dealers magic "Go faster switch"?

discostu · 03-25-2010, 11:57 AM

I've had the 330i for just under a year and love it.

One thing puzzles me though! Every time it comes back from the dealer, as in when I drive it off their forecourt, it feels like they pressed some kind of go faster switch! It does not seem to last but there is a definite change in the throttle response and engine note.

The last three times it has been in were for an MOT (no work carried out), air conditioning replacement, and a microfilter change

So is it my imagination, do they put some additive in when it leaves, do they reset some kind of map?

Stu

RichJ · 03-25-2010, 12:10 PM

Do you use super unleaded?

Captain Chaos · 03-25-2010, 12:33 PM

They will usually reset the adaption values when they do the service management on the car, which unless you drive at a BMW-estimated-perfectly-50%-everywhere

will undoubtedly change the throttle response and gearchange on autos etc. Whether you'd notice it may be another matter (they apparently did mine last week, and they either didn't and said they did or it made no difference at all) and the MoT would be about the least likely thing they'd have the car in for and reset the values on...

discostu · 03-25-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Jones

Do you use super unleaded?

usually V-Power

F31-340i · 03-25-2010, 12:55 PM

I've noticed this too so you're not imaginging it. On both E36 330d and current E91 330d. I suspect it could have something to do with fresh low viscosity 0W30 oil, but I know others think this should make no difference.

discostu · 03-25-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Chaos

They will usually reset the adaption values when they do the service management on the car, which unless you drive at a BMW-estimated-perfectly-50%-everywhere

will undoubtedly change the throttle response and gearchange on autos etc. Whether you'd notice it may be another matter (they apparently did mine last week, and they either didn't and said they did or it made no difference at all) and the MoT would be about the least likely thing they'd have the car in for and reset the values on...

Perhaps that's what they do - but I figured if they had reset anything electrical it would also reset the odometer and mpg values etc?

discostu · 03-25-2010, 12:58 PM

forgot to say mine is a manual so no chance it could be the gearbox.... or is there???

toxicnerve · 03-25-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by discostu

forgot to say mine is a manual so no chance it could be the gearbox.... or is there???

Not if it's a manual.

SiKkBaSs · 03-25-2010, 01:17 PM

I think it may be just that they put the car "through its paces" before handing it back to you. Like the 10-20 mile or so run in you give the car before you start blasting it around.

dxb335d · 03-25-2010, 01:18 PM

In ya head.

willhollin · 03-25-2010, 02:13 PM

They thrash the fackin tits off it. Cars love it.

Tunna_uk · 03-25-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

They thrash the fackin tits off it. Cars love it.

+1 true

discostu · 03-25-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

They thrash the fackin tits off it. Cars love it.

on a road test or on the ramp as a diagnostic?

discostu · 03-25-2010, 02:50 PM

maybe that's it... perhaps I'm too lightfooted and it's all nicely warmed up by the time I get it back from a while you wait

chris330D · 03-25-2010, 03:47 PM

Is it not just the difference between the loan car, 318/320 at best and yours? Mine feels quicker but I am sure it is spending the day with a slower car makes you appreciate your own better?

discostu · 03-25-2010, 04:25 PM

nah never bother with a loan car - always try to find a "while you wait" slot

milesr3 · 03-27-2010, 10:46 AM

I've noticed this with mine too. Always with a big dent in the average mpg figure which can only mean someone has been driving it hard. Last time they collected my car and brought it back to me there was a suspicious amount of brake dust on the rear wheels too.

Just part of the crap service.

SiKkBaSs · 03-27-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milesr3

I've noticed this with mine too. Always with a big dent in the average mpg figure which can only mean someone has been driving it hard. Last time they collected my car and brought it back to me there was a suspicious amount of brake dust on the rear wheels too.

Just part of the crap service.

So what is everyone assuming BMW technicians do with the cars? Go joyriding?

I'm sure BMW are more professional than that and have mileage checks in place to avoid this. It's probably due to tests being done on a dyno or something like that. It's probably necessary.

toxicnerve · 03-27-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

So what is everyone assuming BMW technicians do with the cars? Go joyriding?

I'm sure BMW are more professional than that and have mileage checks in place to avoid this. It's probably due to tests being done on a dyno or something like that. It's probably necessary.

