320d (177) Tuning? - Page 3 - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

david.rowlands · 05-19-2008, 03:48 AM

Hi thinking of a tuning box for my 177, does anyone know if this item can be removed for a service so that bmw don't comment on it on the service page, is the car's smoothness taken away by these tuning boxes, does the extra power make much difference to the 0-60 time? has anybody seen any figures? any help woud be great cheers

jjbirch · 05-19-2008, 04:26 AM

i think your worrying about this a bit much a tuning box takes the turbo lag out like when your in second and 3rd its a little pause then bang on comes the power smoothness is still, but what i can see the tuning is a self install and you will have to plug it in, so it must be easy to take out, whats the worst that could happen you dont like it so take it out,

gIzzE · 05-19-2008, 09:33 AM

Takes 2 minutes to install/take out, and will knock about a second off the 0-60mph time.

david.rowlands · 05-19-2008, 10:14 AM

Hi thanks for the replies, I know i'm worried i had a 330i e46 before and did all sorts to it but this time i'm on a 2 year pcp so need the car to go back exactly how it was, thanks for the info tho

Carrera RSR · 05-20-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david.rowlands

Hi thinking of a tuning box for my 177, does anyone know if this item can be removed for a service so that bmw don't comment on it on the service page, is the car's smoothness taken away by these tuning boxes, does the extra power make much difference to the 0-60 time? has anybody seen any figures? any help woud be great cheers

As advised by a mate who is a BMW service manager, don't leave a plug in tuning box attached during a service. Their service computer will spot it. If there is any problems with the engine in the future, tuning box related or not, BMW could refuse to repair/replace under warranty. Once the box is removed the service computer will never know it was there. As it takes two minutes to remove the engine cover and plug in or out it makes sense to remove it.

gr4z · 05-20-2008, 05:10 PM

I have read through many posts about these tuning boxes. Can anyone recommend the Spider box over P-Tronic? Spider is available for £300, P-Tronic is ~£450 (with the 15% discount) but gives more BHP - apparently.

Just wondered what you guys would recommend?

Carrera RSR · 05-20-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr4z

I have read through many posts about these tuning boxes. Can anyone recommend the Spider box over P-Tronic? Spider is available for £300, P-Tronic is ~£450 (with the 15% discount) but gives more BHP - apparently.

Just wondered what you guys would recommend?

Second that request as well. I'd like a new box for my new 177bhp 320d.

I have a cheap 50 quid off ebay box off my old 163bhp going spare. Improved torque and acceleration. Make me an offer + postage and its yours.

gIzzE · 05-22-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

Once the box is removed the service computer will never know it was there.

I would disagree with that, the ecu will log all sorts of things that shout 'tuning box', but proving it is very hard.

Hotcoupe · 05-22-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

gIzzE Quote:
Originally Posted by carrerarsr
Once the box is removed the service computer will never know it was there.

I would disagree with that, the ecu will log all sorts of things that shout 'tuning box', but proving it is very hard.

I'd agree with gizze on this, you may well take the box out, but a trail will be left behind.

Just say NO.

CrimsonRedE93 · 05-22-2008, 03:21 PM

What was that page part of Hot ??

gr4z · 05-22-2008, 03:30 PM

So are we saying that having a tuning box is detectable by the dealers?

Hotcoupe · 05-22-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

CrimsonRedE93 What was that page part of Hot ??

DME readout, NOT mine.

Quote:

gr4z So are we saying that having a tuning box is detectable by the dealers?

Give them a reason to go looking and yes.

But of course you would'nt dream of leaving a box in when you went to a dealers, would you, any more than you would know what the hell they were talking about, when they questioned the readings that may or may not appear on any printout.

After all, you just point and press the accelerator

beemerbird · 05-22-2008, 03:54 PM

Just remember gr4z, denial is very EASY over the phone. Much harder face to face. Do you play poker by any chance?

gr4z · 05-22-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beemerbird

Just remember gr4z, denial is very EASY over the phone. Much harder face to face. Do you play poker by any chance?

Thanks chaps put my mind at rest. Had a go at Texas Hold 'em on the Xbox once!

smiffy335 · 05-23-2008, 01:59 AM

Maybe its worth a trip to your local indie to reset the fault codes before having a service. If anything was wrong with the car, it would flag up soon after having them reset.

On another note, I read on another M3 forum that the dealer can read how many revs, how hot the oil has got, how fast the car has gone, how much fuel its used, how many launch controls it's done. etc, etc

Scary stuff

steve-p · 05-23-2008, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiffy335

On another note, I read on another M3 forum that the dealer can read how many revs, how hot the oil has got, how fast the car has gone, how much fuel its used, how many launch controls it's done. etc, etc

I wouldn't be at all surprised as Porsche record revs and other timestamped usage data. Since memory is so cheap nowadays I expect a lot of cars record that info.

dxb335d · 05-23-2008, 06:24 AM

Im getting a 320d loaner very shortly. Anyone want to meet to let me try out there box???

jjbirch · 05-23-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Im getting a 320d loaner very shortly. Anyone want to meet to let me try out there box???

you downsizing carl lol hope you give it the beans which one you getting 163 or 177

330cdsport · 05-23-2008, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Im getting a 320d loaner very shortly. Anyone want to meet to let me try out there box???

