TDI tuning box

[Strikerxtx]

Just thought I would give a quick review and share my experience for anyone that is thinking of a tuning box over a remap.
Let me start with why I went with a box and not a remap.

My last car was a jaguar xf s 275bhp diesel. Lovely car as fast enough. I was looking at having this remapped with a mobile remapper that I have used many times. It turned out the ECU was locked and had to be removed sent off for a map to be done. So I looked at alternatives.

Found tdi tuning and brought the box after a lot of research.
The box was not cheap and cost a little more then a remap but did have the option of removing when I needed to.
The box made a big difference to my jag and has I now have the 35is I thought I would install this in the car.
I contacted tdi tuning and sent the box back for remapping to the BMW. Cost was only small compared to the original purchase.
The box turned up within a 2 day turnaround with new maps and all new cables for the new engine.
The box connects to both turbo sensors and the crank sensor & comes with 7 different map settings. I didn't mess around and selected 7 after fitting which can be done on the system or from a bluetooth app on my phone.

I was very impressed with the difference it made to the jag but on the z4 it's even better! So much power and so smooth.
If anyone is looking for a turning box over a remap I cant recommend tdi tuning enough. I have not had any dino done but the power it instantly noticeable with the benefit of being able to remove anytime.

Don't go with racechip, had nothing but problems with not a lot of added power so cant recommend them even if they was half the price.

 

[Dave 2 dogs]

Hi , enjoyed reading your thoughts on the chip over the remap , having been thinking about doing a remap at some point in the future, have a couple of questions if I may , you mention it being smoother, have you found it’s illuminated some of the turbo lag ? And you mention tai tuning box , have you a link to something that I could have a look at price etc ? I have a 3.5i dct by the way thanks

 

[mr wilks]

Sounds similar to MHD android tune op , something i'm currently looking into for my 35is , its currently stock & yes the 340bhp is there but compared to the remapped 35i i had previously it feels lethargic

 

[Strikerxtx]

Turbo lag was not really a problem I can say I noticed on the 35is but the extra power given was very noticeable.
Tdi claims 402bhp and 518nm which sounded and little over top from a box but with the feel in power I would say it not far off.
I would like to see a remapped 35is to see if there is any difference but I'm not new to having remaps and in my opinion it's just as good. I would trust a cheap box but the one I brought was the top model with bluetooth and cost £450. The reprogramming cost £170 including all wiring looms and shipping back.
Smoothness is just how free revving the engine feels. Also I'm sure there is extra turbo & exhaust noise. Lovely !

Website is TDI-tuning.com
I am not saying it's better then a proper remap but I can not tell the difference and it works spot on with the bonus of being removed and anytime in 10 min. Plus in my case being able to be reprogrammed to new cars as your upgrade.

 

[Strikerxtx]

Picture of it fitted to the z4 and a little pic of my ride

 

[Strikerxtx]

Yes mr wilks seem to wake these engines up very well.
I have read many forums over the years about remaps vs tuning box and my my own experience cheap tuning box are like cheap remaps there ok but will never give the best results. Put a little extra money in and you will be very happy.

 

[Dave 2 dogs]

Nice car that
Thanks for the info , will definitely look into that .
Enjoy the summer :driving: 🏎

 

[R.E92]

You can install a MHD map for £100 provided you have an Android device to use. My advice would be to get rid of that box.

MHD will increase the boost pressure, advance the ignition timing and change the VANOS config which all help to generate the extra power. The ECU is aware of the increased power.

The problem with a tuning box is that it only increases the boost pressure and it does that without the ECU knowing. If the ECU doesn't know the power has been increased then it won't increase the clamping pressure on the clutch packs and you end up with clutch slip in the DCT. It does nothing to the VANOS, fuel supply or ignition timing.

 

[Dave 2 dogs]

This is why I keep going off the idea
Good read R. e92
I’m just so worried about damage to the dct ,
And with different opinions like your one and striker xtx I simply can’t bring myself to commit for fear of getting it wrong

 

[sunnydays]

You can install a MHD map for £100 provided you have an Android device to use. My advice would be to get rid of that box.

MHD will increase the boost pressure, advance the ignition timing and change the VANOS config which all help to generate the extra power. The ECU is aware of the increased power.

The problem with a tuning box is that it only increases the boost pressure and it does that without the ECU knowing. If the ECU doesn't know the power has been increased then it won't increase the clamping pressure on the clutch packs and you end up with clutch slip in the DCT. It does nothing to the VANOS, fuel supply or ignition timing.

Agreed 100%, MHD is the way to go with the N54.

 

[R.E92]

This is why I keep going off the idea
Good read R. e92
I’m just so worried about damage to the dct ,
And with different opinions like your one and striker xtx I simply can’t bring myself to commit for fear of getting it wrong

Honestly, all tuning boxes are junk. They are only a consideration when ECU tuning is not available, which is usually on new vehicles where the ECU has not yet been reverse-engineered.

 

[Chris1712]

I have an old Samsung Galaxy S3 which I could use for MHD, have thought about it for ages now. Just read a few too many horror stories of cars not turning back on afterwards! I need a battery charger aswell right? Anyone in Somerset area done it or willing to team up?