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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum Engine, Exhaust, Drivetrain, Tuning Modifications 2018 M550i BM3 Tune

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      05-23-2022, 08:35 AM   #1
Sam_M550i
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2018 M550i BM3 Tune

To all who have tuned their M550i using BM3 themselves, which method did you use. Trying to decide between phone or laptop and what cables/adapters I need. Right now all I have is the OBDLINK MX+ which I believe will not be of use for tuning with BM3.
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      05-23-2022, 08:45 PM   #2
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You're correct; the OBDLINK MX+ won't work for you. I use an ENET cable that works on both a laptop and phone. You may have to experiment to get the right adapters though. Something like this would be fine:

https://www.amazon.com/OHP-Ethernet-...dDbGljaz10cnVl
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      05-24-2022, 05:58 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse View Post
You're correct; the OBDLINK MX+ won't work for you. I use an ENET cable that works on both a laptop and phone. You may have to experiment to get the right adapters though. Something like this would be fine:

https://www.amazon.com/OHP-Ethernet-...dDbGljaz10cnVl
Even with that cable, I will need an adapter to go from my Android phone to the ENET cable.
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      05-24-2022, 07:09 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
Even with that cable, I will need an adapter to go from my Android phone to the ENET cable.
That's right. In my case, my Android phone has a USB-C connector so I use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. You will also probably have to go into settings and enable Ethernet tethering; I think that the BM3 web page has detailed instructions for that.
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      05-24-2022, 07:23 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse View Post
That's right. In my case, my Android phone has a USB-C connector so I use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. You will also probably have to go into settings and enable Ethernet tethering; I think that the BM3 web page has detailed instructions for that.
Was the buying and flashing process straight forward? How long did it take? Have any issues with the engine oil status or anything else?
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      05-24-2022, 08:00 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
Was the buying and flashing process straight forward? How long did it take? Have any issues with the engine oil status or anything else?
We offer free Enet cable and phone adapters if you get BM3 from us.

The installation process is very easy, connect your phone, download the app, select the map, and you are set. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes.

No issues
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      05-24-2022, 08:28 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
Was the buying and flashing process straight forward? How long did it take? Have any issues with the engine oil status or anything else?
I have a stock engine with Stage 1 tune and have had no issues with CEL, oil status, or connecting with my laptop or phone. The guy who unlocked my DME did the initial flash but I don't anticipate any issues when I need to re-flash it myself. It's very straightforward, although I do recall some challenges when first installing the agent and connecting to the car. But you can do that part before buying a license or unlocking your DME, and they are very responsive to requests for help over Email. I'd start there.
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      05-24-2022, 02:29 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
To all who have tuned their M550i using BM3 themselves, which method did you use. Trying to decide between phone or laptop and what cables/adapters I need. Right now all I have is the OBDLINK MX+ which I believe will not be of use for tuning with BM3.
I recommend the MHD Black WiFi Adapter. It also has a built in Ethernet port and can be used wired or wireless. You just need the right adapter for your phone to Ethernet. WiFi should be fine though. It's superfast and stable. Stay away from Bluetooth adapters. It also works with Bimmercode, ProTool and of course, MHD.
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      05-26-2022, 08:50 PM   #9
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I do all my software with ENET- can't beat the reliability and speed of a cable when flashing. Flawless using a USB C Ethernet adapter and iPad Pro- BM3, xHP, & Bimmercode so far.
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      06-28-2022, 06:45 PM   #10
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Flashed tonight and it's definitely more responsive, aggressive, and quicker. I didn't play with any options or anything just straight up flashed.
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      06-30-2022, 05:31 PM   #11
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I'm interested in this, but very disappointed there's no YouTube videos of our car with this. I see every other BMW though
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      07-01-2022, 09:49 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
Flashed tonight and it's definitely more responsive, aggressive, and quicker. I didn't play with any options or anything just straight up flashed.
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      07-01-2022, 11:45 AM   #13
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I enabled ASD which in return it says burble yet I don't hear that. Is that due to stock exhaust?

Also, using the app or web client, where would I see what time the car is running? Like would it say I have these tunes and this particular one is what's in the car?
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      07-01-2022, 01:46 PM   #14
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By ASD I assume you mean Active Sound Design? That has nothing to do with your tune or exhaust. It just pumps fake engine noise through your audio system. I disabled it, but as I recall it doesn't add any "burble." It just makes the exhaust sound louder.

You can tune the exhaust burble in the BM3 app, which will make a difference in sound. I went with "Stock" burble and my car sounds exactly the same after tuning as it did before.

As for performance numbers, I don't know offhand how to use the app to measure that, or if doing so is even possible. Even if it is possible, it would have to rely on the phone's GPS so the accuracy wouldn't be very high. The app is great for flashing and data logging, but if you want good performance numbers I'd get a Dragy.
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      07-01-2022, 02:54 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse View Post
By ASD I assume you mean Active Sound Design? That has nothing to do with your tune or exhaust. It just pumps fake engine noise through your audio system. I disabled it, but as I recall it doesn't add any "burble." It just makes the exhaust sound louder.

You can tune the exhaust burble in the BM3 app, which will make a difference in sound. I went with "Stock" burble and my car sounds exactly the same after tuning as it did before.

As for performance numbers, I don't know offhand how to use the app to measure that, or if doing so is even possible. Even if it is possible, it would have to rely on the phone's GPS so the accuracy wouldn't be very high. The app is great for flashing and data logging, but if you want good performance numbers I'd get a Dragy.
I guess I didn't see the option for where to time burble in the app.

Edit: found the settings section of the tune. What are settings others have played with? I only flashed the tune without messing with settings.
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      07-01-2022, 07:02 PM   #16
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The only setting I changed was to remove VMax. If you don't have it already, the user manual does a good job of explaining the various configuration options:

https://bootmod3.atlassian.net/wiki/...d3+User+Manual

There is also a boost limiter that isn't in the user manual.
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      07-02-2022, 05:58 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse View Post
The only setting I changed was to remove VMax. If you don't have it already, the user manual does a good job of explaining the various configuration options:

https://bootmod3.atlassian.net/wiki/...d3+User+Manual

There is also a boost limiter that isn't in the user manual.
Changing settings in the config requires a reflash?
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      07-05-2022, 03:26 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
Changing settings in the config requires a reflash?
Yes, use the app to configure the tune and then reflash.
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      07-06-2022, 04:17 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse View Post
Yes, use the app to configure the tune and then reflash.
I will mess with config a bit as ots burble settings are almost useless.
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      07-06-2022, 05:56 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
I will mess with config a bit as ots burble settings are almost useless.
Take it to an exhaust shop and have them cut out the last 2 resonators and straight pipe it if you're looking for more sound and burbles. About $150 or so.
If you want louder sound, take it back and have them cut out the 2 forward resonators. I would drive around for a week or so before you cut them all off.

Save the resonators so you can go back to stock if you sell.
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      07-06-2022, 10:05 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam_M550i View Post
I will mess with config a bit as ots burble settings are almost useless.
Are you saying that you don't hear any difference in sound when you configure the BM3 tune to a different burble setting and reflash?
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      07-07-2022, 08:40 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HerkHealer View Post
Take it to an exhaust shop and have them cut out the last 2 resonators and straight pipe it if you're looking for more sound and burbles. About $150 or so.
If you want louder sound, take it back and have them cut out the 2 forward resonators. I would drive around for a week or so before you cut them all off.

Save the resonators so you can go back to stock if you sell.
I do not want to hack up the exhaust. If an aftermarket exhaust goes on sale in the classifieds for a reasonable price I might jump on that.
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