Electronic Throttle Controller - good idea or gimmick?

[enzed4]

I came across an auction listing for an Electronic Throttle controller for the Z4. Apparently has multiple modes to change the throttle response. I know you get this functionality with a remap, but I'm curious how much difference this device would make without a remap (I've found the 35i throtlle a bit on/off when cold).
Anyone know if these devices do what they say on the box, or are they just another gadget/gimmick right up there with the 'as seen on TV' type products? :lol:
Annoyingly, they call the device 'iDrive' although it has nothing to do with BMW's iDrive.

Here's the blurb from the auction:
1. Normal Mode (--): It is simply a replication of the factory settings, the iDrive is switched off.
2. Economy Mode (E): This mode has 9 settings that reduce the response from the pedal. The higher you go the more dampened your throttle response becomes, by dampening the throttle we can see
increases in fuel economy as well as far greater control of your vehicles traction in off-road situations.
3. Ultimate Performance Mode (U): This mode has 9 settings and can be grouped into three stages:
- Ultimate mode 1-3: Everyday driving with smooth acceleration.
- Ultimate mode 4-6: Sportier, more responsive acceleration, great for use around town where short bursts of acceleration are needed.
- Ultimate mode 7-9: Strap yourself in and activate launch control, instant throttle response, beast mode, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
4. Automatic control (AC) Mode: Automatic control is essentially a set and forget mode. Fly-by-wire throttle systems have two potentiometers, one to measure how hard you press the pedal and the other to measure how far you’ve pushed the pedal. In automatic mode the iDrive can determine these measures for you and adjust the throttle response to suit.

 

[Silverstar]

Apparently some of these throttle peddle boxes are pretty good but I think it depends on which brand you get. Here is a video of Racechip XLR box it's fitted to a E60 530i but the result I think would be the same on a E89.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0kf_XxgQ5E

 

[R.E92]

Pointless gimmick IMO. All it does is alter the signal being sent from the pedal to the DME, you can get the same effect by just moving your foot quicker.

 

[flybobbie]

I liked the system on the MGTF, if you floored the accelerator a few times the throttle became more sporty and sensitive. If you cruised, it would follow a smoother map. I would often give it several pushes of the throttle for it to be sporty before starting.

 

[buzyg]

Don't know the E89. In the ///M the car learns your driving style to an extent and adjusts the map accordingly. So that would be about as much use as the Sport button. Ie not much point for most folk. :wink:

 

[mcbutler]

if you press and hold the sport+ button for around three seconds or so it changes the throttle map. I discussed this with the guys at Celtic Tuning. Cannot remember exactly what they said but it was something to do with linear responses and track modes.