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      05-09-2012, 02:59 AM   #1
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3 Series Performance Tuning Chip Only $450

Found this tuning chip from TMC Motorsport. Called the TMC Tuning Box claims to boost the F30 328i from 245hp to 295hp & 350nm to 450nm. Similar boost magnitudes to the Kellener Sport for 320i and 355i all three for 300EUR, roughly $450.00 US. They ship worldwide for 20EUR.


http://www.tmcmotorsport.com/CarProducts.aspx

Not bad since the Kelleners Sport Module for the 328i from Bavarian Autosport is $2000.00 US.

http://www.bavauto.com

The TMC tuning box is plug and play just like the Kellener and does not void warranty!


update:


Like the kellener sport module, the tuning box uses piggybacking. This chip/cartridge is connect to the obd2 diagnostics port in the cars cabin. What controls the engines performance is the ECU(engine control unit),BMW driver experience switch changes numbers on the ECU(ECO pro,comfort and sport). But the tuning box also has a separate ECU preprogrammed for the N20 and other engines. When you plug it in the BMW ECU is untouched/skipped and the tuning box is now the primary ECU. When removed the original BMW ECU is now primary again.

Now I know Dinan offers there own warranty because they reprogram the original BMW ECU hence BMW warranty is voided.

Problem here is I don't think TMC fully tests there performance upgrade on the car aka wear and tear on the transmission. Dinan is a better tuner but reprogramming the ECU is a no no for BMW warranty. Kellener Sport seems the best since its also a piggybacking chip and they are a renowned German performance tuner for BMW but it costs $2000.

My suggestion is if you will take your car to the track then get the Dinan or Kellener Sport module since they test under track conditions.

If you are like me and just want a performance boost for a everyday driving pleasure get the TMC.

Installation of the TMC tuning box and the Kellener Sport Module is as simple as plugging in a super mario cartridge in to a nintendo. Just make sure the car is off when you do.

TMC Motorsport and Kellener Sport has a box for the 320i, 328i, 335i and many other engines. Just waiting on Dinan to release something but they are probably heavily testing as we speak.

Last edited by wayman519; 05-09-2012 at 12:17 PM..
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      05-09-2012, 03:40 AM   #2
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Do you know is there any installation guide come along with for the TMC tuning box? Or anyone who get this installation guide for F30 N20 Engine. Can it be share in here?

As this will really affect the decision in buying this because no support in my hometown for this product. Is it a very simply installation whch can DIY?
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      05-09-2012, 06:38 AM   #3
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      05-09-2012, 07:45 AM   #4
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I suspect that Dinan may come out with a software mod for the 328i
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      05-09-2012, 09:13 AM   #5
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"does not void warranty"

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      05-09-2012, 09:14 AM   #6
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If something goes wrong and they know its connected I am sure they will say warranty is voided
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      05-09-2012, 09:23 AM   #7
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Hello guys I don't have much car knowledge, but I was wondering how does a chip increases the car performance and hp of the car. Is it only a chip or new part to the engine, thanks
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      05-09-2012, 09:29 AM   #8
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If it's an engine mod if BMW detects it they will void the warranty unless like Dinan the tuner offers a separate stand alone warranty.

And for anyone that wants to bring up MM (Magnuson Moss) please read... http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=14

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      05-09-2012, 10:53 AM   #9
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      05-09-2012, 12:01 PM   #10
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Like the kellener sport module, the tuning box uses piggybacking. This chip/cartridge is connect to the obd2 diagnostics port in the cars cabin. What controls the engines performance is the ECU(engine control unit),BMW driver experience switch changes numbers on the ECU(ECO pro,comfort and sport). But the tuning box also has a separate ECU preprogrammed for the N20 and other engines. When you plug it in the BMW ECU is untouched/skipped and the tuning box is now the primary ECU. When removed the original BMW ECU is now primary again.

Now I know Dinan offers there own warranty because they reprogram the original BMW ECU hence BMW warranty is voided.

Problem here is I don't think TMC fully tests there performance upgrade on the car aka wear and tear on the transmission. Dinan is a better tuner but reprogramming the ECU is a no no for BMW warranty. Kellener Sport seems the best since its also a piggybacking chip and they are a renowned German performance tuner for BMW but it costs $2000.

