[Monk111]

Firstly apologies that it has taken me so long to post this review. I’ve had a few personal issues that have cropped up unexpectedly which have taken up a lot of my time of late.

OK I’ve had the kit around 3 months now and have a chance to constructively review it’s performance characteristics. On taking delivery of the car after fitting at Lloyds in Carlisle (by Master Technician Gary Dickson - a top guy) I’ve put the car through its paces across a wide spectrum of driving conditions – from mixed A and B roads to motorways and city driving.

On initially driving the car away through the centre of Carlisle there was no noticeable difference and it’s fair to say I was a little disappointed. However three months on I can safely say I am mightily impressed with the change in the cars driving characteristics.

I’ve listened with envy to all the chaps on the Bimmer Post forums talk about chipping their 320 diesels and I cannot say I wasn’t tempted to go down the ‘unofficial’ route and chip my car via a none BMW approved route (thereby voiding the warranty). However, having studied mechanical engineering and subsequently electronics at University I was keen to utilise a system that combined both software based performance increases with uprated mechanical components.

The real difference in performance seems to be felt in 3,4,5 and 6th gears. The car revs much more freely and its turn of pace is staggering. It’s a definite improvement over the stock 177BHP car. I drive a lot of A-roads. On a number of occasions I’ve been at 45mph and about to overtake the car in front. In third gear with pedal to the metal in no time at all you have passed the car in front only to realise the car is fast approaching big numbers. The power delivery is seamless and much quicker than the stock car. A pal has a 123d and the performance is certainly comparable to his.

So at nearly £1700 would I recommend it? The answer is frankly yes. It’s a stunning piece of kit from a superb company. I’ve attached some pics of the car in it’s new guise. I was surprised at the number of parts they replace. The box that contained the whole kit completely filled the boot. In addition to a new electric fan (from a 325d) an additional intercooler and a completely new ECU I’m over the moon with the performance kit. It may be expensive but you are getting a premium product in terms of software, electronics and uprated hardware components. All in a superb buy.

[Giff]

You say an additional intercooler, thats quite a surprise as I expected them to simply fit a larger intercooler.
What are the performance specs for the conversion?

[jjbirch]

you drive a mapped 320d i cant see it being far off, what a waste of money

[Dizzle]

What performance figures are you looking at for your £1700?

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by jjbirch

you drive a mapped 320d i cant see it being far off, what a waste of money

A bit harsh.

Nice review Monk111. Still really tempted by this though I don't want to upset you but I've got a quote for £1214 from Anneka. Once Mrs.rich1068 is off maternity pay this goes back to the top of my 'want' list

[chedixon]

There's a BMW main dealer doing it now for £1100, was in there at the weekend discussing it if we get a few of us together might be able to get it for 1k
Definitely worth it for that price.

Thanks for taking the time to do a write up monk, I'm really tempted

[BanziBarn]

How do you describe this mod to the insurance company? Do you have to mention all the parts, or just say it has a performance kit on it?

[Chris100]

I would also be tempted with this for around the £1k mark, couldn't really justify £1700 for it but have always been tempted to upgrade but never wanted to go down the non BMW route due to potential warranty issues.

[rich1068]

And apart from warranty am I right in saying the newer models still can't be mapped via the OBD?

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by chedixon

There's a BMW main dealer doing it now for £1100, was in there at the weekend discussing it if we get a few of us together might be able to get it for 1k
Definitely worth it for that price.

Thanks for taking the time to do a write up monk, I'm really tempted

Ask the question chedixon. Nottingham is only half an hour down the M1 for me.

[BanziBarn]

Originally Posted by rich1068

And apart from warranty am I right in saying the newer models still can't be mapped via the OBD?

I think so - not many places can map the newer cars full stop because of this.. P-torque are one of the few that can (at least this is the case on the LCI 330d).

[rich1068]

It's via the OBD that is the issue as I understand it eg Superchips can map the car at their HQ but not via the OBD.

[chedixon]

I'm going in to pick some parts up tonight rich so I'll ask the question

[Monk111]

Hi guys.

Cheers for the comments. I didn't actually pay for it but that was the price quoted when I originally asked about it. It was a goodwill gesture in lieu of some poor service Id received. BMW UK were excellent in sorting out my issues and didn't want me to quit and go to Merc.

Alas the car now is running beautifully and I've moved to another dealer.

Insurance question is a good one. Was with Swift cover prior to mod. Sent them a link and asked how much the insurance would change if I got it fitted. They said no increase. So I took up BMW UKs offer and had it done. Sent email to swift cover to tell them I'd had it done and the sods came back and said I wasn't covered! Had to quickly run around and get new cover. Eventually got it with Budget - £600 for the year. Reckon it increased my policy by £10 a month.

If I can be any further help let me know! Now have a spare ECU and electric fan should anyone be interested.

Monk

[mc_blue]

Thanks for the review this is food for thought.

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by chedixon

I'm going in to pick some parts up tonight rich so I'll ask the question

Any news on this?

[Boyd1963]

Bump

[rich1068]

I've gone ahead and sounded out my local dealer about a discount for more than one car. Someone I know has a 320d auto and expressed an interest so I've got them down to £1105 for mine and £1360 for the auto.

[Boyd1963]

Originally Posted by rich1068

I've gone ahead and sounded out my local dealer about a discount for more than one car. Someone I know has a 320d auto and expressed an interest so I've got them down to £1105 for mine and £1360 for the auto.

That doesnt sound too bad at all. Are you thinking of having it done soon?

I must admit that I am pretty disappointed with my 184bhp 320d but dont want to do anything that will invalidate the warrwanty as it is only 5 weeks old.

[rich1068]

If I do go ahead I'll be having it done once the new (modified) clutch is sorted in December.

[chrisbmwcy]

Good writeup.

Good choice of mods! Well done! Enjoy

[zltm089]

good write up!

did you require a new ecu unit? or did bmw "remap" the current one?