2017 X5 35i Tuning question

[alik82]

Hey all,

I am looking for some opinions and hopefully some of you had the actual products im questioning here.

Looking to tune my car, which tune would you recommend I go with?

JB4 - http://www.burgertuning.com/N55_JB4_...BMW_tuner.html
or
RaceChip GTS Black - https://www.racechip.us/shop/bmw/x5-...-300lb-ft.html

Thank you in advance.

[Sedoy]

Neither, I would go for true ECU tune such as Bootmod3 or MHD (official release is coming soon).

[Kzang]

Your budget?

MPPK is about $1,000 and you keep the factory warranty. This tune brings the 35i engine alive and kicking... BMW claims improved acceleration on the X5 35i from 6.1 seconds to 5.6 seconds 0-60 mph sprint.. and I can feel it. Throttle response is quicker and crisper, low end torque is stronger but the power is felt throughout the powerband.

Racechip - About $600 for new and I've only had experience with the Racechip ultimate and you can read about my review here http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1170172

[Wavy]

Afaik most piggybacks are pretty much the same. They trick the car into making more boost.

I will be installing my racechip this week along with an odbii dongle to get 0-60 times.

[r33_RGSport]

alik82 , let me know if you need help with getting the RaceChip.
I have dealt with both product and currently loving the RaceChip for their product quality and customer support.

[sbinshihon]

I will second the Bootmod3. It's amazing how things have advanced in the tuning world.

Watch this video to know what I'm talking about!

[trotsky]

I have the MPPK, BMW should have just had this as stock as it makes a big difference in how the car feels. I remember before I got it installed being kind of underwhelmed with the power. I imagine it would compete better on those car and driver reviews vs the audi Q7. The exhaust sounds so much better from the tune too.

If that is not enough you can piggyback the Dinan for $299. Race mode on the Dinan with the Mppk is very quick, no issues with warranty, and you can switch modes on your iphone via bluetooth. The dinan is 1 plug so its very easy to install/remove as needed.

Once I am out of warranty, I will might switch over to MHD if its ready. I have MHD for my e93 n55 and it really wakes up that engine from stock, its a lot more power. I think the x5 already has a large FMIC so you can run stage 1+ right away.

It's a bit surprising how much BMW leaves on the table with these engines, I assume they do it to leave enough room so people still buy the V8 versions or the M3 in the case of the e93.

[CeeTeeX5]

Originally Posted by trotsky

I have the MPPK, BMW should have just had this as stock as it makes a big difference in how the car feels. I remember before I got it installed being kind of underwhelmed with the power. I imagine it would compete better on those car and driver reviews vs the audi Q7. The exhaust sounds so much better from the tune too.

If that is not enough you can piggyback the Dinan for $299. Race mode on the Dinan with the Mppk is very quick, no issues with warranty, and you can switch modes on your iphone via bluetooth. The dinan is 1 plug so its very easy to install/remove as needed.

Once I am out of warranty, I will might switch over to MHD if its ready. I have MHD for my e93 n55 and it really wakes up that engine from stock, its a lot more power. I think the x5 already has a large FMIC so you can run stage 1+ right away.

It's a bit surprising how much BMW leaves on the table with these engines, I assume they do it to leave enough room so people still buy the V8 versions or the M3 in the case of the e93.

That’s incorrect with regards to the Dinan Sport Tuner. The more expensive Dinan Performance Tuner Stage 1 is the one that is warrantied.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by trotsky

I have the MPPK, BMW should have just had this as stock as it makes a big difference in how the car feels. I remember before I got it installed being kind of underwhelmed with the power. I imagine it would compete better on those car and driver reviews vs the audi Q7. The exhaust sounds so much better from the tune too.

If that is not enough you can piggyback the Dinan for $299. Race mode on the Dinan with the Mppk is very quick, no issues with warranty, and you can switch modes on your iphone via bluetooth. The dinan is 1 plug so its very easy to install/remove as needed.

Once I am out of warranty, I will might switch over to MHD if its ready. I have MHD for my e93 n55 and it really wakes up that engine from stock, its a lot more power. I think the x5 already has a large FMIC so you can run stage 1+ right away.

