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      02-25-2013, 02:23 AM   #1
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LCI 320d Tuning Box vs Map vs BMW Performace

Hi all,

I have been searching the forum for the past few days, and am struggling to form an opinion based on what I have found.

I would like some more performance from my 320d 184, but do not want to invalidate my warranty/ service pack/ breakdown etc.

My normal approach to tuning a derv would be to have it mapped on a RR, however as this is now traceable, I cannot do this.

This has lead me down the route of looking at tuning boxes, DTUK etc etc. In the past I would have avoided these as all they seem to do is dump more fuel, or at best up the pressure from the turbo. But having read some reviews and done some research, the DTUK box seems fairly legitimate. Does anyone know if they have proper fuel maps pre-loaded, or do they just up the fuelling by a certain % across the rev range and up the turbo pressure.

I have also considered the BMW performance pack, but at over a grand for 15bhp, I cannot abide! I am working on getting a discount, but am not holding my breath.

I know lots of people on here have experience with these, so is there anyone out there (with technical knowledge) that can weigh in on these and give an informed opinion?

Thanks

Antony
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      02-25-2013, 02:50 AM   #2
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Personally if I'd just got my hands on a brand new E92 Sport Plus it would be the BMW Performance route every day of the week. If you've tuned before you know it's not just about the numbers.
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      02-25-2013, 02:58 AM   #3
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      02-25-2013, 06:53 AM   #4
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Thanks guys

I struggle to dissagree, it just stings a bit to spend a grand on 15bhp when I have been used to spending 300 on 50bhp and a rr session!

Is there anyone out there that can weigh in on the DTUK box?....

Last edited by Apl440i or 335d?; 02-25-2013 at 06:59 AM..
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      02-25-2013, 07:43 AM   #5
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I have the paperwork that came with my DTUK CRD-T box showing the various maps and they're definitely not just straight lines - not for the fuel or air.

In terms of value for money, mine has been superb. Cheaper than a proper map, fit in minutes and forget.
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      02-25-2013, 08:07 AM   #6
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My tuning box experiences:
330d (Auto and Manual).
PSI Tuning Box (picked up cheap from eBay)
Fuel consumption difference: negligible.
Performance difference; Seat of the pants dyno - very little unless pushed hard
Against the clock acceleration ~ 1 second quicker 0 to 70mph
I'd suggest that the torque of the big six masks any feeling of extra performance, but it is there.

Jag 2.2 diesel X-type manual
Tunit Tuning box
Much as above, but better fuel consumption.
This was fitted to my brother's car. He says it did feel quicker, but not much.
Acceleration benchmarking was quicker though.
(His benchmark is from junction of a road to hit a speed next to a lamp post - car attained 80 without the box, just over 90 with it on)

This box is currently fitted to my 115bhp Mondeo diesel rat car. (It is a similar engine with the same injection system and is compatible)
Turned up to max, it brings in engine management errors.
Turned to 50%, the acceleration and mid-range difference is phenominal. Far, far better. Little difference over 3000 rpm though.
Plus point for this car is the fuel consumption has decreased by 10mpg. A motorway run will easily see 60mpg. Running locally it will do low to mid 50's and short runs will see high 40's.

Mike
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      02-25-2013, 08:53 AM   #7
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Thanks so far guys

Barrons Farnbourough have just told me there is no BMW performance package for the 184 engine........ DUHHHHH
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      02-25-2013, 10:09 AM   #8
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They could well be talking out of the back of their necks.

There was certainly a package for my 2011 184 E91.

Unless the 'DUHHHHH' means you know they are?

Anyhoo...

Last edited by rich1068; 02-25-2013 at 10:16 AM..
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      02-25-2013, 10:41 AM   #9
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Yeah, thats what I mean ((sorry I did not mean for it to look like I was insulting anyone on here)(How to make friends and influence people!)).
I have seen several reports from people who have it for the 184 engine, its on the interweb, BUT for some reason Barrons have no idea it exists.

I will try Hook, or maybe one local to me in London....

Thanks for the help so far!
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      02-25-2013, 02:12 PM   #10
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I had the same problem - Guildford Audi said it didn't exist then I proved to them it did and they quoted me to fit it, i'll see if I can find the email. As it happens I decided not to go that route and went for the DTUK CRD-T box and the pedal box they also sell. Really pleased with them both, only ever had remaps in the past but the DTUK box is effective and every now and again I mess with the settings to change where the power comes in. Real surprise was the pedal box, the difference that makes to the feel of the car is quite impressive
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      02-25-2013, 02:24 PM   #11
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Gives Sytner Ascot a call re the performance pack thats who did mine and as far as I know there is one for the 184 engine
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      02-25-2013, 02:28 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dex78 View Post
I had the same problem - Guildford Audi said it didn't exist then I proved to them it did and they quoted me to fit it, i'll see if I can find the email. As it happens I decided not to go that route and went for the DTUK CRD-T box and the pedal box they also sell. Really pleased with them both, only ever had remaps in the past but the DTUK box is effective and every now and again I mess with the settings to change where the power comes in. Real surprise was the pedal box, the difference that makes to the feel of the car is quite impressive
Thanks for this! is yours the 184?

