Forum for the entire range of BMW electric vehicles
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW i8 Forums BMW i8 General Discussion

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-11-2016, 09:45 AM   #1
sthbnd35
Registered
1
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2014 i8
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS

iTrader: (0)

Performance Options

I've got a 2014 i8 that I absolutely love! It probably gets more attention than any other car I have including the 458. But I would like to do one thing even though I know it will never handle like the 458, and that's give it more power! I have had a lot of cars lately, i.e. 435 gran coupe with 4 people and my neighbors c7 stock, that could outperform me 0-60. What performance options do we have that will put our i8's in the class that they 'look' to be apart of???
Appreciate 0
      06-11-2016, 11:11 PM   #2
phoenixbmwlife
Brigadier General
phoenixbmwlife's Avatar
United_States
1912
Rep
4,128
Posts

Drives: M235i & G30 540i
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Boynton Beach

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 BMW/M235i  [0.00]
Not really anything you can do. No one wants to do it. Dinan says they don't want to do it cause the batteries are super expensive and they don't want to warranty it. Other performance companies wont touch the battery or the engine with a 10 foot pole either.
__________________
Lack of money is not the problem. It is merely a symptom of what's going on inside of you! - T Harv Eker

Follow me on Insta

https://www.instagram.com/bmwm_life_/
https://www.instagram.com/autogiftua/
https://www.instagram.com/phoenixbmwlife/
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2016, 08:51 AM   #3
mu2002cs
Private First Class
111
Rep
182
Posts

Drives: i8
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

The first thing I ask people looking for performance options is - "are you getting all of the performance out of the car now?". Surprisingly, the answer is no. The i8 has been tested at 3.7 seconds 0-60. Can you achieve that? How about the BMW stated 0-60 in 4.2 seconds? Where do you want the performance - on the street or on the track? For the street, you have plenty of power and handling to more than exceed "street prudent" driving. On the track - are you able to consistently able to do lap times of 9/10ths?

If you can do all of that, then its time to talk about upgrades. If not, you are simply throwing your money away.
Appreciate 2
      06-12-2016, 02:34 PM   #4
Twitch Massacre
Major
Twitch Massacre's Avatar
United_States
320
Rep
1,299
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I12 BMW i8  [0.00]
F13 BMW M6  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by sthbnd35
I've got a 2014 i8 that I absolutely love! It probably gets more attention than any other car I have including the 458. But I would like to do one thing even though I know it will never handle like the 458, and that's give it more power! I have had a lot of cars lately, i.e. 435 gran coupe with 4 people and my neighbors c7 stock, that could outperform me 0-60. What performance options do we have that will put our i8's in the class that they 'look' to be apart of???
If a stock 435 GC with four people beat you to 60 then either your car is broken or you're doing something terribly wrong on launches. Honestly, that should never happen. The C7 is another story but you should be able to beat him handily as well. On the other hand, contrary to what others have said there are a couple of shops that claim they can and have tuned the i8, but I won't get into that as I myself have been reluctant to take their word for it and be the Guinea pig, and I'm sure as hell not going to recommend anyone here be so themselves. Here are some interesting tidbits, according to one of these shops the twin-scroll turbo 3-cyl isn't exactly running a super high amount of boost, so there is some room to increase the boost presumably safely on the engine, and according to BMW themselves the electric engine in the i8 (which is basically the same as the i3) has been detuned by 40hp to help with traction in the front, apparently the extra HP would cause the front tires to spin on launches. But from my experience the traction problems the car had were due to those laughable stock run flat tires and bicycle width wheels, both of which I disposed of as soon as I got the car. Just food for thought.
__________________
2015 BMW i8 in Matte Metallic Grey:
H&R Springs
21" ADV.1 ADVNL2 MV2 CS Wheels
Coming Soon:
2016 BMW M4 GTS De-Winged and Bagged on 22s
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2016, 08:49 PM   #5
sthbnd35
Registered
1
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2014 i8
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS

iTrader: (0)

See that's exactly what I was thinking...a factory boosted engine can always use a little more air, trust me there's no way these cars are leaving the factory fully tuned to the edge. It's too risky for the factory. So I've got to find a reputable tuner that's already done this preferably to more than one i8.

As far as the electric motor, that would take another category of tuner that really doesn't exist or a least the fact of tuning a hybrid drive outside of the factory updates hasn't been fully explored. But I do believe that the i8 is one of if not THE car that will bring that tuner to the front because it is only technology and can be improved updated and custom programmed as real world experience is gained.

