[MG 228i]

Took off work early last week and drove down to Anaheim to have GSR flash their Stage 1 tune on my n20. Matt gave me his number and I was glad it was simple to set up an appointment with them.


This is my first BMW. I came from EvolutionM and we used Ecuflash there. Learned a great deal from those guys and I ran the Tephra modded Evo 8 rom on my high compression turbo e85 Lancer (passed emissions with no issue, you're not the only one Volkswagen AG ). I’ve had my share with piggybacks, splicing wires, etc. and it’s just not the same as flashing the ECU in terms of consistency. I'd prefer not to alter or manipulate the inputs being sent to the ECU and keep the safeguards in place. The information that GSR laid out in their threads and their responses to everyone's questions made me comfortable that they know what they’re doing.


I’ve had my 228i a little over a year now. Last year, it felt fast to me. Especially with the amount of low end torque and the 8 speed keeping you in the power band. But speed is a drug, you grow tolerance. So I decided to increase my dosage with a tune!


Stage 1 definitely makes a big difference. The torque and sound is addicting. First and second gear blow by so using S mode helps during full acceleration actually helps now. No issue breaking the 245s loose, especially with DSC off. It's rare I drive with DSC off though, I usually just leave it in Sport+ or I'd need new tires soon.


I drive my car to work everyday, no issues in terms of drivability, sitting in 100* F traffic with the AC on, accelerating in high gear, etc. If you drive it normal you wouldn’t even know it has a tune. Until you get on it, that’s when it sounds like a jet lol. It’s almost like an external wastegate. I can only imagine what Stage 2 with the Catless Downpipe can do. I must resist!


I made a video to try to capture on how the turbo sounds with the tune. No changes in the exhaust note from what I can tell. There are also little clips of the speedo to compare before / after the tune.


The first video was when I installed the M235i MPE. The second video is with the Stage 1 Tune + MPE. Both on 91 octane. Last clip on the second video is with a passenger.

M235i MPE:

Stage 1 Tune + M235i MPE:

[SteveInfante]

Very nice. Sounds great.

[AUSf22]

Nice ! car sounds great, I have my 235i MPE on the way and I can't wait to get it installed on my 228i. (You were the first to do this so hopefully I'm the 2nd lol)

The tune definitely seems to wake up the car

[Dackelone]

A flash tune is always the way to go on our cars.

[OpenAir]

+1

[CalCarNut]

Did you get before/after dyno sheets?

[CalCarNut]

Did you go with the M4 plugs or stay stock?

Car sounds awesome with that MPE system. I like it!

[cw_itr_805]

Nice vids.

[MG 228i]

Thanks everyone!

No dyno. I'm hoping it's as quick as a stock M235i,
anyone around LA want to do a quick friendly drag for comparison?

I'm using the stock plugs. No issues so far.
Maybe the m4 plugs aren't required until stage 2?

[Iceman51sn]

Originally Posted by MG 228i

Thanks everyone!

No dyno. I'm hoping it's as quick as a stock M235i,
anyone around LA want to do a quick friendly drag for comparison?

I'm using the stock plugs. No issues so far.
Maybe the m4 plugs aren't required until stage 2?

I'm down..........except I have their stage 1 installed too.

On a serious note, glad you are enjoying it. They do great work!
I'm using the stock plugs as well and it's fine on the street but if you track definitely grab the M4 plugs. I'll be getting mine next week as I do track the car.

[MG 228i]

I guess I'm staying away from a red M235i

There's only 2-3 areas I can even put the pedal down in my daily commute.
I don't think I'll be abusing the stock plugs in the streets.

No tracking for me at the moment. Can't afford a write off

[dt20011]

Did someone mention a friendly drag!?!

Somewhat of a comparo....

Both cars at the time had upgraded STG 1 turbos/FBO.

[MG 228i]

Awesome vid! Staying away from white ones too

[2Banger]

Originally Posted by AUSf22

Nice ! car sounds great, I have my 235i MPE on the way and I can't wait to get it installed on my 228i. (You were the first to do this so hopefully I'm the 2nd lol)

The tune definitely seems to wake up the car

Hey AUSf22 & OP!

How does one go about doing the conversion, does any engine light get triggered?

I'm interested in doing this!

[MG 228i]

Originally Posted by 2Banger

Hey AUSf22 & OP!

How does one go about doing the conversion, does any engine light get triggered?

I'm interested in doing this!

No engine light.
Assuming you have the M Sport 228i, you'll also need the M235i rear bumper insert or upgrade to the M Performance version.

Nothing an exhaust fabricator can't handle.

[CalCarNut]

Fun races. That left hand 1er spanked the right hand one badly

I had a Mazda Miata pull next to me yesterday at a light. Light changed, his tires started chirping/spinning and off he went. I looked at my daughter and we both just laughed and drove away normally. A miata?? lol.

[caycep]

how are they doing? their website has this big message about how they were acquired by someone else...

[MG 228i]

Looks like they were acquired by Trinity Autosport

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by MG 228i

Looks like they were acquired by Trinity Autosport

GSR Autosport was...

GSR Technik (the Tuning company) was NOT. Matt is still the man

[MG 228i]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

GSR Autosport was...

GSR Technik (the Tuning company) was NOT. Matt is still the man

Oh okay
Disregard my last PM then.

[FSociety]

I'm confused now from JailBreakTuning to GSR Technik/Autosport now Trinity or who knows?

[CalCarNut]

Matt is GSR Technik...the Tuner side. Nick sold GSR Autosport to Trinity..the hopped up 228 race car, etc. 2 different entities. Matt is still here with GSR Technik. Nick and GSR Autosport is gone with Trinity buying the shop,etc.

Tuning needs...Matt is still the man!