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Originally Posted by magic77 View Post
Gives Sytner Ascot a call re the performance pack thats who did mine and as far as I know there is one for the 184 engine
Cheers mate, I will do that.
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      02-25-2013, 02:30 PM   #13
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Yep a 184
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      02-27-2013, 05:35 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by parapaul View Post
Me

I have the paperwork that came with my DTUK CRD-T box showing the various maps and they're definitely not just straight lines - not for the fuel or air.

In terms of value for money, mine has been superb. Cheaper than a proper map, fit in minutes and forget.
I had one on my previous 320D and it was very good. No issues and same views as parapaul above

I think i'm right in saying that the CRD-T is the only tuning box that controls both the fuel and boost pressure. So if you're going for a box get this one.

What i would suggest is to buy a coding cable and some software, so after you remove the box you can delete any codes in the car, in case you need to go back to the dealer. I'm not too familiar with this but i'm sure someone else can chime in.
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      02-28-2013, 02:05 AM   #15
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If your warranty is of concern,both a map & tuning box are no go areas.

Removing both prior to a dealer visit will not remove the tell take traces left behind of their prior existence.
If it's a warranty claim,the dealers first course of action will be to plug the car in with a direct download of all the cars info to BMW DE.

The software at that end will diagnose any faults,and find any traces you're hoping it won't,unfortunately for you, it will find them!

Coding cables and software will only remove the codes,not the logs that the ECU registers when mapped or has a box fitted.

The BMW performance pack is your only real route to performance gains,and BMW's new stance regarding flagging modded cars (performance wise),is their way of getting a much bigger slice of that pot of money.
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      02-28-2013, 06:15 AM   #16
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Regarding the tuning box, would think it would be harder to trace its use by a dealer. I guess it would show increased boost pressure/fueling but would not flag as tuned the same as mapping would when plugged in. Would they even look for boost pressure etc. if not flagged as mapped? Only my ramblings on this subject, not an expert lol.
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      02-28-2013, 06:22 AM   #17
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If it does log anything with a plug in box it willbe hidden error codes(ones that dont give engine light) most likely on basis of unexpected readings as one side of ECU is giving one set of instructions but as they are changed the received are not as expected.

Nothing major but it will note variables are different
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      02-28-2013, 12:10 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hotcoupe View Post
If your warranty is of concern,both a map & tuning box are no go areas.

Removing both prior to a dealer visit will not remove the tell take traces left behind of their prior existence.
If it's a warranty claim,the dealers first course of action will be to plug the car in with a direct download of all the cars info to BMW DE.

The software at that end will diagnose any faults,and find any traces you're hoping it won't,unfortunately for you, it will find them!

Coding cables and software will only remove the codes,not the logs that the ECU registers when mapped or has a box fitted.

The BMW performance pack is your only real route to performance gains,and BMW's new stance regarding flagging modded cars (performance wise),is their way of getting a much bigger slice of that pot of money.
Buggerit! Maybe I should just have done with it and buy a e93 330d. I would have to change my screen name tho!
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      03-01-2013, 04:29 AM   #19
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I'm going through the same thought process at the moment. 184 320d with manu warranty til September and service pack to Sept 15.

Have had remaps on previous cars and been really impressed so wanting to do something on the BMW. Spoken to some mappers, other tuning box people and a really good chat with the guys at DTUK yesterday. Can't fault the information, service and research they do. I'm 99% going down that route next week.
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      03-01-2013, 06:43 AM   #20
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Sell it and get an older 335D. Thats what i did
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      03-01-2013, 10:03 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mob17 View Post
Sell it and get an older 335D. Thats what i did
I could quite easily do this, just not shore I could look myself in the mirror if I sold a car I had only owned for 8 months from brand new.....

If I do it, I will be doing it for the 330d drop top.

However, I do love the 320d for its mixture of performance, looks and economy. I think..... I am going to go with the DTUK CRTD and see how I get on...... The I also want the BMW twin tail pipe pack box..... and a carbon splitter..... and maybe the BMW lowering kit..... Only then, having sunk ££££'s of pounds into it will I sell the 320d posting a loss in the same league as Lloyds TSB for 2012.
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      03-01-2013, 10:39 AM   #22
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Haha thats what happens all the time! But all good fun.
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