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      03-26-2018, 10:36 PM   #1
ray7792
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Z4 35i N54 mod and tune questions

Hi All,

I'm currently shopping for a used Z4 35i AT post-LCI and just have a few questions/confirmations in regards to the aftermarket available.
If you have some time, I would appreciate any feedback.

1) ECU flash and DCT reaction.
A big concern that I've read about is how the DCT will react to tunes but some of these posts are quite old 1-3 years. I've read about users complaining about the computer shifting at very low RPMs, slippage, not smooth, etc.
How is the TCU reacting to flashes these days? Is this still applicable or are is really just due to piggybacks, old MHD map versions, etc?

2) DCT...I still can't confirm if there is anyone that will do DCT tuning for the Z4? Is it even worth it? Mostly if point #1 is still a concern.
I saw some varying answers but max torque for these DCT is around 500ftlb? Is that correct? Anything under 400 would be pretty reliable?

3) Catback exhausts...seems like really only reasonable option is Supersprint? Otherwise its like 4K+ for a quad tip exhaust? Any recommendations at a reasonable price?
If you had to pick one, downpipe or FMIC? Is a non-plastic chargepipe advised?

4) Any advice on a flush set up at stock height?
Do you recommend 235/265 or 245/275? Is it really necessarily for grip?
Is 19x8.5 +30 and 19x9.5 35 about as close as it gets?

5) I'll be honest, didn't look it up but does the z4 come with adjustable camber?

6) Maintenance, aside from the basic fluids, filters, spark plugs, coils. Is there anything else I should change somewhat earlier?
Battery, dct fluid, oil housing?

Thank you very much for your time.

If you have a link to another forum post that is perfectly fine as long as it is up to date. I've been having difficulty getting accruate information because a lot of it is so old and no longer relevant.

Any other tips is appreciated!

Last edited by ray7792; 03-26-2018 at 10:49 PM..
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      03-27-2018, 01:22 PM   #2
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The ESS tune includes DCT programming to increase clutch pressure afaik.

Wider tires don't offer more grip. They just look better, increase unsprung mass and last longer. If you want more grip you generally need a different (softer) compound. Width doesn't matter as much as people think.

As for the other questions, please check my build thread on spool street under the Z4 section.

Last edited by Asbjorn; 03-27-2018 at 01:27 PM..
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      03-27-2018, 08:10 PM   #3
ray7792
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Thanks Asbjorn. I never heard of spool street, some good threads over there including your's. I wrote off ESS but i'll inquire with them and MHD if they have any sort of TCU revisions as part of the package.

Perhaps I'll stick with 18inch wheels as you did, roads around nyc & nj, aren't the best...

May I ask where you purchased the militek midpipe? I've been googling but didn't come across any vendors that had it in stock.
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      03-28-2018, 12:14 PM   #4
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BQ Tuning can help with the MHD tune and make sure the DCT works as it should.
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      03-29-2018, 08:07 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ray7792 View Post
Thanks Asbjorn. I never heard of spool street, some good threads over there including your's. I wrote off ESS but i'll inquire with them and MHD if they have any sort of TCU revisions as part of the package.

Perhaps I'll stick with 18inch wheels as you did, roads around nyc & nj, aren't the best...

May I ask where you purchased the militek midpipe? I've been googling but didn't come across any vendors that had it in stock.
Yeah, ESS is a rare choice these days. Besides the DCT tune, Im sticking to it since I still haven't seen engine responsiveness tunes from other vendors. I regard engine responsiveness (vanos tuning etc) and throttle mapping as two separate areas to tune, and I absolutely love the engine responsiveness of ESS combined with the stock throttle mapping provided with DSC off. Since so few people have actually compared ESS and MHD in terms of responsiveness, they wont know the difference in this particular regard.

As for the milteks I purchased them 4 years ago in China. So can't help you there. It is my impression that lack of demand is limiting the supply. Recently I also had to get my downpipes custom made locally - I couldnt find any alternatives that offer dps w& race cats for the Z4.
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      03-30-2018, 04:34 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ray7792 View Post
Hi All,

I'm currently shopping for a used Z4 35i AT post-LCI and just have a few questions/confirmations in regards to the aftermarket available.
If you have some time, I would appreciate any feedback.

