I did a thing...

[tiglon]

..well actually two things, and both made me smile, but I suspect many will think they're both s**t!

While looking at 1M's for inspiration (and narrowly avoiding spending £400 on a Valencia Orange engine cover) I noticed they have a plaque in the cabin proclaiming that the car I'd one of only 450 in the UK. If such a common car gets to have a plaque, then I decided mine deserves one too... I look forward to the "M badge w***er" comments



I also used MHD to remap my car - still stage 0 so no extra power (I'll save that for next spring with dry roads, decent temps and possible fresh tyres), but switched to:

Linear throttle
Zero throttle lag (1M style)
No exhaust pops or bangs in comfort mode, but full aggression and duration in sport or sport +

The exhaust change is the most childish thing, but hilariously fun. Not sure I'll keep it like that permanently but it made me chuckle!

Zero throttle lag is a big improvement, the car feels far more alert and responsive (because it is).

Linear throttle will take some getting use to, I'll need to learn to adjust my throttle inputs, but already feels much easier to modulate and control the throttle. I do wonder if 90% of the time, when a newer car feels initially faster, its just because they've massively front loaded the throttle...

 

[buzyg]

:lol:

Childish is fine, as long as you know your being childish. :wink:

 

[enuff_zed]

Have you tried Oral B?
Very good at getting rid of annoying plaque.

 

[B21]

So can you articulate the differences between anti lag and linear please?

I assume anti lag means the throttle is just much more touchy to a slight / quick prod? Have you tried various levels?

What does linear give over standard?

 

[tiglon]

So can you articulate the differences between anti lag and linear please?

I assume anti lag means the throttle is just much more touchy to a slight / quick prod? Have you tried various levels?

What does linear give over standard?

I'll do my best, apologies if some of my terminology is not quite on the money!

I don't think it's antilag (that's used to describe a feature not available for N54, so I haven't bothered to look at what it is), it's throttle sensitivity, the lack of which causes a kind of lag. So on the 1M there is zero throttle lag (or as little as is possible) i.e. you press the throttle pedal and the throttle opens instantly. On the Z4 and, I think, all/most other N54 vehicles there is a delay from when you press the pedal before the throttle actually opens. There's a slider you can use to adjust this delay from the stock position all the way to the 1M setting. I've gone all the way to 1M, so you press the throttle and things happen straight away, rather than that usual little delay. I haven't tried adjusting in between the two extremes, but I like the way it is now.

The linear throttle means that the degree to which you press the throttle now corresponds directly with how much the throttle open. So 50% on the throttle pedal = throttle open 50%. In stock form, the throttle is front loaded so when you press the pedal 20%, the throttle opens more than 20%, say 40% (that's just an example, I don't know the actual ratio). I suppose that was to make it feel faster than it is - I remember hiring a Golf 1.2 in 2018 and thinking how much faster it felt than I expected given it had just over 100bhp... "I only pushed the throttle half way down and it flew!" but I expect that was because 50% on the pedal = 90% throttle open. Most normal people don't go further than that 50% so they don't notice that nothing much extra happens if they press the pedal further.

 

[B21]

So can you articulate the differences between anti lag and linear please?

I assume anti lag means the throttle is just much more touchy to a slight / quick prod? Have you tried various levels?

What does linear give over standard?

I'll do my best, apologies if some of my terminology is not quite on the money!

I don't think it's antilag (that's used to describe a feature not available for N54, so I haven't bothered to look at what it is), it's throttle sensitivity, the lack of which causes a kind of lag. So on the 1M there is zero throttle lag (or as little as is possible) i.e. you press the throttle pedal and the throttle opens instantly. On the Z4 and, I think, all/most other N54 vehicles there is a delay from when you press the pedal before the throttle actually opens. There's a slider you can use to adjust this delay from the stock position all the way to the 1M setting. I've gone all the way to 1M, so you press the throttle and things happen straight away, rather than that usual little delay. I haven't tried adjusting in between the two extremes, but I like the way it is now.

The linear throttle means that the degree to which you press the throttle now corresponds directly with how much the throttle open. So 50% on the throttle pedal = throttle open 50%. In stock form, the throttle is front loaded so when you press the pedal 20%, the throttle opens more than 20%, say 40% (that's just an example, I don't know the actual ratio). I suppose that was to make it feel faster than it is - I remember hiring a Golf 1.2 in 2018 and thinking how much faster it felt than I expected given it had just over 100bhp... "I only pushed the throttle half way down and it flew!" but I expect that was because 50% on the pedal = 90% throttle open. Most normal people don't go further than that 50% so they don't notice that nothing much extra happens if they press the pedal further.

Thanks I'll play with the settings and see how they go..

With the stage 2+ map and xHP stage 2 on the DCT box its all feeling a bit cheeky now, already..

My 2004 Jeep TJ 4.0 6 cylinder has a mechanical wire throttle and that is very touchy..nearly have whiplash just getting off the drive..

