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      11-06-2017, 08:35 PM   #1
iwantanx1
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Questions on tune/reliability for the n55

Hi,

First post.

1) Is dinan stage 2 the best bang for buck tune? Are there other chips/tunes I should look into?

2) Don't need to buy anything else for the stage 2 tune?

3) How much should I be expecting to pay in maintenance with this car a year? I DD a 2015 mustang GT and work from home. This will mainly be a rain/snow car. My mustang gets about 8000km a year. So this might just be 4000km a year.

4) Anyone know the 0-60 x1 35i with stage 2 tune? I couldn't find anything with the search function. Stock is 5.1.

5) What are the main issues to look out for with this car when shopping around?

6) Should I try and get a warranty from a dealer?
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      11-07-2017, 08:43 PM   #2
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Dinan would be the absolute worst bang for the buck. Completely opposite. Where did you hear that? Extremely high price, lowest power output.

On just a tune, or a DP/intake/tune, there are no reliability issues with the N55. It's completely solid even on larger turbos.

A JB4 is arguably your best bang for the buck.

That being said, but for the need to bench flash the DME first, an MHD/Wedge tuning flash (can be done via an android phone/MHD app) would be the biggest bang for your buck.

Typically, a "stage 2" tune would at least recommend a downpipe. Pretty easy install on these cars.

On a good day, an OTS tune and a downpipe could see you trapping around 110 in the 1/4. 0-60 are pretty meaningless measure, but you'd certainly be into the higher 4s.
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      12-06-2017, 06:05 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PrematureApex View Post
Dinan would be the absolute worst bang for the buck. Completely opposite. Where did you hear that? Extremely high price, lowest power output.

On just a tune, or a DP/intake/tune, there are no reliability issues with the N55. It's completely solid even on larger turbos.

A JB4 is arguably your best bang for the buck.

That being said, but for the need to bench flash the DME first, an MHD/Wedge tuning flash (can be done via an android phone/MHD app) would be the biggest bang for your buck.

Typically, a "stage 2" tune would at least recommend a downpipe. Pretty easy install on these cars.

On a good day, an OTS tune and a downpipe could see you trapping around 110 in the 1/4. 0-60 are pretty meaningless measure, but you'd certainly be into the higher 4s.
Assuming I don't want JB4, what flash tunes are available for the X1? Are there any vendors selling tunes that go along with a set of hardware (ie: larger turbo, catless downpipe, larger intercooler)?
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      12-06-2017, 07:14 PM   #4
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Dinan or MHD if I'm not mistaken. Pure has something, but I don't know anything about it. JB4, VSRF Chargepipe and going to install a VSRF DP in the future.
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      12-06-2017, 07:33 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcdanielvzw View Post
Dinan or MHD if I'm not mistaken. Pure has something, but I don't know anything about it. JB4, VSRF Chargepipe and going to install a VSRF DP in the future.
What's MHD? Pure makes aftermarket turbos, but I am not aware of any tuning.

Dinan sells their hardware with different piggybacks, not a true tune, at least for the n55.

I guess a lot of this depends on the motor and year of the X1. I need to do some more homework.
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      12-07-2017, 05:02 PM   #6
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MHD is a flash for unlocked DME's. I don't know much about it, just that it is an option that some people prefer to JB4.
http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1438939

I wasn't sure if Pure did tuning, I threw out what I know for the OP to look into and others to chime in.
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      12-07-2017, 11:09 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcdanielvzw View Post
MHD is a flash for unlocked DME's. I don't know much about it, just that it is an option that some people prefer to JB4.
http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1438939