1) ECU flash and DCT reaction.
A big concern that I've read about is how the DCT will react to tunes but some of these posts are quite old 1-3 years. I've read about users complaining about the computer shifting at very low RPMs, slippage, not smooth, etc.
How is the TCU reacting to flashes these days? Is this still applicable or are is really just due to piggybacks, old MHD map versions, etc?

2) DCT...I still can't confirm if there is anyone that will do DCT tuning for the Z4? Is it even worth it? Mostly if point #1 is still a concern.
I saw some varying answers but max torque for these DCT is around 500ftlb? Is that correct? Anything under 400 would be pretty reliable?

3) Catback exhausts...seems like really only reasonable option is Supersprint? Otherwise its like 4K+ for a quad tip exhaust? Any recommendations at a reasonable price?
If you had to pick one, downpipe or FMIC? Is a non-plastic chargepipe advised
For all your E89 Z4 needs BQ Tuning is your go to guy.
He owns the car, and specialises in DCT.
Best option is via MHD, a lot of options and development is still on going.

Intercooler, charge pipe and downpipe options you have a choice.
VRSF
AR Deisgn
Active Autowerke
Forge
RB
BMS

That’s just off the top of my head.
I recommend you replace the charge pipe from the plastic stock one, from experience I blew mine when tuned.
Intercooler or downpipes? Well one cools and one relieves back pressure and makes it more free flowing.
If you can do them both then do it.
I would go catless downpipes
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      03-30-2018, 04:36 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Benji335i View Post
For all your E89 Z4 needs BQ Tuning is your go to guy.
He owns the car, and specialises in DCT.
Best option is via MHD, a lot of options and development is still on going.

Intercooler, charge pipe and downpipe options you have a choice.
VRSF
AR Deisgn
Active Autowerke
Forge
RB
BMS

That’s just off the top of my head.
I recommend you replace the charge pipe from the plastic stock one, from experience I blew mine when tuned.
Intercooler or downpipes? Well one cools and one relieves back pressure and makes it more free flowing.
If you can do them both then do it.
I would go catless downpipes

good words here
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      03-31-2018, 08:44 PM   #8
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I have utilized both ESS and MHD flash (ESS stage 1 on 35i and 35is as well as MHD stage 1, 2+ on 35is. Although I did not dyno either of the vehicles on various tunes for a more technical comparison, both stage 1 tunes felt identical. What was different was the price point ($800 vs $150 for stage 1 maps). MHD Flasher is the present as well as the future.
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      03-31-2018, 10:22 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ray7792 View Post
Hi All,

I'm currently shopping for a used Z4 35i AT post-LCI and just have a few questions/confirmations in regards to the aftermarket available.
If you have some time, I would appreciate any feedback.

1) ECU flash and DCT reaction.
A big concern that I've read about is how the DCT will react to tunes but some of these posts are quite old 1-3 years. I've read about users complaining about the computer shifting at very low RPMs, slippage, not smooth, etc.
How is the TCU reacting to flashes these days? Is this still applicable or are is really just due to piggybacks, old MHD map versions, etc?

2) DCT...I still can't confirm if there is anyone that will do DCT tuning for the Z4? Is it even worth it? Mostly if point #1 is still a concern.
I saw some varying answers but max torque for these DCT is around 500ftlb? Is that correct? Anything under 400 would be pretty reliable?

3) Catback exhausts...seems like really only reasonable option is Supersprint? Otherwise its like 4K+ for a quad tip exhaust? Any recommendations at a reasonable price?
If you had to pick one, downpipe or FMIC? Is a non-plastic chargepipe advised?

4) Any advice on a flush set up at stock height?
Do you recommend 235/265 or 245/275? Is it really necessarily for grip?
Is 19x8.5 +30 and 19x9.5 35 about as close as it gets?

5) I'll be honest, didn't look it up but does the z4 come with adjustable camber?

