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View Full Version : Any experience with STEP transmission performance s/w?



johnrando
10-31-2011, 10:01 AM
Anyone have (or know of someone) who has installed the STEP transmission software? Next on my list of "fast enough" mods would be better/quicker shiftpoints on the STEP, in manual mode or S mode. ESS is the only software I've seen on the web that potentially addresses this. Any experience or comments? (BTW, at the price listed of $484, it's not likely I'd get this unless it went down).

http://www.beastpower.com/p/bmw/ess-steptronic/ES-SW-101-47B

Hermes
10-31-2011, 02:15 PM
Dinan makes one also, only $300. I don't think it would work for you though since you already have the AA DME software, Dinan wants you to run both of their tunes together.

http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D902-30A5-Performance-Automatic-Transmission-Software.aspx#page=4

johnrando
10-31-2011, 03:10 PM
Thanks. I did find out about that one. I actually think it's OK, as from what I've read they want their s/w so that the rev limit is raised, as w/o this, the trans s/w would be somewhat useless. The AA s/w raises the rev limit. Likely going to wait for a Dinan sale and then get this.

Smolck
01-14-2012, 04:55 PM
A friend of mine used to have an auto ZHP (an 05) and it had the Dinan software in the trans. It was very peppy and revved to 7 grand. Was it as good as a manual? No, of course not. But it was better than any step 330 I have ever driven.

danewilson77
01-14-2012, 04:57 PM
A friend of mine used to have an auto ZHP (an 05) and it had the Dinan software in the trans. It was very peppy and revved to 7 grand. Was it as good as a manual? No, of course not. But it was better than any step 330 I have ever driven.

7k? Nice.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Smolck
01-14-2012, 08:20 PM
7k? Nice.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Eh, I suppose. Just over revving IMO. Never seen a stock or close to stock ZHP or any other E46 make power past 6500rpm. Most engines with 100k miles or more will float the valves at that engine speed. I rev mine to redline anyways, but only so my next shift will put me in the "sweet spot".

johnrando
01-16-2012, 09:27 AM
Thanks. I definitely decided I'm going with the Dinan s/w based on reviews. Dinan's reputation seems to be poor bang for the buck these days but I've heard decent things about this s/w. I don't think it's night and day difference, but another small addition that continues to make the car more what I want. Just waiting for that all-elusive sale.

Hermes
01-16-2012, 11:29 AM
Let me know how it is as I've been thinking about it too

johnrando
01-16-2012, 11:33 AM
Unfortunately it might be awhile, but I will. As soon as I see it on sale I'm pulling the trigger.

Mtnman
01-16-2012, 11:33 AM
+1. Always looking for something better.

Hageee
03-18-2012, 01:43 PM
Anyone out there, with ESS / DINAN Optimized Steptronic-Software?

If Yes, please write me an PM - becouse of this:

http://www.abload.de/img/img_20110623_201511nk3q.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_20110623_201511nk3q.jpg)

Hermes
03-18-2012, 01:52 PM
^ what is that? looks like the inside of my old NES

Hageee
03-18-2012, 02:11 PM
This is the Transmission Control Unit from my XI and Your ZHP, if you have Steptronic :D

johnrando
03-19-2012, 06:29 AM
PM'd.