[doublefrickena]

Guys -

I've read as much as I can find on both of these units and still have some questions. I have a Sprint Booster in my 996 primarily to remove the dead spot directly off throttle. It comes with the 3 settings, but frankly, I leave in in 'race' mode all the time. I'm completely aware that there is absolutely zero gain in hp or torque, as it is purely an amplification of the electronic signal making its way to the throttle body.

So before I drop $300 to fix my 328i dead spot in the throttle, I've noticed some on here using the BMS unit. All the logic I can muster says this is just the same as the Sprint Booster with 5 more setting and $20 cheaper. But in reading the claims, hp and torque are increase? How can that be? Any experience would be helpful.

thanks, Aaron

[Titanium3Series]

I got the BMS and I love the throttle remapping. You can switch between off, 30%, 60% and 100%. It also is suppose to change your air/fuel ratio a little bit which claims it gives you a small bump in HP. Its not only a throttle remap it also involves a "tune" which can also be turned on and off via the throttle.

i wouldn't buy the sprint booster because you can buy the BMS which does the same thing throttle remapping wise, but also claims to give a small HP bump by changing you air/fuel, which the sprint booster does not.

[mike-y]

what he said ^.. Except that the sprint booster might be a lot easier to install. Last I checked, you install it under the dash where the throttle pedal plugs in. If that is still the case, you may want to opt for that if the difference in price is minimal.

Otherwise the BMS isn't that hard to install, but there is some wiring involved at the plugs for the computer, so it's a little more complicated. You'll get small gains with the built-in tune, but they are minimal. The throttle mapping is the most noticeable difference.

[Catalina Wine Mixer]

I Have a bms powerbox and I think it works great I really feel that quickness taking off from the light I'd take it over the sprint booster

[AlpineSwift]

This has been covered several times in the past. The Sprint Booster is a joke for the price.

Honestly, if you're going to drop $300 plus on the PBX, just side step it altogether and go for the AA Stage 2 Tune. At least that way you're getting a REAL tune and correcting the throttle lag.

If you've got your heart set on the PBX, check the used section, there's tons of them for sale almost all the time for WAY less than retail.

I live in Colorado where the elevation is a B$*%& for anything that is N/A, especially an AWD N/A 328. I HAD the PBX. It's great as a throttle booster, useless as a tune. I improved by absolutely no margin worth mentioning at the 1/4 mile and didn't bother wasting the green backs on dynoing it.

With the performance mods I have now, I've gained 5hp and 10tq at the wheels. Mod's I've done on the cheap (about $200 in total actually) to make it more enjoyable and easier to live with day to day. Throttle response has improved DRAMATICALLY ever since I did the CDV. Obviously Auto guys aren't so lucky in that respect.

Anyway, point being, don't buy a PBX new. It's not worth it at all. Take it from someone who's done the research (and is upgrading next year to a 335 due to elevation woes and missing the 300+ power figure) and invest in AA. They've cracked the code on tuning the N52, boosted the throttle response, made the power band much more linear, and are still working to squeeze every last possible pony out of it. If you're going to keep the 328 for a while, it's the only tune I would recommend to any E9X N52 owner.

[doublefrickena]

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

This has been covered several times in the past. The Sprint Booster is a joke for the price.

Honestly, if you're going to drop $300 plus on the PBX, just side step it altogether and go for the AA Stage 2 Tune. At least that way you're getting a REAL tune and correcting the throttle lag.

If you've got your heart set on the PBX, check the used section, there's tons of them for sale almost all the time for WAY less than retail.

I live in Colorado where the elevation is a B$*%& for anything that is N/A, especially an AWD N/A 328. I HAD the PBX. It's great as a throttle booster, useless as a tune. I improved by absolutely no margin worth mentioning at the 1/4 mile and didn't bother wasting the green backs on dynoing it.

With the performance mods I have now, I've gained 5hp and 10tq at the wheels. Mod's I've done on the cheap (about $200 in total actually) to make it more enjoyable and easier to live with day to day. Throttle response has improved DRAMATICALLY ever since I did the CDV. Obviously Auto guys aren't so lucky in that respect.

Anyway, point being, don't buy a PBX new. It's not worth it at all. Take it from someone who's done the research (and is upgrading next year to a 335 due to elevation woes and missing the 300+ power figure) and invest in AA. They've cracked the code on tuning the N52, boosted the throttle response, made the power band much more linear, and are still working to squeeze every last possible pony out of it. If you're going to keep the 328 for a while, it's the only tune I would recommend to any E9X N52 owner.