My suggestion is if you will take your car to the track then get the Dinan or Kellener Sport module since they test under track conditions.

If you are like me and just want a performance boost for a everyday driving pleasure get the TMC.

Installation of the TMC tuning box and the Kellener Sport Module is as simple as plugging in a super mario cartridge in to a nintendo. Just make sure the car is off when you do.

TMC Motorsport and Kellener Sport has a box for the 320i, 328i, 335i and many other engines. Just waiting on Dinan to release something but they are probably heavily testing as we speak.

Last edited by wayman519; 05-09-2012 at 12:09 PM..
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      05-09-2012, 08:19 PM   #11
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hmmm.. I think I can wait for more options...
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      05-11-2012, 10:28 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by engineeringnut View Post
Like the kellener sport module, the tuning box uses piggybacking. This chip/cartridge is connect to the obd2 diagnostics port in the cars cabin. What controls the engines performance is the ECU(engine control unit),BMW driver experience switch changes numbers on the ECU(ECO pro,comfort and sport). But the tuning box also has a separate ECU preprogrammed for the N20 and other engines. When you plug it in the BMW ECU is untouched/skipped and the tuning box is now the primary ECU. When removed the original BMW ECU is now primary again.

Now I know Dinan offers there own warranty because they reprogram the original BMW ECU hence BMW warranty is voided.

Problem here is I don't think TMC fully tests there performance upgrade on the car aka wear and tear on the transmission. Dinan is a better tuner but reprogramming the ECU is a no no for BMW warranty. Kellener Sport seems the best since its also a piggybacking chip and they are a renowned German performance tuner for BMW but it costs $2000.

My suggestion is if you will take your car to the track then get the Dinan or Kellener Sport module since they test under track conditions.

If you are like me and just want a performance boost for a everyday driving pleasure get the TMC.

Installation of the TMC tuning box and the Kellener Sport Module is as simple as plugging in a super mario cartridge in to a nintendo. Just make sure the car is off when you do.

TMC Motorsport and Kellener Sport has a box for the 320i, 328i, 335i and many other engines. Just waiting on Dinan to release something but they are probably heavily testing as we speak.
That is the catch. If TMC were to provide long term evidence of the mod not impacting the durability or taking the car outside of specs, then it would provide a solid argument for coverage under the MM. By the way, most people still are not clear on what the MM provides. It simple states that by adding an aftermarket modification to a car, does not explicitly void a warranty. In fact the FTC just recently reiterated that its the manufacturers job to prove that the mod cause the issue. Perfect example was aftermarket exhaust system, and the dealer refusing to fix a radio or power seat. Clearly the mod did not cause it.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/cons...ts/alt192.shtm
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      08-30-2012, 03:05 PM   #13
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Really fast to relase a tune for F30 328 & 335. Which one would be faster between F30 335 and E92 335???
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      09-18-2012, 09:36 AM   #14
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FYI, someone has published the dyno of a TMC N20 for the 320i version. Gains look good and as promised.

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto...98620100_n.jpg

I saw this on TMC's facebook page and on a Fiat Abarth forum (in a TMC discussion). Am very tempted to get this chip.......
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      10-03-2012, 09:44 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by psytse View Post
FYI, someone has published the dyno of a TMC N20 for the 320i version. Gains look good and as promised.

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto...98620100_n.jpg

I saw this on TMC's facebook page and on a Fiat Abarth forum (in a TMC discussion). Am very tempted to get this chip.......
Anyone know the stock boost pressure of a 320i?
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      10-21-2012, 03:47 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miamidrivesbimmers View Post
Hello guys I don't have much car knowledge, but I was wondering how does a chip increases the car performance and hp of the car. Is it only a chip or new part to the engine, thanks
A chip merely changes the coding that the ECU uses. For example, it may tell the engine to modify several aspects of how it operates, which, in turn, may provide some benefit to the car's performance .

For example, it may advance or retard the point at which the spark plugs ignite the fuel mixture in a cylinder.

I hope my simple explanation provides a glimpse into what a chip does.

