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      09-08-2014, 06:12 PM   #1
Delnari
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aFe Scorcher Install Review

After trying my hand at two different tuner boxes previously on the M235i, BMS N55 Stage 1 and Dinan Stage 1, I'm now trying the aFe Scorcher Module. It connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors only like the BMS box but unlike the BMS, the aFe has only the two connections on the harness. The BMS box has additional connectors that are not used on the M235i and have to be stored out of the way.

I went with the Scorcher for its straight forward design of connections, nicely insulated harness, and small control box. Installation was straight forward with only the two connections needed requiring the engine cover removal along with disconnection of the negative battery terminal in the trunk. Verification you have put the connections on correctly are nearly idiot proof with a blue LED light on the control box that will illuminate when made properly. A little gimmic like, but hey they are selling to BMW owners

Single test drive so far and the torque delivery is very strong. Without having an actual Dyno numbers yet to show, it did break traction much easier and faster in Sport + mode. During my limited ride in manual Sport + doing 2-->3-->4 shift under full throttle I heard a change in the exhaust sound. I have the M Performance muffler and as we have seen in the videos and experience ourselves shift sound like short farts (lack of better way to describe them). With the aFe Scorcher the shift sound was louder and longer in duration. Had to do it a few times to verify it wasn't a fluke. What was a fart now sounds like a explosion out the exhaust pipes. More driving impressions needed, but it will make small children jump off the sidewalks and into the grass when it happens.

This was my first initial impression. Was lucky to score this one from EBAY for $312 (used - like new condition). aFe is running a intake/tune combo special on their site for the same setup I have (Momentum Intake and Scorcher Module) for $734 which is good deal for both items.


Last edited by Delnari; 09-08-2014 at 06:18 PM..
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      09-08-2014, 06:21 PM   #2
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can wait for your dyno... would be nice to compare all 3 tunes
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      09-09-2014, 01:47 AM   #3
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I was thinking of running their intake and tune combo along with the Tuningwerk's exhaust I have coming. Leaving stock cats though both for warranty and CA emmissions... no downpipes for me
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      09-09-2014, 04:18 PM   #4
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Definitely following this thread! More interested in this tune than any other, mostly because I want to stay conservative/safe, and it's a great deal with the exact intake I wanted. Any updates/insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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      09-09-2014, 06:56 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Spieltag View Post
...no downpipes for me
I'm thinking about the Wagner Catted DP. I emailed them regarding CEL; their response was that the catted DP will not trigger a CEL.
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      09-10-2014, 09:05 AM   #6
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It's based on the same analog technology as the BMS Stage1, only instead of being set to 3.5psi as the Stage1 is, they set it to 4.5psi. BMS prefers to have CAN bus access in place for the higher boost levels so keeps those for JB4 level performance.

FWIW awhile ago BMS added the DB9 port back to their Stage1 tune so technically it can be adjusted from 0-6psi using the Stage1 interface and USB cable. So to match it up with the AFE set it to 4.5. The better solution though is to add the extra wires and JB4 box at that point.

The rest of the connections on the harness are meant for upgrading to the JB4. The idea is you just swap the box out for $150, connect the extra wires in the harness, and have a full JB4.

Mike
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      09-10-2014, 09:48 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com View Post
It's based on the same analog technology as the BMS Stage1, only instead of being set to 3.5psi as the Stage1 is, they set it to 4.5psi. BMS prefers to have CAN bus access in place for the higher boost levels so keeps those for JB4 level performance.

FWIW awhile ago BMS added the DB9 port back to their Stage1 tune so technically it can be adjusted from 0-6psi using the Stage1 interface and USB cable. So to match it up with the AFE set it to 4.5. The better solution though is to add the extra wires and JB4 box at that point.

The rest of the connections on the harness are meant for upgrading to the JB4. The idea is you just swap the box out for $150, connect the extra wires in the harness, and have a full JB4.

Mike
oh so that's why it comes with all those extra wires....
why don't they put that in their page...sigh....

so basically they manufacture 1 harness that works with everything so they don't have to guess how many people will order what...nice
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      09-10-2014, 12:29 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com View Post
It's based on the same analog technology as the BMS Stage1, only instead of being set to 3.5psi as the Stage1 is, they set it to 4.5psi. BMS prefers to have CAN bus access in place for the higher boost levels so keeps those for JB4 level performance.

FWIW awhile ago BMS added the DB9 port back to their Stage1 tune so technically it can be adjusted from 0-6psi using the Stage1 interface and USB cable. So to match it up with the AFE set it to 4.5. The better solution though is to add the extra wires and JB4 box at that point.

The rest of the connections on the harness are meant for upgrading to the JB4. The idea is you just swap the box out for $150, connect the extra wires in the harness, and have a full JB4.

Mike

When you say they use 4.5 as opposed to 3.5psi, is that the amount of boost over stock? Would you say that 4.5 is still totally safe for the engine without any other mods?
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      09-10-2014, 12:40 PM   #9
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Thanks Mike for the additional info. The BMS N55 Stage 1 kit is nice if you plan to upgrade to the Stage 2 (Full JB4). I have no intention of going that route and having just the 2 required connections makes it a bit cleaner under the hood. For those looking at getting the aFe intake also the combo deal could save them some good money as well.
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      09-10-2014, 12:44 PM   #10
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Very cool Delnari! Are you planning to do a dyno run?

