[cholmes1]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to diesels, but love my 335d and know based on this forum that people are squeezing amazing numbers out of these little engines. My curiosity comes from these 'chip' modifications or tuners?

I have spoken to several tuners directly and all but one (Dinan) said that they have or are producing a chip that ramps up the hp/tq but does not effect the fuel efficiency!? How is this possible?

I have searched for this question for a day or two to prevent a re-post, but cannot find anything. Common sense from tuning gasoline powered engines says that this is impossible; more power = more fuel = less efficient.

Is there something about diesels that I have completely missed or is everyone blowing smoke for the sake of marketing? My only thought would be that it has something to do with throttle position and as long as you don't have the accelerator passed say 75% the car operates as normal? Again, just a thought...Any ideas??

Thanks for any and all help.

[chancejat]

Youll only use more fuel when you accelerate hard, just normal driving will result in the same fuel economy.

[Boost Gomez]

Originally Posted by chancejat

Youll only use more fuel when you accelerate hard, just normal driving will result in the same fuel economy.

This.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Driving around town will result in similar gas mileage.

Going wide open throttle, different story. But then again, who cares about gas mileage at Wide open throttle?

Most people who have experienced gas mileage to be worse with a chip/tune is because they tend to be wanting the need for more power and feeling the power so they start getting a lead foot.

I recall some tunes actually increasing gas mileage around town.

[vasillalov]

Diesel engines are quite a bit different from the petrol engines for several reasons. One of the most important differences is that diesel is a very slow burning fuel compared to petrol. In most diesel engines, and especially the direct injection ones diesel continues to be injected into the combustion chamber even during the down stroke of the piston long after ignition has occurred. Because diesel burns so much slower compared to petrol engines, achieving higher efficiency from the burn cycle is VERY important.

It is possible to modify and tune the engine in order to achieve more power and torque and at the same time achieve higher fuel economy. It all boils down to how efficient can you make the diesel engine.

One of the most important mods for a turbo diesel is the intercooler. The bigger the intercooler, the cooler and denser the intake charge will be. Denser charge means more oxygen per unit volume which in turn creates a more efficient burn inside of the combustion chamber.

Do not be scared to modify your 335d. Chances are you will turn it into a torque monster and improve or at least maintain the current fuel economy!

[cholmes1]

Thanks for all of the info. I am posing the same question to the European forum, but based on these responses a consistent driving style and a better intercooler and I would be in as good or better shape.

Any recommendations on chips or the intercooler? Don't want to stress out the transmission.

[vasillalov]

Originally Posted by cholmes1

Thanks for all of the info. I am posing the same question to the European forum, but based on these responses a consistent driving style and a better intercooler and I would be in as good or better shape.

Any recommendations on chips or the intercooler? Don't want to stress out the transmission.

I would wait a little bit. The 335d is a relatively new engine for the North American market and the tuning companies have not had a chance to dig into it deep enough. However, there are already products for the 335d that you can buy right now.

Here is a software upgrade for your ECU made by a highly reputable BMW tuner:

http://www.esstuning.com/products/x3...-Software.html

Also, Burgertuning is working/experimenting on a diesel version of their JB3 piggyback unit.

Intercoolers would be rather easy to make.

I predict that within 1-2 years we will definitely see a big surge in performance products for the 335d engines here in the USA market. We are not too far from a point where well tuned 335ds will be on par with well tuned N54 engines.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

The JBD is coming out in a few weeks. Solid gains and easy to install/remove. Mileage is generally not impacted but some do see a slight improvement during cruise.

Mike

[nicks3]

I mapped my first 335d (DMS Automotive) here in the Uk and never had any issues at all over 25,000 miles. The figures were 345bhp and 535lbft. I have just had the same map on my new 335d!!!! They are awesome with this done, torque is amazing and there are not many cars that can live with them day to day, in fact I havent found anything that can beat it yet.

[FLA 335]

Originally Posted by Boost Gomez

This.

you have one SICK line up my friend..!!!

[BrianMN]

I had a Chevy Silverado w/a Duramax diesel...one of my favorite vehicles ever.

With turbo diesels (especially in heavy duty truck form) you can really crank up the boost and fuel and never have to worry about blowing internals or reducing engine life. Stock, they have super high compression and the needed strength to allow them to chug for 300k miles.