Many thanks. Great feedback. Thanks for your service as well! Aaron

[Snyperx]

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

Honestly, if you're going to drop $300 plus on the PBX, just side step it altogether and go for the AA Stage 2 Tune. At least that way you're getting a REAL tune and correcting the throttle lag.

Huh? I can't find a Stage 2 tune on AA's website at all for the N52.

[AlpineSwift]

Originally Posted by Snyperx

Huh? I can't find a Stage 2 tune on AA's website at all for the N52.

That's because essentially its V 2.0 of the original tune, as far as I know anyway. Just remember it has options for different mods and such. Just have to let them know what you have done so they can modify the tune accordingly.

[ZZZZ]

AA > Sprint > PBX

Keep in mind that BMS is an official sponsor on the site, so there are a higher percentage of PBX users on the forum, which means you'll find more PBX reviews on here as well.

Sprint Booster is plug'n'play, easily removed, and adjustable throttle response at the push of a button. (PBX needs the car to be turned off to change programs.)

For me the biggest thing is really just the PnP aspect. I don't like tapping or hacking wires for any install if avoidable.

[Dr. Nate]

Originally Posted by ZZZZ

For me the biggest thing is really just the PnP aspect. I don't like tapping or hacking wires for any install if avoidable.

I agree and frankly feel that it is a pretty ghetto way of doing things.

-Nate

[jonbi335i]

bump

[FSociety]

So glad I read this ... Will be looking into the AA and possibly the SprintBooster

[officespace]

I've never heard of the AA Stage 2 Tune. I was just about to buy a PBX but I think I need to do more research.

[ska///235i]

i just sold my pbx, was good but after a while my car was running rich. no complains cuz thats what a piggyback chip does....it can only hack your air/fuel mixture.

get a real tune if you want a true performance mod

[Snyperx]

I was looking at the PBX, but not sure now (again) after reading this thread. My only issue with the AA tune it that it is $200 more than the PBX and permanent once installed. I also will not be able to be without my car while I send in the ECU.

[ska///235i]

for $200 more is well worth a real tune
PBX will make you run much richer on fuel and that can cause early spark plug (or other related items) to premature, but that doesnt mean other tunes will not do the same. AA tune can maxiumize your octane where PBX cant do. try to locate a tuner/shop near your area

now to be on topic, $300 for a sprint booster....whoever thinks is worth it must be on crack.

[Snyperx]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

try to locate a tuner/shop near your area

I think the closest one for me is in Chicago......which sucks.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

for $200 more is well worth a real tune
PBX will make you run much richer on fuel and that can cause early spark plug (or other related items) to premature, but that doesnt mean other tunes will not do the same. AA tune can maxiumize your octane where PBX cant do. try to locate a tuner/shop near your area

now to be on topic, $300 for a sprint booster....whoever thinks is worth it must be on crack.

Both tunes target a richer air/fuel ratio. It's actually almost identical. Here is a dyno AA did comparing stock to PBX to their AA flash tune. The AA makes a few more HP becuase they are running a more aggressive ignition advance curve but both tunes are better than stock and we're talking 3hp and 3tq average difference between both tunes throughout the run...

[ZZZZ]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

Now to be on topic, $300 for a sprint booster....whoever thinks is worth it must be on crack.

Agreed. Thankfully it's not $300.

[Snyperx]

Well I pulled the trigger on a PBX. I was looking at going with the AA tune, but just could not spend the $800 with programmer. Got the PBX shipped for $278.

To comment from a post above, as long at I am not cutting wires I don't feel that the install is "ghetto". I plan on using shrink tubing to cover the connections and not just using electrical tape as stated in the instructions. Now that seems "ghetto".

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by Snyperx

Well I pulled the trigger on a PBX. I was looking at going with the AA tune, but just could not spend the $800 with programmer. Got the PBX shipped for $278.

To comment from a post above, as long at I am not cutting wires I don't feel that the install is "ghetto". I plan on using shrink tubing to cover the connections and not just using electrical tape as stated in the instructions. Now that seems "ghetto".

Good choice. I have had mine in my E90 since November 2009. No issues EVER. Certainly made my car much more responsive compared to stock.

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by Snyperx

Well I pulled the trigger on a PBX. I was looking at going with the AA tune, but just could not spend the $800 with programmer. Got the PBX shipped for $278.

To comment from a post above, as long at I am not cutting wires I don't feel that the install is "ghetto". I plan on using shrink tubing to cover the connections and not just using electrical tape as stated in the instructions. Now that seems "ghetto".

Exactly what I did - shrink tube instead of tape (regardless of their warnings).

If you know what you're doing with shrink tube, & use the correct size, mechanical connection will be much better as well as better seal.

PBX installed this way for over a year with no problems...