[serbdogg]

Trying to pick between these tunes. I'm on a tight budget. Not really looking at the more expensive alternatives. My main concern is long term effects of these tunes on the engine. I have more faith in Stage 2. RC Ultimate seems like a newer tune with some great benefits but not necessarily a long track records.

[jamoka3]

Hey man, im in the same boat. A few guys have the RC setup, but its relativity new so data is limited. The stage 2 BMS setup, i heard is good, but im not a fan of tapping into canbus wires, that's a dead give away to a dealer and can void the warranty...RC is plug and play with no wire taps, but still waiting to see if gains are similar!

[sirhawes]

No splicing with racechip and bms isn't waterproof. There's your answer

[K320]

I tested BMS stage1, JB4 and now RC ultimate.
For the $ BMS stage1 is great start.
RC ultimate is comparable to bms stage1 and Afe scorcher only with better connectors, casing and the ability to tune more power without a laptop.
JB4 is the real deal in terms of ajustability and custom tunning.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by serbdogg

Trying to pick between these tunes. I'm on a tight budget. Not really looking at the more expensive alternatives. My main concern is long term effects of these tunes on the engine. I have more faith in Stage 2. RC Ultimate seems like a newer tune with some great benefits but not necessarily a long track records.

Tight budget aFe scorcher $375-$450 or BMS Stage1 $380
RaceChip Ultimate $600 shipped ($769 retail)
BMS Stage 2 $520 + $35 usb cable + laptop (make sure u have a garage)

Originally Posted by jamoka3

Hey man, im in the same boat. A few guys have the RC setup, but its relativity new so data is limited. The stage 2 BMS setup, i heard is good, but im not a fan of tapping into canbus wires, that's a dead give away to a dealer and can void the warranty...RC is plug and play with no wire taps, but still waiting to see if gains are similar!

I heard of RaceChip (which is not new btw but it might be for the US) from the F15 forum, majority of the 35d (diesel) guys have it and its the best for their car under $600 thats giving them performance for more costly alternatives.
Also, I am the first F25(X3) to have used RaceChip 28i so far on this forum that I believe going on a 1 month use so far.
My great friend opasha was the first F15 50i (V8) to use RaceChip.
Btw, RC is King of the King in Europe, brands like ACS use them also a well known exhaust brand "REMUS" is using RC module in their new piggyback tune named "Powerizer"
Btw, I will post a link or opasha can of the Dyno the F15 guy just finished doing a few days ago because he also felt it the performance but wanted to see it on the Dyno and they passed their claimed numbers!

Originally Posted by sirhawes

No splicing with racechip and bms isn't waterproof. There's your answer

Agreed!

Originally Posted by Kendroz

I tested BMS stage1, JB4 and now RC ultimate.
For the $ BMS stage1 is great start.
RC ultimate is comparable to bms stage1 and Afe scorcher only with better connectors, casing and the ability to tune more power without a laptop.
JB4 is the real deal in terms of ajustability and custom tunning.

Agreed, RC Ultimate can go higher (way above BMS Stage1/AFE Scorcher performance) u will see .
I beat my friend E90 335 manual (stock) on setting 1 and also against my X3 35i friend he was very impressed (shocked at the performance) and 1 is only medium, I just increased to 2 and going to 3 in a few days.

[opasha]

Here's the dyno one of our members performed for his F15 X5 35d with his RaceChip CR Ultimate. RaceChip's stock settings hold true: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...8#post17206028

[expertsedan]

Which means RC will beat BMS stage one and AFE?

Originally Posted by ROBNYC

Tight budget aFe scorcher $375-$450 or BMS Stage1 $380
RaceChip Ultimate $600 shipped ($769 retail)
BMS Stage 2 $520 + $35 usb cable + laptop (make sure u have a garage)

I heard of RaceChip (which is not new btw but it might be for the US) from the F15 forum, majority of the 35d (diesel) guys have it and its the best for their car under $600 thats giving them performance for more costly alternatives.
Also, I am the first F25(X3) to have used RaceChip 28i so far on this forum that I believe going on a 1 month use so far.
My great friend opasha was the first F15 50i (V8) to use RaceChip.
Btw, RC is King of the King in Europe, brands like ACS use them also a well known exhaust brand "REMUS" is using RC module in their new piggyback tune named "Powerizer"
Btw, I will post a link or opasha can of the Dyno the F15 guy just finished doing a few days ago because he also felt it the performance but wanted to see it on the Dyno and they passed their claimed numbers!


Agreed!


Agreed, RC Ultimate can go higher (way above BMS Stage1/AFE Scorcher performance) u will see .
I beat my friend E90 335 manual (stock) on setting 1 and also against my X3 35i friend he was very impressed (shocked at the performance) and 1 is only medium, I just increased to 2 and going to 3 in a few days.

[Boostin335]

is Racechip waterproof?

