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      01-27-2008, 11:34 AM   #1
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ECU reflash?

Hey guys.... I was wondering if someone could explain this to me... Im fairly new to german cars and I keep hearing about bmws being "chipped" and how effective it is. What exactly does this do and how much does it cost?
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      01-27-2008, 12:03 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZGirl4U View Post
Hey guys.... I was wondering if someone could explain this to me... Im fairly new to german cars and I keep hearing about bmws being "chipped" and how effective it is. What exactly does this do and how much does it cost?

First off, chipping doesn't do much for cars that aren't turbo or super-charged.

Now, what chipping does is alter how the ECU controls the air-fuel mixture across the rev range. Manufacturers tend to tune their cars for the lowest common denominator of factors - allowing for crappy fuel, emissions testing, maximum fuel economy, etc. An expert can alter the ECU so that it's set for maximum performance under the most ideal conditions - essentially trading performance for poorer fuel economy, emissions, and setting the car up for higher octanes than the manufacturer allowed for. Typically you see claims of about 10 more horses, and those tend to me optimistic. Chips can run the gamut from $500-$2500, since some cars are more difficult to de-code and re-code than others.
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      01-27-2008, 12:06 PM   #3
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I see. Thanks! Unfortunately, Ive gotten the mod bug and Im trying to see what I can do without blowing too much money since I plan on trading later in the year.
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      01-27-2008, 12:20 PM   #4
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Yeah, you see 335 guys always talking about chipping their cars. What it really is, is an ECU piggy back. Its a small computer box that alters the signals coming from the ECU and going to the engine, with the goal of increasing power from the turbo, mostly by increasing boost pressure.

For a Z4Ms and other S54 cars, there isn't really any chipping going on, but upgrading of the software in the ECU for optimizing hp as epbrown stated.
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      01-27-2008, 12:58 PM   #5
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is that basically systems like UTEC?
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      01-27-2008, 01:31 PM   #6
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I think UTEC specializes in tuning subaru turbos...
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      01-27-2008, 02:08 PM   #7
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350z too
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      01-27-2008, 02:13 PM   #8
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For BMW you'd be looking at Upsolute, GIAC or Shark Injector.

Those brands tend to do more European cars.

Still, chipping isn't worth the money on a non boosted car. I saw 30-40hp gain on chipping my Jetta (1.8T). You'll see 5-10 with a naturally aspirated BMW.

Not worth the money for the power you gain.
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      01-27-2008, 02:20 PM   #9
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If you want to know what's out there for Z4s you'll just have to check the major players...I'd start with Dinan, ESS, Kelleners, ACS, TCKline, Hartage, etc. Euro tuners that do alot with BMWs. For the Ms we've covered this...

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101919
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      01-27-2008, 02:32 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dammmittt View Post
If you want to know what's out there for Z4s you'll just have to check the major players...I'd start with Dinan, ESS, Kelleners, ACS, TCKline, Hartage, etc. Euro tuners that do alot with BMWs. For the Ms we've covered this...

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101919
Thanks.... im a little confused because if i start toying with it, i wont trade it so now im in a dilemma.....
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      01-30-2008, 10:19 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZGirl4U View Post
Thanks.... im a little confused because if i start toying with it, i wont trade it so now im in a dilemma.....
Well, why not buy parts that can be moved to the M coupe should you go that route?

Strut tower bars, suspension, shift knobs, tidbits like that...

Oh, did you ever get that handling problem resolved?

Last edited by pbdm4k; 01-30-2008 at 10:44 AM..
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      01-30-2008, 09:56 PM   #12
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Price: $2.19

Installation Instructions:


1. Pop hood
2. Set keys to accessory position
3. Open up chip bag
4. Empty the entire bag onto engine
5. Close hood
6. Start car
7. Go for a ride
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      01-30-2008, 10:02 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Artz 330 View Post

Price: $2.19

Installation Instructions:


1. Pop hood
2. Set keys to accessory position
3. Open up chip bag
4. Empty the entire bag onto engine
5. Close hood
6. Start car
7. Go for a ride
There is enough salt on the roads for me...


edit:... you didn't even get the price right!
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Last edited by Hawkeye; 06-16-2020 at 11:26 AM..
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      01-31-2008, 07:43 AM   #14
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Thumbs down



