Results: Stage 2, B58 (X3 M40i)

[Ekliptix]

My BMW neighbor suggested he logged some detonation in the past with claimed octane at the pump being not up to snuff. matching the octane tune setting. Since then he uses the same gas additive.

I’ve started using Shell 93, plus 3 points with this additive. I’m running the 93 stage 2 tune. To be clear, I’m not looking for a hp gain, just insurance against bad gas at the pump.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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My BMW neighbor suggested he logged some detonation in the past with claimed octane at the pump being not up to snuff. matching the octane tune setting. Since then he uses the same gas additive.

I’ve started using Shell 93, plus 3 points with this additive. I’m running the 93 stage 2 tune. To be clear, I’m not looking for a hp gain, just insurance against bad gas at the pump.

It's very very unlikely to get lower than rated octane from a refinery retailer as their QC is high and their tolerance for risk is low. It's reasonably likely to actually get higher octane from the 87 pump. I had an insider at _____ refinery once and I would buy their "87" if I knew it was 91.

But, if it's worth it for your peace of mind, then it's worth it.

[spike98]

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It's very very unlikely to get lower than rated octane from a refinery retailer as their QC is high and their tolerance for risk is low. It's reasonably likely to actually get higher octane from the 87 pump. I had an insider at _____ refinery once and I would buy their "87" if I knew it was 91.

But, if it's worth it for your peace of mind, then it's worth it.

I definitely agree. What i think happens (and please correct me if im wrong) is that the additives that differ can effect the propensity to pre-detonate. My B58 running a 91 tune would run better on shell v-power vs basically any other 91 octane gas. It would show in the logs. Less timing pull and more boost. You could feel it on the butt dyno though it wasn't super dramatic. It wasn't a one-of tank either, it was consistent every single time i switched from shell.

[XylathaneGTR]

Really rad family hauler - looks like it would be a blast to drive! Thanks for sharing!

[94boosted]

Very nice OP, which catted DP did you go with?

B58 all the things! As someone with two B58 powered cars in my current stable and I almost bought an X5 40i a couple months ago to replace the family hauler too, that would have made it 3. Still might do that if I can find a good deal on one with the factory tow pkg.

[Ekliptix]

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Very nice OP, which catted DP did you go with?

B58 all the things! As someone with two B58 powered cars in my current stable and I almost bought an X5 40i a couple months ago to replace the family hauler too, that would have made it 3. Still might do that if I can find a good deal on one with the factory tow pkg.

I believe I went with CTS for the DP. It has a support mount someone of the cheaper ones don't. Very happy with the sound (not too loud) for a 200 cel cat. https://wctperformance.ca/cts-turbo-...l-generations/

Btw, mine has the factory tow hitch which is a big plus since I'll likely tow my snowmobile. 4,000lb capacity.

[hurrdurr]

When gen did the b58 M40i X3 start? Was it 2015?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

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When gen did the b58 M40i X3 start? Was it 2015?

2018.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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I definitely agree. What i think happens (and please correct me if im wrong) is that the additives that differ can effect the propensity to pre-detonate. My B58 running a 91 tune would run better on shell v-power vs basically any other 91 octane gas. It would show in the logs. Less timing pull and more boost. You could feel it on the butt dyno though it wasn't super dramatic. It wasn't a one-of tank either, it was consistent every single time i switched from shell.

I don't know details that deep, but I've heard fairly consistently from folks in the Tuner crowd that Shell gasoline seems superior.
*At least in our market which is served by Shell Scotford because I knew a tuner on Vancouver Island who claimed Shell was sub-standard.

[Ekliptix]

Did a little winter towing today.

[ExtraSlow]

Gulf livery is cool and Volvo wagons are cool. Good luck out there sir!

[Ekliptix]

Still LOVE this car. I finally got launch control figured out. It was kind of face-melting, no delay. I bet I can go from 4.0 to 3.8 0-60 now. I'll test it. Hope to get the 60ft from 1.85 to 1.75 on the street, with launch control. Get in the 12.2's.

I spent $500 on a transmission tune from https://www.xautomotive.com/products/xhp-flash-license. Scroll way to the bottom. The goal is to add reliability and safety with the higher power level.
It not only makes upshifts and downshifts lightning fast (Stage 1, 2, or 3), but it adds transmission line pressure by approx. 15% to increase the torque capacity of the transmission, in high torque situations.
And I can turn off the transfer case to make it RWD.

[max_boost]

beautiful ride my guy

[bjstare]

That car is so sick.

One thing I can't reconcile though - how does tuning a transmission for quicker (i.e., harder?) shifts and adding pressure to increase power capacity while also increasing reliability even possible? Aren't they kind of mutually exclusive?

[heavyD]

Looks good as I miss my X3MC sometimes. What kind of suspension setup? Looks like a bit of rake there.

[Ekliptix]

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That car is so sick.

One thing I can't reconcile though - how does tuning a transmission for quicker (i.e., harder?) shifts and adding pressure to increase power capacity while also increasing reliability even possible? Aren't they kind of mutually exclusive?

I can't claim to understand it all. My understanding is the extra line pressure reduces unwanted wear from slipping. They say "improves overall driveability and longevity".
There are modes I can enable 'drag mode' that gets super aggressive and they warn "wears parts 4x faster". I don't plan to ever use that mode.

I have it on the stage 2 preset now. I've noticed:
- Upshifts at part throttle are 3x as quick + purposeful vs what felt like a lazy gear change. I've never had DCT, but it seems like that, now.
- Downshifts, in sport mode, has rev matching occurring stronger and just does a better job.

Again, there's BMW comfort, sport, sport plus, and other factory buttons that now just respond differently (better, for me), with this trans tune.

More details at the bottom of the different options: https://www.xautomotive.com/products/xhp-flash-license

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Looks good as I miss my X3MC sometimes. What kind of suspension setup? Looks like a bit of rake there.

Yes, they're H&R springs. I wish the rear was as low as the front. Coilovers are the only option. I do plan to get a replacement tire later with a taller sidewall (and wider).

[Ekliptix]

Still on the table are:
- Ethanol - More of a pain in the ass, but it adds a couple hp and I have the maps for it. My BMW neighbor runs it in his car all summer.
- $500 high pressure fuel pump.

HP
Stock 355hp
Tune 426hp
Tune + DP 447hp Where I'm at now.
Fuel Pump 508hp
Ethanol 522hp

Torque
Stock 370
Tune 466
Tune + DP 488 Where I'm at now.
Fuel Pump 622
Ethanol 640

[spike98]

Are you sure its not the other way around with ethanol? If i recall correctly, the FP runs out of steam and limits you regardless of fuel. Either way, I miss my 240i

[brucebanner]

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Are you sure its not the other way around with ethanol? If i recall correctly, the FP runs out of steam and limits you regardless of fuel. Either way, I miss my 240i

Might be talking a methanol injection kit? (doesn't sound like it)

Definitely need more fuel pump/injector to run straight E.

Regardless, this is an awesome daily. Great mods.

[vengie]

Great looking car and wicked performance!
What year is your X3?