RaceChip Ultimate F15 X5 35i Installation DIY

[42pilot]

Originally Posted by X5FX

[snip]

I wonder why BMW doesn't tune the F15 like this from the start?

That's a very good question you need to ask yourself before turning the tune up.

The first reply is to control detonation because of crappy fuel - low octane or just crappy corner-bought fuel. The way to mitigate the problem is to detune. On the other hand, BMW does not over-engineer their engines too much (think cost/profit). Don't think you now have an M motor. Lot's of internals are different, including tolerances, material and parts.

So put quality fuel in your car when running the tune.

[X5FX]

its hard to get anything without 10% Ethanol here.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by X5FX

its hard to get anything without 10% Ethanol here.

Same here but I have been testing BP, 76, ExxonMobil, Shell, Valero and I'm going to confess Shell and Valero I notice it being smoother and more ump.

BP/76/Costco are cheaper is price or can be easily found 10 cents less but it burns faster and don't see the same smoothness.

ExxonMobil only tested 1 tank but it burned quick so didnt bother testing.

I am going to stick wtih Shell, Valero, Costco in that order for a few reasons.

Shell: Fuel Rewards Network, I have just earned 40 cents off per gallon and now another 55 cents off per gallon
Valero: 2nd choice, noticed good mpg too
Costco: #1 Retailer and has cheap priced gas ( i will do some testing on MPG soon)

[Lotus99]

Hey all, I'm guessing the answer to this question would be the same for the X5 or the X3 (where I'm from)

What's the difference between RaceChip Pro2 and Ultimate? I know it says the Ultimate samples faster, but in real life, does it make any difference?

Has anyone driven both to see if it drives any different? The power specs are the same on both.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Lotus99

Hey all, I'm guessing the answer to this question would be the same for the X5 or the X3 (where I'm from)

What's the difference between RaceChip Pro2 and Ultimate? I know it says the Ultimate samples faster, but in real life, does it make any difference?

Has anyone driven both to see if it drives any different? The power specs are the same on both.

I personally never try the RC Pro 2.
But based on the spec, the RC Ultimate is faster processor and have USB port for software update.
Also, based on the price, $80 difference, it is a no brainer to get the Ultimate, especially after some discount.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

I personally never try the RC Pro 2.
But based on the spec, the RC Ultimate is faster processor and have USB port for software update.
Also, based on the price, $80 difference, it is a no brainer to get the Ultimate, especially after some discount.

+1

[Kzang]

Placed my order with Ben... Looking forward to the tune to arrive

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Placed my order with Ben... Looking forward to the tune to arrive

Thank you for the order.

[Blackhawks]

Ben... I'm going to order a few things from you next week. Want me to order through the website or would you like for me to send you a PM? It will probably be $1k+

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Blackhawks

Ben... I'm going to order a few things from you next week. Want me to order through the website or would you like for me to send you a PM? It will probably be $1k+

Either way.
But PM me first, let me see if I can do a better deal.

[FSociety]

RaceChip Ultimate vs Dinan stage1 on the dragstrip
This is on the F25 (X3) xDrive28i (N20) engine though

https://youtu.be/-SwdIiBRAPg

https://youtu.be/PmPTRj4kym8

https://youtu.be/Ns0f2eg7SN8

[Lotus99]

Originally Posted by ROBNYC

RaceChip Ultimate vs Dinan stage1 on the dragstrip
This is on the F25 (X3) xDrive28i (N20) engine though

https://youtu.be/-SwdIiBRAPg

https://youtu.be/PmPTRj4kym8

https://youtu.be/Ns0f2eg7SN8

Nicely done! Couldn't get any JB tune cars out? That would have been a great matchup, to have all 3 tunes go head to head.

Haven't seen too many people with the JB tune on these cars?

PS How do the RaceChip maps work? I saw in the video it says he's running a D map or something? Is there documentation on it?

Typically on other tunes, you're supposed to log before you go to the higher maps, and when I asked someone here about if you can log with the RaceChip (like you can with Cobb), they said no. So how do you know if you can move to higher maps and not have timing drops, etc?

[Kzang]

The hardest part is trying to disconnect the plugs. I am still trying to figure it out. Anyone got any ideas?

[r33_RGSport]

Kzang , Use a flat screwdriver or a pick and lift from the front. Pointed by arrow.

[Kzang]

Omfg!!! Done lol thanks Ben!

[Jalndrs]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Omfg!!! Done lol thanks Ben!

How does it feel? I was talking to Ben earlier in the week and will be picking one of for my wife's truck.

[Kzang]

Drove it around town for a little bit and I can't really feel anything yet. I do feel a little oomph and the radiator fan seems to come on more often when I accelerate hard. The tune is at default setting. I believe I need to drive it around more for the car to adapt to the tune? I'll report back after I have driven it more.

Edit: After taking the car on the NJ turnpike for about 20 minutes or so I can feel the X5 come alive now. I'm liking the Racechip and it is every bit what others have said here.. it made me say "Wow!" Looking forward to finishing up my tank and taking the tune setting S2-B to S2-C

[r33_RGSport]

@Kzang , that's the difference between RaceChip and BMS. Because it is more smoother, you won't feel it much, but it is there.
It does take a little bit time for the car to adapt.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Drove it around town for a little bit and I can't really feel anything yet. I do feel a little oomph and the radiator fan seems to come on more often when I accelerate hard. The tune is at default setting. I believe I need to drive it around more for the car to adapt to the tune? I'll report back after I have driven it more.

Edit: After taking the car on the NJ turnpike for about 20 minutes or so I can feel the X5 come alive now. I'm liking the Racechip and it is every bit what others have said here.. it made me say "Wow!" Looking forward to finishing up my tank and taking the tune setting S2-B to S2-C

Congrats now welcome to the RaceChip Team .. may be only us 2 in the tri-state area even though I know a M235 getting it in a few days.

Cant wait till u join us in the drag-strip! I was trying to get u to come and test your BMS on the 1/4 time but now u're going to be so happy with RC u wont remove it lol.

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

@Kzang , that's the difference between RaceChip and BMS. Because it is more smoother, you won't feel it much, but it is there.
It does take a little bit time for the car to adapt.

+1 funny because Ben and TShoot and opasha were my life savior when I was trying to unclip those sensors PITA! took me 3 days lol but now its a 2 minute job literally.

[Kzang]

Does anyone know how much HP/TQ is increased on the 35i with the default settings (S2:B)?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Does anyone know how much HP/TQ is increased on the 35i with the default settings (S2:B)?

It should be around 30-40whp. Not sure about the torque.

[Lotus99]

Hey all and pdawg,

Just curious, for those who are bumping up their settings to more aggressive maps, what is your process for making sure the engine is happy with it?

On the E90 forums, where people log, they're logging the timing Corrections on all 6 Cylinders And looking forward drops there, as well as some of the other parameters. I know with Cobb, it was super easy to do and export the logs.

With the JB tunes, I can't recall if you can do it via the tune, or using the Bavarian Technic cable, but again, people do logging before bumping up maps.

Are you logging? And if so, with what?

What are you looking for exactly?