Do BMW workshops have Dynos?

SiKkBaSs · 03-27-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicnerve

Do BMW workshops have Dynos?

The one in Arden Maidstone had one when I went there. Dunno why

dxb335d · 03-27-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiKkBaSs

So what is everyone assuming BMW technicians do with the cars? Go joyriding?

I'm sure BMW are more professional than that and have mileage checks in place to avoid this. It's probably due to tests being done on a dyno or something like that. It's probably necessary.

Your right, they wont take out 320's or 325's for spin. M3's 335's yeah.

If the chance arises or they need to check something, and yes they will take out the 16 year old apprentice aND THRASH the tits off it.

SiKkBaSs · 03-27-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Your right, they wont take out 320's or 325's for spin. M3's 335's yeah.

If the chance arises or they need to check something, and yes they will take out the 16 year old apprentice aND THRASH the tits off it.

Wow didn't know that. That's pretty poor form...if it's true.

03-25-2010, 11:57 AM	#1
discostu Private 13 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Essex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 330i M Sport [0.00]	dealers magic "Go faster switch"? I've had the 330i for just under a year and love it. One thing puzzles me though! Every time it comes back from the dealer, as in when I drive it off their forecourt, it feels like they pressed some kind of go faster switch! It does not seem to last but there is a definite change in the throttle response and engine note. The last three times it has been in were for an MOT (no work carried out), air conditioning replacement, and a microfilter change So is it my imagination, do they put some additive in when it leaves, do they reset some kind of map? Stu
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03-25-2010, 12:10 PM	#2
RichJ First Lieutenant 10 Rep 358 Posts Drives: E92 M-Sport 330i Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South iTrader: (0)	Do you use super unleaded?
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03-25-2010, 12:33 PM	#3
Captain Chaos Lieutenant 6 Rep 473 Posts Drives: cars n stuff Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	They will usually reset the adaption values when they do the service management on the car, which unless you drive at a BMW-estimated-perfectly-50%-everywhere will undoubtedly change the throttle response and gearchange on autos etc. Whether you'd notice it may be another matter (they apparently did mine last week, and they either didn't and said they did or it made no difference at all) and the MoT would be about the least likely thing they'd have the car in for and reset the values on...
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03-25-2010, 12:55 PM	#5
F31-340i Colonel 157 Rep 2,475 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Touring Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ... iTrader: (1)	I've noticed this too so you're not imaginging it. On both E36 330d and current E91 330d. I suspect it could have something to do with fresh low viscosity 0W30 oil, but I know others think this should make no difference.
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03-25-2010, 12:58 PM	#7
discostu Private 13 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Essex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 330i M Sport [0.00]	forgot to say mine is a manual so no chance it could be the gearbox.... or is there???
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03-25-2010, 01:17 PM	#9
SiKkBaSs GTR'in it 169 Rep 4,434 Posts Drives: Nissan GTR Black Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kensington, London iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I think it may be just that they put the car "through its paces" before handing it back to you. Like the 10-20 mile or so run in you give the car before you start blasting it around.
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03-25-2010, 01:18 PM	#10
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 958 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	In ya head. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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03-25-2010, 02:13 PM	#11
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	They thrash the fackin tits off it. Cars love it. __________________
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03-25-2010, 02:50 PM	#14
discostu Private 13 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Essex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 330i M Sport [0.00]	maybe that's it... perhaps I'm too lightfooted and it's all nicely warmed up by the time I get it back from a while you wait
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03-25-2010, 03:47 PM	#15
chris330D Major 36 Rep 1,135 Posts Drives: F31 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	Is it not just the difference between the loan car, 318/320 at best and yours? Mine feels quicker but I am sure it is spending the day with a slower car makes you appreciate your own better?
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03-25-2010, 04:25 PM	#16
discostu Private 13 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Essex iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 330i M Sport [0.00]	nah never bother with a loan car - always try to find a "while you wait" slot
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03-27-2010, 10:46 AM	#17
milesr3 Private First Class 10 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 535d SE Join Date: May 2009 Location: Suffolk, UK. iTrader: (0)	I've noticed this with mine too. Always with a big dent in the average mpg figure which can only mean someone has been driving it hard. Last time they collected my car and brought it back to me there was a suspicious amount of brake dust on the rear wheels too. Just part of the crap service.
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