Tuning Box on E46 320d SE (150 bhp engine)

[Dude Snr]

I am considering buying a tuning box for my 320d SE, and was wondering if any members on this forum, have any experience of the unit fitted to this engine, and whether they feel the performance gains are worthwhile.

[neilfraser]

Dunno about the 320d,but i have the plug-in TuningBox CR51 module on my 330d Sport and it is worth every penny,the 330d now feels slow without it fitted. I like that it uses OEM connectors and not cicuit board sandwich connectors that are very flimsy,the reason i sent the TD performance module back for then wen't for the TuningBox.

[Dude Snr]

Neil thanks for your reply, - glad to hear you are enjoying the extra performance from your 330d, but has this come at the expense of additional fuel consumption or not ???

[neilfraser]

Actually ,even though i drive a bit quicker there has been no increase in fuel consumption,when i drive normaly the average consumption is usually between 1-3 mpg better with the TuningBox.

[mondeoman]

330d with somehting similar here (from DMS) - I get 42 mpg fairly solidly and it makes a HUGE difference to performance. My next move is to get one that ups the boost pressure and a new exhaust, 250 hp and 70 lbft more ..... now thats motoring!

[Ranger 6]

I've just bought an E46 320d Touring (150 bhp) and have moved from a Mercedes 220CDi, which I had a 'box' for.

The part number is the same as the 320, who supplied the 'tuning box' you describe with the OEM plugs, I think if I swop the loom it'll fit the 320.

Any thoughts?

Richard

[marksg]

I was leafing through Performance BMW Magazine (August 2003) - in it there is a two page article on the Van Aaken plug-in box as fitted to an E46 compact 320TD. Figures given are improvement in power from 143 to 170.5 bhp, and maximum torque increased from 220.6 lb/ft to 259.5 lb/ft - apparently the unit also increased fuel economy by around 7mpg as well. The article says that you can fit it at home in around 30 minutes, it costs £470 and can be obtained by contacting Van Aaken on 01344 777553 or www.vanaaken.com

The article dosen't say too much about the driving experience, apart from 'mid-range power proved awesome', and 'power delivery that the Smartbox produced was not only smoother and progressive, but at the same time delivered a kick in the back'

So....they seemed to like it!

[mondeoman]

Ranger 6 said:

I've just bought an E46 320d Touring (150 bhp) and have moved from a Mercedes 220CDi, which I had a 'box' for. The part number is the same as the 320, who supplied the 'tuning box' you describe with the OEM plugs, I think if I swop the loom it'll fit the 320. Any thoughts? Richard

Yeah - just one, DON'T!!!!

The engines aren't the same, the fueling requirements aren't the same, the programme in the box wont be the same - use the box, but get it re-programmed first.

[sohlman]

I have used Vanaaken once and found them to be great. They tuned up a diesel peugeot diesel and it completely changed the car. Loss of all flat spots and loads more torque. They will probably have a number of different options ranging from a chip change to plug in box to new more powerful turbo and intercooler. They specialise in modifying German cars, especially engines of diesels.

[smokingun]

i drive a E46 320TD M-SPORT COMPACT HAD IT REMAPED BY CHIPED UK PLUS REPLACEMENT HIGH AIR FLOW K&N FILTER AND A FEW OTHER BITS POWER NOW IS ABOUT 200 BHP 390NUM I KNOW BECAUSE THE PUG 206 180 AND THE HONDA C TYPE R CANT KEEPS UP

[pgilc1]

I've used tuning boxes for years on various cars - firstly a passat 110TDI, then an alfa 147JTD, then various BMW's, and now on my x5 3.0D.

I've always got improved economy and very noticably improved torque and power. Well worth it. Very easy to remove too if your cars under warranty

[Olf]

[pgilc1]

smokingun said:

i drive a E46 320TD M-SPORT COMPACT HAD IT REMAPED BY CHIPED UK PLUS REPLACEMENT HIGH AIR FLOW K&N FILTER AND A FEW OTHER BITS POWER NOW IS ABOUT 200 BHP 390NUM I KNOW BECAUSE THE PUG 206 180 AND THE HONDA C TYPE R CANT KEEPS UP

WHY pull up a 5 year old thread?

[Roger645]

pgilc1 said:

smokingun said:

i drive a E46 320TD M-SPORT COMPACT HAD IT REMAPED BY CHIPED UK PLUS REPLACEMENT HIGH AIR FLOW K&N FILTER AND A FEW OTHER BITS POWER NOW IS ABOUT 200 BHP 390NUM I KNOW BECAUSE THE PUG 206 180 AND THE HONDA C TYPE R CANT KEEPS UP

WHY pull up a 5 year old thread?

To probably show us what an eloquent poster he is!

[dxb335d]

mondeoman said:

330d with somehting similar here (from DMS) - I get 42 mpg fairly solidly and it makes a HUGE difference to performance. My next move is to get one that ups the boost pressure and a new exhaust, 250 hp and 70 lbft more ..... now thats motoring!

To get the gains DMS do, The boost is increased. Yes there is scope for more also.

Any found there Re-map has been flashed off when the car went in for service?

[pgilc1]

dxb335d said:

mondeoman said:

330d with somehting similar here (from DMS) - I get 42 mpg fairly solidly and it makes a HUGE difference to performance. My next move is to get one that ups the boost pressure and a new exhaust, 250 hp and 70 lbft more ..... now thats motoring!

To get the gains DMS do, The boost is increased. Yes there is scope for more also.

Any found there Re-map has been flashed off when the car went in for service?

Not for a service, but my iDrive had to have its s/w updated, so they just do the whole lot and it wiped the remap. :-(