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      02-02-2017, 04:14 PM   #1
jns_e85
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Your Z4M Tune - What's your experience?

This spring I will be doing the euro header swap on my ///M (along with cpv o-ring, RE trans mounts, VT engine mounts, as well as oil, diff, and trans fluids cause why not) and am wanting to do an engine tune at the same time.

At this point I am between the ESS and EvolveR tune, simply due to the ability to switch back to the stock tune for emissions reasons and they cost the same. I have the aFe CAI and will also have a modded secondary US cat section for OBD2 compliance.

After reading through the many threads, I noticed most of them are several years old now and am wanting to get a feel of what others experience over many years of use has been with your tune, associated customer service, reliability, emissions issues experienced, and any other pertinent information you wish to share that can aid in the decision making. Any feedback is much appreciated!!!
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      02-02-2017, 04:50 PM   #2
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Nothing but praise for Randy @ Epic Motorsports.. Im sure anyone who've dealt with him would say the same.

Been running the Epic Alpha N tune and could not be any happier
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      02-02-2017, 05:19 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EMKOOP View Post
Nothing but praise for Randy @ Epic Motorsports.. Im sure anyone who've dealt with him would say the same.

Been running the Epic Alpha N tune and could not be any happier
+1 for Epic Motorsports!
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      02-02-2017, 09:13 PM   #4
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Another +1 for Randy @Epic
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      02-02-2017, 10:20 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Vanne View Post
Another +1 for Randy @Epic
This one, I support this one.
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      02-03-2017, 01:59 AM   #6
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This threat is interesting because I am in the same boat with you. I am looking for a tuner.

Υοu mention: "At this point I am between the ESS and EvolveR tune, simply due to the ability to switch back to the stock tune for emissions reasons and they cost the same."

I believe Epic's Tune can do the same. Please other members correct me if I am wrong.
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      02-03-2017, 10:14 AM   #7
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^you are correct


M2C
Evolve seems to be great at getting something out there, but somewhat lacking when there's an issue.
E.g. The rev match issue with their carbon intake tune.

Epic solved this right away, Evolve eventually got around to it much later .

ESS is solid and tends to be on the conservative side (which can be a good thing)

I don't recall hearing anything but good reviews with Epics tune.
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Last edited by inTgr8r; 02-03-2017 at 10:39 AM..
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      02-03-2017, 01:18 PM   #8
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My case is a little bit different jns_e85, since I want to find an Alpha N tune. Alpha N is when you delete the MAF sensor of the intake.

I have emailed both ESS and Epic with the same mail. Randy answered within 3 days with all the answers written in detail. From ESS I never had an answer. I say ok maybe it went to their spam or maybe they forgot it, so why not to give them a call.

I make a call on them and ask that I want to buy the tune but with Alpha N to put a CSL Airbox. The guy replies that the tune will not work with CSL Airbox and then I asked if they can make a custom tune about that. He answers no it can not be done.

Meanwhile I email Epic again with new questions. They answer within the next day again with detailed answers.

My mechanic meanwhile since it works with ESS, and he trusts only them he couldn't believe that the do not make Alpha N tune and mails them. They answer to him yes it can be done an Alpha N tuning.

Yesterday I have been contacted with a PM from a member here affiliated with ESS that he told me that the tune can be done also and he was very helpful.

Those months I have contacted also 3-4 members in PM that they have done tuning with EPIC and to be honest every one told me the best about it.

I would suggest to make the same, send a mail, or make a call and go with the guy who feels more right to go...Just my 2 cents, I hope this was helpful. With your case since you do not request an Alpha N tune I guess it will be more common and easier to find feedback from other members.
The other guys can tell you more for installation and the use of the tune.

Last edited by FD3S; 02-03-2017 at 01:28 PM..
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      02-03-2017, 01:37 PM   #9
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Like always, thanks everyone for the responses!

