Power Kit for 135i, Anyone Added?

Has anyone added the new BMW power kit for a 135i? BMW provides a Version 1 & Version 2. Version 1 adds 20 HP & increases torque to ~317 or 332 lb-ft, for ~$599 + approx $100 install fee estimate by local dealer (I will confirm). My 135i conv has increased top speed limiter (M package) and may not need the auxiliary water cooler in Version 2 for extreme driving. Any comments are appreciated. Drive safe.

ACtually, BMW only allows the level 1 kit to be installed if you have the top speed limited. Level2 adds additonal cooling on top of that. For street driving it shouldn't be a prblem. The increased cooling is necessary if you plan to track the car.

do it do it do it do it!

Looks like I may've found my 6 speed convertible, and if so, will want the dealer to add the Level 1. Would love to know the real world impact of the change.

Mark

i had no idea bmw offered pack. like this thats awesome i wanna get a 1 series but not really sure if it will be to small

I wrestled last year with 135i v 335 conv purchase. After sitting in, driving, measuring trunks,decided 135i conv, soft top down, trunk area was slightly larger that 335 conv hard top down, trunk area! Same engine in 135i with 300 HP as 335. 135i back seat is a few inches less wide than 335 back seat, neither adequate for long trips. BMW software upgrade adds 20 HP to 135i, to 320 HP, BMW claims. Last year, the 335 conv was ~$8000 more than 135i conv. Easy decision for me. Spend savings on upgrades Drive both.

JB3 is more bang for the buck, taking it on and off for service is a hassle though.

I have read a lot of different forums of people who have got the performance. From what I have read there is a noticable different, others have said it's not as noticable as they would like. My main purpose for purchasing it would hopefully be able to increase my time off the line. I find the lag when I am at a stop to stepping on the gas can take a bit longer than I would like. People are suggesting upgrading the fly wheel.

Either way I hope to hear more about it as people upgrade.

I completed 135i phase I power kit software upgrade, adding +20 hp, and I am pleased. If one decides to move quickly, the +20 hp is instantly applied. If one decides to cruise in a sensible fashion (i.e. remain w-flow of traffic), there is no indication of +20 hp. MPG has not been affected (~24 mpg), but I have not taken long trip yet. Exhaust sounds are more distinct and enjoyable. Phase I includes metal stick-on in engine compartment of "BMW Performance" power kit. The +20 hp coupled w-DCT transmission is enjoyable. Now, if we could have a 'no speeding ticket' day around here, I could experiment w-car.

+ one

I recently had the power package (aka tune) done on my early build 2008 (25k miles). Very noticeable improvement in throttle response (even in standard mode) throughout the power range. Definitely with it ($529 + $83 labor).

Originally Posted by denhugh

I recently had the power package (aka tune) done on my early build 2008 (25k miles). Very noticeable improvement in throttle response (even in standard mode) throughout the power range. Definitely with it ($529 + $83 labor).

good to hear

Got "Energized" with this kit today.

All I can see is "Whoa"!

Can definitely feel the increase in torque, but just as I suspected now it exacerbates even more the limitations of the stock suspension. It's still more than adequate when driving somewhat aggressively, but can't maintain its composure when the devil wants payment on demand.

Need to now ruminate even more on whether to address these limitations, or just live with it until the next baby M hits the US strasse.

The PPK was $555 plus $64.00 for installation.

If you've got the money to burn and a hole in your head I highly recommend it.

Start with the M3 front sway-my next mod.

Is the stage 1 kit simply just software? If so does anyone know what it changes in order to achieve such gains?

Stage 1 is just software and Stage 2 is additional cooling. Unfortunately the 599 deal was over at the end of the year... now it's pretty pricy IMO. Stage 1 is $1160 and Stage 2 is $2078.98.

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductLis...ListTuningKits

Originally Posted by greengoose

Is the stage 1 kit simply just software? If so does anyone know what it changes in order to achieve such gains?

Turns up the boost and remaps some parameters. Nothing magic.

On an N54 why even bother with the BMW OEM 20hp kit when you can get 60 hp from the Dinan stage 1, 78 from stage 2 or 98 from stage 3. Stage 1 needs no added parts and stage 2 needs an oil cooler only if you didn't originall get one. IMHO the Dinan is every bit as good or better than the BMW (based on my prior 3 cars Dinan SW) plus they are oriented to our segment that want the power vs the entire 1 series spectrum that BMW aims for with fuel economy, 30 degree below zero starting and someone dumb enough to think they can run "regular" all the time.

BMW is now quoting $800 on their site. I assume that is with out labor. Why the price increase?

Originally Posted by rmjames007

BMW is now quoting $800 on their site. I assume that is with out labor. Why the price increase?

When the kit first came out they had a "special" on it. I guess they've now bumped it back up.

Do you think its something that will go back on sale? or will it always be 800 uninstalled?

I purchased the software upgrade for my 2011 135i convertible when it first came out. It was $600.00 installed for a 20 hp boast and BMW warranty remains in place. i believe it was a good deal. I am not sure it is a good deal at the price they are charging now. It appears the software upgrade for the 2012 135i is considerably higher.

All that being said, you really do feel the extra horsepower.

Be interesting to see a dyno run. You most likely can compare Dinan's horsepower claim to the PPK but not to any of the other major tunes. Dinan uses BHP (engine on dyno) & all the tuners use WHP (car on chassis dyno) when stating their numbers. Using the normal factor of 15% drivetrain loss Dinan would have Stg1 306whp, Stg2 321whp, Stg3 338whp.

Since BMW plays around with its advertised horsepower ratings you pretty much need to get the car on a dyno to see what the PPK actually does.

Well I dont plan to pay that much for it. I will just keep my eye on it and hope the price goes down.

I've got it on my 135 but I can't give you a before and after impression because it came to me that way.

Coming from an M Roadster to a 135 is deceiving. The 135 pulls very hard but the M is still a monster.

Originally Posted by JimS 135i X5d

I purchased the software upgrade for my 2011 135i convertible when it first came out. It was $600.00 installed for a 20 hp boast and BMW warranty remains in place. i believe it was a good deal. I am not sure it is a good deal at the price they are charging now. It appears the software upgrade for the 2012 135i is considerably higher.

All that being said, you really do feel the extra horsepower.

Is it something you really notice over time or did you just get used to it?