Thanks guys and I'm going to be making a few calls and see if I can find someone that's tuned their i8.
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2016, 12:07 AM   #6
Mr.SugarSkulls
Brigadier General
Mr.SugarSkulls's Avatar
No_Country
2889
Rep
3,247
Posts

Drives: BMW i8
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW F13 M6  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by sthbnd35
See that's exactly what I was thinking...a factory boosted engine can always use a little more air, trust me there's no way these cars are leaving the factory fully tuned to the edge. It's too risky for the factory. So I've got to find a reputable tuner that's already done this preferably to more than one i8.

As far as the electric motor, that would take another category of tuner that really doesn't exist or a least the fact of tuning a hybrid drive outside of the factory updates hasn't been fully explored. But I do believe that the i8 is one of if not THE car that will bring that tuner to the front because it is only technology and can be improved updated and custom programmed as real world experience is gained.

Thanks guys and I'm going to be making a few calls and see if I can find someone that's tuned their i8.
Let us know what you find...and if you don't mind being the pioneer- then ya know, pave the way for us chickens!
__________________
I'm always sunny, hunny.
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2016, 02:07 AM   #7
MalibuBimmer
Founder, Knights of the Roundel website
MalibuBimmer's Avatar
United_States
967
Rep
1,723
Posts

Drives: 2015 M4 and 2018 AMG GT
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: The Santa Monica Mountains, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 Mercedes AMG GT  [0.00]
2018 Audi Q3  [0.00]
2015 BMW M4  [10.00]
The car currently is carefully balanced between its two motors. There is a computer system that moderates between the two systems when the car is not in electric only or ICE only mode. Setting aside the fact that the mods to pump out more horsepower would almost certainly void the warranty in what is a very expensive car to repair, I suspect modifications would completely change the way the car drives, and not necessarily for the better.

It all goes back to that computer system and the way it has balanced between the two motors. Unless that can be changed in order to maintain the balance that currently exists, I believe only bad will come out of modding. So you're going to need a computer programmer who knows how the car is programmed and also knows how to maintain the balance when the horsepowers are increased.

Having said that, if you want to be the guinea pig I will be fascinated in the outcome. And I hope I am wrong on all counts -- as to the warranty and as to the balance of the car.
__________________
Previously: 2014 i8; 2013 650i convertible; 2013 650i Gran Coupe; 2013 X1; 2010 550i GT; 2010 535 GT; 2010 Z4 3.5; 2008 535ixt; 2007 M6 convertible; 2006 650i convertible; 1996 Z3; 1980 633CSi; 1978 630CS; 1972 3.0CS; 1971 Bavaria. (1971; 1979-2005 & 2017 - ? -- the Mercedes years.)
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2016, 08:46 AM   #8
jcpca356
Lieutenant
jcpca356's Avatar
164
Rep
465
Posts

Drives: i8
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

I like it just the way it is. I've launched my car many times and I beat most cars to about 50mph It won't win any quarter miles but for street takeoffs, it's hard to beat the i8. If I wanted brutal acceleration even after 60mph, I get on my 911 turbo.
__________________
2015 BMW i8, 2018 Triumph Bobber Black, 2005 Lotus Elise Widebody, 2019 Rav4 Hybrid, 2019 Tundra TRD, 2019 Trek Powerfly 5 (love it!)
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2016, 07:39 PM   #9
Twitch Massacre
Major
Twitch Massacre's Avatar
United_States
320
Rep
1,299
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I12 BMW i8  [0.00]
F13 BMW M6  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer
The car currently is carefully balanced between its two motors. There is a computer system that moderates between the two systems when the car is not in electric only or ICE only mode. Setting aside the fact that the mods to pump out more horsepower would almost certainly void the warranty in what is a very expensive car to repair, I suspect modifications would completely change the way the car drives, and not necessarily for the better.

It all goes back to that computer system and the way it has balanced between the two motors. Unless that can be changed in order to maintain the balance that currently exists, I believe only bad will come out of modding. So you're going to need a computer programmer who knows how the car is programmed and also knows how to maintain the balance when the horsepowers are increased.

Having said that, if you want to be the guinea pig I will be fascinated in the outcome. And I hope I am wrong on all counts -- as to the warranty and as to the balance of the car.
Warranty can only be voided for what they can see and also depends on how much of an a-hole your stealership wants to be. It's hit or miss. I've taken heavily modified cars in for service and they have never noticed anything, other times they've noticed things in cars with minor mods, but when they do they're always nice enough to turn a blind eye.
__________________
2015 BMW i8 in Matte Metallic Grey:
H&R Springs
21" ADV.1 ADVNL2 MV2 CS Wheels
Coming Soon:
2016 BMW M4 GTS De-Winged and Bagged on 22s
Appreciate 0
      06-16-2016, 04:18 PM   #10
Aye-eight
Major
Aye-eight's Avatar
Switzerland
509
Rep
1,177
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: My garage

