Got home from work and my X3 was waiting on my doorstep. I ordered 87/89/91 Performance tunes. Modification list supplied to Doug was K&N AirCharger CAI and True-Dual with H-Pipe. I have a manual transmission car.

I hooked up the X3 and went through the options reading vehicle info, check for error codes, check software version, etc. I loaded up the 87 Performance tune (that's whats in my tank) with no issues at all. I went for a test ride and had no idea what to expect. I beat on it for a couple of miles and here is my observation:

1) It is quicker ... and it pulls hard from 4000 all the way to redline ... and it is pretty obvious there is quite a bit of power gain above 5000 RPM compared to the factory tune

2) I'm pretty sure the throttle lag is there but has been masked by some clever programming. Everyone has read the throttle lag bend the wire hack by now. I think what the dyno tune guys are doing in the tune is initially opening the throttle further on initial contact. According to the throttle lag hack the wires are not registering throttle opening until the pedal has been pushed down about 1/8th or so. My seat of pants meter is saying that when the computer gets its first signal that the pedal is being pressed it quickly opens the throttle. For example ... the factory tune may open the throttle +5% when the brushes in the switch first contact the resistance pad. Now it feels like the initial opening may be more like +15%. Tapping the throttle will throw you back in your seat .. factory tune did not do that.

3) The DASHPOT effect seems to be turned up. I.E. when you let off the throttle the car does not abruptly begin to transbrake ... actually it barely brakes at all until downshifting.

I'll try the 89 octane tune on next fillup. And once I have my 3.73 rear axle installed the results should be extra impressive.

... and I was surprised that the USB cable is included for future tunes installs or firmware upgrades.

 

Question: What is a throttle lag bend the wire hack?

 

i'm currently running bamma's 87 perf tune also since i still have 87 in my tank form a recent trip. i'll be switching back to my 91 torq which i really like because of its responsiveness and nice jump from a stop. not sure how much of a diff you'll notice with the 89 perf. compared to the 87 perf. did you consider the torq and race tunes in your purchase?

 

I decided to go all performance since I'm putting the 3.73 GT rear in once I gather the rest of the pieces (Roush Springs, Aluminum DS and adjustable Panhard). I figure the 3.73 will help off the line and the performance tune will help at the higher RPM's since I'll be getting up there quicker with the 3.73.'s .. I will probably go with the 91 my next fill up .....

FYI: It spins the tire very easily from a stop ... gotta get used to the quicker throttle .. and get the T-Lok installed ....

 

+1!

 

wuts the x3 do that the x2 didnt?

 

I have never owned an X2 ... but I think the difference is X3 has bigger screen and data logging without PC ...

 

I think the only difference is more HD space for data logging, plus the bigger screen as dmhines said. As far as I know it still only holds 3 tunes + your stock one.