Anyone have the ESS SMG software upgrade done?

[built240]

A guy in my local shop just got it done to his M6 says it makes a world of diff. Shifts much faster, no lag,etc... I paid $200 to have BMW upgrade my smg software a while back and didnt notice a thing from it. Apparently ESS's upgrade is different. Anyone think its worth it? Could it possibly wear the tranny at all?
S85 SMG Transmission Software - ESS Tuning | BMW Tuning Parts | BMW Racing, Tuning, Aftermarket, Performance Parts | Engine Power Chips | Performance Upgrades Chip

[Hasan Shaikh]

I have the Manhart Racing SMG software, and it really makes a big difference.

[built240]

Hmmmmm so no power increase obviously but how about improvement on 1/4mile times 60mph-130mph, top end shifts,etc....

Will it wear the smg tranny at all?

[Hasan Shaikh]

Originally Posted by built240

Hmmmmm so no power increase obviously but how about improvement on 1/4mile times 60mph-130mph, top end shifts,etc....

Will it wear the smg tranny at all?

It should improve your 1/4 mile times. The shifting is faster at all RPMs.

It would put more stress on your SMG pump and reduce some of the wear on your clutch.

[built240]

Hmmmmm well my NAC warranty covers the pump but the clutch is not always covered. This may be a good option now that I think about it. How is low end driving? Like around town?

[KennethH]

I have the ESS SMG Tune on my M5, but I also had the VT2-650 installed at the same time, so it's difficult to say about the shifting time and lag, since it has almost 200 chp more to handle now.
However I can say something about the everyday performance and it's at least not worse than stock (euro spec). From what I have been told, this software is only a minor upgrade compared to late versions of BMWs stock euro spec software.
As I see it, there are a few ways to re-program it to shift quicker and all of them will result in more wear and tear. Either you do the physical gear shifts faster, using higher hydraulic pressure. Or allowing shifts at higher engine power output. Or do the clutch engagement/disengagement movement quicker, using higher hydraulic pressure. Or a combination of the three.

Edit: Less shifting time/quicker and more brutal shifts, WILL wear the components quicker. No doubt about that! One simple way of putting it, is that you have a given (fixed) amout of energy beeing transferred through the drivetrain when shifting. Transferring that energy in less time, will result in higher peak stress value AND higher peak temperature in the clutch (same amount of energy, but less time to absorb it evenly and to cool the surface). And we have seen evidence on the forum, showing that the stock cluch gets worn and damaged from high temperatures. Poor clutch function have been seen, even if it's not very worn down. Burn marks and spot oxidisation have been the cause of this. And they come from too high temperatures. Slipping the clutch at WOT and 4k rpm is no good either (as when using LC).

[built240]

^^^^ Hmmmm seems our clutches and pumps are so poorly built this has me reconsidering. Thank you.

[guess55]

we know there is a spec clutch and for hydraulic bump whoelse is making it other than oem one?

[irishbimmer]

I may be incorrect but I believe there are later iterations available at EAS in Anaheim-the other upgrade used to require sending in your unit and being without the car for quite some time. Software downloaded on site-30 minutes maybe at EAS and you get launch control euro spec.

I don't use it-but my car is running beautifully!

[Manhart Racing]

Hey Hasan, first of all i would like to thank you for the nice post

Since we are an official Vendor here i allow myself to post something about the MHR ECU/SMG Upgrade.

Currently we have a special offer going on where we are upgrading the SMG Software with the MHR Software vor the V10's "Free of Charge" in case somebody purchases a Manhart Racing ECU Software.

FYI, we do both jobs simply via OBDII