[CrimDoc]

So,

I'm contemplating buying a chip tuning system for my new 430i convertible.

Friends of mine, both of whom are "car guys", but neither of whom own this specific car, have recommended either the RaceChip GTS:

https://www.racechip.us/shop/bmw/4-s...-258lb-ft.html

Or this system by ECS tuning / Turner Motorsports:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-m.../tpm-b48-93~a/

The prices ($699 vs. $689) are similar, as are the advertised gains (71HP / 74ft lbs vs. 69HP / 74ft lbs).

Anyone here have thoughts / specific experience with either of these systems?

I will admit that I'm a complete Noob when it comes to this stuff, so ease of use / installation would be important to me.

[cpxchewy]

I would highly recommend JB4 instead if you're gonna chip tune.
http://www.burgertuning.com/B58_JB4_...nce_tuner.html

However, I would recommend even more so to drive your car through the break-in period and up to the first oil change without tuning. Let the engine get worn down to specs before putting more boost onto the system.

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by cpxchewy

I would highly recommend JB4 instead if you're gonna chip tune.
http://www.burgertuning.com/B58_JB4_...nce_tuner.html

However, I would recommend even more so to drive your car through the break-in period and up to the first oil change without tuning. Let the engine get worn down to specs before putting more boost onto the system.

100% agree on both counts.

I do not trust RaceChip.

[rjd_F30]

+1 for not tuning during the break in period. Wait at the very least until the first oil change.

Also, it's always best to go with well-known brands when it comes to tuning. I'm not too familiar with B series tuning, but assuming it's mostly the same companies that dealt N series tuning, I would avoid both companies that you listed. Burger, ProTuningFreaks, Dinan, BPC all good options, but I can't assure you they all have options out for B series cars.

[CrimDoc]

Thanks for the advice folks!

Intuitively, I was already doing what y'all suggested ... driving the car "stock" before making any modifications to it. If for no other reason than to be able to appreciate how much of a difference any modifications made. I currently have about 3,500 miles on it ... so still awhile before my 1st oil change.

Can those of you who commented elaborate a little bit on why you "don't trust" RaceChip? Educate this Noob on what one should be looking for when it comes to tuning gear?

Much appreciated ...

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by CrimDoc

Thanks for the advice folks!

Intuitively, I was already doing what y'all suggested ... driving the car "stock" before making any modifications to it. If for no other reason than to be able to appreciate how much of a difference any modifications made. I currently have about 3,500 miles on it ... so still awhile before my 1st oil change.

Can those of you who commented elaborate a little bit on why you "don't trust" RaceChip? Educate this Noob on what one should be looking for when it comes to tuning gear?

Much appreciated ...

I don't trust them because I have seen little from them to prove they're worthy of the price or even to be used on our platform. They have low reviews across the board it seems (online) and the results that the chip provides have been low. This thing tries to achieve what JB4/Dinan does in just two connectors, which isn't going to be great for the car. Piggybacks already can cause some damage to the car and cause it to operate less than optimal.

My advice is to always stick with what is proven. I'm not saying that new companies can't enter the realm but if they do, they need to show proof and make it worth it. There are guys who offer $1200 solutions for something that makes less power and has less capability than a solution of $700. If you're going to go with a Piggyback on a new car, I'd highly recommend Dinan in this case. Keep your warranty, as new BMWs seem to chose to break (if they were already going to break) within the first 30k miles. If that is the case, you'll want to have the Dinan warranty to back that up. If money isn't an issue, then you could go for JB4 or the other well-known/proven Piggybacks. You could also wait for the flash tunes to hit the market here soon. I know HCP is currently testing OTS maps with B48/B58 guys.

[rjd_F30]

BunkerJ pretty well covered why you shouldn't trust a company like RaceChip. As for what to look for in tuning gear, user reviews, user reviews and also user reviews. If people love the product and have the dynos, logs etc. to prove it, that's a good start. Also look at the company, not just the product. Extensive R&D that's being showcased (look at Mishimoto) and forum presence are both very important, to me at least. This all in addition to normal buyer research and such.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

The JB4 is the only 50-state emissions legal tuner for the B48 and it happens to be the best as it's the only one with CANbus control and many other features no other tune is technically advanced enough to offer. It's also among the least expensive..

Mike

[CrimDoc]

Thanks again for the replies everyone ... much appreciated.

[CrimDoc]

OK ... so, it sounds like the Burger JB4 is the one to buy ... much appreciated.

Next question ...

When I read all this stuff about chip tuning ... there's a lot there (in terms of terminology) that I don't understand.

Is anyone aware of a good "Chip Tuning 101 / Chip Tuning for Dummies" document I could read that would get me up to speed on all of this stuff?

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by CrimDoc

OK ... so, it sounds like the Burger JB4 is the one to buy ... much appreciated.

Next question ...

When I read all this stuff about chip tuning ... there's a lot there (in terms of terminology) that I don't understand.

Is anyone aware of a good "Chip Tuning 101 / Chip Tuning for Dummies" document I could read that would get me up to speed on all of this stuff?

I don't think such a document exists. Just post all your questions in this thread and I and others will be happy to answer them

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by CrimDoc

OK ... so, it sounds like the Burger JB4 is the one to buy ... much appreciated.

Next question ...

When I read all this stuff about chip tuning ... there's a lot there (in terms of terminology) that I don't understand.

Is anyone aware of a good "Chip Tuning 101 / Chip Tuning for Dummies" document I could read that would get me up to speed on all of this stuff?

If there's a term you don't understand and the Almighty Google cannot answer it, definitely post here (as said).

Piggyback tunes are usually pretty easy to use and maintain and require less hands-on work than you'd think. Once she's installed, you just need to get it to the right map and log to make sure she's running fine. Once that's done, you can drive to your pleasure (but check up on the logs every month or so)