6) Maintenance, aside from the basic fluids, filters, spark plugs, coils. Is there anything else I should change somewhat earlier?
Battery, dct fluid, oil housing?

Thank you very much for your time.

If you have a link to another forum post that is perfectly fine as long as it is up to date. I've been having difficulty getting accruate information because a lot of it is so old and no longer relevant.

Any other tips is appreciated!
I am doing turbo upgrade soon. I'm looking to let go of VTT silicone inlets, a wagner Evo I fmic. Dm me. I'll give you a deal. Also, hopefully welcome to the club!
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      05-16-2018, 07:25 PM   #10
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I've got the ESS stage 2 tune and LOVE it. Really woke the car up. No issues so far, and super easy to install.

I also installed a ER charge-pipe (with a BOV) and Wagner FMIC to try and help with heat-soak in the hot Los Angeles weather. Power gains are modest with these mods, but it was really more about keeping consistent power. I also went with the the EVO 1 competition (smallest but lightest option) version so that no cutting was required. It's plenty big for limited mods like a tune and CP. Hope this helps.
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      05-17-2018, 12:50 PM   #11
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Dinan Stage II for a shade over 11K miles so far (from new), no issues at all and I am extremely happy with the tune overall.
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      05-17-2018, 09:17 PM   #12
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Also a fan of Dinan stage 2

Had the stage 2 on my 35is. What a difference. Yet not Current corvette or M4 fast. N54 is old. Also never would have wasted my money on a 35is if i Knew the stage 2 results would be the same. 10k for rims and a painted same color rear bumper. Rip off!!
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      05-17-2018, 11:06 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gasnet View Post
Had the stage 2 on my 35is. What a difference. Yet not Current corvette or M4 fast. N54 is old. Also never would have wasted my money on a 35is if i Knew the stage 2 results would be the same. 10k for rims and a painted same color rear bumper. Rip off!!
Ummm..... You got a lot more standard options in that than some wheels and a color matched bumper.
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      05-17-2018, 11:54 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gasnet View Post
Had the stage 2 on my 35is. What a difference. Yet not Current corvette or M4 fast. N54 is old. Also never would have wasted my money on a 35is if i Knew the stage 2 results would be the same. 10k for rims and a painted same color rear bumper. Rip off!!

Different rear defuser, wheels, headliner, bigger front brakes, silver side view mirror caps and better exhaust. Also included is the M-trim and premium audio and adaptive suspension.

Sure, you can get a 35i and modify it to include the above for a cheaper rate than paying for the S upgrade, but you have to include downtime and labor in your calculation for your comparison to be "fair."
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      05-21-2018, 10:23 PM   #15
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Thanks everyone that took the time to reply. I ended up getting a '14 35is
I was honestly looking for 35i but found a great deal on 35is with all the options and color scheme that I wanted.

So far have gotten DCI and I went with Cobb AP. I understand they have stopped releasing new updates but I doubt stage 1, 2 maps have changed much given the age of the n54. I'm very familiar with their platform as well so chose to go with them.

Probably going to hold off on anything else for now, the stock Run-flats already have grip issues. So tires and just to be safe spark plugs and maybe coils first before going any further!

Car has been a blast so far, already got sunburned...rookie mistake hahaha.
Just wish this forum was a bit more active haha
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      05-22-2018, 06:12 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ray7792 View Post
Just wish this forum was a bit more active haha
Only somewhere around 15k of these cars per year worldwide - and a very fragmented group spread on many forums. I thought the e38 world was small....

Lots of views but few post....


Congrats though!
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      05-24-2018, 09:18 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lurcher View Post
Only somewhere around 15k of these cars per year worldwide - and a very fragmented group spread on many forums. I thought the e38 world was small....

Lots of views but few post....


Congrats though!
haha thanks man. At least we share the n54 so could always pop on over to e90post xD

Honestly never heard of the e38 chassis code so I googled it. I can imagine how small that forum is lol
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      05-25-2018, 09:15 PM   #18
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Actually was way more active 4-8 yrs ago when they were falling apart, but still worth fixing :-)

Until this happens: http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/1201197/
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