BMWNA acknowledges N54 engine turbo lag issue

[BMWBLOG.COM]

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/11/18/bm...rbo-lag-issue/

BMWNA has just issued a statement regarding the turbo lag issue that some of you might have noticed with your 3.0 twin-turbo engine(N54). I am one of those people that noticed an issue with the engine, but when I took my car to the dealership, they couldn’t find anything wrong with it.

I’m glad they finally acknowledged the potential issue and that measurements are being taken.

Release

“In an effort to address specific noise concerns, BMW updated the turbocharged engine software on 335i/xi and 535i/xi models built from June 2006 through March 2008. The updated software causes a small amount of increased “turbocharger lag” under certain circumstances and, while not substantial, the lag may be perceptible to the most sensitive BMW drivers. X6, 135i, and 3 Series/5 Series vehicles from March 2008 production onward are not affected.

Release of the new software to restore the original turbocharger response is planned for January 2009, and it will be available for vehicles produced from September 2007 through March 2008 when they are brought to an authorized BMW center for a repair which requires a programming update. Clients with vehicles produced from June 2006 through September 2007 may request installation of the January 2009 software update.

Clients who get this update should understand that there is a possibility of slightly increased engine noise levels under certain circumstances.”

[arrutled]

i thought it was the post march builds that had the turbo lag? wtf?

[akak1997]

And, isn't the lag was introduced to "fix" the HPFP failure issue?

[coco_m3]

WTF! MY CAR HAS LAG. I'll take mine in anyways and get the update.

[My135]

My car was built in July 2008. So, does it mean my car have no turbo lag? But I feel my car is still not fast enough, what can I do???

[lannypoffo]

im hoping my HPFP goes soon

[Slay0r]

Countless BMW owners have been frustrated for some time with software-induced turbo lag on their N54 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engines. While early models were acclaimed for their immediate power delivery, it seems BMW felt it necessary to address "specific noise concerns" with the engine and made software changes in models built between June 2006 and March 2008. Those changes introduced turbo lag – the noticeable delay between the throttle and the time it takes for the turbocharger to spin and produce power. Enthusiasts were up in arms, but BMW refused to recognize their concerns (addressed on nearly every BMW message board, and by the BMW Car Club of America)... until now. According to a statement from the automaker, new software will be released in January 2009 that will restore the original turbocharger response. Of course, it comes with a warning that it may result in "slightly increased engine noise levels." As if an enthusiast cares... Thanks for the tip Michael


Autoblog.com

[TunedM2C]

I think builds post 3/08 also have the problem. Good to see them step up and revert back to the good 'ol days though.

[syenisch]

Wow great! Thanks, Slay0r.

Nice to know I won't have to argue with the dealer to try to get old software installed or anything like that when I get my new 1er in late January!

[ulrichd]

What was the "noise concern"? One person's noise is an enthusiast's music. When BMW introduced the 2nd gen Mini it had a great "gurgling" exhaust sound when you came off the gas from higher rpm, people complained, so they got rid of it. Shame.

[BerkTechnology]

Good info!

[ben14142001]

I have a March 08 build. Does this mean my car is affected? I'm assuming not. I don't really notice much lag, especially after owning an STi.

-Ben

[Citizen Z]

Compared to my NA Mazda 3, the 1er has HUUUGE lag. I was kinda astonished at the power immediacy in the Mazda compared to the twice as powerful BMW.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by ben14142001

I have a March 08 build. Does this mean my car is affected? I'm assuming not. I don't really notice much lag, especially after owning an STi.

-Ben

ditto on that, my 05 sti had horrible lag...you would wait for boost ...then it was like getting hit in the head with a sledge hammer

i have a Jan 08 build and never noticed any lag on mine, and i have never had my software updated

[jeremyc74]

Nice. I was just about to take my car in for a software update (the one that's supposed to fix the minor cruise control issue), but I think now I'll have them hold off and dump this in as soon as it's available.

[TagMan]

Interesting that the "truth" finally emerged from BMW, when so many owners knew it all along!

Nice to know that the new year will start off on a positive note.

[V-power]

Quote;

The original "engine noise", by the way, was a very bad sounding metallic rattle of the wastegates not being fully closed and rattling against their seals. Very un-befitting for such an expensive car. Check this YouTube movie and perhaps you'll agree.

[Johnnyr135]

Ok guys be careful with this update this is the one Steve Dinan told me about when I had the huge problem with BMW usa and Dinan. This software will either not let you piggyback it like Dinans which causes the car to go into limp mode the second the car runs more than 13.4psi of boost or it will log an increase in boost and store it so that BMW knows if you have a tune and are taking it out. We all knew this was coming and BMW was pretty clever introducing lag and then making people want new software that will close the door on tunes. I would expect BMW to be releasing there tune they are using on the 745 before christamas now.

[coco_m3]

So if you update, they will know if you remove your tune?
Guess im not updating then, I think I will be fine with JB3.

[cuizhuoyi01]

Originally Posted by ben14142001

I have a March 08 build. Does this mean my car is affected? I'm assuming not. I don't really notice much lag, especially after owning an STi.

-Ben

I can't find out when my car builded? the registration paper only show 2008. how can i find out the build date??

I also don't notice any lag, its much better than my EVO.

[Slay0r]

i dunno im in the same boat im at 3/08 build so im on the fence


the more i push the car, the more im starting to think i have lag, but i dont wanna over expect the power of the car


now i just need to see:

1- with current tunes (even if removed) will bmw know when a customer goes to get new software
2- will terry have to work longer on the current jb3 v1.2
3- should i get the newer software, then go for the jb3
4- should i get the jb3, then the new software, then reinstall
5- if i get the new software, (did bmw put in a special/better "piggyback" detecting software) and labeling it as "lag fix"

hrmm like the economy, i dont know where to go from here

[Johnnyr135]

My problem ended up being fouled plugs do to octane boost put into the car, it was a problem caused by to many people trying to pass the buck. It did not get fixed until Steve Dinan called me himself and he took care of the customer service himself. I was really impressed with him in the end and I ended up with a great product