Don't forget to let us all know the reg of it - so that we can avoid it as a used buy.

jjbirch · 05-23-2008, 08:22 AM

yea lol he will do 4 burnouts in it on the first day lol

gr4z · 05-23-2008, 08:26 AM

Well I ordered a Spider box yesterday. I have done 3k miles in my 320d since buying it new and have never done any ECU tuning or bought a box before so I will report back when I get it. Here's hoping for delivery tomorrow so I can try out over the BH weekend

Although with all the rain forecast lets hope I don't get too much wheel spin

dxb335d · 05-23-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjbirch

you downsizing carl lol hope you give it the beans which one you getting 163 or 177

Not sure mate, would imagine a newish one so prob a 177!! I really want to try a box on it for sure

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330cdsport

Don't forget to let us all know the reg of it - so that we can avoid it as a used buy.

Of course mate¬!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjbirch

yea lol he will do 4 burnouts in it on the first day lol

It would be rude not too

(PS, my smilies aint working?

)

05-19-2008, 03:48 AM	#45
david.rowlands Enlisted Member Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Wales , UK Posts: 31 iTrader: (0)	tuning box worries Hi thinking of a tuning box for my 177, does anyone know if this item can be removed for a service so that bmw don't comment on it on the service page, is the car's smoothness taken away by these tuning boxes, does the extra power make much difference to the 0-60 time? has anybody seen any figures? any help woud be great cheers

05-19-2008, 10:14 AM	#48
david.rowlands Enlisted Member Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Wales , UK Posts: 31 iTrader: (0)	thanks! Hi thanks for the replies, I know i'm worried i had a 330i e46 before and did all sorts to it but this time i'm on a 2 year pcp so need the car to go back exactly how it was, thanks for the info tho

05-23-2008, 06:24 AM	#61
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist Drives: E46 M3 Tiag/Imola Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' Posts: 28,965 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 [3.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [2.75]	Im getting a 320d loaner very shortly. Anyone want to meet to let me try out there box??? __________________

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

05-19-2008, 04:26 AM	#46
jjbirch Banned Drives: E60 530D M SPORT Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: england Posts: 2,927 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 320d m sport [0.00]	i think your worrying about this a bit much a tuning box takes the turbo lag out like when your in second and 3rd its a little pause then bang on comes the power smoothness is still, but what i can see the tuning is a self install and you will have to plug it in, so it must be easy to take out, whats the worst that could happen you dont like it so take it out,

05-19-2008, 09:33 AM	#47
gIzzE Brigadier General Drives: E350 cdi Estate. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. Posts: 4,642 iTrader: (2)	Takes 2 minutes to install/take out, and will knock about a second off the 0-60mph time.

05-20-2008, 05:10 PM	#50
gr4z Second Lieutenant Drives: Nothing...borrow then buy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lincs Posts: 246 iTrader: (0)	I have read through many posts about these tuning boxes. Can anyone recommend the Spider box over P-Tronic? Spider is available for £300, P-Tronic is ~£450 (with the 15% discount) but gives more BHP - apparently. Just wondered what you guys would recommend?

05-22-2008, 03:21 PM	#54
CrimsonRedE93 Major Drives: Le Mans Blue E93 330d+ Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Sussex Posts: 1,085 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 320I SE [0.00]	What was that page part of Hot ??

05-22-2008, 03:30 PM	#55
gr4z Second Lieutenant Drives: Nothing...borrow then buy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lincs Posts: 246 iTrader: (0)	So are we saying that having a tuning box is detectable by the dealers?

05-22-2008, 03:54 PM	#57
beemerbird Major General Drives: Terrier TTRS Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 7,953 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 TTRS [4.50] 2007 Audi S5 [0.00] May 2007 Porsche 99 ... [0.00] March 2007 Porsche ... [0.00] Sep. 2007 E92 335d SE [0.00] July 2006 E90 330i ... [0.00]	Just remember gr4z, denial is very EASY over the phone. Much harder face to face. Do you play poker by any chance?

05-23-2008, 01:59 AM	#59
smiffy335 Private Drives: 335d Coupe. Stock no more! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newcastle Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	Maybe its worth a trip to your local indie to reset the fault codes before having a service. If anything was wrong with the car, it would flag up soon after having them reset. On another note, I read on another M3 forum that the dealer can read how many revs, how hot the oil has got, how fast the car has gone, how much fuel its used, how many launch controls it's done. etc, etc Scary stuff

05-23-2008, 08:22 AM	#64
jjbirch Banned Drives: E60 530D M SPORT Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: england Posts: 2,927 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 320d m sport [0.00]	yea lol he will do 4 burnouts in it on the first day lol

05-23-2008, 08:26 AM	#65
gr4z Second Lieutenant Drives: Nothing...borrow then buy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lincs Posts: 246 iTrader: (0)	Well I ordered a Spider box yesterday. I have done 3k miles in my 320d since buying it new and have never done any ECU tuning or bought a box before so I will report back when I get it. Here's hoping for delivery tomorrow so I can try out over the BH weekend Although with all the rain forecast lets hope I don't get too much wheel spin