Chip it! - BMW Forum

PhatCat · 08-30-2006, 04:10 PM

Hey everyone! I'm brand new to the forum, and I must say, it kicks ass!
I recently picked up a nice little '86 325e and wouldn't mind doing a little work under the hood. I'm thinking that a chip is the first thing to go in, any suggestions on which one to go with? Thanks ahead of time for any input.

PhatCat · 08-31-2006, 04:23 PM

Anybody? No love?

yammahamma · 08-31-2006, 04:41 PM

Well I'm lookin' to buy one those ebay chips....I've never heard anything bad about them and they're only $30-40...can't go wrong with that! If it doesn't work then all you have to do is take it out, no harm done and you've only lost $30.

Sorry I can't be of more help...

JoeMadoo · 09-01-2006, 12:29 AM

I have an ebay chip, no problems, nice performance gain.

PhatCat · 09-01-2006, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the heads up guys. What brand is it JoeM? Easy to install?

JoeMadoo · 09-01-2006, 06:53 PM

Its called "Proformance". I dont know what the differences are... Its a pretty basic install. You unplug the ecu in the glove box, pull it out, take out the 4 screws, seperate the 2 boards, and just replace the chip.

PhatCat · 09-02-2006, 01:50 AM

Nice souns damn easy! Maybe I'll try one out. Is it pretty noticeable?(the extra juice)

JoeMadoo · 09-02-2006, 01:32 PM

It is very noticeable, throughout the entire powerband, it raises the revs to about 5400RPMs, and takes off the top speed limiter.

KMFDMR · 09-16-2006, 03:39 AM

Yo.

I've got a 1977 320A presently, but I'm looking to pick up a 1985 323i Baur TC. In the perfomance conversation that inevitably surfaced with a few Bimmer techs I know (I work for BMW) ECU chips came up, and they recommended the use of the Conforti chip only - regardless of model or series.

Can't give you why, but that's what I was told. If anyone here knows better, I'd defer. But these guys know their shit.

--
KMFDMR

Starmavin · 09-16-2006, 08:47 AM

The only problem is conforti is mighty proud of their products, about $250 each.

bimmerguy82 · 09-16-2006, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMFDMR

Yo.

I've got a 1977 320A presently, but I'm looking to pick up a 1985 323i Baur TC. In the perfomance conversation that inevitably surfaced with a few Bimmer techs I know (I work for BMW) ECU chips came up, and they recommended the use of the Conforti chip only - regardless of model or series.

Can't give you why, but that's what I was told. If anyone here knows better, I'd defer. But these guys know their shit.

--
KMFDMR

+1 I have a TMS chip for my 92' 325 and it kicks ass! I had an ebay chip twice and it gave me the check engine light and did not work. It's worth the money imo. plus if you own or plan to own a bmw don't whine about spending $$ on it, they are expensive.

Starmavin · 09-16-2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshsanders82

+1 I have a TMS chip for my 92' 325 and it kicks ass! I had an ebay chip twice and it gave me the check engine light and did not work. It's worth the money imo. plus if you own or plan to own a bmw don't whine about spending $$ on it, they are expensive.

Actually, owning a porsche is expensive, owning a mercedes benz is expensive, compared to these BMWs are not all that bad...

KMFDMR · 09-16-2006, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Actually, owning a porsche is expensive, owning a mercedes benz is expensive, compared to these BMWs are not all that bad...

Speak for yourself, I've spent nearly $14k AU on this 320 of mine in the last year. Granted, it's in fantastic condition now.. Rims - $1200, head gasket last September - $4500, Solex rebuild - $2000, brakes (cylinder, boosters, calipers, discs, drums.. The whole shebang) - $4500, and exhaust manifold - $1500. Plus the respray, but that doesn't count for mandatory expenditure.

And after all that, it still needs a windshield, rear balljoint, sump oil leak fix, and 3 new tyres before I can sell it roadworthy, which is why I'm not going to. It's going unreg.

Conversely, this Baur I'm looking to pick up looks in terrific nick. I'll post pics when I'm able.

--
KMFDMR

bimmerguy82 · 09-16-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starmavin

Actually, owning a porsche is expensive, owning a mercedes benz is expensive, compared to these BMWs are not all that bad...

really it's all relative, but i was implying that compared to american cars and japanese cars bmw's are generally more expensive. that's all.

Starmavin · 09-16-2006, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMFDMR

Speak for yourself, I've spent nearly $14k AU on this 320 of mine in the last year. Granted, it's in fantastic condition now.. Rims - $1200, head gasket last September - $4500, Solex rebuild - $2000, brakes (cylinder, boosters, calipers, discs, drums.. The whole shebang) - $4500, and exhaust manifold - $1500. Plus the respray, but that doesn't count for mandatory expenditure.

And after all that, it still needs a windshield, rear balljoint, sump oil leak fix, and 3 new tyres before I can sell it roadworthy, which is why I'm not going to. It's going unreg.

Conversely, this Baur I'm looking to pick up looks in terrific nick. I'll post pics when I'm able.

--
KMFDMR

Chump change, I did a cylinder head and a complete timing chain job on a mercedes-benz 450SEL V8 after labor and parts his bill was about $6000, (just one cyl head, the timing chain skipped and bent all the drivers side valves) Then 4 months later his transmission went out, it was sent out to be rebuilt $3500 after shipping, rebuild, and installation. Keep in mind that my shop offered the lowest estimate.

A locked up motor (blown intermediate shaft) in a 99 porches boxster (only 31,000 miles common problem) after all was said and done, he paid $10,000 and that was a used motor.....