I wasn't sure if Pure did tuning, I threw out what I know for the OP to look into and others to chime in.
So from what I was told you will have to take your DME out and have it unlocked before you can use MHD tunes. There are a couple people on here that have done it. If someone was closer to me then I would do it, but I would ship it to NY.
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      12-08-2017, 02:05 PM   #8
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If you want more of a set it and forget it tune I would look at a flash option. MHD is what I would recommend. Yes, it does require you to remove the DME but it isn't that difficult of a job for you or a shop. People have already documented what you have to do. Pure primarily promotes the JB4 as does Fuel-IT. I am running Pure's stage 2 with MHD only on my N55 335i and love it.
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      12-09-2017, 12:22 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by switlikbob View Post
Assuming I don't want JB4, what flash tunes are available for the X1? Are there any vendors selling tunes that go along with a set of hardware (ie: larger turbo, catless downpipe, larger intercooler)?
I see you posting about tuning your M2. You'll have all the same options, or perhaps more. While posting on the X1 forum would be encouraged, the bottom line is, the car is all E90 xdrive. So you'll get much more info on the more active N55 E series forums.
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      12-26-2017, 09:58 AM   #10
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Has anyone here flashed the BMW PPK? How does it compare?
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      12-26-2017, 02:10 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thecos View Post
Has anyone here flashed the BMW PPK? How does it compare?
Stock boost levels are about 7 psi, PPK is a little higher. I think I have heard about 10 or 11 psi. Most stage 1 tunes are about 12 psi. PPK will have more power than stock but less power than any aftermarket tuning option.
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      12-26-2017, 02:23 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Turbod View Post
Stock boost levels are about 7 psi, PPK is a little higher. I think I have heard about 10 or 11 psi. Most stage 1 tunes are about 12 psi. PPK will have more power than stock but less power than any aftermarket tuning option.
I know some were able to flash the PPK software themselves on earlier model ECUs and it was pretty much a free tune. The later ECUs were locked and now require an activation code from BMW after the PPK flash. As far as I know the only way to obtain the code is to pay BMW. Either way the PPK was interesting to me because it was developed by BMW and didnt require removing the ECU. Thanks for the info.
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      01-20-2018, 05:07 AM   #13
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Is maintenance expensive for these cars? Would probably be driven like 4-5k kms a year. Not tracking ir or anything harsh. Is the n55 or any other expensive parts (suspension..etc) of these cars prone to failure and I should expect some expensive repairs?
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      01-20-2018, 10:18 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iwantanx1 View Post
Is maintenance expensive for these cars? Would probably be driven like 4-5k kms a year. Not tracking ir or anything harsh. Is the n55 or any other expensive parts (suspension..etc) of these cars prone to failure and I should expect some expensive repairs?
I don't own one, but I can tell you that the N55 is way more reliable and trouble free as compared to the N54.

All BMW maintenance is relatively expensive though.
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      01-20-2018, 11:21 AM   #15
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Moot point since X1 doesn't come in n54 form.

Reliability is tough to say. Depends on previous owner treatment. General maintenance cost is higher. For example replacement of the AGM battery requires ecu reset which can cause 500-700. I've read quoted prices....
Tranny oil and filter change ~700
Diff oil ~ 300
Xfer case~ 400
Plugs ~ 500

That's assuming you can get the dealership to perform these tasks. Go indie or diy to save money.
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      01-21-2018, 02:16 PM   #16
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The oil housing gasket is prone to leaks, the coolant expansion tank is known to crack along the seam, oil pan gasket is known to leak, the plastic charge pipe is known to blow up even at stock boost levels, water pump failures are common around 96,000 kms, and the serpentine belt is known to be eaten by the crank pulley if it breaks, most people replace around 100,000 kms.
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      01-21-2018, 05:30 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamb1t View Post
Reliability is tough to say. Depends on previous owner treatment.
People often repeat this...but I don't see it. None of the cars "common" problem areas are known to be affected by owner "treatment".

Water pump, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, etc. all occur on stock cars or modified cars, with all types of owners seemingly for no reason.

It's not like these cars throw rods of break transmissions which one could pin on hard use.

