Tech Tip: BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus

The Problem: Since 2006, there has been a significant increase in various driveability issues due to excessive carbon deposits in engine combustion chambers on intake valves and fuel injectors. These problems are especially apparent on any performance vehicle including all BMW or MINI vehicles in the North American market with a greater level of poor gasoline quality. The solution by BMW North America is regular use of Fuel System Cleaner Plus with  Techron fuel system cleaner.  This product not only cleans restrictive deposits from the fuel system but also protects the fuel gauge from future malfunction by coating all metal surfaces of the system.

Combustion chamber deposit formation is a by-product of the gasoline burning process. This is especially problematic in any vehicle that is driven under severe conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, high ambient temperatures, higher altitudes, and short "start and stop" distance driving. Most common problems experienced include:

• Hesitation during acceleration or loss of power
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Poor driveability and rough idle
• Knocking, pinging, and engine idle surges
• Increased emissions

The Solution: Often times running gas that causes these problems cannot be avoided, but cleaning your fuel system is as easy as adding one bottle of Fuel System Cleaner Plus with  Techron before filling up about every 3000-5000 miles.  One bottle treats up to 20 gallons of fuel and is proven to clean deposits on fuel injectors, ports, and intake valves while causing absolutely no harm to catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, or any mechanical components of the engine or fuel delivery system. While it is true that this additive is not as effective in a turbo charged vehicle with direct injection since it doesn't help clean the intake valves, it still removes deposits from the fuel injectors that restrict normal performance.

BMP Part Number 65740

BMW Part # 82 14 0 413 341

BMW Shock and Strut Removal Socket

Over time, the ride and handling of your vehicle degrades from normal wear and tear on your struts and shocks. Our local service shop regularly replaces several struts and rear shocks on E36 and E46 3-Series BMWs as well as E34 and E39 5-Series BMWs from this type of wear. Routine replacement of these parts is the only way to keep your BMW at its original performance level, and is an excellent way to upgrade your suspension if you are looking for a sportier feel. BMW struts and shocks are simple to replace, but require a proper torque and tightening procedure for the lock nut to avoid damaging or breaking the delicate mounting stud.

Past practice has typically been to use a high speed impact gun to lock down shock center nuts, unfortunately spinning the internal shock components or applying an uneven weight could cause damage to the piston inside the shock.  Improper tightening of the lock nut may also result in breaking of the fragile upper shock center stud. Neither of these conditions would be covered by any manufacturers warranty.

BMP is proud to announce a new tool that makes strut and shock replacement easy and safe with no additional special tools required.  Any 1/2" drive socket wrench and appropriate allen wrench will work with our new Strut Removal Socket.  The factory upper front strut nut is typically 21mm, while most replacement struts or performance struts use a 22mm nut size.  We recommend the 2 piece kit for proper removal and installation of any replacement shock or strut on your model BMW.

21mm socket (Part Number 133128)

22mm socket (Part Number 33129)

Combination 21mm and 22mm socket kit (Part Number 33127)

We recommend replacing strut tower mounts at the time of strut replacement as they wear out with the struts.

SprintBooster Power Converter: Getting the most out of your Drive-By-Wire BMW

SprintBooster with selector attached

I love driving my 335i. I love pushing the accelerator and soaring across lanes of traffic, cutting corners hard, and watching the speedometer crank up as the turbos spool. I love not hearing the road, feeling secure in my leather seats, and knowing that if something comes up I can safely stop in time.  The BMW e90 is fast, nimble, and always a pleasure to drive except for one little thing: take off acceleration. I would typically notice at a stoplight or when pulling out of a parking lot that there was a delay in reaction. Pressing the accelerator gently with little to no response, I would press it firmer and it would suddenly take off.  Like any vehicle with an electronic drive-by-wire design, newer BMW and Mini accelerators will have this effect.  I never really thought anything of it, just the side effect of driving a newer car, until I was introduced to the SprintBooster Power Converter.

and simply plug in the connectors

Remove this screw

I had seen the SprintBooster before and not really thought much of it, honestly how big of a difference could a fraction of a second really make?  The technology seems to make sense, increase the accelerator signal and reduce the delay, but is it a difference you can "feel to believe?"  Their model SBDD401A fits all BMW 128i, 135i, 325i, 328i, 330i and 335i automatic variants from 2001 to 2010 as well as theZ4 models. I grabbed one off the shelf and quickly installed it, the only tool required was a small allen wrench to remove the one bolt holding my pedal to the floor.  With a few quick clips of the connector, we were done.  The selector is also very easy to use and I enjoy being able to apply a setting then remove it, however, for this test I left it connected to cycle through the different setting to see how noticeable the differences were.

