Diesel power boost

[Tensor]

Does anyone know of options for increasing power in the diesel engine ?

I remember reading somewhere there was an easy way to increase power to 250 hp from the 218 std.

If it involves reprogramming the ECU i would need to buy a programmer too, as i am in Argentina and far from any tuner.

Regards
T

[kostas]

Try the following www.tuningbox.com

Kostas

[LVR]

These guys have a lot of experience with BMW diesels. You send the appropriate parts to them and they reprogram.

Cheers

DMS Automotive

[Tensor]

I will try the tuning box first i think, as i am getting my X5 tomorrow and i dont think i can be 10~15 days with it stopped wating for an ECU reprogram

[ron_jeremy]

Well, alot of guys are doing this, and with great results.
But i've come across some issues however.
Steptronic gear boxes are breaking down for instance,
In the 184 hk/390 Nm engine (M57), BMW has used a General Motors box A5S390R.
And this transmisson can only deal with 390 Nm, the same as the engine produces...



So i think you need to look at what kind of engine you have, and then decide to upgrade you're engine...

[dave_p]

I use the tunit box. It's been in my car for the last 5,000 miles and I'll never take it out. My local BMW dealer turns a blind eye to it. The car is now coming up to 10,000 miles without any problems whatsoever.

I have it on setting 6 (out of 9), which gives it bags more power throughout the whole range. There is no black smoke and the mpg is a little better than without it. I have hit 140 mph and the car still wanted to go faster - you try that in a standard 3.0d X5 !!

Bought mine from http://www.tunit.com but you can pick one up 2nd hand on ebay to save a £few hundred.

Regards,

Dave

PS. See my earlier posts for picks of the install.

[Donegal TDI]

Makes one wonder, why do BMW not do this in the first place?
There has to be a trade off somewhere, anyone?

[dave_p]

Originally Posted by Donegal TDI

Makes one wonder, why do BMW not do this in the first place?
There has to be a trade off somewhere, anyone?

Still trying to think........................The only thing I can think of is the ratio power:max withstand before failure

In other words, even though 20% more power is unlikely to result in mechanical failure of tranny etc etc. It would exceed BMW's safe ratio of perhaps 1.5:2 (as in the above case)????? Perhaps????? They would, therefore, have to upgrade brakes, tranny, etc etc and the cost of the car would therefore increase dramatically.

[Donegal TDI]

Tranny would be my concern as diesel puts out loadsa torque anyway in standard form, same as 4.8IS. Upping it my another 100Nm could be asking for trouble down the line.
But then again, in the right hands, or right foot, handled with a modicum of common sense, could add immensely to the fun factor.
Perhaps a poll is required here.
Who has the highest trouble free chipped miles?

[AUSSIE-X5]

Best advice with a tuned up diesel X5 is don't accelerate hard up hill because of the strain on the tranny shifting all that weight quickly against gravity. Progressive not excessive!
Good luck with your power boost choice and research before you buy.