2011.5 BMW 135i DCT - Proven - European Car Magazine

The N55 engine was released in 2011 and labeled by BMW as the next generation of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six. The new-generation powerplant replaced the dual-turbo setup with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger. In spite of the change from twins to a single turbo, horsepower and torque figures were the same as on the outgoing N54 twin-turbo engine (300 hp, 300 lb-ft). The engine redesign brought forth a whole slew of challenges for tuners and raised a lot of questions—like can the same types of modifications create the same performance increases?

2011 BMW 135i
Vehicle Data

Engine: 3.0-liter I6, dohc, 24-valve, turbocharged
Transmission: Seven-speed automated manual (DCT)
Mileage: 10,518
Current modifications: 18-inch Miro CSL wheels, Continental tires (225/40 front, 245/35 rear)

Dyno Data

Dyno type: Clayton Mustang dynamometer with Virtual Test Track Software
Transmission test gear: Third (gear ratio: 2.15:1; final drive: 3.46:1)
Dyno set weight: 3,400 lb
Fuel grade: 91 octane

Performance

Peak power: 259 hp @ 6382 rpm
Peak torque: 272 lb-ft @ 2891 rpm
Temperature: 69° F
Humidity: 31%

Test Notes

The baseline and all subsequent testing were performed on the same day, utilizing the same tank of 91-octane fuel.

All horsepower and torque numbers are quoted at the wheels. It is also important to keep in mind that the properly calibrated Mustang dyno produces more accurate real-world horsepower and torque numbers. While these numbers might seem low when compared to figures gathered from a Dynojet or if the tests are done in a higher gear like Fourth, what is important is the differences between each dyno run. These differences are what we use to verify the validity of the manufacturer’s horsepower and torque claims.

Procede Tuner
Version Map 2 - 91 Octane

Test 1

Performance

Peak power: 271 hp @ 5987 rpm
Peak torque: 290 lb-ft @ 2330 rpm
Max power gain: 33 hp @ 5287 rpm
Max torque gain: 49 lb-ft @ 3993 rpm
Temperature: 74° F
Humidity: 29%

Install process: Plug-and-play piggyback
Installation time: 45-60 minutes
Tools: 8mm socket and small flathead screwdriver
MSRP: $945

Pros

Cons

Test 2

Performance

Peak power: 279 hp @ 5826 rpm
Peak torque: 314 lb-ft @ 2946 rpm
Max power gain: 8 hp @ 5729 rpm
Max torque gain: 41 lb-ft @ 2946 rpm
Temperature: 76° F
Humidity: 24%
MSRP: Included with initial purchase

Conclusion

The stock N55-equipped 135i with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) on paper is a very impressive machine. With numbers like 300 peak horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from 1300-5000 rpm, a transmission that can shift faster than any human and a 0-60 time in a mere 5 seconds, my expectations were running high. As you drive you can tell the car wants to be fast; it has the technology, equipment and pedigree to be great. So why the heck does it feel so unimpressive? Acceleration from a dead stop teases with a big torque jump and then nothing else for a couple thousand rpm. It seems a little confused before making the ultimate decision to shift to the next gear so it can start all over again. The engine and transmission seemed like a freshly divorced couple; disconnected and not willing to work together. Trying to maintain a constant speed on the highway can leave you feeling a bit nauseous from the motor continuously rocking back and forth.

I’m on record for my dislike of piggyback modules because they work on one simple principal: to confuse a sensor and trick the ECU into producing more power. The ECU is then forced to work overtime at the adaptation limits. The PROcede module works differently by using data from the high-speed CAN-BUS system and various sensors to adjust performance and ensure reliability. PROcede’s commitment to safety is evident in how the AutoTuning system monitors the engine oil temperature, only allowing the system to work in temps in an optimal range, meaning no extra boost on a cold or overheated engine. And with every new BMW OEM software update, the programmers at PROcede create new software updates to ensure maximum compatibility.

After installing the PROcede unit on the 135i, the difference was instantly noted. Unlike the big stock torque bump that left you wanting more, the PROcede-enabled car pulled all the way to redline and elicited perfect shift responses from the DCT, engaging gears without hesitation. It was as though the quarrelling couple had finally made up, and no matter the situation, worked harmoniously to provide me with precise throttle response. The PROcede setup has proven to me that a properly designed piggypack system can work.

Costs Summary

Procede Tuner Map 1
$945.00
Procede Tuner Map 2
(No Cost)
MSRP Total. $945.00