znod

Hi Friends:

I am starting "The Official G-Meter Testing Thread" here because the performance and testing of 5-Series autos is a matter of general interest. The predecessor thread linked here really doesn't belong in the "Parts, Accessories, and Mods" discussion. I am making a fresh start with my car here although I have attached one item related to my testing prior to and after my update to 20.01.00. My dealer is trying to deal with my performance loss (PUMA case begun), but this is where I am, and here we go.

To date, besides me, grogan545, EuroCarFan, and Bokke are involved in testing--using Passport GT2's--which provide good, easy-to-access-data without using software and downloading to a computer (which can be done if one spends a bit more). Previously, Realtyman was involved in testing using the same type meter (best 0 to 60 of 5.35 with his SMG). And, once the winter weather let's up, I think he is going to began again. Finally, cobradav's meter, a Tesla Pro RR, is on the way. I exchanged my more than two-month's old Tesla Pro SS for the Pro RR (also on its way)--through the generosity of Tesla. For more comparability with others now; easier to view data of most immediate interest; and a less expensive meter, the GT2 may be the better choice for the average tester. But, for one wanting to delve more deeply into test data, after computer download, the Pro RR may be the better choice. Or, if you are like me, then the better choice is both.

Guys, please bring anything you want over from any prior threads. For example, grogan, you may want to bring over your summary data and the results of your recent post-20.01.00 test data. And, Bokke, you might want to bring over all your test data since you have just begun. EuroCarFan, when is it going to stop raining on you? Here are some of the data from the big-three US auto magazines for the 545i.

BMW 545i--Manual CD 5/04 5.5 14.1 103
BMW 545i--Step RT 6/05 5.2 13.7 104.0
BMW 545i--Step MT 8/04 5.4 13.7 102.1
BMW 545i--Step MT 11/05 5.5 13.8 102.8
BMW claims 0 to 60 of 5.8 for the Step and 5.7 for the SMG and manual, respectively

Today, I did my last tests before going to my dealer for what I think was a reset of my "DME Engine management ME9." I will begin my post-dealer testing probably starting tomorrow. Here are my two best (of four) runs from today. grogan545 introduced the idea that using D might be good after 20+ updates. One of my best today was in D.

Run in D--GT2 Used--No Brake Torquing--DSC/DTC Off--55 Degrees

HP 327 @ 55; Ave HP 275
0 - 80 8.80
0 - 70 7.05
0 - 60 5.30
0 - 50 3.97
0 - 40 2.87
0 - 30 1.70
0 - 20 .92
0 - 10 .28
1/8 Mile Time 8.90
1/8 Mile Speed 79
330' 5.75
60' 1.95

Run in DS--GT2 Used--No Brake Torquing--DSC/DTC Off--55 Degrees

HP 328 @ 55; Ave HP 276
0 - 80 8.80
0 - 70 7.05
0 - 60 5.32
0 - 50 4.03
0 - 40 2.90
0 - 30 1.73
0 - 20 .98
0 - 10 .28
1/8 Mile Time 8.93
1/8 Mile Speed 79
330' 5.80
60' 1.98

Below are my before and after 20.01.00 data. I am not going to dwell here on what is causing the differences. This matter is dealt with elsewhere. My goal, with respect to this thread, is to test, document, and improve my results given where I am starting and to share all pertinent information garnered with all interested.

Enjoy.

EuroCarFan

Hi Znod.

I think it would be helpful, for new potential testers, if you'd do a brief recap of your settings with the GT2 so that all GT2 users will have the same baseline settings.

I think there's a typo for the 0-60 time under the "Run in DS..." info. It says 4.03 which I think is your 0-50 time.

As for me, this whole week is nice and sunny but I'm swamped with work. Preparing for a business trip this Sat to Brazil and Mexico. Will be back on Feb 18th. Hope I can get some runs then.

znod

Great idea ECF:

I have corrected the datum you mentioned and two others resulting from copy, paste, and distractions. Here are the settings that all of us using the GT2 are using, except that grogan545 is using a 10" rollout to maintain comparability with his earlier testing.