Of course, the first thing I did was put the setting on "Stage 2" for maximum acceleration and shot out of the BMP Design parking lot pinned to my seat.  There was definitely a difference and I could feel it.  I shot around town for a bit playing heavily with the accelerator and the response was incredible.  I could squeal my tires every time I took off, something that hardly happened before installing the Sprintbooster Power Converter.  After messing around with that for awhile I tried the green "Stage 1" selection to see what kind of difference that would make, the response was definitely improved, but not as drastic as the red "Stage 2" selection.  Scooting around town was more pleasant and the accelerator was much more natural and comfortable feeling in parking lots, taking off from red lights, and most of my daily driving routine.

Since the traffic was very light and I had a few nice open stretches of roadway to play in, I decided to see if there was a difference in DS mode or with higher gears.  I always kind of thought that the accelerator was more responsive in sport mode, but had no idea what it was actually capable of until the SprintBoost Power Converter was active.  I could still feel the difference and it was definitely noticeable.  After 4th gear, the difference in response kind of falls off, but when dropping down for acceleration to pass there is still a faster response time than before installing the power converter.  I'm sure in a more technical evaluation where time is measured before and after engaging the SprintBooster, a heavily modified car would have a marked difference with this installed in times.  I never thought such a noticeable performance increase could be so easily and quickly achieved.

The SprintBooster Power Converter is a huge success and I believe that any drive-by-wire vehicle should have one installed, the difference is certainly there and it is incredibly pleasant.  On the Stage 1 setting, daily driving has a natural and confident feel while also feeling very sporty and fun.  Stage 2 is a lot of fun when showing off the awesome power and handling of a well tuned high performance car like the 335i.  Any level of automotive experience will find the installation very quick and easy with minimal tools required.  I'm not sure why auto manufacturers aren't using this technology already in their electronic accelerators, but I know Sprintbooster certainly has the tuning down perfectly. I could feel the difference and am now I am a believer and user of this great product.  I would highly recommend it to anyone with a newer BMW to unlock the full potential of the ultimate driving experience.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me anytime.

-Phillip Wilmeth

BMP Design Now Carrying VMR Wheels for BMW!

We are excited to announce a new product line that we are offering: Wheels!  After studying the wheel offerings in the aftermarket, we were attracted to VMR's quality of manufacturing, wide selection of finishes and styles, and very reasonable pricing.  Every VMR wheel is designed and manufactured under close quality control restrictions and meet or exceed industry regulations at an ISO-9001:2000 approved facility.  As many enthusiasts know, VMR is very involved in the performance community, having combined their style to meet the demands of top gear speed enthusiasts while maintaining a style that is sleek and appealing to the high end european automotive market.




VMR wheels are designed to fit just like original factory alloy wheels.  All the VMR wheels that we carry are machined to 72.6mm or 74mm depending on vehicle specifications to provide optimal fitment.  The center cap opening is also machined with a "BMW cut" to perfectly fit stock BMW center caps providing a stock feel to a customized look.  All of our wheel options from VMR are also proven optimized offsets for a safe, no problem bolt-up that gives an aggressive custom fit look.  All wheel styles are available in a standard square set up if you want to upgrade your wheels or get away from a staggered set up, or the better handling and sportier style of a wider back tire in a staggered set up.  Please call if you have any questions about fitment or for tire options.

Check out our new line-up!

V703 - The classic CSL style wheel.
 

VMR Wheels Model V703 features an aggressive mesh design without losing the factory styling. The VMR Wheels V703 is engineered to be lighter in weight as well as higher load rating, than most factory wheels. Featured on enthusiast forums such as E46 fanatics and E90 post.

V710 - 7 split spoke mesh wheel.
 
 The VMR Wheels V710 is a 7 split spoke mesh wheel with a deep concave face.  A wider more robust spoke design that stands out with an elegant curve from the recessed center to the lip.  This is one of my favorites, and is available in the most sizes including 11" widths designed specifically for E90 and E92 M3s.

V701 - Straight spoke concave

The straight spoke look has always been a great way to add style to your car while still keeping a simple, clean look.  Looks great on all types of vehicles in all configurations as one of the most versatile styles on the market.

V718 - Classic mesh design

The classic mesh design popular on high end european vehicles with a more modern style and fitment.  Minor adjustments and tweaks make this wheel unique yet familiar and available in several finishes to compliment the style of your own high end european car.

V713 - V spoke




Another one of my favorites, this design has a sharp look that is unique without being over-complicated.  It has sleek and elegant lines with an aggressive concave center.  I think this wheel in any finish will add a fun, sporty look to any BMW.

Please give us a call if you have any questions about your vehicle or this great new line of wheels, our product pages are constantly being updated to include as many packages on as many vehicles as possible but if you don't see your set up on there, I would love to figure it out for you.