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer View Post
... It all goes back to that computer system and the way it has balanced between the two motors. Unless that can be changed in order to maintain the balance that currently exists, I believe only bad will come out of modding. So you're going to need a computer programmer who knows how the car is programmed and also knows how to maintain the balance when the horsepowers are increased. ...
As long as the power boost is not completely out of this world, I wouldn't worry about this too much. The drive control system doesn't have a fixed, pre-programmed answer for any given power balance situation in the standard setup. It goes by sensor read-outs - wheel spin, steering angle, pedal input, ... It reduces front and / or rear wheel power if it detects a potentially unstable situation, reads the sensors again, corrects again if necessary, and so on. Several times a second.

If there's a little more power from the engnines, the computers will see it as a slightly slippier road. Nothing more. So, deepnding on what tires you run and what road you're on, you may find the stability control to show its face more often in low grip situations with more power being produced.
Appreciate 0
      06-16-2016, 04:21 PM   #11
Aye-eight
Major
Aye-eight's Avatar
Switzerland
509
Rep
1,177
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: My garage

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by sthbnd35 View Post
I've got a 2014 i8 that I absolutely love! It probably gets more attention than any other car I have including the 458. But I would like to do one thing even though I know it will never handle like the 458, and that's give it more power! I have had a lot of cars lately, i.e. 435 gran coupe with 4 people and my neighbors c7 stock, that could outperform me 0-60. What performance options do we have that will put our i8's in the class that they 'look' to be apart of???
There's a separate thread on this now. In case you haven't seen it, it points to this website: http://www.br-performance.be/en-be/c...i8/?stage=7333

Looks like a noticable power gain for a reasonable price. As one might expect, they don't really do much to the electrical side of things. Although it's rumored there may be as much as 40 extra hp in the electric drivetrain when one takes the i3 as a reference.
Appreciate 0
      06-17-2016, 10:08 AM   #12
MalibuBimmer
Founder, Knights of the Roundel website
MalibuBimmer's Avatar
United_States
967
Rep
1,723
Posts

Drives: 2015 M4 and 2018 AMG GT
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: The Santa Monica Mountains, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 Mercedes AMG GT  [0.00]
2018 Audi Q3  [0.00]
2015 BMW M4  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aye-eight View Post
As long as the power boost is not completely out of this world, I wouldn't worry about this too much. The drive control system doesn't have a fixed, pre-programmed answer for any given power balance situation in the standard setup. It goes by sensor read-outs - wheel spin, steering angle, pedal input, ... It reduces front and / or rear wheel power if it detects a potentially unstable situation, reads the sensors again, corrects again if necessary, and so on. Several times a second.

If there's a little more power from the engnines, the computers will see it as a slightly slippier road. Nothing more. So, deepnding on what tires you run and what road you're on, you may find the stability control to show its face more often in low grip situations with more power being produced.
I wouldn't bet my warranty on that. All programming leaves fingerprints. But tuners are going to tune. I will, of course, be interested in the results even if I would not do it myself.
__________________
Previously: 2014 i8; 2013 650i convertible; 2013 650i Gran Coupe; 2013 X1; 2010 550i GT; 2010 535 GT; 2010 Z4 3.5; 2008 535ixt; 2007 M6 convertible; 2006 650i convertible; 1996 Z3; 1980 633CSi; 1978 630CS; 1972 3.0CS; 1971 Bavaria. (1971; 1979-2005 & 2017 - ? -- the Mercedes years.)
Appreciate 0
      06-27-2016, 02:09 PM   #13
vmatheboss
Enlisted Member
vmatheboss's Avatar
6
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: nissan gt-r / bmw i8
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: ca

iTrader: (0)

is it as simple as sending a file through email or they need the ecu ?? im interested
Appreciate 0
      06-28-2016, 05:44 PM   #14
Aye-eight
Major
Aye-eight's Avatar
Switzerland
509
Rep
1,177
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: My garage

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by vmatheboss View Post
is it as simple as sending a file through email or they need the ecu ?? im interested
Check out the thread I pointed you to and talk to the guys directly. From what I've seen there, I think they need to physically access the ECU and reprogram it.
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2016, 01:12 AM   #15
vmatheboss
Enlisted Member
vmatheboss's Avatar
6
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: nissan gt-r / bmw i8
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: ca

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aye-eight View Post
Check out the thread I pointed you to and talk to the guys directly. From what I've seen there, I think they need to physically access the ECU and reprogram it.
thank you! if they need my ecu then it will have to be something that can wait down the line..i thought its something as simple as plugging in something or programming yourself
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2016, 12:03 PM   #16
mikenyc
Private First Class
United_States
11
Rep
120
Posts

