbs at about 16 psi. Stage 2 at 18-19psi with no cats, exhaust, fmic, charge pipe, etc, you should be at about 370hp/400-420ft-lbs" (Mustang Dyno numbers from AA).

My response to this is.....for those who have taken that next step, Is it worth spending $2000 on parts (FMIC, CP, catted-DP) to pick up an extra 30hp/40trq over my Stage 1? Likely to add some installation prices on top, due to my lacking access to a proper lift in the short-term.

Sidenote: Yes, sorry, but I am looking to do a catted DP in the hopes of passing emissions in a year....

[Jnat]

Is it worth it to me, yes.
Is it to you, not sure.
Tune is biggest gain, if your happy with that, stay put. Bolt ons add smaller increments up to an upgraded turbo which would be substantial.
For most, if your modding, it's hard to stop...

[AggieM235i]

Originally Posted by Jnat

Is it worth it to me, yes.
Is it to you, not sure.
Tune is biggest gain, if your happy with that, stay put. Bolt ons add smaller increments up to an upgraded turbo which would be substantial.
For most, if your modding, it's hard to stop...

In your signature it appears you're running stock DPs. My largest concern is that I won't be able to produce any meaningful power numbers over my current setup (est. 340whp/360wtq from AA) without going to aftermarket downpipes. Is this a fair assumption? Are there really no options for getting close to 400hp on the stock downpipes?

[Jnat]

I have to change my signature, that's my 09 335xi...
Everything your saying is correct, I like high flow cats 200 cell but if you want close to 400whp with bolt ons, I'm thinking you need catless. Nonetheless you need a high flow down pipe...intercooler and piping... intake not needed imo... fwiw, I hit 375 whp on my N54 with stock cats (secondary's were deleted)...

[mike@x-ph.com]

Definitely worth it in my opinion

[AggieM235i]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Definitely worth it in my opinion

There is a post in the N55 engine sub-forum regarding "Not feeling the beast" when approaching FBO... This has admittedly convinced me to stay put for the short-term and enjoy my power gains while they are still fresh and exciting.

I'll reevaluate this statement after a few more miles and paychecks.