I didn't really know how to search the forum for this information...so any posts to old threads would be appreciated.

My question is this: I have a 2004 X50 tiptronic. Sometimes it seems quicker than other times (I know temperature etc can effect performance but this is more than I think environment could explain also I am manually shifting). I have read about the ECU "learning" your driving style. Is that just the transmission that adapts? Or does the engine management also adapt? How long does it take to "max up" your ECU, a couple of spirited accelerations, or more? Does a flashed car from UMW or others, always remain at the most powerful tune, or do they have to be driven to bring up the performace?