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HellBM E46 M3 Tune - Review

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Evening Bimmersport,

I've waited a few weeks to post this to ensure the tune worked out any adaptations and allow for adequate driving situations.

Some context.... Last month my beloved E46 was due for its annual checkup at HellBM. While I was there, Ray informed he'd finished developing a custom tune for the E46 M3 and asked if I would be interested. Given he was 18kw clear at the top of our recent dyno day leaderboard, how could I say no!

IMG_5017.JPG

 

First things first, Ray is the best in the business when it comes to dealing with E46 M3's. The fact he has 5 x S54 powered (from last count) vehicles of his own is a testament to this. And if Ray isn't under the bonnet, rest assured his knowledgable son Sam will be giving your pride and joy a good once over while it's up on the hoist. 

Now... The tune.

Prior to installing this, I already had an altered map which Tom (M3 Power) had installed, providing a significant gain over stock figures (I'm  'A2K' in the board above). 

As part of this tune, I requested Ray do the following:
- Top Speed Limiter Removed
- Exhaust burble on overrun
- Shift lights (for a 6-speed manual)
- M Track Mode (soon to be coded)

Even though my car had already been toy'd with, after 800kms of driving I've felt a significant improvement. I've bullet-pointed my key takeaways so far:

  • The low-mid range power and torque increase was instantly noticeable
  • No longer do I feel a sluggish response when cruising around town in a higher gear
  • Response through the rev range is much stronger and linear all the way to red line
  • Throttle response has remained smooth and "sport" mode is highly enjoyable and no longer jerky
  • Fuel economy has remained consistent, if not slightly improved

Since getting the tune, I've also attended a track day at Pukekohe. While I'm no Lewis Hamilton, I was able to improve my previous personal best by almost 3 seconds a lap (based on my Track Addict app) and was pulling away from friends on the back straight which I had previously been neck-and-neck with on my last outing. The improved throttle response gave me a lot more confidence coming out of corners and despite my amateur driving ability, I certainly felt faster!

I will be sure to get another Dyno run shortly to prove it's not just my butt talking!

Ray has since told me this tune is now available to Bimmersport members and I highly recommend it based on my experience.

Thanks again to the team at HellBM! Any questions, please feel free to ask.

Cheers

Alex

A recent pic of the car:

IMG_4996.JPG

Edited by leebske
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"Exhaust burble on overrun"
I'm curious to hear this. Mind recording a soundclip? :)
Or are there any on Youtube that sound the same?

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I wonder how this would compare to a tune by Gavin at High Velocity

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3 hours ago, zero said:

I wonder how this would compare to a tune by Gavin at High Velocity

Yes would be interesting to know - do you know anyone on Bimmersport running this tune?

7 hours ago, Matth5 said:

"Exhaust burble on overrun"
I'm curious to hear this. Mind recording a soundclip? :)
Or are there any on Youtube that sound the same?

Sure thing - I'll try get a video up over the next few weeks.

18 hours ago, qube said:

awesome post alex and car is looking good!

Cheers mate!

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51 minutes ago, leebske said:

Yes would be interesting to know - do you know anyone on Bimmersport running this tune?

No, but I know Gavin does custom tunes and tunes all the bmw race cars.

The man is a genius.

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+1 for the over-run clip please. 

Very keen on this, will speak to Ray...

Cheers.

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Watching with interest.  

My car seems to be going down in power.

first hub dyno at 48,000 km saw 230kw at hubs. Car was one of the quicker M3s I'd tried going by butt dyno at time of purchase .

Second Hub dyno at 90,000km saw 210kw at hubs

Third roller dyno engine run at 122,000 saw 183kw at tyres   (Running Mobil blended 98 which causes pinking on the M3)

Running SMG so thinking about csl  software for subframe longevity and restoring power.

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That's a fair few escaped horses. Sounds like the 2 hub dyno runs were done in dissimilar environments. Roller dynos always seem to read lower than hubs.

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Bringing this thread back as it's interesting

So what does a good used, stock M3 make on a rolling road dyno these days?

Looking at those figures above give or take 5 rwkw suggests 190rwkw is a decent mark for a looked after E46 M3 in stock form..

 

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Mate, any chance of that burble over-run clip?  i assume this is a semi backfire/crackle on deceleration?

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