10-26-2017, 06:55 PM | #1 |
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Best tuning box for 530d...?
I'll be changing my E70 X5 xDrive40d for a G31 530d this weekend and would like to order a tuning box ASAP to maximize performance.
I've only used Evolve Automotive UK and their ECU remaps on my previous Bimmers (and they have been superb, especially on a E93 335i N55) but since these otherwise great guys do not offer any solutions for the B57 yet, I am looking at some alternatives: TMC Motorsport - Tuning Box (326Hp/759Nm) Speed Buster - Tuning Box (326Hp/759Nm) (Same as above?) RaceChip - Ultimate (309Hp/786Nm) CPA Chiptuning - PowerBox Nitro (333Hp/779Nm) DTUK - CRD3+ (317Hp/730nm) DTE Systems - PowerControl (303Hp/720Nm) Ventura - High Performance (325Hp/720Nm) ChipExpress - Tuning Box (300Hp/720Nm) However I am not familiar with any of the above brands and/or manufacturers and their reputation, so I would really appreciate some input from you guys before I pull the trigger. None of the websites above show a chart of the bhp and torque curve as function of revs, preferably compared to stock curves, so impossible to judge the 'character' and quality of the delivery of the claimed power. These numbers differ quite a lot too between the offerings (as do price) but I suspect some are more inflated than others in an attempt to sell more boxes... "Multi-channel" sounds good but not technical enough to know if just marketing or not. Also, these pedal boxes (and in some cases gearbox boxes) are they worthwhile upgrades...? |
11-03-2017, 06:29 AM | #2 |
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Not a lot of action here but for the record, I went with Ventura's High Performance tuning box. Seems the most advanced of the ones out there (for the G30/G31 B57) at the moment. Not the greatest headline gains (compared to TMC/Speed-Buster) but most channels and focus on smooth and linear delivery for great driveability:
I'll report back once I've received and installed it. |
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11-04-2017, 02:23 AM | #4 |
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Drives: G30 - 530d M Sport
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I'd be interested in this. Keep us posted. Does this invalidate the warranty?
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11-04-2017, 04:09 AM | #5 |
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11-04-2017, 04:13 AM | #6 |
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For sure, yes. They are supposed to leave no trace in the OEM ECU log though (for now) so the idea is to remove it prior to service, The biggest risk they way I see it is if you haven't told your insurance company and you have the car towed to a BMW garage while you're (hopefully) recovering at the hospital
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02-02-2018, 05:12 AM | #7 | |
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02-02-2018, 09:41 AM | #8 |
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Oh yes, sorry I forgot to report back. Thanks for the reminder.
I got it and installed it. I had a problem with one of the plugs not fitting and I wasn’t happy at first with the reply I got that it was impossible to adapt to every time BMW decides to change them slightly and therefore just take a Dremel to it!! Well I wasn’t going to return it, and with Ventura’s blessing in case I were to screw up a new €800 toy, the problem was fixed in less than a minute. The box is well made and I don’t know of any other tuning box on the market for the G30 which takes so many sensors into account. The best of all however is the complete transformation of the car - it is awesome! Such a difference, I just take the car for a spin for fun (family touring nonetheless). I have an app on my phone (Dynolicious) but I haven’t got around to actually do some timed runs. It pulls great though up to 120-130 mph, fading a bit after that. I used to have a 335i E93 that I had tuned by Evolve and dyno’d to 390 bhp and I would say this diesel pulls if not stronger up to 90-100mph, albeit not thereafter (at higher revs). And the delivery is very very nice - sporty and fierce yet smooth and even. Very professionally executed by this for me unknown Dutch firm. All in all, would think my 530d is pretty much on par now with a 540i, at least I have no buyers’ remorse (anymore) and would urge you to get this if you own a G30 or G31 530d. Have a good weekend! Last edited by NiToNi; 02-02-2018 at 09:52 AM.. |
02-06-2018, 08:53 AM | #9 |
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Why don't you consider Schnitzer upgrade? Sounds like safest option warranty wise?
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Honda Accord -> Subaru STi -> E93 -> F30 + F15 -> F30 -> F31 LCI -> G31
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02-06-2018, 09:29 AM | #10 | |
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02-06-2018, 02:02 PM | #11 | |
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another issue is just 0.2sec faster acceleration 0-100km/h. 0.2! only... i appreciate 0-200 going to be about 2sec faster, but,... who really needs it?
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02-21-2018, 09:16 AM | #12 |
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I believe ACS Stage 1 power gain is more conservative than others..
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06-11-2018, 04:57 AM | #13 |
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quick question
as already tried speed buster which not working at all ordered CPA which seems to not working too could you please confirm that extra hp and tq is visible in sport gauges in idrive my after fit both boxes show stock power and torque contacted CPA and they said that extra power will be not visible on the car gauges which is for me strange Had before two car chipped and extra power was visible on the gauges please confirm asap thanks |
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06-15-2018, 03:36 PM | #15 |
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With a full ecu flash like what is possible with the f10 you can reprogram the gauges.
With a piggyback and the way bmw operates the dials (throttle position vs rpm) you won’t see any increase in the gauges. You really should dyno before and after, then again after about 500 miles or more Last edited by brad850csi; 09-15-2018 at 12:53 AM.. |
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10-25-2019, 11:39 AM | #16 |
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Really tempted to purchase the Ventura for my 730D (same engine as the 530D) - now that you have lived with the unit for a while, how would you rate it?
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09-27-2022, 07:48 AM | #18 |
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Sorry for not getting back earlier but I haven’t been getting email notices of new posts.
For what it’s worth, I very recently got rid of my G31 after having enjoyed almost 40k miles with the Ventura tune on it. It’s not given me a single problem this whole time, just pure joy. Those few times I had to take it off for service, it becomes obvious it’s not something I would want to be without. Whole-heartedly recommended! I’m in-between cars at the moment but thinking of a B58 based M340i G21 or 540i G31 next (as the new G81 is too rich for me). Ventura’s top tune for this engine takes it to min 425hp/600Nm which is a bit lower than what I’ve seen from others (475-500hp) but I’m tempted to stick to what I know is quality so will def be considering Ventura again. Will come down to how well thought out (eg number of sensors) and price ultimately. And I would have to assume that any responsible tuner who knows what they’re doing will go for the sweet spot between power and reliability (drivetrain stress etc). EDIT: Shameless plug, but I’ll be selling my 530d box soon on eBay so if anyone wants to PM me with an offer for min £400 that’s OK |
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