▀▄ eas | ESS E-Tronic Tuner Overview for S55 M3/M4

[tom @ eas]

The ESS E-tronic Tuner provides a safe and simple solution to add power to the already potent F8X M3 & M4. Unlike other products on the market, E-tronic is a sophisticated multi channel controller that has RPM and MAF integration. This allows for full control of boost at all RPM ranges and proper AFR calibrations without the need to splice into any factory wiring.



OEM grade hardware is used to provide high quality, safe, reliable power with excellent driveablility. Pre-set calibrations provide for a very simple installation without the need for setup or adjustments once installed.

Features:
- Instantly adds 50-60whp & 50-60wtq
- Preset calibrations for easy operation
- Simple to install and remove, no wire splicing
- Includes termination plug and thumbdrive

The quality of the controller and engine harness are excellent. Of course, we had to get our hands on one to see how it performed.



3 different programs (not including program modifications) are available on the ESS E-Tronic unit:

Program1 - Linear (low boost on launch), 91+ AKI fuel recommended
Program2 - Stage 2/Torque (full power), 93+ AKI fuel recommended
Program3 - Stage 1, 91+ AKI fuel recommended

Unlock Keypad
The keypad is locked to prevent accidentally changing programs. Press and hold buttons (+) and (-) for 3 seconds to unlock the Keypad.

Choosing a program
Press button (P) to choose between three preset programs. A LED‐light shows you the selected program.

Program Modifications
By pressing buttons (+/-) you can increase (+) or reduce (-) the performance (power curve) of the selected program. Each power curve can be increased or reduced up/down to three stages. A LED light
indicates how many steps you increase (RED) or reduced (GREEN) the power curve.

The factory setting corresponds to the basic setting of the Performance Pack and the power curve (PROG 1-LED always lit. LEDs (+/-) do not light up).

Activation / Deactivation / Saving Settings
Press and hold button (P) for 1 seconds to deactivate the ESS E-Tronic tuner. The current program and settings are saved automatically. Press ANY button to activate the SS E-Tronic tuner with the last program and settings.

Our shop M4 is equipped with some mild bolt-ons.

Vehicle: 2015 BMW M4
Transmission: DCT
Modifications:
- ESS E-Tronic Tuner
- Evolution Racewerks Catless Downpipes
- Akrapovic Evolution Exhaust
- BMC Filters

Our ESS E-Tronic tuner was installed in about an hour and immediately strapped to the dyno. Runs were performed both on 91 and 100 octane fuel.

91 Octane


With a baseline run at 434whp and 436ft.lb TQ, we were able to achieve 50whp/ft.lb.TQ gains, just as advertised with zero drivetrain or other malfunctions - the M4 behaves as it should.

100 Octane


100 octane brings us into the 500whp club. With our baseline run at 434whp and 436ft.lb TQ, we were able to achieve 79whp and 86ft.lb.TQ gains!

The ESS is a proven strong contender in the tuner market. We're extremely pleased with the results and can recommend this to any M3/M4 owner looking to increase their power output in under an hour. The added ability to retaining full access to the OBD2 port for diagnostics is an added bonus.

[Taimur]

Any dynos on 93 octane with stock downpipes?

[kevin @ eas]

Originally Posted by Taimur

Any dynos on 93 octane with stock downpipes?

Unfortunately we arent as lucky in CA to get 93 octane. We only have 91.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Taimur

Any dynos on 93 octane with stock downpipes?

I am dynoing my ESS car tonight on a dynojet here in ATL. Im stock downpipes stage 2 but I do have 4 gallons of 100 mixed in with my 93.

[AW BMW]

Thanks for doing this, good to see as much info as possible on the ESS piggy back. With all the different options out now we can make a more informed decisions on what piggy to go with when the time comes, if that's the route any of us will take.

[Taimur]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I am dynoing my ESS car tonight on a dynojet here in ATL. Im stock downpipes stage 2 but I do have 4 gallons of 100 mixed in with my 93.

Awesome, please post results as I would love to see a car with stock downpipes with an ESS Tronic tune. Are you able to run it without any tune so we can see the before and after?
I am on the fence of going either ESS tronic or JB4 but will keep stock downpipes for now, so this will be a good comparision.

[8600RPM]

This graph isnot making much sense. Linear tune makes same as stage 2 in second graph?

in first graph the linear is run at minus 3.why not just one pull on each of three basic tunes?

Actually what is this showing? All tunes make same ppwer?

[JB.M.]

I have had mine in for a few weeks now, while running akrapovic downpipes. Have only tried out the linear so far, and butt dyno is very pleased with the results. Install went very smooth, and would recommend this to anyone.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by 8600RPM

This graph isnot making much sense. Linear tune makes same as stage 2 in second graph?

in first graph the linear is run at minus 3.why not just one pull on each of three basic tunes?