 

[Argyll Andy]

You did a thing, your car you carry on doing a thing as long as it makes you happy

 

[tiglon]

B21, I would think that doing just the throttle response without linear throttle would make yours feel too much and it would be nigh on impossible to drive smoothly. Instant throttle response makes it feel more alive, but you don't always want 100% of the torque arrive instantly at the wheels every time you touch the throttle. Fun to find out though

These two settings are, in my opinion, another example of how BMW set the car up to appeal to cruisers who want the car to feel fast occasionally rather than actually be fast.

I was also disappointed to find out that the "startup roar" and "vmax delete" are unavailable for the N54, which has severely limited the potential for my childishness. :thumbsdown:

 

[B21]

B21, I would think that doing just the throttle response without linear throttle would make yours feel too much and it would be nigh on impossible to drive smoothly. Instant throttle response makes it feel more alive, but you don't always want 100% of the torque arrive instantly at the wheels every time you touch the throttle. Fun to find out though

These two settings are, in my opinion, another example of how BMW set the car up to appeal to cruisers who want the car to feel fast occasionally rather than actually be fast.

I was also disappointed to find out that the "startup roar" and "vmax delete" are unavailable for the N54, which has severely limited the potential for my childishness. :thumbsdown:

So the linear throttle thing..the default is press the throttle small amount for quite a lot, then more pressing equals not much more?

Kind of the opposite of what I would have expected?

In the olden days the cam on the carburettor was the other way..half throttle only gave you 1/4 carb open, next half throttle gave you 3/4 more …

Well that would make the critter less frisky in the wet..

 

[Pondrew]

.well actually two things, and both made me smile, but I suspect many will think they're both s**t!

While looking at 1M's for inspiration (and narrowly avoiding spending £400 on a Valencia Orange engine cover) I noticed they have a plaque in the cabin proclaiming that the car I'd one of only 450 in the UK. If such a common car gets to have a plaque, then I decided mine deserves one too... I look forward to the "M badge w****r" comments

Being an Alpina owner, I think it's blasphemy and you should be shot at dawn
But if you have to, I would put another number in ie "#007 of 264", looks better than just any "one" IMO

 

[enuff_zed]

B21, I would think that doing just the throttle response without linear throttle would make yours feel too much and it would be nigh on impossible to drive smoothly. Instant throttle response makes it feel more alive, but you don't always want 100% of the torque arrive instantly at the wheels every time you touch the throttle. Fun to find out though

These two settings are, in my opinion, another example of how BMW set the car up to appeal to cruisers who want the car to feel fast occasionally rather than actually be fast.

I was also disappointed to find out that the "startup roar" and "vmax delete" are unavailable for the N54, which has severely limited the potential for my childishness. :thumbsdown:

So the linear throttle thing..the default is press the throttle small amount for quite a lot, then more pressing equals not much more?

Kind of the opposite of what I would have expected?

In the olden days the cam on the carburettor was the other way..half throttle only gave you 1/4 carb open, next half throttle gave you 3/4 more …

Well that would make the critter less frisky in the wet..

I may be wrong but my understanding was (all figures approximate)
Comfort - 2/3 pedal movement to get the first 1/2 throttle opening
Sport - 1/3 pedal movement to get the first 1/2 throttle opening
Linear - I would expect to mean pedal movement equates exactly to throttle opening?

 

[Marcoose]

The sticker … you’re the one looking at it. You should make a wrap around your car.


I’ve checked no lag and linear as well. TBH, I don’t feel the difference. Perhaps it’s my driving style. I keep it tamed on public roads, under 50mph in the twisties. I’m also gentle getting on and off throttle and brake, and with the aux LFB pedal, the transitions are nearly perfect. Perhaps I’d feel a difference at the track where some exits call for full beans instantaneously. But this car is so not a track car.

 

[john-e89]

.... :wink:

 

[Smartbear]

B21, I would think that doing just the throttle response without linear throttle would make yours feel too much and it would be nigh on impossible to drive smoothly. Instant throttle response makes it feel more alive, but you don't always want 100% of the torque arrive instantly at the wheels every time you touch the throttle. Fun to find out though

These two settings are, in my opinion, another example of how BMW set the car up to appeal to cruisers who want the car to feel fast occasionally rather than actually be fast.

I was also disappointed to find out that the "startup roar" and "vmax delete" are unavailable for the N54, which has severely limited the potential for my childishness. :thumbsdown:

So the linear throttle thing..the default is press the throttle small amount for quite a lot, then more pressing equals not much more?

Kind of the opposite of what I would have expected?

In the olden days the cam on the carburettor was the other way..half throttle only gave you 1/4 carb open, next half throttle gave you 3/4 more …

Well that would make the critter less frisky in the wet..

I may be wrong but my understanding was (all figures approximate)
Comfort - 2/3 pedal movement to get the first 1/2 throttle opening
Sport - 1/3 pedal movement to get the first 1/2 throttle opening
Linear - I would expect to mean pedal movement equates exactly to throttle opening?