My personal experiences were as follows (Granted, it was a HD Truck)

06 Duramax LLZ stock power: 360hp, 650tq
Edge Juice/attitude Programmer
Jardine Exhaust
KN Intake

Boost was able to be raised (safely) to 33psi.
With these simple, and rather inexpensive mods, I was able to have 610hp and 900lb/ft tq. A 250hp/250tq increase.


Basically, I think these diesels have a ton of potential that so far underrated. I'd like to see some tuners and even race teams go all out on building a crazy fast 335d.

[Ron1n]

Take it from someone that has the tune from BMS that Mike mentioned right now, that my gas mileage has not been impacted, and to the contrary, I've seen an improvement (considering the way I've been driving with the tune, my gas mileage hasn't suffered).

There are 2 other companies that have tunes available: DTUK (2) and VAC (1).

Originally Posted by vasillalov

Here is a software upgrade for your ECU made by a highly reputable BMW tuner:

http://www.esstuning.com/products/x3...-Software.html

If you're going to toss up a tune for a car, at least make sure it's for the US Spec d, rather than the explicitly stated 286HP (EU) version of the car:

Application intended for: BMW E90 E91 E92 E60 E61 E70 E71 335d 535d X5 X6 X-Drive35d 286hp version from 2006 2007 2008 2009

[cholmes1]

Originally Posted by Ron1n

Take it from someone that has the tune from BMS that Mike mentioned right now, that my gas mileage has not been impacted, and to the contrary, I've seen an improvement (considering the way I've been driving with the tune, my gas mileage hasn't suffered).

There are 2 other companies that have tunes available: DTUK (2) and VAC (1).




If you're going to toss up a tune for a car, at least make sure it's for the US Spec d, rather than the explicitly stated 286HP (EU) version of the car:

Application intended for: BMW E90 E91 E92 E60 E61 E70 E71 335d 535d X5 X6 X-Drive35d 286hp version from 2006 2007 2008 2009

Really great information everyone. Thanks for your time...I know a tune and intercooler seems like a small endeavor. However I want my car to last, but also wouldn't mind tearing up the tarmac along the way.

Anyway, is this the group you and Mike are referring to
( http://www.dmsautomotive.com/ )
they appear to have a similar issue as the ESS you criticized above. I don't see any indication that they have a US version. The 335d they have on their site only states 286HP. Could someone provide me to a link or direct me towards the forum member that would have the contacts for US Distribution and installation?

I have searched our forum and google and keep only finding reviews or people with other BMS parts (DP, O2 deletes, etc)

Thanks again

[OC 335i]

How easy is the dms tune to install and also remove for dealer visits?

[AltecBX]

Originally Posted by vasillalov

Also, Burgertuning is working/experimenting on a diesel version of their JB3 piggyback unit.

I think is more of a JB+ than a JB3. It'll be much easier to install than a JB3 as it'll take a few minutes to remove and install.

[OC 335i]

Originally Posted by AltecBX

I think is more of a JB+ than a JB3. It'll be much easier to install than a JB3 as it'll take a few minutes to remove and install.

You have a link to the remove/install instructions?

[AltecBX]

Originally Posted by OC 335i

You have a link to the remove/install instructions?

Terry mentioned it on the other site.

[Ron1n]

It's a 5 minute install/removal.

1. Unscrew 4 screws off the top of the cowel
2. Lift the cowel up
3. Unplug the ECU
4. Plug in the JBD into the ECU
5. Plug the ECU cable into the other plug on the JBD
6. Put it somewhere safe and sturdy
7. Put 4 screws back in on cowel

It's that simple.

Also, it's not DMS, it's BMS (http://www.burgertuning.com).

More specifically, this is the thread you're interested in:

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5571

[Alanneal]

I had my 320d remapped by alientech. I chose a power map and it's the best thing I have ever done. Same mpg and around 200bhp and the car feels so much smoother! I would recomend a remap on a BMW diesel to anyone done 25000 miles since and car hasn't missed a beat.

[dd1981]

Originally Posted by cholmes1

Thanks for all of the info. I am posing the same question to the European forum, but based on these responses a consistent driving style and a better intercooler and I would be in as good or better shape.

Any recommendations on chips or the intercooler? Don't want to stress out the transmission.

Im curious about all this info as well, I will be joining the diesel community very soon. I just have to find it lol not the most common car out there.

I posted up on here and alot of people reccomend the JBD tuner. Its fully adjustable and cheaper than the european competitors.