OBD2 Chip Tuning Box

[osx]

Another unusual approach to engine tuning - providing you don't get something more than a plastic box with a small magnet in it it might be something you can try (on a friends car)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301773183520? ... EBIDX%3AIT

[vborovic]

You don't really expect a 28 GBP product to give the same results as a 280 GBP tuning chip that gets connected to the engine, or the 480 GBP remap (prices roughened up)? If you do, feel free to test it out ...

[chinkostu]

Sceptical. Can't physically see how it will actually work as it can't modify live data. Or, more specifically, be universal. It'll be like those ebay chips that are just a resistor to spoof the inlet temps, so it runs richer, then self adjusts

[osx]

You don't really expect a 28 GBP product to give the same results as a 280 GBP tuning chip that gets connected to the engine, or the 480 GBP remap (prices roughened up)? If you do, feel free to test it out ...

If it produces 1/10 of the results it will be worth trying. It seems - at least some of them - are more complex compared to the cheap tuning boxes.

[vborovic]

True, but you don't know if the other side of those 1/10 will have (unwanted) side-effects ... in my research of the tuning boxes, anything cheaper than 100-150 GBP isn't even worth trying ... the car will get some kicks, but on the long run, the engine will work slightly off-balance compared to it's usual workload, and the turbo, DPF and other components will be unnaturally burdened ... because the cheaper mapping isn't done to match the engines maximum potential, however small or big it may be

[osx]

Not going to bother after watching this



unless there is a test that demonstrates that is does something

[Stickyfinger]

unless there is a test that demonstrates that is does something

it does well at removing money from your wallet ...which I suspect is all they do

[chinkostu]

Not going to bother after watching this



unless there is a test that demonstrates that is does something

Love MCM, was interesting to see the chip had the markings scratched off too. And that using the haltech they still couldnt see any differences

[GiveMeABreak]

The one in your post refers to an OBD2 interface. That wouldn't work in an X7 to start with unless you want to drive around with the central console flapping about in the air as that's were the OBD2 connector is. I have tried a £350 chip from a 'reputable' company in the UK several years ago on my C5 Mk II that attached to the common rail connectors. Utter rubbish, made not a single bit of difference, so it went straight back and I got a full refund. The only tune I would now consider is a custom remap and then only while I was there to see it.

Really glad to see this type of crud get exposed for the crap it is!

[osx]

That's not a problem. You can use a Male to Female OBD2 Extension Cable. Until I see a test like this where the tuning chip is doing something I will stay away. The tuning box I had in my previous X7 did seem to make a difference but I removed it as I didn't feel it was worth risking premature damage to other parts.

One more brief introduction to tuning

http://www.endtuning.com/dieseltuningboxes/

[GiveMeABreak]

You're right - there are enough issues to contend with when you consider prematurely failing DMFs / clutch etc., that's why I've not bothered. I'm only getting 38-40 MPG with rural driving, but you would have to consider the claimed economy improvements trade off against possible premature failing of other parts.

[vborovic]

I'm still considering the expensive chip tuning boxes vs the remaps ... the only usable and proven remaps with live dyno tests are closer to 600-700 GBP range ... which is a bit too much even for me and the general car's purpose ... the ecu remap with maps that you could get on the internet cost roughly 250 GBP ... without any customization ... and on the long run, people aren't exactly satisfied with them ... that's why I'd rather opt for an expensive chip (which one, that's a tough call), one that can be removed if the end results aren't what I expect them to be, and I can get a full refund ... you can't get any such action with the ECU remapping (you can pay once again to get the stock map back) ... and since my car is obviously getting closer to some of the examples here (failing DMF - not yet luckily, leaking drive shaft - in the beginnings, etc.) ... I'll probably have to make those fixes sooner or later, and if/when I do, I'd push the car to its limits by hacking it somehow ... and hopefully live to tell the tale ...

[GiveMeABreak]

Better start saving the pennies or should I say Kuna!

[vborovic]

I'm keeping my stern eye on the drive shaft for now ... hopefully it'll be like the old joke: "Hello, this is the urology department ... please hold ..." ...

[chinkostu]

Don't forget that proper remaps are tuned to the car itself. Generic remaps can only go so far. So if you know the DMF has a problem with loads of torque low down you can set it up so the power comes in later and not destroy stuff, and also a well miled engine traditionally isn't going to like upped rev limits and the like.

Think of the boxes as Just altering the load screw on the old diesels. You can crank it up and get more power, and then end up with craploads of smoke and a funky idle! You have to adjust 2 or 3 different things in unison until you hit the sweet spot, which takes time, and to a remapper its labour, but they can do that on a dyno with the car plugged in, look at the data and see what is and isn't working!