330D Tuning Which way to go?

[F355GTS]

I've had my 330D (204BHP) for 2.5 yrs, it's fitted with a Van Aaken smartbox giving +25BHP and +40lb/ft, been pleased with it but after removing it for a service when refitted a wire was trapped, it shorted and has clearly knackered the Smartbox as I'm getting misfires under heavy load (not present with box removed)

VA have offered a new replacement at a discount (circa £350) but should i consider others? DMS, Tunit etc

thanks

>> Edited by F355GTS on Saturday 29th October 18:28

[StuB]

£350 is a good price. I was very pleased with the results of a superchip re-map on my 150bhp 2.0td but I paid a fair bit more, but got 34bhp more (claimed).

[davidgt4]

Mark
I've used DMS on both my M3 and more recently on my 320D. Cost would be a bit more than you are quoting in your post but I have been very happy with the outcome both times. Diesel much more responsive to drive and nice guys to deal with. Also nothing needs to be fiddled with for routine servicing...
Regards
David - we met at VW last year and share the 7 and prancing horse affliction !

[F355GTS]

David

yes I remember is the DMS basically a new chip in the ECU/reptrogram of the existing one? I suppose what i'm asking is is it invisible to the Dealer from a warranty perspective?

Stu thanks for the info

thanks

>> Edited by F355GTS on Saturday 29th October 22:53

[vixpy1]

I have a Tandem Tuning Box.. £300 and got 26bhp more on my merc.

On a customers BMW 530d with a TT box there was a big increase as well.

Otherwise, I would consider AMD or Ray West tuning

>> Edited by vixpy1 on Saturday 29th October 23:02

[davidgt4]

Mark
I may be wrong but I am fairly sure the DMS way is to re-programme the existing ECU, hence it is "invisible" during routine servicing etc. I believe if the dealer specifically goes searching (electronically speaking) then it can be discovered but I've had it suggested that this can't be done easily at a dealers. Of course this may all be cock so I'll wait to hear!!

[keitht1]

Hi,

DMS re-map is done on the original ECU. They plug a laptop into the serial diagnostic port under the dash and do it from there.

Definately worth doing as it gives more power, although is more permanent than a smartbox. I paid £495 +vat for the remap of my 184bhp 300D - gather the 204 remap is slightly more expensive though.

Keith

[patrico]

Hi, I have had a DMS remap on my 2004 330d Touring (auto). The revised figures of 260 bhp (min) and 580 Nm make a very noticeable difference from standard and mid range is epic. It definitely feels as fast as past cars- 993 and E39 M5. In terms of cost you probably wont get much change from a grand after Vat but I think it’s worth every penny for stealth factor alone.

[F355GTS]

Thanks for the info again I've got prices for some

DMS 260BHP 510Nm £935 ECU reprogram

Tuning Box 245BHP 490Nm £399 Smart Box

Van Aakken 229BHP 490Nm £410 Smart Box

AMD 240BHP 500Nm ECU reprogram Inc rolling road £750

Superchips 246BHP 500Nm £511.13 Not sure how

E-maps - No product available
Chipped UK - No Product Available

Tuning Box looks the best value and has the advantage of being removable for dealer visits.....what to do!

[vixpy1]

Mark.. YHM through your profile