Last edited by Sock_Puppet; 10-21-2012 at 11:29 PM..
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      02-02-2013, 12:34 AM   #17
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I want to tune my 320i

Hello all,

I'll be getting my 320i next week and I began looking for a chip tune for my model and TMC Motorsport seems to be a very good value for money and their unit will provide 234hp compared to 220hp of most other tuners.

I am pretty new at this and I would appreciate some advice and guidance with regard to this specific tune or a recommendation for another tune/brand that you might be using.

http://www.tmcmotorsport.com/TuningB...x?s=2797474443

Thanks

Shay

P.S

Very nice forum.

Last edited by Nikor; 02-02-2013 at 12:37 AM.. Reason: Spelling
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      02-02-2013, 12:52 AM   #18
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Just buy a BMS JB Stage 1. Terry is a great tuner with a track record you can search to verify.
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      02-02-2013, 02:44 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nikor View Post
Hello all,

I'll be getting my 320i next week and I began looking for a chip tune for my model and TMC Motorsport seems to be a very good value for money and their unit will provide 234hp compared to 220hp of most other tuners.

I am pretty new at this and I would appreciate some advice and guidance with regard to this specific tune or a recommendation for another tune/brand that you might be using.

http://www.tmcmotorsport.com/TuningB...x?s=2797474443

Thanks

Shay

P.S

Very nice forum.
Hey I posted this tuner around when the f30 was just released. I believe there are better tuners out there now. If i were you I would not install a tuner till you put like 8000km on the car. These tuners fool the cars sensors in order to produce more power. You want to break in you car as smoothly as possible and put some easy miles on it so you know everything was put together ok.
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      02-02-2013, 06:30 AM   #20
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Thanks buildbright & wayman519

buildbright

i contacted Terry regarding my 320i, must admit the price is very competitive, but it seems that the tune for the 320i needs to be downloaded and updated to the unit by the customer, its not a big deal but i rather have the unit ready to go out of the box.

wayman519

The figure i had in mind for the break in is about 3000km, do you think its not enough ? and i would really appreciate more names of tuners/brands that are considered reliable and experienced.

Thanks
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      02-02-2013, 09:21 AM   #21
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OK, one more time: Dinan software upgrade does NOT VOID THE BMW WARRANTY!!!!! It is a PARALLEL warranty that will cover any issue that BMW proves that the Dinan Software might have caused. It's 4 years, 50K miles just like the BMW factory warranty, and if it's a CPO car, it's 2 years with unlimited mileage. I've had Dinan software upgrades on my 2001 330i Sport, 2003 330i ZHP and 2007 335i Coupe. My dealer installed the Dinan software in all cases. Never, not once, had any problems with warranty, either factory or CPO. Just wanted to set the facts straight here. I have a 2013 F30 335i M-Sport on order and will be installing Dinan software upgrade as soon as it's available later this year; as the DME on the F30 is different from that of the E9x series, it's taking them awhile to create the new software, just as it did with the E9x.

That said, Turner Motorsport is a well-known tuner and race-car builder, just like Dinan. I'd venture to say that Turner will stand by their product, as they've done in the past. And, as Wayman519 says, make sure your car gets broken in before you put the tune on in any event. That first 1K miles is pretty important, and should anything go wrong, it's best not to have any sort of tune complicating the matter, warranty or not.
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      02-02-2013, 12:07 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nikor View Post
The figure i had in mind for the break in is about 3000km, do you think its not enough ?

Thanks
3000km is just 500km above the bare minimum bmw gives you to break in the car. I would go to maybe 5000km if you are in a rush. Longer the wait before you tune the better.

Dinan is very reliable tune too and may even be safer since the ECU is reprogrammed and all the engine safety features would still be interacted(no sensor fooling and no random warnings). Dinan does cost quite a bit more and we are still waiting on a release.

Take a look at Kelleners Sport Power Module at (bavauto.com). This tune is $1400 now on sale. I believe its the best of both worlds tune. Its a removable ECU that plugs into the OBDII port. Plug it in and the BMW ECU is bypassed. I did a whole spiel about this in a thread here. Kelleners is also very reliable and well regarded in BMW tuning.

Last edited by wayman519; 02-02-2013 at 12:14 PM..
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