[Jtreez8]

I recently purchased an 09' 328i auto with 90k and after the two weeks of ownership I can say that it's been a good (not great) purchase so far. The car came equipped with M sport suspension/premium package which translates into a smooth yet firm ride which I'm a fan of. Also the build quality of the 09' is a huge upgrade from the past BMWs i've owned (e36 318is, 325is, e46 325i).

I recently moved to LA and opted for an auto after having owned manual all of my life and I can say that there has been some hardships. First off, there is noticable lag when it comes to throttle response. Second, the power curve on the N51 motor seems to be non linear which i'm not a fan of. I've been looking for some performance mods and from my research I've narrowed it down to an AA tune given the N51 that comes equipped with my 328i.

The question i'd like to ask is whether its worth to go with an AA tune with a stock setup, or should I modify a few things here and there (air intake/charcoal delete etc..) prior to the tune. I do not plan on installing a PE or headers mainly due to costs. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Jtreez8

I recently purchased an 09' 328i auto with 90k and after the two weeks of ownership I can say that it's been a good (not great) purchase so far. The car came equipped with M sport suspension/premium package which translates into a smooth yet firm ride which I'm a fan of. Also the build quality of the 09' is a huge upgrade from the past BMWs i've owned (e36 318is, 325is, e46 325i).

I recently moved to LA and opted for an auto after having owned manual all of my life and I can say that there has been some hardships. First off, there is noticable lag when it comes to throttle response. Second, the power curve on the N51 motor seems to be non linear which i'm not a fan of. I've been looking for some performance mods and from my research I've narrowed it down to an AA tune given the N51 that comes equipped with my 328i.

The question i'd like to ask is whether its worth to go with an AA tune with a stock setup, or should I modify a few things here and there (air intake/charcoal delete etc..) prior to the tune. I do not plan on installing a PE or headers mainly due to costs. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Do the charcoal delete and stay with the stock air box.. All the intakes on the market will just reduce your financial gains while keep your HP gains at 0. Regardless if stock or not, for the N51/N52 the AA or Eurocharged tunes are the best bang for the buck.

[Jtreez8]

I guess charcoal delete will be first on the list.

Thanks!

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Jtreez8

I guess charcoal delete will be first on the list.

Thanks!

Also at 90k miles you might want to change the spark plugs, if this was not done so already.. After the charcoal delete I would invest in some preventative maintenance before picking up the tune.

[Jtreez8]

I bought this car from the original owner he had a full tune at 86k including plugs. As far as preventative maintenance, I think I'm in tip top shape.

Thanks,

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Jtreez8

I bought this car from the original owner he had a full tune at 86k including plugs. As far as preventative maintenance, I think I'm in tip top shape.

Thanks,

If it is auto then you might want to get the tranny fluid and filter changed (if manual then just fluid).. Also the rear differential fluid.

[jc5988]

Originally Posted by Jtreez8

I recently purchased an 09' 328i auto with 90k and after the two weeks of ownership I can say that it's been a good (not great) purchase so far. The car came equipped with M sport suspension/premium package which translates into a smooth yet firm ride which I'm a fan of. Also the build quality of the 09' is a huge upgrade from the past BMWs i've owned (e36 318is, 325is, e46 325i).

I recently moved to LA and opted for an auto after having owned manual all of my life and I can say that there has been some hardships. First off, there is noticable lag when it comes to throttle response. Second, the power curve on the N51 motor seems to be non linear which i'm not a fan of. I've been looking for some performance mods and from my research I've narrowed it down to an AA tune given the N51 that comes equipped with my 328i.

The question i'd like to ask is whether its worth to go with an AA tune with a stock setup, or should I modify a few things here and there (air intake/charcoal delete etc..) prior to the tune. I do not plan on installing a PE or headers mainly due to costs. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

a tune will revive the 3 stage intake manifold, which makes it even more "non linear". but overall gain is worth the money, especially freeway cruising, thats where most gain felt at around 2600-3000rpm top gear from stock.

[Tom Droze]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

If it is auto then you might want to get the tranny fluid and filter changed (if manual then just fluid).. Also the rear differential fluid.

I did a lot of research on this before doing my first automatic transmission fluid change at 27,000 miles; please use the OEM filter kit and the BMW Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid if you have the GM transmission.

[Jtreez8]

Originally Posted by jc5988

a tune will revive the 3 stage intake manifold, which makes it even more "non linear". but overall gain is worth the money, especially freeway cruising, thats where most gain felt at around 2600-3000rpm top gear from stock.

My only gripe in regards to perforamance is from stop and go and throttle response. There is so much pedal travel before the car actually moves that its frustrating. I'm hoping the AA tune will help improve that area.

[Tom Droze]

Originally Posted by Jtreez8

My only gripe in regards to perforamance is from stop and go and throttle response. There is so much pedal travel before the car actually moves that its frustrating. I'm hoping the AA tune will help improve that area.

It will, ask me how I know.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Jtreez8

I recently purchased an 09' 328i auto with 90k and after the two weeks of ownership I can say that it's been a good (not great) purchase so far. The car came equipped with M sport suspension/premium package which translates into a smooth yet firm ride which I'm a fan of. Also the build quality of the 09' is a huge upgrade from the past BMWs i've owned (e36 318is, 325is, e46 325i).

I recently moved to LA and opted for an auto after having owned manual all of my life and I can say that there has been some hardships. First off, there is noticable lag when it comes to throttle response. Second, the power curve on the N51 motor seems to be non linear which i'm not a fan of. I've been looking for some performance mods and from my research I've narrowed it down to an AA tune given the N51 that comes equipped with my 328i.

The question i'd like to ask is whether its worth to go with an AA tune with a stock setup, or should I modify a few things here and there (air intake/charcoal delete etc..) prior to the tune. I do not plan on installing a PE or headers mainly due to costs. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

For my N51, I'm at least at stock 330i numbers. That's a gain of 30hp basically. The torque is great too, not kidding it feels like a 335i just cruising in the low RPMs. My car when dyno'd was otherwise stock. I'd say it's worth it

[Mike.]

Hey listen to me get the AA tune, it makes you cool.

[Tom Droze]

Originally Posted by Mike.

Hey listen to me get the AA tune, it makes you cool.

Ummmm. . . some of us were cool before the AA tune.