THOR Trans Flash vs BM3

[Bmock17]

As the title suggests, which is the better option strictly based on the trans flash? I have a DCT and like many others have discussed, the bucking with downshifts is not ideal. I came across THOR and ordered the OBD agent earlier today. I completely forgot that BM3 also offers a flash for the DCT. I am out of warranty and have toyed with the idea of BM3 but the crank hub issue has me a little nervous. I replaced my charge pipes several months ago in preparation for BM3 but now I am a bit hesitant. What do you guys think? Should I just go with BM3 since it includes the trans flash? The Thor adapter was about $70 and it will be another $200 or so for their flash. I can pay $500 for BM3 and have access to the DCT flash and the engine tune.

What would you do?

[BlownOne]

I’m happy with my bm3 Cary Jordan tune. My up/down shifts are instant so i don’t see how they could be any quicker or “better”.

[tom @ eas]

BM3 without a doubt. Simple to flash, makes plenty of trouble-free power and fantastic support.

[ArialBlack]

As soon as my M3 ran out of warranty bought a BM3 license and a set of downpipes.

Flashed GTS Transmission and a mild tune (CS) as I too am conscious of the crank hub issue. Spending $5k for preventative maintenance (i.e 30% of the price of a new engine) seems counterintuitive, with no guarantee it'll actually prevent SCH.

After flashing the GTS Trans, shifts are almost instant and everything runs smoothly. All of this is more than enough for me as I am not a 0-60 guy.

If I were you I'd probably go ahead and get Bootmod3 as not sure if there is as much support/and or tested quality on the THOR platform.

[Bmock17]

Originally Posted by ArialBlack

As soon as my M3 ran out of warranty bought a BM3 license and a set of downpipes.

Flashed GTS Transmission and a mild tune (CS) as I too am conscious of the crank hub issue. Spending $5k for preventative maintenance (i.e 30% of the price of a new engine) seems counterintuitive, with no guarantee it'll actually prevent SCH.

After flashing the GTS Trans, shifts are almost instant and everything runs smoothly. All of this is more than enough for me as I am not a 0-60 guy.

If I were you I'd probably go ahead and get Bootmod3 as not sure if there is as much support/and or tested quality on the THOR platform.

Originally Posted by BlownOne

I'm happy with my bm3 Cary Jordan tune. My up/down shifts are instant so i don't see how they could be any quicker or "better".

Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

BM3 without a doubt. Simple to flash, makes plenty of trouble-free power and fantastic support.

This is the direction I am leaning towards. Now I just need to purchase the license.

Originally Posted by ArialBlack

As soon as my M3 ran out of warranty bought a BM3 license and a set of downpipes.

Flashed GTS Transmission and a mild tune (CS) as I too am conscious of the crank hub issue. Spending $5k for preventative maintenance (i.e 30% of the price of a new engine) seems counterintuitive, with no guarantee it'll actually prevent SCH.

After flashing the GTS Trans, shifts are almost instant and everything runs smoothly. All of this is more than enough for me as I am not a 0-60 guy.

If I were you I'd probably go ahead and get Bootmod3 as not sure if there is as much support/and or tested quality on the THOR platform.

This sounds exactly like me. I am not racing anyone but would definitely enjoy the added power.

The comments about the support available with BM3 makes tons of sense too. I really hadn't thought of that.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Bmock17

Thanks for the info!
This is the direction I am leaning towards. Now I just need to purchase the license.

We sell and support BM3 when ready. Lots of experience and time on the dyno to answer any questions you might have.

[Bmock17]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

We sell and support BM3 when ready. Lots of experience and time on the dyno to answer any questions you might have.

[BlownOne]

Excellent support and lots of knowledge from tom and the guys at EaS!

[calubi]

In the THOR thread, it was mentioned that BM3 uses an old version of the GTS DCT software. Are there any practical advantages to getting newer software, either through Alpine or THOR or ...?

[THOR_Flasher]

Originally Posted by calubi

In the THOR thread, it was mentioned that BM3 uses an old version of the GTS DCT software. Are there any practical advantages to getting newer software, either through Alpine or THOR or ...?

I don't know which version BM3 uses. But if you already have MHD or BM3, you don't need the THOR DCT package anymore. That's why many customers buy the Dynamic Package only. And you can also flash with ENET cable, so no additional hardware is needed.

It will be different with M2 or newer M3/M4. There we have adapted the maps. But this is future.

[rborane]

What do you need to flash with Enet cable? I use my cable and MacBook to flash BM3, but didn’t see a Thor app on my MacBook which I can download. What exactly is the process for enet flashing?

[THOR_Flasher]

Originally Posted by rborane

What do you need to flash with Enet cable? I use my cable and MacBook to flash BM3, but didn’t see a Thor app on my MacBook which I can download. What exactly is the process for enet flashing?

