Best N54 Tuner

Sixbanger

Specialist
Jun 20, 2017
89
20
0
Ride
08 135I
What are some of the best custom tuners for the N54 platform? I've inquired for a couple tuners to make me a custom map for my car, but none of them tune on the N54 platform anymore or they've moved onto the N55 motor. I really need to know what my options are, because I've searched and havent seen many options come up. Any feedback would be great.
I'm currently running E40 with JB4 BEF MHD race pump. Stcok turbos with 104,220 miles on the odometer. Car has been maintained to the T since day 1. Thank you.
 
Oct 24, 2016
1,152
1,202
0
45
Scottsdale, AZ
Tuners of the month come and go on every platform. We have guys that we really love, but rather than spit out names, what to look for is an important thing. First... have they tuned other non-bmw engines? Not a prerequisite, but shows baselines of knowledge. One of my favorites is if I ask them a question that they don't know the answer to... do they tell me that they don't know (then go find out... even if by asking another tuner) or do they BS you? Do they work with other tuners ever? Have they worked with any truly big names? Is it their full time job? Will it be? There are GREAT tuners that are not full-time guys, some of you may even be reading this, but a modicum of skepticism is useful. Making peak hp is wonderful, but how many can give you a tune that you can smash in 100*+ weather and stays nice and consistent? Drivability is a part of tuning often overlooked... i.e. part throttle response, pedal feel, etc. Is she jumpy or nice and smooth?

It's all in what you want. Everyone wants a million horsepower, but no one wants to pay for broken engine parts. We love pushing limits but it's outside the realm of the average enthusiast on a budget. Whoever you choose, log often. If you find a guy you love, the tune is smooth and powerful, and logs stay nice and clean... buy him a beer, start a working relationship, and don't let go of him because those guys are gold.

Just my 2c.

Chris
 

Danksies

Corporal
Nov 2, 2016
181
55
0
33
NoVA
If you're in the n5x enthusiast page on FB, search around a little and you'll see lots of people recently tuned with log info and often track slips with times from all spectrums of modifications
 

Bmwfixerguy1

Lieutenant
Jun 5, 2017
875
292
0
Ride
07 335i MT
Trebila is very responsive and a pleasure to work with.. He does back end flashes only paired with a jb4..
I plan on moving away from the jb4 to flash only and already made up my mind that V8bait will be the one tuning my car when the move is made :)
 

Twisted Tuning

Lieutenant
Platinum Vendor
Oct 25, 2016
974
903
0
New York
www.twistedtuning.com
Ride
N54 and N55 Cars
I'd highly recommend @Twisted Tuning . He's been absolutely great tuning my single turbo. I've ran into multiple hardware issues and he's been super patient, helping me where he can, very responsive and my car feels great even being on only revision #2

I second the @Twisted Tuning . Does amazing work and helped me hit my target in only 3 flashes. He knows his stuff!

thanks guys. End game for me is giving the owners exactly what they want within reason of their setup. If anyone ever needs anything, don't hesitate to drop me an email or PM.

Been doing this stuff for over 15 years across many different brands and types of builds. Done everything from reverse engineering ECU's, cracking them initially, writing custom code, on to the simpler side of things actually calibrating them. I honestly think the only brand i have yet to work on or calibrate is Lambos or one or two other high ends. I also use dozens of different solutions for calibrating vehicles, so theres honestly not much i can't do. And i also design and fabricate which to me is the fun part of the car game, haha.

But yea, lots of tuners around, so pick who you wish work with them and be patient. Because im sure i speak for a lot of us, we do get super busy. But if anyone wishes to use me for anything. Don't hesitate to drop me a line.

-Justin
 

langsbr

Captain
Apr 5, 2017
1,266
771
0
Ride
07 335i 6MT e90
I honestly think the only brand i have yet to work on or calibrate is Lambos or one or two other high ends.

Doesn't Underground Racing convert their cars to a full Motec? I figured you've probably at least done a few Motecs, so you can say you tune Lambos - or at least 2000 HP ones :D
 

Twisted Tuning

Lieutenant
Platinum Vendor
Oct 25, 2016
974
903
0
New York
www.twistedtuning.com
Ride
N54 and N55 Cars
Doesn't Underground Racing convert their cars to a full Motec? I figured you've probably at least done a few Motecs, so you can say you tune Lambos - or at least 2000 HP ones :D

well, if you look at it like that, haha. I guess I have tuned Lambos, lol. But no, i was being semi-specific in the makes. But yes, i have dealt with Motecs and etc numerous times.
 

08_335i

Sergeant
Nov 3, 2016
371
215
0
31
Ride
2008 ST 335i
If we're gonna be honest, we have a fair amount of good tuners on this platform. All have their own "sauce" that they do. I've had a couple different people tune my car, none of which I was ever unsatisfied with. Currently after switching to the boostbox I have @CKI@Motiv tuning my car. I can easily say this man knows what he's doing, and how he gets me updates like he does when he has a million other things going on, is beyond me.
 

135Pats

Specialist
Nov 17, 2016
70
48
0
MD
I've heard nothing but good things about v8bait and twisted.

Personally, I have had many positive experiences w the Motiv team. Both Jakes and Chris have taken passes at my tune from a FBO car to single turbo. Nothing but transparency and results from them. I appreciate what they've done for me through the last 4-6 years
 
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08_335i

Sergeant
Nov 3, 2016
371
215
0
31
Ride
2008 ST 335i
I've heard nothing but good things about v8bait and twisted.

Personally, I have had many positive experiences w the Motiv team. Both Jakes and Chris have taken passes at my tune from a FBO car to single turbo. Nothing but transparency and results from them. I appreciate what they've done for me through the last 4-6 years
If I wasn't getting tuned by Chris I would definitely hand it over to Twisted or V8. Seen nothing but good things from them. ALso, seen some good stuff from AJ too.