olivierfm

Just Installed Stage 1 Sport - stock throttle. Nice upgrade in power - very fun It looks like it is running close to 16lbs of boost. Is anyone running Stage 1 +FMIC Sport - stock throttle on a stock 535xi? Do you need to upgrade the intercooler first? I'm using 91 rated CA gas... Would love to hear about other experiences with different maps. Thanks

AlterZgo

With crappy 91 octane gas and a stock FMIC, I'm sticking with Stage 1 Sport ST. Yes, you do need to upgrade the FMIC if you plan to run the maps requiring FMIC. I suppose nothing bad will happen initially, but the stock intercooler is not large at all (supposed to be smaller than even the 335's intercooler) and will heatsoak quickly at elevated boost levels. Then, the car will likely dial back boost and timing and you'd be back at lower power levels anyway.

FMIC is a very worthwhile upgrade (unless you plan on eventually running meth). It will provide consistently more power and keep your car running better overall. Do that first.

olivierfm

Thanks for the reply and clarifying my question. Given the additional expense to upgrade the FMIC (after already spending big on the Cobb unit) I will stick with Stage 1 Sport ST (or perhaps try the LT). The car feels great and the increase in power is addicting - not sure i could go back to stock...

Booyaazaa

So true that it is addicting. If you have access to 93/94 octane gas you can run the stg 1 aggressive map to get a little bit more power compared to the sport map. Also the only difference between the st (stock throttle) and lt (linear throttle) option is how the throttle responds to your input.

olivierfm

Thanks - There are only a few stations in the San Diego area that carry 100 grade fuel... Very pricy but worth a try to test the aggressive map at least for a few hundred miles...

SoCalM5Mang

I am getting the Evolution Raceworks FMIC installed on my 2008 535i next week.
Right after that comes Dr Euro's Downpipes. These babies will fit better than AR's and also cost much less when available for public consumption.

You are right. Cobb's recent Dyno's on their 535i with FMIC and Stage 1+ is producing nearly 400HP to the wheels. Pretty awesome performance gains. Can't wait to pair it with Downpipes as well.

Jay C

amit1947

Is anyone having issues with the Sport maps with California 91 gas? Have you all run some logs to make sure you're not getting timing corrections?

I'm kinda worried about running Sport right now, and I'm thinking about trying Drive.

Booyaazaa

You should be fine with the sport map. Just be sure to use top tier gas, no rotten Robbie's or random gas. If you want to be sure datalog a couple of 3rd gear pulls and post them on bimmerboost, lot of guys running a cobb. The ots maps are still pretty conservative for what the N54 is capable of outputting. On the sport map I was averaging 12psi and now I'm averaging 17psi. I did a etune with ProTuning Freaks for a e30 map and the car pulls much harder now then the stg 1 aggressive map. The power of the turbos are just to damn addicting.