For connecting the ENET cable with the Ethernet plug to your Smartphone or Tablet you will need an adapter. Those are available on Amazon and a lot of other webshops. For Apple devices just search for “Ethernet Lightning Adapter”. There is only one type. For Android devices there are 2 options. Older Android devices have a Micro-USB port, so you need a Micro-USB to Ethernet adapter, while later devices (like Samsung Galaxy S9) have a USB-C port. Once again, they can be found easily at Amazon and other shops.

https://www.amazon.com/Smays-Realtek...gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Etherne...gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Amatage-Light...gateway&sr=8-5

Setup your Apple Device for THOR with ENET-Cable
First, enable “Flight Mode” in the iOS Settings. When connecting your Lightning-to-Ethernet Adapter to your Apple device, a new option “Ethernet” will appear in your “Settings” panel.

Just make sure your settings are all on “Automatic”. Once you plugged the ENET cable to your BMW and your ignition is turned ON your Apple device will show an IP Address (for instance
169.254.xxx.xxx) and Subnet Mask (255.255.0.0). This might take 30 seconds. As soon as the IP is showing, wait another 10 -15 seconds, before trying to connect.

Setup your Android Device for THOR with ENET-Cable

Android users need to configure the Ethernet port, after connecting the Adapter to their devices. Please open the settings panel on your device. Depending on your Android version, the procedure may be a bit different. This procedure is only necessary on first connect and for wired connections. Your
phone will store those settings for subsequent connects. Eventually you need to re-plug the adapter, after saving the settings to take effect.

1. After connecting cable, press OK
2. Open „Connections“
3. Open „More Conn. Settings“
4. Open „Ethernet“
5. Open „Configure“
6. Ethernet settings

Necessary Ethernet settings (Topic 6) are:
Static IP: 169.254.250.250
Subnet: 255.255.0.0
DNS: 0.0.0.0
Default Gateway: 0.0.0.0
Please enter and save them!

Now you are ready to flash your vehicle with an ENET-Cable and iOS or Android Smartphone/Tablet.

[mike@x-ph.com]

+1 for bm3

[FriedPiston]

BM3 = standalone tuning solution platform

Thor = features coding mobile app with advanced coding options

Both options rely on OEM DCT calibrations, so pick one that you feel offers the best value for your needs.

[Bmock17]

Originally Posted by FriedPiston

BM3 = standalone tuning solution platform

Thor = features coding mobile app with advanced coding options

Both options rely on OEM DCT calibrations, so pick one that you feel offers the best value for your needs.

Thanks for the tip. I jumped the gun and bought the THOR obd device yesterday and it will be delivered by the end of the week. I then went ahead and bought a BM3 license too. I will play around with both and see which transmission tune I like the best. Then I can still use BM3 for the engine tune.

[Keca10]

Side question... Is Thor still planning to add EDC support to emulate CS settings?

[RElias21]

I have a 6 MT and I want Euro Or GTS MDM. How much will that cost me with Thor?

Not really interested in the other stuff.

[SuperSkato]

Hi there.

I have a 2015 M3. I have both BM3 and Thor.
I used Thor for DCT, Steering, MDM and LSD coding. Very quick y simple coding.

Saludos,

[Bmock17]

Originally Posted by SuperSkato

Hi there.

I have a 2015 M3. I have both BM3 and Thor.
I used Thor for DCT, Steering, MDM and LSD coding. Very quick y simple coding.

Saludos,

Thanks for your feedback! This is what I had in mind. I am going to try the gts flash for the dct through BM3 and also use the THOR software and see which I like better.

[Tangent]

I used Thor because I have no plans to flash tune my engine for another couple of years until my warranty is up anyway. I always read about people comparing BM3 and Thor for DCT tuning but does BM3 also let you flash the DSC, LSD, Steering, and MDM tuning? If not that would be an advantage for Thor.

Originally Posted by Keca10

Side question... Is Thor still planning to add EDC support to emulate CS settings?

Last I read they're still working on it but have hit delays.

[Bmock17]

Originally Posted by Tangent

I used Thor because I have no plans to flash tune my engine for another couple of years until my warranty is up anyway. I always read about people comparing BM3 and Thor for DCT tuning but does BM3 also let you flash the DSC, LSD, Steering, and MDM tuning? If not that would be an advantage for Thor.

Last I read they're still working on it but have hit delays.

BM3 allows for the trans flash only. You cannot change the MDM or anything else which is why I think I will use THOR for the transmission and BM3 for the engine.

[TideMD]

Originally Posted by THOR_Flasher

I don't know which version BM3 uses. But if you already have MHD or BM3, you don't need the THOR DCT package anymore. That's why many customers buy the Dynamic Package only. And you can also flash with ENET cable, so no additional hardware is needed.

It will be different with M2 or newer M3/M4. There we have adapted the maps. But this is future.

Any plans to add the "Euro" parameters for MDM coding? Last I saw, the app only designated GTS/CS as options for flashing MDM.