It depends what you want to tune, and whats locally available.
Power:
If you are getting a xi then I presume you will seriously limit the tunability of the car. Unless your idea of tuning is simply shoving a kompressor or turbo onto the motor to get a few hp's(like 40hp or so but not much more) more, without sacrificing longevity of motor + drive train.
Most tuners will not touch an xi, and I would be very sceptic of any tuner adding any components (from the regular RWD line) and seriously increasing the HP without any mods to the drive train, and software. Ask if he had any prior expierence with tuning an xi!
Ideally you want to test drive the product, so I would choose a relative local tuner. BEcause a turbo/kompressor, solution varies from tuner to tuner, and even though the results may be an extra 40hp for both, you will find that the change in the dynamic motion of a car will differ. So poicking the right one will be a question of purpose (drag, or Track), style, and personal prefrence (some people like a good sudden "boost", some prefer a more gradual increase over the entire RPM spectrum! I am afraid only a test drive will do!
Suspension (too often ignored):
IF you want to spend time on the track I would recommend investing in this first, before adding and motor enhancements. In the ideal world, you would want a suspension with a type of "Force DAmper Control" system (Currently available by AC Schnitzer for the M5). This system allows you to set the dampers into three different modes (street, sporet, track), all from a flick of the switch.
However unideal world, so only testing a tuners suspension solution yourself will determine the "ideal solution", However if you want you can always build in a suspension system yourself, and play around with the settings to find your own right solutions. These sytems can best be ordered form the Internet.
If the tuner installs the suspension system, make sure you have the wheels which you want to drive with already installed. I know cases of people having their cars tuned and setup, only to get new rims a few weeks later form the internet (because tuner rims are expensive) to find that their suspension setup is ruined.
To summerize; you can buy a kit from tuner A, or tuner B, however the fine art of tuning, is to setup/tune a car for your own personal needs and driving style. Whereby a kit from a renowed tuner will be good, it may not be thje best solution for you. You are much better off working together with a local company/mechanic (or even BMW dealer)who can setup and change settings for your needs. This aspect of tuning is not to be underestimated, imo.
Best tuner a = a matter of preference and probably a combination of products from different houses!
I will be heading of this weekend to the nurburgring (I live only 200km away, lucky me :p), time to give my A3 a few sessions on the track! I am so happy its summer!!!!
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