As you said, if you plan on getting the aFe Momentum intake, then the package deal is a very good deal ($700 on eBay) and the intake alone is $415 on Amazon so you're getting the Scorcher module for $285, doesn't seem like a bad deal at all, depending on results of course.
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      09-10-2014, 01:22 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Delnari View Post
Thanks Mike for the additional info. The BMS N55 Stage 1 kit is nice if you plan to upgrade to the Stage 2 (Full JB4). I have no intention of going that route and having just the 2 required connections makes it a bit cleaner under the hood. For those looking at getting the aFe intake also the combo deal could save them some good money as well.
I don't really like the curve of the AFE scorcher much at all though...
Looks like tons of spikes and the flat spot from the 2nd quadrant to the 4th in HP and the drop in torque at the same time

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      09-10-2014, 04:10 PM   #12
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Will 4.5 psi be safe on 91 octane? Also does the scorcher throw tuner detection codes?
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      09-10-2014, 04:12 PM   #13
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Where did you find that dyno chart? The one I saw on the website looks like this (aFe module + aFe intake), though it's for the 335i N55 engine, they don't show the Scorcher for the M235i though Delnari confirmed with them it's the same.

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      09-10-2014, 04:30 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HX_Guy View Post
Where did you find that dyno chart? The one I saw on the website looks like this (aFe module + aFe intake), though it's for the 335i N55 engine, they don't show the Scorcher for the M235i though Delnari confirmed with them it's the same.

here .. http://www.topgearsolutions.com/afe-...-77-46304.html
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      09-10-2014, 04:44 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riccappa View Post
Will 4.5 psi be safe on 91 octane? Also does the scorcher throw tuner detection codes?
If that question is directed to me BMS doesn't suggest it. 93+ min for 4.5psi over stock.

Mike
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      09-11-2014, 05:40 AM   #16
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Mike can you clarify/walk me through programming a stage 1 to 4.5 psi. I have a stage 1. Do I need BMs USB cable and laptop for this? I have 93 octane in my state so I would think a bump to 4.5 is safe for me
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      09-11-2014, 06:12 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Delnari View Post
After trying my hand at two different tuner boxes previously on the M235i, BMS N55 Stage 1 and Dinan Stage 1, I'm now trying the aFe Scorcher Module. It connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors only like the BMS box but unlike the BMS, the aFe has only the two connections on the harness. The BMS box has additional connectors that are not used on the M235i and have to be stored out of the way.

I went with the Scorcher for its straight forward design of connections, nicely insulated harness, and small control box. Installation was straight forward with only the two connections needed requiring the engine cover removal along with disconnection of the negative battery terminal in the trunk. Verification you have put the connections on correctly are nearly idiot proof with a blue LED light on the control box that will illuminate when made properly. A little gimmic like, but hey they are selling to BMW owners

Single test drive so far and the torque delivery is very strong. Without having an actual Dyno numbers yet to show, it did break traction much easier and faster in Sport + mode. During my limited ride in manual Sport + doing 2-->3-->4 shift under full throttle I heard a change in the exhaust sound. I have the M Performance muffler and as we have seen in the videos and experience ourselves shift sound like short farts (lack of better way to describe them). With the aFe Scorcher the shift sound was louder and longer in duration. Had to do it a few times to verify it wasn't a fluke. What was a fart now sounds like a explosion out the exhaust pipes. More driving impressions needed, but it will make small children jump off the sidewalks and into the grass when it happens.

This was my first initial impression. Was lucky to score this one from EBAY for $312 (used - like new condition). aFe is running a intake/tune combo special on their site for the same setup I have (Momentum Intake and Scorcher Module) for $734 which is good deal for both items.

Great review. Just an FYI dealers like ourselves have an even stronger package deal.
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      09-11-2014, 10:34 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gsavarese View Post
Mike can you clarify/walk me through programming a stage 1 to 4.5 psi. I have a stage 1. Do I need BMs USB cable and laptop for this? I have 93 octane in my state so I would think a bump to 4.5 is safe for me
BMS thinks the AFE box is set too aggressively for the limited analog technology and doesn't suggest it unless also mixing in some race gas. But to adjust the boost just use the BMS Stage1 interface and directions on n54tech. It's similar to the N63 Stage1.

Mike
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      09-11-2014, 01:11 PM   #19
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Hmm, programming and extra cables not required to get to the same point as a plug and forget system, no thank you
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      09-11-2014, 02:15 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Delnari View Post
Hmm, programming and extra cables not required to get to the same point as a plug and forget system, no thank you
The other thing to consider is without CAN bus access you'll throw hidden mass airflow detection codes over 3.5psi. I know warranty isn't a consideration for you at this point since your VIN was reported to BMW when you went Dinan but for others its something to keep in mind.

Mike
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      09-11-2014, 03:20 PM   #21
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aFe's unit is not one you hear about about often. Would be nice if you got it on the same dyno.
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      09-11-2014, 06:48 PM   #22
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Nice information again Delnari, the scorcher does sound interesting. I ended up going the JB4 route after nixing Dinan thanks to your other thread. Mike has also been very helpful.

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