It's a bit surprising how much BMW leaves on the table with these engines, I assume they do it to leave enough room so people still buy the V8 versions or the M3 in the case of the e93.

That's their marketing strategy.
Engineer: This N55 motor should use Map "x" to accommodate the weight of F15.
Marketing Dept: No, de-tune it 5% and sell the perfect mapping as MPPK.
CEO: Ka-Ching!!!

[alik82]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Your budget?

MPPK is about $1,000 and you keep the factory warranty. This tune brings the 35i engine alive and kicking... BMW claims improved acceleration on the X5 35i from 6.1 seconds to 5.6 seconds 0-60 mph sprint.. and I can feel it. Throttle response is quicker and crisper, low end torque is stronger but the power is felt throughout the powerband.

Racechip - About $600 for new and I've only had experience with the Racechip ultimate and you can read about my review here http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1170172

My biggest issue is that this is a lease car and if i do an ECU tune (which I know is better than any piggyback option out there), I will be throwing my money away. With the Racechip or JB4 or any other one, i can always sell once my lease ends or put it on the new car if it will be compatible. So with that said, ideally i would like to stay around $700 for this purpose.

[alik82]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

alik82 , let me know if you need help with getting the RaceChip.
I have dealt with both product and currently loving the RaceChip for their product quality and customer support.

I will, thank you!
Are you able to get discounts?

[BobBeau]

I purchased the Bootmod3 license for my 50i and just received the cable yesterday. I'll install the tune today and post results.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by alik82

I will, thank you!
Are you able to get discounts?

Of course.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

I purchased the Bootmod3 license for my 50i and just received the cable yesterday. I'll install the tune today and post results.

Nice, can't wait for the review.

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by alik82

My biggest issue is that this is a lease car and if i do an ECU tune (which I know is better than any piggyback option out there), I will be throwing my money away. With the Racechip or JB4 or any other one, i can always sell once my lease ends or put it on the new car if it will be compatible. So with that said, ideally i would like to stay around $700 for this purpose.

From what I understand, the license on the Bootmod3 is transferable. So if you buy another BMW you can have the license transferred to your new BMW. If you purchase a different make, you can sell your license to someone with a BMW looking for a tune. So you're definitely not throwing your money away.

[alik82]

Originally Posted by sbinshihon

I will second the Bootmod3. It's amazing how things have advanced in the tuning world.

Watch this video to know what I'm talking about!

Well this def looks pretty easy and the price point is actually not bad at all.

[alik82]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

I purchased the Bootmod3 license for my 50i and just received the cable yesterday. I'll install the tune today and post results.

Please do... very interested how it will perform!

[alik82]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

From what I understand, the license on the Bootmod3 is transferable. So if you buy another BMW you can have the license transferred to your new BMW. If you purchase a different make, you can sell your license to someone with a BMW looking for a tune. So you're definitely not throwing your money away.

hmmm good point... if thats the case, then going with this ECU flash is a no-brainer.

[sbinshihon]

Originally Posted by alik82

Well this def looks pretty easy and the price point is actually not bad at all.

Yep, great news for people who want to tune. Especially the ones out of warranty like me.

When I had warranty, I used Jb4 stage one (similar to Racechip) which literally takes 5 min to install/uninstall. Now after the warranty am definitely getting the bootmod3!

[alik82]

Originally Posted by sbinshihon

Yep, great news for people who want to tune. Especially the ones out of warranty like me.

When I had warranty, I used Jb4 stage one (similar to Racechip) which literally takes 5 min to install/uninstall. Now after the warranty am definitely getting the bootmod3!

Is the warranty really an issue with this product?
From what i understand, you can easily flash back your ECU and bring it to stock before taking your car to a dealership... that way they will never know anything. Unless im missing something.. please let me know.

[sbinshihon]

Originally Posted by alik82

Is the warranty really an issue with this product?
From what i understand, you can easily flash back your ECU and bring it to stock before taking your car to a dealership... that way they will never know anything. Unless im missing something.. please let me know.

I think a flash tune is more detectable than a piggyback.. but I guess if they're looking for something, they will find both easily.

[alik82]

Originally Posted by sbinshihon

I think a flash tune is more detectable than a piggyback.. but I guess if they're looking for something, they will find both easily.

Agreed... dealerships will find anything not to do their job