I didn't even think to consider Epic and will also look into the Epic tune. First pass at their website appears they do offer the switch between stock vs modified tunes and with the ECI tune cable happens to be the exact same cost wise as the ESS and EvolveR. Appears there is a third contender to consider now...oh darn
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      02-03-2017, 01:57 PM   #10
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I think the nicest thing about the Epic tune is that Randy will tune it to what your mods are specifically. Not that there's likely a HUGE difference in regards to how this will play into what your set up specifically is, but he did help me out when I installed a new flywheel to reduce the chatter and optimized the rest of the tune for the few extra mods that I had.

He's a very communicative guy and will help you through just about anything, a real good dude.
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      02-03-2017, 05:24 PM   #11
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Including a free tune revision to boot.
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      02-03-2017, 06:18 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arsonism View Post
I think the nicest thing about the Epic tune is that Randy will tune it to what your mods are specifically. Not that there's likely a HUGE difference in regards to how this will play into what your set up specifically is, but he did help me out when I installed a new flywheel to reduce the chatter and optimized the rest of the tune for the few extra mods that I had.

He's a very communicative guy and will help you through just about anything, a real good dude.
Exactly. He answered all of my questions and had a quick turnaround. I've even asked about updating my tune with additional mods I did and they provided a free retune. I can't say enough good things about Randy and Epic. I will use them for future tunes on other cars and if I ever do go alpha N they are my #1 choice.
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      02-03-2017, 08:29 PM   #13
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I've run the ESS tune for the last 5+ years and the ability to program back to stock was a lifesaver when passing emissions OBD testing.
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      02-04-2017, 01:27 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kav View Post
I've run the ESS tune for the last 5+ years and the ability to program back to stock was a lifesaver when passing emissions OBD testing.
Could you please tell us what procedure do you follow to revert to stock? Is there a tool the ESS uses and then you go with a laptop?

Also what happens with the ESS tune with your sport button?

The tune is adjustable with the different kinds of petrol e.g..95,100 octane etc? Or you have to reflash so you can put a different kind of petrol?
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      02-04-2017, 08:32 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FD3S View Post
Could you please tell us what procedure do you follow to revert to stock? Is there a tool the ESS uses and then you go with a laptop?

Also what happens with the ESS tune with your sport button?

The tune is adjustable with the different kinds of petrol e.g..95,100 octane etc? Or you have to reflash so you can put a different kind of petrol?
Reverting back is by reflashing with a computer.
You specify fuel grade for your tune, you can't change on the fly.
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      02-08-2017, 01:49 PM   #16
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Garage List
Anyone have the TTFS? That's the one I have my eye on.
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      02-08-2017, 02:36 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RossBMWZseries View Post
Anyone have the TTFS? That's the one I have my eye on.
I haven't heard of anyone using them.
Any particular reason why? price?

JM2C, When it comes to engine management I would want someone with lots of experience, not just the cheapest.
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      02-08-2017, 02:38 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RossBMWZseries View Post
Anyone have the TTFS? That's the one I have my eye on.
Not yet but Frank is local to me so I plan on getting his dyno tune as soon as I get some headers.
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      02-08-2017, 02:52 PM   #19
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TTFS is big on M3 forums.
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      02-08-2017, 07:29 PM   #20
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As the previous member mentioned.. TTFS is huge on m3forum.

Many M3 owners go with them for OE CSL conversion
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      02-09-2017, 10:31 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RossBMWZseries View Post
Anyone have the TTFS? That's the one I have my eye on.
From the boys down here in Texas (all M3 owners) I don't hear a lot of great things. Two with negative experiences and one with an OK experience if I remember correctly. I think they were having issues with turn around time and customer support, but the overall product seems to be pretty solid. No idea what the actual issues were, just a bunch of griping at meets really.
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      02-09-2017, 11:09 AM   #22
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I think I remember mfanatic325 had TTFS. Other than that it's been E46 reviews that I've read
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