what do chips do? - BMW Forum

540 Aaron · 01-06-2009, 04:23 AM

Could someone tell me anything about SLR after market chips?I have a 97 540i 4.4L.Not so much interested in spending ten grand on a supercharger for more power than I really need in my daily driver not to mention gas prices are creeping back up again.But there are plenty of companies that make chips for cars with OBD2 computers and some companies claim substantial MPG and horsepower increase.Are they lying about their products? Has anyone actually tried any of them?I'm not as interested in going 180MPH/300KH as I am interested in my transmission shift points.It uses first gear until 40-45 MPH at wide open throttle and second until at least 70 (6200 or so RPM)but if I want to pass at 30MPH (60KH)it wont kick down to first to use the remaining available and most powerful part of the powerband.Is that what a chip can help with?Also there is a local shop that does computer remapping.Is that the same thing a chip does or is that a totally different thing?

marti5 · 01-06-2009, 04:43 AM

Chips are really a waste of time unless you go to Dinan, as for you gear changes these are not as they should be , if you know somebody with diagnostics Carsoft 6.5 or higher get them to reset the EGS adaptations, this will reset the box and it will then learn how you drive and not the prior owner.

540 Aaron · 01-06-2009, 05:18 AM

Thanks for the input about the shift points.However I have read on this site that there is a person that claims he prefers his conforti over his dinan.And what about jet?

marti5 · 01-06-2009, 05:58 AM

On a V8 4.4 you really wont gain that much, may be slightly better 0-60mph say 1/4 second, as for BHP maybe 8 - 10, but its up to you.

If your after real power fit a supercharger.

540 Aaron · 01-06-2009, 06:16 AM

I'd be thrilled to be able to say that I have a 300HP bimmer that hits 60 in the upper 5 second range.And a quarter second off 0 to 60 would probably put me in the high 13s on the quarter mile.Are coldair intakes worthless?What about exhaust?

marti5 · 01-06-2009, 07:16 AM

Ive got a K&N cold air intake fitted, all you get is quicker power mid revs, I would say maybe a bit more bhp , but I havent put on a dyno yet, although it does feel a little quicker and deffo sounds nice.

540 Aaron · 01-06-2009, 07:32 AM

Off the topic of mods,I've got 150,000 miles on my car and I know BMW claims lifetime tranny fluid but there's a local shop that does good work and they said they'll do a fluid change for $100.I don't know anything about BMW transmissions.Bettersafe than sorry,or don't waste the money.

540 Aaron · 01-06-2009, 07:38 AM

Off the topic of mods,I've got 150,000 miles on my car and I know BMW claims lifetime tranny fluid but there's a local shop that does good work and they said they'll do a fluid change for $100.I don't know anything about BMW transmissions.Bettersafe than sorry,or don't waste the money.

Teh Prof · 01-06-2009, 10:09 AM

1. If you want to change your automatic transmission's behaviour, the best thing to do actually would be to buy the Dinan transmission software. Engine software has nothing to do with transmission software.

2. Yes, people who make claims larger than 10-15 horsepower on software alone are lying. Usually it takes software, cold air intake, and maybe even exhaust to get 15 hp.

3. If you've waited 150,000 miles to get that transmission serviced, it's probably too late unless basically ALL your miles are highway miles. "Lifetime" fluid lasts for the BMW "lifetime," which is 100K miles. Really it should be changed every 35-40K.

4. Don't forget changing differential fluid too, that should also be done every 35K-40K miles.