Sorry, I wasnt aware I couldnt ask questions about cars here without being ridiculed.
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      01-31-2008, 09:04 AM   #15
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You can...but apparently not when artz is around.
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      01-31-2008, 11:22 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZGirl4U View Post


Sorry, I wasnt aware I couldnt ask questions about cars here without being ridiculed.
I thought he was just joking, but his point was pretty much true, reflashing the chip probably doesn't get you much more than pouring a bag of chips in the engine compartment will get you. In respect to your question, look at the parts it takes BMW to get the horse power difference between a Z and a ZM; look at the money difference, look at the horse power difference and then look and the little difference in track performance, never the less looking at little street performance difference. Most after market bolt on performance improvements end up being felt in the butt dyno of the person that spent the money. Very, very seldom will it show up any significant improvement on a dyno, and even a on the dyno very little will show up on the second hand of the timer. The "improvements" are worth doing if that is your thing, but they will never really be felt like your butt dyno thinks they are.
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      01-31-2008, 12:41 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rc'Z View Post
I thought he was just joking, but his point was pretty much true, reflashing the chip probably doesn't get you much more than pouring a bag of chips in the engine compartment will get you. In respect to your question, look at the parts it takes BMW to get the horse power difference between a Z and a ZM; look at the money difference, look at the horse power difference and then look and the little difference in track performance, never the less looking at little street performance difference. Most after market bolt on performance improvements end up being felt in the butt dyno of the person that spent the money. Very, very seldom will it show up any significant improvement on a dyno, and even a on the dyno very little will show up on the second hand of the timer. The "improvements" are worth doing if that is your thing, but they will never really be felt like your butt dyno thinks they are.
Way too many run on sentances man...reading gave me a minor migrane...
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      01-31-2008, 05:11 PM   #18
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Regardless of what everyone here says regarding the performance potential of ECU modification, it might be worth contacting the usual players in this (Dinan, Turner Motorsports, Bonneville Motorwerk (Jim Conforti)) to see what they can do. I looked several of these folks up recently and they all said that ECU software for the N52 motor was in the works, but probably wouldn't be available this year. Still, I would think that interest expressed by other 3.0si owners might encourage them to accelerate this process.

In other words, since I would like to try an ECU mod for my 3.0si when it becomes available, I'd like to encourage anyone thinking about it to start sending some emails and try to help get the ball rolling.
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      02-01-2008, 12:27 AM   #19
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Kelleners-Sport in Germany offers software. They can send it to someone locally in your area to program your car, but with the Euro rate at the moment, it is not cheap.
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      02-01-2008, 07:51 AM   #20
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ESS has software for our cars available. I will be meeting with one of there employees tonight to work out final details on the SC kit we are installing. I will get you guys specific info but here is what I do know about it.

" It is $699 and includes about 11hp on the same gas, better response, better midrange, top speed limit removed, slight redline increase, and better startup and cold operation.

Optional choices include cat CEL delete (if a customer removes the cats it will disable the check light function but is still visible to an emissions station to be legal), sport mode button memory, and higher octane fuel modes. "
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      02-01-2008, 08:55 AM   #21
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Originally Posted by Rom3n View Post
ESS has software for our cars available. I will be meeting with one of there employees tonight to work out final details on the SC kit we are installing. I will get you guys specific info but here is what I do know about it.

" It is $699 and includes about 11hp on the same gas, better response, better midrange, top speed limit removed, slight redline increase, and better startup and cold operation.

Optional choices include cat CEL delete (if a customer removes the cats it will disable the check light function but is still visible to an emissions station to be legal), sport mode button memory, and higher octane fuel modes. "
Several places have software for the S54 motor in the M's as it's been around for a while, but I don't know of any domestic sources for software for the newer N52 motor in the si's. If ESS has it then I'd certainly be interested.
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      02-01-2008, 11:58 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vachss View Post
Several places have software for the S54 motor in the M's as it's been around for a while, but I don't know of any domestic sources for software for the newer N52 motor in the si's. If ESS has it then I'd certainly be interested.
The motor may be the same for the engines...but the software and ECUs aren't. Different cars require different upgrades. It's been discussed at length here and bimmerfest if you want to do a
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