Tuning box

K

Keithbrown

New member
 South Wales
Hi all and happy new year.
I’m looking for a bit more grunt from my 2014 E89 20i and thinking of going down the easily removable tuning box route. Researched online and the Bluespark unit appears to give good results for not a lot of money and with good reviews. Does anyone have experience of these units they could share? TIA
 
Hi,

I do not have experience with a tuning box, but I do with a remap. Overall there are some decent gains to be had through tuning this engine, but you can get a little blinded by the figures, and misinterpret how this actually manifests itself in the real world.

So for that reason, if you are considering tuning of any sort, I would strongly recommend a rolling road session before and after the tune is applied. Also have a thorough diagnostic carries out prior to any device being installed.
 
I wondered about the RaceChip tuning box as it gets heavily advertised... for £499 it offers 52hp to bring towards the s28i performance with phone connectivity...are these bad devices or are there just better ones out there...? I can understand a remap would be better, but the diy convenience appeals - have I got it wrong ?

Thanks.
 
BeemerGuy said:
I wondered about the RaceChip tuning box as it gets heavily advertised... for £499 it offers 52hp to bring towards the s28i performance with phone connectivity...are these bad devices or are there just better ones out there...? I can understand a remap would be better, but the diy convenience appeals - have I got it wrong ?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You can get remappers to come to you if it’s inconvenient to go to them, as mentioned already a remap is a more sophisticated way of increasing power :thumbsup:
Rob
 
Thanks. Having read more, I keep in swithering as to what is the best thing to do...flying close to the legal edge with a box, with the ability to change maps / modes for my wife's driving, or going for the full remap to the max via celtic etc thats then stuck until it gets remapped ....total dillema!
 
BeemerGuy said:
I wondered about the RaceChip tuning box as it gets heavily advertised... for £499 it offers 52hp to bring towards the s28i performance with phone connectivity...are these bad devices or are there just better ones out there...? I can understand a remap would be better, but the diy convenience appeals - have I got it wrong ?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
£429!!!! You can get a bespoke map from someone like Celtic with a before and after rolling road test to prove gains for around £300. That includes a 12 month guarantee against related engine damage and a 'no happy, no fee' walkaway policy......
 
BeemerGuy said:
Thanks. Having read more, I keep in swithering as to what is the best thing to do...flying close to the legal edge with a box, with the ability to change maps / modes for my wife's driving, or going for the full remap to the max via celtic etc thats then stuck until it gets remapped ....total dillema!
Click to expand...
Just because a car is more powerful does not mean the way an individual drives it changes.
Its not a dilemma, get it mapped, celtic is best deal overall and relax, you won't look back.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for responses. I have used celtic on an a4 2.0 tfsi before about 5 years ago and was happy...I guess I was getting drawn into the plug and play aspect...but genuinely just wondered how good a box like that is..

Thanks again.
 
A tuning box is more likely to catch you out if you don’t declare it and have a biggie...I’m not aware in the UK of anyone being caught with a re-map...but better to ‘fess up it’s not a huge premium..

Assuming your wife understands that a throttle is not a binary position device what’s the issue?
 
Fair enough, she's fairly cautious anyhow so I'm sure that's not going to be a real issue. I've requested a quote from Celtic. Btw. Do you know if the comfort and sport modes still work relatively with the remaped power increases?
 
BeemerGuy said:
Fair enough, she's fairly cautious anyhow so I'm sure that's not going to be a real issue. I've requested a quote from Celtic. Btw. Do you know if the comfort and sport modes still work relatively with the remaped power increases?
Click to expand...

I have the. Celtic version ..it transforms the car and in fact makes the sport modes come alive..

If you have the auto box it’s a game changer..

It took me a while to get the best out of the new configuration but once mastered its very satisfying..
 
Thanks, I do have the auto box so I'm 99% likely to ho this route now...also will upgrade the front brakes to the 28i front 330 ones.

I assume I need the full set up...disks calipers hoses and pads......and...that theres nothing that can be basically done on the back ones...?
 
The 28i uses different callipers, carriers ,pads, discs and rear splash shield...autodoc does some good value parts..hoses are the same..you’ll need new wear indicators as a good measure..

I did it but can’t really say I noticed much difference..the brakes despite being non sexy seem to work fine on the road..
 
BeemerGuy said:
Thanks. What did you do on the back ones, and did that impact the auto brake thingy?
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I left the rears as they were, fresh Brembo pads and sensors that was it..

Many cars tend to wear out their rear pads and discs due to the traction control /stability keep dabbing at the rear brakes..


As I said my little zed has yet to feel underbraked..I'm sure the 'yoof' who have yet to face mortality may differ.. :rofl:
 
I turned all the discs blue once but that was after a period of shameful driving, I’ve been good since :P
Rob
 
Pbondar said:
Many cars tend to wear out their rear pads and discs due to the traction control /stability keep dabbing at the rear brakes..
Click to expand...

I got so fed up with having to clean brake dust off the rear alloys more than the front that now my cockpit checks include pushing the traction/stability button (just after I turn off the auto stop/start).
This does keep the back wheels much cleaner and I have yet to encounter an issue. After about 30 years of driving Ford Capri's I have become adept at avoiding a backwards journey to the scene of the accident.
However, when I finally get my bum in gear and get the Celtic man to visit I shall leave that button alone for a little while. :wink:
 
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