Chip
 

Can someone confirm that this software actually works as advertised, or is it snake oil ??

Thanks

Diesel Tuning Chip for BMW X5 E70 xDrive 35d 269PS / 198kW / 265bhp

Not as someone who is doing actual DDE flash, but as a fellow X5 D owner I will explain you how this "boxes" work. These are so called "Piggyback" systems which intercept some of the input sensor signals and output control signals (to the injectors,wastegate control valves, fuel pressure regulator, etc) and modify them. Nothing in the actual DDE program is changed, but by modifying the signals the DDE gets incorrect picture of what is happening with the engine. As an example,sending lower than the actual boost value to the DDE it is tricked to raise the boost. By sending lower fuel pressure value DDE is tricked to raise the FP and the end result is somewhat higher power. In other words, yes, this type of the boxes work, but they make the engine to operate in less than optimal conditions. Like a low level flash tune, piggyback mostly bumps the midrange torque,by a lot, which makes the car feels very powerfull in daily driving conditions. Contrary, a good flash tune will take care of many, many other engine parameters and increase the power by optimizing the engine performance. The factory tuning is very much on the safe side, so there is a lot to be gained only from there. Well tuned diesel will be faster overall than one with piggyback, let alone all other sides of the story.

Get this one, tried and true BMW guys. I have this on my wife's X5d and I have basically everything they make plus custom maps on my 335xi from them.

JBD Diesel BMW Performance Tuner Chip 320d 330d 335d X5d - BurgerTuning.com

It isnt "software"..it is a piggy back device that fools the DDE into producing more power. Same as the JBD.

Buy one that is made in the country in which you reside, IMO.

Better yet, buy tuning- not piggy backs

Piggy backs suck.

Why's that?

OP, I have no experience with this manufacturer so I can't help with that. I do have a Race Chip piggyback and it works great. Much improved mid-range torque and throttle response. Great bang for the buck.

https://www.racechip-usa.com/

The piggybacks actually seem to work very good on the Diesels.

you can just read the second post. The piggybacks work, proven fact. The question is what is the effect on the engine.
Since early L-jetronoc models, any car could be made to feel more powefull and strong, especially down low and in the midrange, with 2-3 resistors.

I read your post and understand what you're saying. I machine code for a living so I "get it". I have tunes in my M5 and Z06. Believe me, I've never been a believer in PB devices.

With X5, it works great. There are people that have had the JBD PB for years with no issues.

Have you driven an XD with a PB?

I will never drive ANY vehicle with a piggyback magic black box.

You said they "suck", why?

Asked and answered, no?

Why not just google it yourself?

You will find technical points on their drawbacks, lots of sales blather saying they are great, then lots of owners that like them and a few owners that have had problems and some disasters.

Then draw your own conclusion.

Do you think if you keep asking, this single thread will become a complete repository on the topic????????

E70 X5 4.8 PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE by: Active Autowerke
 

E70 X5 4.8 PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE by: Active Autowerke $ 499.00

Active Autowerke offers unparalleled performance software. Through careful remapping of
the factory BMW DME
tables, various elements such as ignition timing, fuel delivery, and part throttles are
reworked to create performance gains.
From the factory. there is inherent situations of a rough, cold start idle that makes
for poor drivability. With the new Active Autowerke software, the camshaft vanos tables
are also re-mapped to eliminate this rough idle scenario to a smoother, cold start idle.
The Active Autowerke upgraded software is designed to operate with gasoline that has an
average octane rating with full emissions to create a clean burning combustion with good
AFR’s all within factory specifications.

Key Features:
15+ Horsepower gains throughout RPM range
Higher torque over factory settings throughout RPM range
Recalibrated settings for a smoother and more responsive part throttle transition
Recalibrated settings for a smoother and more responsive power delivery
Ability to upgrade all ECU's
Modified Vanos camshaft remapping eliminating rough cold start enable
Raised RPM thresholds in specific gears
Free tech support and assistance
Local Installation available for many.

Software Purchase Options
When you purchase software you have 3 options to acquire it.
1) Locate an Active Autowerke Flash station equipped dealer near you and have it installed
there. Click here for Dealer List.
2) Purchase a G5 Tool from Active Autowerke and install the software yourself. Very
useful if additional software upgrades are needed in the future.
3)Remove and mail Active Autowerke your ECU and we will install the software. Same day
turnaround on all software with free 2nd day air to lower 48 states. See Tech Support for
details on removal and mailing of ECU.
Click here for Instructions on Removing ECU

I had it downloaded and installed at Auto Talent in Carson, CA. Very impressive line-up of cars at the shop. I was helped by Sam. Done 7/23/15.

Because they're a hack and that's putting it kindly. Insisting they are anything resembling a proper tune or the correct way to achieve additional power and torque is a delusion.




Unfortunately, this is not an option for X5d owners.

This is the only option and that's why those magic black boxes are so popular.

He didn't answer, hence my second question. I know all about the PB's and tunes. I had/have tunes on both my former M5 and Z06 9 (among many previous cars). Additionally, I've worked with tuners as a beta tester.

The PB's seem to work well on the diesels. To globally say they "suck" and not explain why, doesn't add anything to the discussion.

Thanks for the response. I don't think anyone has "insisted" that they resemble a proper tune as they obviously don't. As you stated, not many options for the X5d. I'm not a big fan of PB's but it does make a nice improvement on the X5.

I have a question; have you driven an X5d with a PB device?

They work as intended and increase the power, fact no one would argue with. The unknown factor is how much long term "damage" PB will cause to the subsystems EGR, DPF, intake, etc which are extremely picky even under the factory computer control.
As a matter of fact I would not think twice to install PB on a gas engine, but wouldnt do that on my diesel if i have the intention to keep it for long time.

.