To the contrary, they withstand abuse well. Anything that may fail isn't going to have anything to do with treatment or the car, with or preventative maintenance.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamb1t View Post
For example replacement of the AGM battery requires ecu reset which can cause 500-700. I've read quoted prices....
Tranny oil and filter change ~700
Diff oil ~ 300
Xfer case~ 400
Plugs ~ 500

That's assuming you can get the dealership to perform these tasks. Go indie or diy to save money.
Ridiculous that more people don't do more themselves. While I wont start a debate on needing to code the car for a battery replacement, the software is free. A $15 cable and the free BMW software, or a $15 cable and a $10 fee on a free cell phone app. lets you code for a new $200 battery.

$500 for $60 in plugs and an hour in the driveway? That's robbery.
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      01-22-2018, 04:50 AM   #18
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Are there any years to avoid? I know often there are problems in the first year of production that they fix in the next.

And can you buy warranty for used cars? Any ballpark figure for how much that would be for this car? (Canada)
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      01-22-2018, 09:50 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamb1t View Post
Moot point since X1 doesn't come in n54 form.

Reliability is tough to say. Depends on previous owner treatment. General maintenance cost is higher. For example replacement of the AGM battery requires ecu reset which can cause 500-700. I've read quoted prices....
Tranny oil and filter change ~700
Diff oil ~ 300
Xfer case~ 400
Plugs ~ 500

That's assuming you can get the dealership to perform these tasks. Go indie or diy to save money.
I am having my Xfer case serviced today for just shy of $300 at the dealer. Indie shop quoted me $350+. I do every other fluid change myself, but the Xfer case (especially the ATC35L) is a hassle! My N55 is in great shape, no problems to report, just staying on top of preventive maintenance.

Last edited by LevinBR; 01-22-2018 at 10:02 AM..
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      01-22-2018, 02:15 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iwantanx1 View Post
Are there any years to avoid? I know often there are problems in the first year of production that they fix in the next.

And can you buy warranty for used cars? Any ballpark figure for how much that would be for this car? (Canada)
I remembered when my factory warranty was about to expired, I reached out to a few BMW dealership for extended warranty. I can't quite remember the details, but for non-deductible... a 2 year plan was $3000+tax. Small variations b/t dealerships. Speak to the finance mgr at the dealership. I decided to skip it and put the money in high yield stocks.

In Canada, we got the 2012 pre-LCI X1. I'd avoid that because it's not as nice. If you follow the n20 timing chain issue, I believe BMW changed the plastic guide in 2015. You'd have to check the VIN to correspond to the date mfg. I think for the most part the X1 is quite reliable. It's not a complex vehicle in BMW's stable. CR rates 2014+ to be better.
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      01-22-2018, 03:25 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PrematureApex View Post
Dinan would be the absolute worst bang for the buck. Completely opposite. Where did you hear that? Extremely high price, lowest power output.

On just a tune, or a DP/intake/tune, there are no reliability issues with the N55. It's completely solid even on larger turbos.

A JB4 is arguably your best bang for the buck.

That being said, but for the need to bench flash the DME first, an MHD/Wedge tuning flash (can be done via an android phone/MHD app) would be the biggest bang for your buck.

Typically, a "stage 2" tune would at least recommend a downpipe. Pretty easy install on these cars.

On a good day, an OTS tune and a downpipe could see you trapping around 110 in the 1/4. 0-60 are pretty meaningless measure, but you'd certainly be into the higher 4s.
I'm looking into doing a tune for my x1 35i. I like the idea of the MHD, I've heard great things about it, except for that pesky DME unlock. Is the DME that much of a pain to remove and send in? Are there any posts detailing the process?

The one video I found on youtube is for a 535i and its underneath the intake manifold. Is it a similar process on this car? I thought it was located in the control box in the upper left corner.

The downtime of sending in the DME wouldn't be a big deal since I have another vehicle.
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      01-22-2018, 03:54 PM   #22
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DME is under intake manifold and needs to be removed for unlocking and open it up for future MHD flashing through the OBD port.
You will be down for 2 days or so when sending it out for unlock... rental car may be best bet...
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