^^^ This. ^^^
Rob

 

[tiglon]

.... :wink:

That even looks a little bit like me

But if you have to, I would put another number in ie "#007 of 264", looks better than just any "one" IMO

That's a bit too Alpina for me, I copied other BMWs instead. Also I have no idea which number it is so I would have to constantly live with knowing the number was only 1/264th likely to be correct and that would have annoyed me!

The sticker … you’re the one looking at it. You should make a wrap around your car.


I’ve checked no lag and linear as well. TBH, I don’t feel the difference. Perhaps it’s my driving style. I keep it tamed on public roads, under 50mph in the twisties. I’m also gentle getting on and off throttle and brake, and with the aux LFB pedal, the transitions are nearly perfect. Perhaps I’d feel a difference at the track where some exits call for full beans instantaneously. But this car is so not a track car.

Sticker? That's a piece of genuine probably-some-kind-of-metal forged by a master craftsman.

I really notice the difference, now my foot inputs have a direct correlation with what the car does, so I feel a bit more connected. I get a bit more feedback through the steering wheel with the M3 control arms as well, so overall it's a more enjoyable experience for me. No faster in a straight line or round a corner, but better nonetheless.

Perhaps the differences on yours have been lost within the increase of power and torque?

 

[Marcoose]

Perhaps the differences on yours have been lost within the increase of power and torque?

Possibly, but hard to say. I’m an ‘always open’ kind of driver/rider. My track car doesn’t have telemetry. The track school cars do. Unless I’m braking, the throttle is open. And that translates to street. Going on speculation, if the throttle is always open, there wouldn’t be any or little lag, and also less pedal travel. And when driving spiritedly on the local twisties, I keep it in high revs in 3rd and 4th, sometimes in 2nd. Very little pedal movement needed to make the car go.

Two other anecdotes: I’ve never told my wife what mapping changes were made, and Mrs Lead Foot never said she noticed anything. And beware of the placebo effect mixed with posh marketing materials. If you really want to measure improvement, it’s lap time. But I highly discourage the take a stock-ish 35is to the track.

Tell you this, I’ve noticed a massive difference with upgraded suspension and tyres. Night and day.

 

[Nanu]

No adverse comments from me.

I once owned a very nice limited edition Mazda 323 which was badged as one of the last 500 of that model made. Mazda dropped the V6 Zedos engine in and put every toy Mazda did at the time into it. Emerald green, cream leather interior with matching green piping. Was quite proud of the badge and it ensured 2 years after buying it a Mazda dealership paid me the same as it cost to buy it back.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Tiglon if a plaque would make you happy then why not?

Now do I need one for my number 37 of 73 Silver Grey M Coupes in the UK? :lol:

 

[Pondrew]

That's a bit too Alpina for me, I copied other BMWs instead. Also I have no idea which number it is so I would have to constantly live with knowing the number was only 1/264th likely to be correct and that would have annoyed me!

You made it up in the first place, so what's the harm in making up any number you want? I like making things up (especially on here, it's fun)! :lol:
If only you had bought a 'desert yellow' one. It would have been so much easier. "number 1,2,3 or 4".

Unfortunately you mere 'BMW mortals' can only dream of having a real plaque. Fashioned from 'PURE GREEN' (for any Blackadder fans).

 

[tiglon]

Tiglon if a plaque would make you happy then why not?

Now do I need one for my number 37 of 73 Silver Grey M Coupes in the UK? :lol:

I'd say you do, if only for the symmetry of the numbers!

Perhaps the differences on yours have been lost within the increase of power and torque?

Possibly, but hard to say. I’m an ‘always open’ kind of driver/rider. My track car doesn’t have telemetry. The track school cars do. Unless I’m braking, the throttle is open. And that translates to street. Going on speculation, if the throttle is always open, there wouldn’t be any or little lag, and also less pedal travel. And when driving spiritedly on the local twisties, I keep it in high revs in 3rd and 4th, sometimes in 2nd. Very little pedal movement needed to make the car go.

Two other anecdotes: I’ve never told my wife what mapping changes were made, and Mrs Lead Foot never said she noticed anything. And beware of the placebo effect mixed with posh marketing materials. If you really want to measure improvement, it’s lap time. But I highly discourage the take a stock-ish 35is to the track.

Tell you this, I’ve noticed a massive difference with upgraded suspension and tyres. Night and day.

SWMBO told me yesterday evening that she'd used the Z4 to go to the shop 500m down the road and back while I was at work. After she had enjoyed a 10 minute lecture on that kind of behaviour, assured me that she understood, was thoroughly bored and that I should shut up now, I asked her if she thought it felt different (she didn't know I'd done anything to it). She said "quieter and more jerky from a standstill" which I think reflects the cold start delete and the instant throttle response. She wouldn't have gone above 30mph so no way she'd notice the linear throttle.

None of these changes will make it any faster in a straight line or around a corner, I'm fully aware of that. Apart from the plaque (+10bhp), obviously.

It sounds like you and I are very different drivers with very different wants from a car. I'm probably a lot more easily pleased