Drives: 2016 i8 Giga, 2019 X5 40i
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by vmatheboss View Post
thank you! if they need my ecu then it will have to be something that can wait down the line..i thought its something as simple as plugging in something or programming yourself
can we get tech person to fly to NYC/Boston area for a weekend to do like 5-10+ remaps we can arrange one spot for all.
__________________
96 520i, 99 330i, 00 325i, 03 X5 3.0i, 06 X3 3.0i, 07 530i, 09 X5 4.8i, 10 M6 Conv, 11 X5 50i,
11 535xi, 14 X5 50i, 14 328xi GT, 16 X6 50i,
16 i8, 2019 X5 40i, 18 328d xi, 21 X5 40i,
22 X6 40i
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2016, 12:27 PM   #17
Aye-eight
Major
Aye-eight's Avatar
Switzerland
509
Rep
1,177
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: My garage

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikenyc View Post
can we get tech person to fly to NYC/Boston area for a weekend to do like 5-10+ remaps we can arrange one spot for all.
Oh, I'm sure some Belgian engineer would love a paid trip to Boston or NYC...
Appreciate 0
      06-30-2016, 08:34 AM   #18
MalibuBimmer
Founder, Knights of the Roundel website
MalibuBimmer's Avatar
United_States
967
Rep
1,723
Posts

Drives: 2015 M4 and 2018 AMG GT
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: The Santa Monica Mountains, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 Mercedes AMG GT  [0.00]
2018 Audi Q3  [0.00]
2015 BMW M4  [10.00]
I wonder what it sounds like for between 5 and 10 new car warranties on i8s to die all in the same place.
__________________
Previously: 2014 i8; 2013 650i convertible; 2013 650i Gran Coupe; 2013 X1; 2010 550i GT; 2010 535 GT; 2010 Z4 3.5; 2008 535ixt; 2007 M6 convertible; 2006 650i convertible; 1996 Z3; 1980 633CSi; 1978 630CS; 1972 3.0CS; 1971 Bavaria. (1971; 1979-2005 & 2017 - ? -- the Mercedes years.)
Appreciate 1
      06-30-2016, 06:14 PM   #19
mikenyc
Private First Class
United_States
11
Rep
120
Posts

Drives: 2016 i8 Giga, 2019 X5 40i
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer View Post
I wonder what it sounds like for between 5 and 10 new car warranties on i8s to die all in the same place.

you just jealous that its going to be in northeast
__________________
96 520i, 99 330i, 00 325i, 03 X5 3.0i, 06 X3 3.0i, 07 530i, 09 X5 4.8i, 10 M6 Conv, 11 X5 50i,
11 535xi, 14 X5 50i, 14 328xi GT, 16 X6 50i,
16 i8, 2019 X5 40i, 18 328d xi, 21 X5 40i,
22 X6 40i
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2016, 05:26 AM   #20
Vegasbar10der
New Member
3
Rep
10
Posts

Drives: 15' protonic blue I8
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Las Vegas, NV

iTrader: (0)

I just traded in my 2014 Stingray 2LT coupe for my 15' I8. I can guarantee you that the I8 WILL beat the C7 0-60 and more importantly 0-100....better traction as well having the AWD. I miss the roar of the Vette but no doubt this thing kicks some C7 ass. No matter what "numbers" are out there as official figures, I have lived with both cars and know first hand the difference.
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2016, 09:49 AM   #21
Aye-eight
Major
Aye-eight's Avatar
Switzerland
509
Rep
1,177
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: My garage

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegasbar10der View Post
I just traded in my 2014 Stingray 2LT coupe for my 15' I8. I can guarantee you that the I8 WILL beat the C7 0-60 and more importantly 0-100....better traction as well having the AWD. I miss the roar of the Vette but no doubt this thing kicks some C7 ass. No matter what "numbers" are out there as official figures, I have lived with both cars and know first hand the difference.
Would be interesting to see what the difference looks like in side-to-side road driving, not just drag racing. Part of the perceived difference may be that the power delivery feels different due to the instant torque of the e motor.
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2016, 04:03 PM   #22
Twitch Massacre
Major
Twitch Massacre's Avatar
United_States
320
Rep
1,299
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW i8
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I12 BMW i8  [0.00]
F13 BMW M6  [0.00]
More warranty concerns, yawn...
__________________
2015 BMW i8 in Matte Metallic Grey:
H&R Springs
21" ADV.1 ADVNL2 MV2 CS Wheels
Coming Soon:
2016 BMW M4 GTS De-Winged and Bagged on 22s
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
ecu bmw tuning, performance

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:42 AM.




bmw
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST