08-02-2018, 05:20 AM | #1 |
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Review: Ventura tuning chip for G30 530i
Hi all, a couple of weeks ago I ordered the Ventura tuning chip for my G30. Ventura is a Dutch tuning specialist, but I think the ship worldwide. Had read some good things about them so I gave it a shot.
Anyhow, I received the package yesterday and was wondering if I should put some time into taking pictures and writing a review if anyone is interested? |
08-11-2018, 03:31 PM | #2 |
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Well, I couldn't resist
0-100 km/h test with Ventura tuning box for the B48 engine in a BMW G30 530i Original 6.33 sec Ventura tune 5.23 sec Speedo goes from 98 to 103 in 16 frames (in video editor). Counter is stopped after 10 frames which should equal just over 100 on speedo. Video embeded below (vimeo.com/284530588 in case you can't see it here). I'll be posting a review shortly. Last edited by BMWFamilyMan; 08-11-2018 at 04:56 PM.. |
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08-22-2018, 07:47 PM | #5 |
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People like to say that on forums without any more justification than the fact that you have less than 20 posts
Its clear from your other posts that you're not some pop up account created to sell stuff. Personally, I'm interested in your thoughts on this unit. I have a JB+ in my 540i but would like something more advanced now so I'm surveying all the units on the market at the moment. |
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09-01-2018, 05:20 PM | #6 |
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So I finally got around to writing a review. I just want to state (as a reply to some comment above) that I do not have any connection to Ventura and this is meant to be an informative and obective review. I did post a video above for you to see. I'd be happy to help answering any questions about my experience so far. Hope you guys find this useful.
First off, the car: I have a G30 530i RWD M-sport with a lot of options, some of them adding weight such as sun roof, tow bar etc. Engine is of course the B48 252bhp. Tyres are Michelin Primacy 3 RFT 245/275 on 664M wheels. Deciding on Ventura I chose the Dutch company Ventura over some of the others for the following reasons: - Connects to four sensors (Turbo 1 & 2, camshaft and fuel pressure) - Specializes in german premium cars BMW, MB, Audi (ie not generic) - Claimed gains (although I know those are on max mapping etc. and not healthy in the long run) - Had read good thing about them, and their customer service Disqualified Race Chip and JB+ (too generic, only connecting to one/two sensors) and JB4 (no need for logging, and claimed performance gains weren't as good). Also looked at a few others but couldn't find any credible reviews. Purchase experience Compared to Race Chip, Ventura's site is amateurish at best. I choose to think they have better things to do (like developing tunes for our cars). Customer service is on the other hand excellent and we emailed back and forth quite a bit before I placed my order. Payment was a bit unorthodox (direct bank transfer) but worked out well. They do ship worldwide I believe. The box cost 650EUR (around $699) which puts it in line with RC Ultimate and JB4. The box Packaging was good and the box and cables themselves are very well built. If you open it you'll find that the electronics/CPU is sealed in some kind of plastic, which means two things - first it is robust and can probably resist water and dust, second it's pretty much impossible for competetitors to break down and analyze Opening the box you have two kinds of settings. The first is your usual map dial-setting. It comes default set to map 5 (which is the one I use still). You can go up a notch or two but that requires high octane fuel and possibly dealing with CEL's. I will try map 6 soon as I have read it takes it to another level. The second setting are five (if I remember correctly) pins for which you can change various things such as tourqe level on low revs and fuel pressure. Don't know much about them and haven't changed anything. One complaint I do have is that Ventura for some reason haven't answered my specific questions around the different map settings and pin configurations. I guess they want you to use the defaults. The manual is simple and easy to understand with pictures and instructions on where to find the different sensors, where to place the box etc. You really can't mess it up if you just read it as it comes with instructions for you specific car (pictures were taken from a G30 and not a 3-series for example). All cables were just the right length so I really didn't find the need to do any wirestrapping. Finally the box had an adhesive tape wich meant you just slap it on to a flat area on the upper right side of the bay. Installation took around 10 minutes, with most of the time going to jerking and pulling the original connectors. Tests Conditions were like this - 84 degrees (29 celsius), pretty high humidity, 1/3 tank and on a dry and flat surface. I did do runs in both directions, taking the average (which were pretty much the same so it was flat alright). OEM I did it with launch control with no wheel spin, with the box installed I initially had quite a bit of wheel spin but after doing it without LC I managed to find some kind of sweetspot. I tried to do the tests as accurately as possible (without acually benching it). I filmed using a good DC, imported the vid to an editor, added a counter and basically took it frame by frame to make sure I caught the right starting point and 100km/h. The digital speedo jumps from 98 to 103 in 16 frames, so I clocked it at frame 10 which should put it right around or slightly above 100. Did the same for all tests, and what really matters is the relative numbers. So, was the box delivering? Here it is: OEM LC 0-100 6.3 s 100-150 6.8 s Ventura map 5 LC (wheelspin) 0-100 5.5 s 100-150 6.0 s Ventura map 5 without LC 0-100 5.2 Driving characteristics are still really good with smooth and linear acceleration, but I do think I notice a few things. I say think because below are very subjective observations, and after installing the box you instinctively try to listen, feel and observe everything much more than before. 1. It revs just a tad lower when cruising in comfort mode. 2. Slightly better MPG. I have just today measured at pump and have two things comfirmed. MPG IS a little better, maybe 3%. The trip computer IS a little off, like 2% or so. 3. More Dr Jekyl & Mr Hyde than before. Same same when easing it in comfort, but it really punches you in the back when putting your foot half way down. 4. Does it perhaps make a little more exhaust noise? Do I hear the turbo more? I think so, but I'm not sure As I wrote above, I have not benched it, but saying it now puts down around 305bhp is probably not an outright lie. All in all, very happy with it. |
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09-22-2018, 01:34 PM | #11 |
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How's the engine's long term reliability outlook with this mod?
Would this jeopardize your BMW warranty coverage?
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2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".
Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness.... |
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09-24-2018, 07:54 AM | #12 |
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09-24-2018, 09:22 AM | #13 |
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I believe this could cause warranty issues and would likely require removal for any BMW service. Dinan is one of the only "sanctioned" aftermarket tunes that provides an overlay warranty on BMW's and is sold and serviced by many BMW dealers.
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01-20-2019, 12:49 AM | #14 |
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Hello, BMWFamilyMan,
Firstly, thank you for a very comprehensive review. I am from Malaysia, and I own a 530i RWD M-Sport 2017, Made in Germany (subsequent 530is are “locally assembled in Malaysia”. I’ve been doing some research on increasing the Hp/torque and have shortlisted a few: Dinantronics Elite V2 for B48 JB4 I think Dinan is the better solution till I read about your review. Never knew Ventura Tuning existed. Looks similar to Dinan. Wanted to consider Dinan but I can’t find anyone who has the latest V2 from Dinan. Also, Dinan’s product cannot be sold in California. And it’s pretty steep at U$899. Also, unsure how effective it is, Dinan’s reply was vague at most, saying it complies with legislation and emission standards in the USA. I’m using RON100 from Day 1, my mileage is 14,500 km, and I read there is a distributor here in South East Asia covering Malaysia, Singapore. Dinan would not say anything when I asked them if there would be any increase in performance using RON100, or able to do a custom MAP For me, as I’m not too sure about the similar octane fuels in the USA. I think the harness and connectors mimic the Dinan and certainly looks promising. I’ve had a chance to sit in a buddy’s F30 328i with JB4 installed, the most aggressive MAP, and the gear shifts are somewhat jerky but the power and torque is impressive. We sent his 328i for a Dyno and it registered 227whp on Dyno Dynamics. Am seriously considering this Ventura Tuning. Last edited by Razzd530; 01-20-2019 at 12:55 AM.. Reason: Addum |
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01-22-2019, 11:10 PM | #17 |
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Thank you for the review OP!
Glad you like the tune
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01-23-2019, 06:10 AM | #18 | |
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Quote:
My main question is: Any CEL issues thus far? Map 6? Drivability, do you find it a significant improvement vs stock? What octane fuel are you using in Sweden? |
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01-24-2019, 12:26 PM | #19 |
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No worries Razzd530!
No CELs, but I'm still on map5. Once I can switch back to summer tyres I will try out map6. Driveability is excellent. Was worried before buying that the box would make the drivetrain less linear and more jerky in it's power delivery but not the case at all. I have totally forgotten what stock feels like, should probably revert just to feel the difference. 95 and 98 octane are standard in Sweden. I always use 98 (which is also required if I want to use map6). What this translates to in US's way of measuring I'm too lazy to look up, there's a converter if one googles I'm sure. |
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01-25-2019, 07:16 AM | #20 | |
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Quote:
[EDIT: removed my comment regarding hybrid systems. For some reason I thought we were discussing the 530e. Apologies.] |
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01-26-2019, 10:21 AM | #21 | |
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Stay away for dinan 530i Elitronic box. Read my topic, dinan caused loss of power + CEL... Regarding ventura, there are not many ventura users... I wonder why ac schnitzer or superchips do not offer power upgrade for 530i? |
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01-26-2019, 10:55 AM | #22 | |
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I don't really see the message your trying to send tho? Not many Ventura users - what do you base that statement on? And regarding AC - there's a perfectly logical reason to why imo. |
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