[1SLO4G]

Just got the BM3 yesterday and I so happy I did. I'm running the stage 1 93 octane flash on my 2014 328i xdrive. I was waiting for a re-flash solution for some time now did not want to play around with piggybacks. I remember the days when I went from apexi piggyback to ECM ECU on the DSM what a night and day. Having full controller is a huge advantage over partial interception of signal inputs that modified when in WOT. Anyway, I'm done with my rant about piggybacks. After purchasing BM3 I got activation code right away which was great. So I registered with BM3 website, downloaded BM3 agent software, and Java SDK 8 so I head to my car with enet cable I got off eBay that I use for coding. I hooked everything up with the BM3 agent is running in background stating it's connected I logged in the website to activate my car, I hit the activation bottom and boom got an error message. The message saying "ensure OBD agent is running, ignition is on and vehicle versions are showing in the screen" which was puzzling to me because in the background the BM3 agent was showing connected and up so . So went to the BM3 file location and open via JAR file and still the same problem than I download 3 different version Java SDK 8 still same problem. I was getting pretty pissed off at this point, I want to think I'm a pretty smart guy, what am I doing wrong here. Then I got the idea why not disconnect the battery for few minutes it can't do any harm and guess what, boom! It worked after that. So that is my main tip disconnect the battery if you have trouble with connection to the DME or disconnect for few minutes before you even starting. After activation, you get to pick one OTS so I did, I started the reflash. Note the first reflash takes longer since it's making a copy of the stock rom file so be patient.
A few minutes later DONE

Now OTS stage 1 map review
I went out for a long test drive after I was done flashing it and WOW. The power increase you get can be felt throw out hole rev range and under different load types. This makes the car feel totally different the response you to get from it is amazing. I couldn't be happier, thank you BM3 team for the tool you gave to the community. I think this is the spark we needed to get more interest in tuning the N20.

I'm planning to go with OTS stage 2 soon after I order some parts. Anyone selling a downpipe or intercooler, PM LOL.

Sorry for my grammar, English is my second language.

[kenand1988]

Glad to hear you're happy with the tune. I too hope to be feeling that way in less than 24 hours. I purchased bm3 then had everything correctly working and hooked up but when I went to the other map selection and chose the one I wanted I keep getting a message saying failed acquiring ots map. I'm told it means the map isn't available as all the maps are locked out from downloading due to updates. Hopefully the issue will resolve itself in the next 24. Certainly was disappointing having everything ready then just couldn't download the map I selected.

[Domotron]

thanks for the review man! i used to run around Chicago are during my DSM/EVO days lol

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by kenand1988

Glad to hear you're happy with the tune. I too hope to be feeling that way in less than 24 hours. I purchased bm3 then had everything correctly working and hooked up but when I went to the other map selection and chose the one I wanted I keep getting a message saying failed acquiring ots map. I'm told it means the map isn't available as all the maps are locked out from downloading due to updates. Hopefully the issue will resolve itself in the next 24. Certainly was disappointing having everything ready then just couldn't download the map I selected.

Hopefully, they resolve it quickly for you. I know the pain of waiting but it will be worth it.

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by Domotron

thanks for the review man! i used to run around Chicago are during my DSM/EVO days lol

Np. Maybe you ran with me before on archer or in the Pulaski area by the warehouses, and not even know lol.

[kenand1988]

Still having the issue so I had to put in a ticket.

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by kenand1988

Still having the issue so I had to put in a ticket.

Did you get it resolved?

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by 1SLO4G

Did you get it resolved?

He did. BM3/PTF didn't have his DME software version. Just required a ticket to get their attention and they added it.

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

He did. BM3/PTF didn't have his DME software version. Just required a ticket to get their attention and they added it.

That's great to hear!

I have great news I purchased ER intercooler from a member here and downpipe from ebay (Will doing a review on it to see if it's shit or not). Then still saving up for a GFB DV and K&N filter. Stage 2 here I come!

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by 1SLO4G

That's great to hear!

I have great news I purchased ER intercooler from a member here and downpipe from ebay (Will doing a review on it to see if it's shit or not). Then still saving up for a GFB DV and K&N filter. Stage 2 here I come!

Congrats! Make sure to pick up an FMIC along the way for Stage 2.

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

Congrats! Make sure to pick up an FMIC along the way for Stage 2.

I did yesterday form a member here a Evolution racewerks FMIC.

[madmortar]

Is upgraded DV required for stage 2?

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by madmortar

Is upgraded DV required for stage 2?

No. There is a chance, just like the CP, that the stock DV diaphragm will tear and won't allow you to hold boost for long. It's something you may not see, so done as a precaution usually. Plus, DV+ holds boost between shifts much better. Go from six holes to one.

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

No. There is a chance, just like the CP, that the stock DV diaphragm will tear and won't allow you to hold boost for long. It's something you may not see, so done as a precaution usually. Plus, DV+ holds boost between shifts much better. Go from six holes to one.

Couldn't stated it any better. I rather be safe then sorry.

[madmortar]

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

No. There is a chance, just like the CP, that the stock DV diaphragm will tear and won't allow you to hold boost for long. It's something you may not see, so done as a precaution usually. Plus, DV+ holds boost between shifts much better. Go from six holes to one.

Cool.
Im familiar with GFB dv as I had one for my GTI back in the day.

Its all coming back to me...
Go stage 2 they say it will be great....just need a downpipe and a tune....
....and TB pipe
....and intercooler
....and new PCV
....and new DV
....and different spark plugs
....and then and then and then

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by madmortar

Cool.
Im familiar with GFB dv as I had one for my GTI back in the day.

Its all coming back to me...
Go stage 2 they say it will be great....just need a downpipe and a tune....
....and TB pipe
....and intercooler
....and new PCV
....and new DV
....and different spark plugs
....and then and then and then

Once you get the tuning bug you can't stop

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by madmortar

Cool.
Im familiar with GFB dv as I had one for my GTI back in the day.

Its all coming back to me...
Go stage 2 they say it will be great....just need a downpipe and a tune....
....and TB pipe
....and intercooler
....and new PCV
....and new DV
....and different spark plugs
....and then and then and then

If we're talking needed, FMIC and DP. But with our platform, DV, CP and Plugs are preventive

[1SLO4G]

Parts are coming in slowly for stage 2
Will be doing build page soon.

Still Waiting for awe exhaust and eBay downpipe to come in soon

[mike@x-ph.com]

Thank you for the review

[1SLO4G]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Thank you for the review

[1SLO4G]

Intercooler Is installed here is a sneak peek. I'm waiting on the downpipe from eBay and full exhaust from a member here. Can wait, stage 2 here I come!!

[1SLO4G]

Checked USPS down pipe should be delivered today by the time I get home, My dragy from X-PH already came in THANK YOU MIKE super fast shipping! Hopefully I will have time to install and test stage 2 today! I'll doing 0-60 test with dragy and logging. BTW has anyone used virtualdyno?