My setup values for the time/speed related GT2 settings are as follows.

1. Rollout distance for both 0 to 60 and the ? mile?12??which is a "shallow-staging" standard that often is attemped on dragstrips and often is used in magazine tests.

2. Pitch correction?1.9?I used this correction factor because the GT2 manual indicates that, in trying to develop pitch correction factors for the C5 Z06 and the Audi S4, values of 1.5 and 2.0 had worked well. Note that my manual indicates that an increase/decrease in the pitch correction factor of .2 will result in ?a .03 slower/faster ? mile time. So, I am trying to be conservative in setting the pitch correction.

My setup values for the flywheel-horse power (FHP)-related GT2 settings are as follows.

1. Test weight of car?4,150 lbs. In this regard, Car and Driver test used a test weight of 4,150 lbs for a car equipped similarly to mine--but with some + and - adjustments needed. Since I don't have all the values needed for the adjustments, I decided just to use the Car and Driver value.

2. Drive-train loss?.20?because of my Steptronic?the value recommended by my manual for an automatic transmission

3. Rolling resistance--.13?the GT2 default?left it alone since I had no idea what better to assume

4. Aerodynamic drag?6.5?I assumed a value .3 lower than the one that worked well for Passport on the Audi S4.

Bokke

Znod - great thread!

Here is my info....plus alittle extra stuff!

Set Up:

1. Rollout distance for both 0 to 60 and the ? mile?12?
2. Pitch correction?1.9
3. Drive-train loss?.15 - I have a 6 speed
4. Rolling resistance--.13
5. Aerodynamic drag?6.5
6. Weight - 4200lbs

Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position - 50% tread remaining

With that said, my first 5 runs were as follows:

55 degrees
35% humidity
Bright Sun
Concrete
East/West run - no wind

0-80 / 9.60 / - / - / 9.80 / - / -
0-70 / 7.67 / 7.92 / 7.92 / 7.87 / -
0-60 / 5.77 / 5.75 / 5.92 / 5.85 / 5.78
0-50 / 4.47 / 4.42 / 4.65 / 4.50 / 4.45
0-40 / 3.27 / 3.40 / 3.47 / 3.37 / 3.40
0-30 / 1.95 / 2.05 / 2.32 / 2.05 / 2.02
0-20 / 1.22 / 1.22 / 1.17 / 1.22 / 1.18
0-10 / 0.42 / 0.37 / 0.37 / 0.35 / 0.43

1/8 / 9.30 / 9.30 / 9.42 / 9.33 / -

300ft/ 6.08 / 6.05 / 6.17 / 6.10 / 6.07
60ft / 2.15 / 2.15 / 2.15 / 2.17 / 2.15

HP / --- / 339 / 306 / 308 / 345

I hope to do more tests this next weekend!

Cheers,

znod

Thanks Bokke. Your data look something like mine did when I started testing. I am not sure what happened, but I think my car got faster, through learning I presume, because there were not that many ways for me to improve. But, I know that you have not yet licked the traction problems on your manual shifter. I am getting excited about testing again and trying to regain my "old form."

EuroCarFan

Hey Znod, how about doing some before and after runs with regards to the Charcoal Filter?

530iii

0 to 60 mph in 5.07 seconds, not too shabby!

0700700

well it seems far to low IMO. Znod is that with maximum weight off the car..
I.E. spare wheels and accesories off , and you in a tight fitting aerodynamic rubber suit ?

znod

Thanks. But, now I claim 5.30, in D, as my best. grogan545 has had one or two 5.0's. And, I think his car liked 20.01.00. So, watch out.

znod

You are a mind reader. After I do some testing "as is," having postponed my Dinan CAI indefintiely, I am planning to do exactly what you say. There is a small problem; it is starting to get hotter already in AZ--80 degrees today. So, I'll have to start getting up earlier and earlier. Ugh!