[tms1224]

Racechip is waterproof and feels of quality

[rustyminded]

well as long as you are using map 1 & 2 the tune is very good, I never tried map 7 to say as for waterproof BMS has new closure that is water proof and they adjusted their connectors and they are water proof as well..
it's a very good idea to get RC from owners here it looks very promising

[Boostin335]

Is RC install easy like BMS stage 1, and Scorcher... it just plugs into 3 connectors? I know BMS Stage 1 and Scorcher only use 2.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Jb stage 1, RC and all the other stage 1 tunes are boost controllers. they add boost across the board to give you good results without the need of complicated installation. I like the the JB stage 1 better because it is easy to install ( 4 wires only) and it gives you the ability to add more boost if you would like a more aggressive map ( as far as i know, it is the only tune that lets you do your own map).
JB4 stage 2 connects to the canbus so it is different than the tunes mentioned above. It lets you control boost by RPM compared to just adding boost across the board like the stage 1 tunes. It also offers the options of code reading and deleting, datalogging to monitor how your car is performing, boost limit on 1st and 2nd gear to better acceleration and traction control, gauge hijacking, 8 different maps with one fully custom map so you can fine tune your car,etc...

If you are planning on getting catless DP and intercooler in the future, JB4 is without a question the best option.

If you plan on keeping your car stock, stage 1 tunes are a very good option power/price.

[FSociety]

RC: lets you increase boost from the unit and there are members using Intercooler, Chargepipe, Downpipe, mods and the Chip still uses it to its advantage
BMS Stage1: you need to buy the extra cable $35 + connect to a laptop (bring the laptop to the car) and if you buy used then you have the older version with the extra wires for the more complex JB4 install (it is the most advance tune but requires more time and only worth it if you're going with mods), if u buy new u get the new version that comes out of the box 4psi
aFe scorcher: 4psi out of stock not able to increase it was known as being more conservative tune but now the other stage1 tunes are doing the 4psi out of the box.

I still prefer Racechip because I can also transfer it to my next vehicle , the unit has a usb port too for software updates and flashing.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by ROBNYC

RC: lets you increase boost from the unit and there are members using Intercooler, Chargepipe, Downpipe, mods and the Chip still uses it to its advantage
BMS Stage1: you need to buy the extra cable $35 + connect to a laptop (bring the laptop to the car) and if you buy used then you have the older version with the extra wires for the more complex JB4 install (it is the most advance tune but requires more time and only worth it if you're going with mods), if u buy new u get the new version that comes out of the box 4psi
aFe scorcher: 4psi out of stock not able to increase it was known as being more conservative tune but now the other stage1 tunes are doing the 4psi out of the box.

I still prefer Racechip because I can also transfer it to my next vehicle , the unit has a usb port too for software updates and flashing.

Rob,
i did not say that you cannot use the RC with other mods. You can use any tune with any mod. You can even keep the car stock and add downpipes , intercooler and charge pipe.
But as i explained earlier, since it does not adjust boost by RPM you will not be able to take advantage of your mods 100% ( not to mention the CEL light that you will get if you use catless DP).

Another factor everyone keep forgetting is datalogging. Once you start pushing your car to the limit when FBO, it is very important that you monitor how your car is reacting to the extra boost.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Rob,
i did not say that you cannot use the RC with other mods. You can use any tune with any mod. You can even keep the car stock and add downpipes , intercooler and charge pipe.
But as i explained earlier, since it does not adjust boost by RPM you will not be able to take advantage of your mods 100% ( not to mention the CEL light that you will get if you use catless DP).

Another factor everyone keep forgetting is datalogging. Once you start pushing your car to the limit when FBO, it is very important that you monitor how your car is reacting to the extra boost.

True that mike

[RJH]

Why isn't the Active Autowerke tune mentioned - same price range as RaceChip? And from reading other posts; it has the better build quality and comparable gains.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by RJH

Why isn't the Active Autowerke tune mentioned - same price range as RaceChip? And from reading other posts; it has the better build quality and comparable gains.

Good point.

[Marries]

Just had the RC ultimate fitted! WORTH IT!

Installation was a bit tricky with little instructions but hell I love my car now

[Dippydo]

I would throw in AA tune in the hat as well. It is extremely well, built, waterproof and the guys are very very responsive if you have questions.

[rgipson]

I just installed the RaceChip on my 2013 328i (N26 engine) and it feels stronger but not a huge difference. Does it take a little time to break-in?

Also does the Sport Mode Display (that shows HP and Torque on the screen) change with any tuner mods? After the new RaceChip, the max numbers stayed the same (~240 HP). Could this just be the display staying in default mode? Thanks!

[K320]

Open the RC and check settings of S1 and S2 dials.
S1 must be 1.
S2 is on C default if running on 91 Octane.
If you use 93 Oct change S2 to E.
To install the unit open the hood and close the car with the beeper and wait for 10min before disconnect anything.
S2 in F with downpipe is great
Enjoy.

[Yellowflash]

What does the S2 i for? Do you have anything official from Racechip?

As they told me that S2 shouldn't be changed.