Actually what is this showing? All tunes make same ppwer?

Try not to focus on only peak numbers, there is a significant difference between both tunes >5600RPM.

Originally Posted by Taimur

Any dynos on 93 octane with stock downpipes?

We've been installing quite a few of these, we'll pull one aside and get on the dyno with some octane to share results.

[8600RPM]

I'm not, look at original linear graph roman posted. The point of linear is to have traction and build boost as you approach redline. All this graph shows is linear making same boost low and middle and less up top. This is backwards to linear map roman posted months ago and opposite of what linear would mean.

How is this at all linear? I would say this is objectively less linear . Refer to Romans post months back.
.

[sales@ESSTuning]

Originally Posted by 8600RPM

I'm not, look at original linear graph roman posted. The point of linear is to have traction and build boost as you approach redline. All this graph shows is linear making same boost low and middle and less up top. This is backwards to linear map roman posted months ago and opposite of what linear would mean.

How is this at all linear? I would say this is objectively less linear . Refer to Romans post months back.
.

If you look at the TQ curve at lower RPM's VS the stage 1 and 2 you can clearly see it has less ramp up and variation from 3K-4K RPM. The linear map is more linear in HP and TQ VS the other two below 5.5k and delivers a smoother power curve. Over 5.5K it will not make as much as the stage 1 and 2 as it runs slightly less boost but you are correct that it should be a bit stronger up top. In our testing we typically see it perform closer to the other 2 maps over 6K VS what this car made during this particular test but you have to go with same car same testing results in this case.

[LwaLt]

tom @ eas Does this have CEL Delete for DP and Valve control like the JB4?

[TeKiZeRo]

Originally Posted by LwaLt

tom @ eas Does this have CEL Delete for DP and Valve control like the JB4?

I do not believe it does because it does not connect to the canbus.

Tom, do you have any feedback of how the car feels with this versus the JB4?

[8600RPM]

Could it be due to map switching without time between?

[dmk08]

Here yall go. My results.

ESS running stage 2 torque tune. Car has MPE, BMS filters, and thats it otherwise. Running 3 gallons of 100 octane in a full tank of 93 otherwise. Car made good power all the way to redline.

My buddy with a JB4 in Map2 with 4 gallons of E85 dyno'd at the same time. He made 12hp more than me. I had JB4 before ESS actually.

Conditions are 60 and muggy.

Best of the 3 runs. Smoothing at 3 he said.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by TeKiZeRo

I do not believe it does because it does not connect to the canbus.

Tom, do you have any feedback of how the car feels with this versus the JB4?

No CEL delete with ESS. I paired it with MS box so I can eventually do DPs. To me ESS feels smoother than JB4. JB4 boost comes in like a train but on ESS it comes in smooth. Almost like it's not making power. But I guess my dyno just proved that wrong lol.

[TeKiZeRo]

I would love to some 1/4 mile times with the ESS toonz.

Good numbers though dmk08 !

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by TeKiZeRo

I would love to some 1/4 mile times with the ESS toonz.

Good numbers though dmk08 !

Yeah need some downpipes now so I can break into the 500s!

[AW BMW]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Yeah need some downpipes now so I can break into the 500s!

Awesome numbers, not to get off topic here but are those aftermarket rims or the 19s it came with?

[Taimur]

Originally Posted by dmk08

No CEL delete with ESS. I paired it with MS box so I can eventually do DPs. To me ESS feels smoother than JB4. JB4 boost comes in like a train but on ESS it comes in smooth. Almost like it's not making power. But I guess my dyno just proved that wrong lol.

Thanks for posting the results, though I'm a little surprised you made the same power as EAS with catless downpipes. Have you run you buddy just to see how the real world pull feels like?

What made you go from JB4 to ESS and which do you prefer driving wise?

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by AW BMW

Awesome numbers, not to get off topic here but are those aftermarket rims or the 19s it came with?

Haha they are my new wheels I have not put into my build thread/taken good pics of yet. BC Forged RS41 wrapped in 275/30 and 295/30 Mich Supersports.

[Taimur]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I prefer the smooth delivery of the ESS. It seems easier to put the power down to the ground. Honestly, and Tom can verify this, I almost returned the ESS it was so smooth I didn't think it was making power. Obviously it is!

I'm not sure how much 100 octane they were running I only had 3 gallons. But I also had 93 as my base. Looks like they had 30rwhp on me with the downpipes and mixed fuel. So I'm hoping to be in the 500 club once my downpipes arrive.

Hmm, If it doesn't feel faster than jb4 then I believe it'll be a little slower running against it on the street. Butt dyno is more my preference over hp dyno.

Honestly after you made this comment I might end up with the jb4.
Thanks for your feedback!