[CHECKERED]

After much research I would like to get this installed myself, I couldn’t find any DIY guide but did find OE BMW accessories instructions, which are fairly strait forward and save $600-800.

So my questions are somewhat specific:
There are two part number for different DME’s:
11122157663 - for cars with MSD81 (US pricing: $2065)
11122157664 - for cars with MSD80 (US pricing: $2561)

The more expensive kit that ends with a 4, requires the DME to be upgraded from MSD80 to MSD81, does anyone know if this is required for the performance software (aka flash tune) only or if there coding needed to make use of the higher flowing fan?

In other words is there coding required (other than flash tune) to make use of the higher flowing fan?

Has anyone installed this kit without the software (by themselves or by the dealer) and kept the MSD80? What are your impressions?

For those who had the dealer install the PPK with the BMW tune (on MSD81) and you later went with an aftermarket flash tune (cobb/Dinan/BMS) did you notice any differences in the behavior of the radiator fan?

[PA66400]

I installed PPK stage one on my 03/2008 build N54. My orginal DME was MSD80 (Siemens manufacture). As part of the PPK that I purchased from GetBMWParts.com, I was sent a MSD81, programmed to my VIN, that was couriered to Tisher BMW from Munich. They asked for my VIN when I purchased the PPK and MSD81 (Continental mfg) was couriered to Tischer from Germany, also programmed with the PPK software. My local dealer installed it and told me that it was totally up-to-date for all software updates for my car. Thus, the programming required was less than 1 hour (they warned me that it could be up to 12 hours, if the DME required lots of updates. you cannot install it yourself, it is not P'n P. Your dealer has to activate it with a release code that they enter (you get the code on a sheet of paper with the kit). Which of the two versions is required depends upon your build date - I believe that build dates after 05/2008 already have the MSD81, so only require software install/update and a release code, but may be more expensive to install because your DME may need other updates (longer to program, versus just getting the new DME).

Bottom line, BMW is pretty careful with the PPK and gives you a well-done complete kit. BTW, I paid only $550. You keep your old DME,as it is programmed specific to your VIN/vehicle options, etc. and won't work on any other car.

Regarding the fan, BMW will code with the PPK the new fan parameter. Mainly, the PPK is an injector reprogramming. My dealer performed an "injector quantity adjustment", requiring removal of the engine cover and also ensured that the spark plugs had less than 60,000 km (if more, it is required that the plugs be replaced during the install). Thy put a sticker on the car from BMW identifying the PPK install and stating that the plugs require replacement at least every 60,000 km. Also, the kit specifies that only 91 octane or higher can be used.

In terms of performance, it is a mild, but noticeable kick in the seat. It really is noticeably improved at 3000 RPM and higher, very little added below that. the huge improvement is between 3500 and 6000 RPM. I really notice the 30 extra HP and added torque in that range.

Hope this helps.

BTW, some f'tards at another BMW dealer later overwrote the PPK flash when my fuel injectors cakked and needed warranty replacement - I had to demand that they re-flash the MSD 81 with the PPK and re-do the release code for the PPK (they did it, reluctantly, because they have to download the PPK, which ties up a technician who is paid poorly for warranty work).

[PR3CI5N]

Why would you want to spend $2k on the PPK for 30hp? For less than $500 you can have nearly a 80hp increase with just a tune like the JB4 and there are also free flashes available from BB which allow for even more power. There's also plenty of E85 stations available since you live in SoCal. Your car could be FBO and be well North of 400whp for the price of the PPK.

[PA66400]

Originally Posted by PR3CI5N

Why would you want to spend $2k on the PPK for 30hp? For less than $500 you can have nearly a 80hp increase with just a tune like the JB4 and there are also free flashes available from BB which allow for even more power. There's also plenty of E85 stations available since you live in SoCal. Your car could be FBO and be well North of 400whp for the price of the PPK.

In my case, I spent $550 for a mild tune because I did not want BMW to void the warranty on a $60,000 car. As it turn out, I later had all of the injectors, water pump and CCC replaced under warranty - more than $6k on BMW's dime. I have heard it all about the JB4 and how I can remove it, etc. My waterpump died on the freeway and BMW Assist towed me in. I could not have removed it and the dealer in my area would have voided my warranty. if I wanted an aggressive tune with a factory warranty, I'd go with Dinan Stage 1 or 2.

[PR3CI5N]

Originally Posted by PA66400

In my case, I spent $550 for a mild tune because I did not want BMW to void the warranty on a $60,000 car. As it turn out, I later had all of the injectors, water pump and CCC replaced under warranty - more than $6k on BMW's dime.

This has nothing to do with wasting money on the PPK. The OP's car is an 07', he's well out of warranty and people don't get their warranties voided for a JB4.

[PA66400]

Originally Posted by PR3CI5N

This has nothing to do with wasting money on the PPK. The OP's car is an 07', he's well out of warranty and people don't get their warranties voided for a JB4.

They do where I live. Speak for yourself.

[PR3CI5N]

Originally Posted by PA66400

They do where I live. Speak for yourself.

These people you speak of should've never had a JuiceBox in the first place then.

[PA66400]

Originally Posted by PR3CI5N

These people you speak of should've never had a JuiceBox in the first place then.

Agree

[CHECKERED]

Originally Posted by PA66400

Hope this helps.

It does, it answers many of my questions, thank you!

Basically, the only way to use the PPK properly is to get a PPK specific flash.
I was trying to save some money by not upgrading the DME ($500), not having the dealer flash my car ($200-500), since I can flash BMS maps myself and not having to pay the dealer to do the hardware install ($800), what should have been a $1300 project looks like minimum of $3000 is needed and I can’t use BMS maps…LAME.

I guess the next step would be to only get the auxiliary radiator without the fan/power harness/relay

If more people can chime in (335is owners as well) since their car comes with the PPK from the factory and many flashed their cars, I wonder if they too lost the PPK functionality.

[CHECKERED]

Originally Posted by PR3CI5N

Why would you want to spend $2k on the PPK for 30hp? For less than $500 you can have nearly a 80hp increase with just a tune like the JB4 and there are also free flashes available from BB which allow for even more power. There's also plenty of E85 stations available since you live in SoCal. Your car could be FBO and be well North of 400whp for the price of the PPK.

I am more interested in the extra cooling rather the “performance” tune.
the cost of hardware is about 1300-1500 which is fairly reasonable, if I don’t get the fan/relay/harness its only about $600-800

[demontwinz]

I would just put in an ER dual oil cooler + any tune