[flea333]

Anybody have experience in installing a mod chip to increase HP? I was told a BMW dealer will bring my 328 from 230hp to 270hp for $1500. Then I looked online and found this chip with claims of better mpg and hp for $70.

http://www.performancechipsdirect.com/BMW/3-Series-2Dr/

[Juan.sidarta]

Please use the search button. But there are only a few 'chip' options, and no they are not 70 dollars. You can either go for the PBX powerbox, which remaps throttle and they claim a 10hp/10lb torq increase. But I doubt its that much. Which goes for about 250 new.

Or

The AA tune. Which some members claimed that its much better and smoother. Which I think goes for about 400. Correct me if I am wrong on the pricing. And the Dyno gains are about 10-15hp.

Or finally the OE tune. Which is the Gintani tune. Which is the most expensive because you need your own reflashing module. Approx 900 together. And neither of these tunes give u more than 15hp at max. If your looking for a 300 hp vehicle, go for a 335i.

The best you can do is do a manifold swap+ tune. Search in the forums for it. GL

[flea333]

So you're saying that website is selling a bogus product?

[Mimio]

Looks kinda fishy. Someone telling you that the dealer can add 40hp sounds a little off too.

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by flea333

So you're saying that website is selling a bogus product?

I wouldn't say so. They seem to make such chips for all kinds of cars by altering MAF signals, seems to me a legit way to chip an NA car. I would do a research on the reviews by the users first.

[dtc100]

Just did a quick Google scan, so far had not read one user's review and feeback, besides it requires you to cut a few MAF wires, I wouldn't do it.

[Mimio]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...highlight=volo

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by Mimio

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...highlight=volo

That is the single dyno report I found also but I did not think it was conclusive because those chips ususally have two dials, one for fuel economy, one for performance. It was not clear to me which dial he set it on when he did the dyno test. If he was on the "econo" dial it could easily have a slightly lower power output.

The problem I have with such chips is no one wanted to try it, so I would also stay away from them.

[SV Concepts III]

If you are looking for a software upgrade, I suggest the BMS Power Box, it's one of the best off the shelf options for the car.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by flea333

Anybody have experience in installing a mod chip to increase HP? I was told a BMW dealer will bring my 328 from 230hp to 270hp for $1500. Then I looked online and found this chip with claims of better mpg and hp for $70.

http://www.performancechipsdirect.com/BMW/3-Series-2Dr/

Absolute bullshit. Don't fall for it like I almost did 2 years ago. Did you notice all the "chips" look the same? Go for BMS Powerbox like Nick suggested, or search for Active Autowerke tune. Either one will not produce gains like that. To get anything more than 15 HP or so, you're talking header swaps and other invasive upgrades.

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by SDeFranco1

Absolute bullshit. Don't fall for it like I almost did 2 years ago. Did you notice all the "chips" look the same? Go for BMS Powerbox like Nick suggested, or search for Active Autowerke tune. Either one will not produce gains like that. To get anything more than 15 HP or so, you're talking header swaps and other invasive upgrades.

They never claimed more than 15 hp gain, the "up to 50 hp" was a general marketing bluff for all the NA brands I agree, and I am not trying to defend them, but it is not as if they are claiming their chip for the BMW 3er coupe will gain 50 hp.

On the other hand, altering the MAF signal can certainly change the A/F ratio and change the power delivery. But the fact there is no user review of the benefit of such chip is a call for staying away from it.

[Das.Euro]

LOL wow.. Altering the MAF signal does nada..

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by Das.Euro

LOL wow.. Altering the MAF signal does nada..

By your logic, it is the same as saying, "MAF signal does nada..."

[Das.Euro]

The o2 sensor is king and MAF is the peasant

[dtc100]

Originally Posted by Das.Euro

The o2 sensor is king and MAF is the peasant

That I don't disagree. I just don't think MAF does nada. I think it does something very important, only that it is difficult to modify.

[flea333]

Hmm. Thanks for the help folks. Look like I'll just have to upgrade to a 335 in a couple years. I'm just not impressed with the hesitation I get when stepping on the pedal. Not sure why it takes a good half second to figure out when to start the engine.

[mike-y]

what you might be experiencing is the lousy throttle mapping that bmw programs into the drive by wire system. Is your car an automatic? it seems to be noticeably worse on the automatic cars.

The PBX remaps the throttle and makes the car much more responsive in every day driving, maybe that is what you are looking for?

[c_jeong89]

Sounds like u need a pbx

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by flea333

Hmm. Thanks for the help folks. Look like I'll just have to upgrade to a 335 in a couple years. I'm just not impressed with the hesitation I get when stepping on the pedal. Not sure why it takes a good half second to figure out when to start the engine.

An Active Autowerke tune or PBX will definitely address that lag and then some. If you want badass low end torque, then yes, tread into 335 territory.

[flea333]

I do have an automatic. I'll def look into gettting a PBX cause that hesitation is horrendous. I miss my direct wire throttle in my old maxima. Do you have to cut any wires? Also, will it void my warranty?

[Das.Euro]

I would go with a real tune from AA or even from Cravin

[Wlew]

my pbx hasnt voided my warranty. kept it on map 0 for service. and no wire cutting.