Is anyone running pullies with no software? Just wondering what type of gains you saw, and any problems you may have had without software, fault codes, etc?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Don't know of anyone, but if you do go this route, it is very important to check your A/F ratio to make sure you aren't running lean, otherwise you'll damage your engine without even knowing you are.

The A/F ratio should be no higher than 12.5 at 3,000 rpms and higher.

 

^^^^

as mentioned above, check your a/f ratio as you might be running a bit on the lean side. I know that since we have boost maps built into our ECU programming that there should be tolerances to adapt to the increased boost (even stock you will see higher boost when the weather is a bit cooler) but most pulley kits raise the boost at least 3psi... I dont know if hte ECU will go as far as adapt to 3psi increased boost but its always better to remap your ECU for most mods.

 

Without a doubt I will be doing ECU programming as well. I was just wondering, just as most tuners are showing the two independant of one another, as if you don't need ECU programming.

-Mike

 

Does anyone know if the factory 94 octane setting accomplishes this (accomodating higher a/f ratio)?

 

My understanding was that you absolutely needed the software to see gains.

Renntech nor Evosport does not sell the two independantly (as far as I know).

 

both sell it seperate and both say ofcourse the gains will be "more" if you have both

 

Do you know what each company charges for just software? TIA

 

I'd prefer to have Evosport or Renntech do my pulleys and ECU, but from the prices I've seen, it will cost more than $3000. It's tough to ignore the competition when they offer what seems like the same stuff for a lot less money. Any chance Evosport or Renntech will lower prices or have a sale? It sounds like there are some people interested if the price was good.

 

Renntech lists the price as being around 1990 or 1995 for software, and 1995 or so for pullies. I think they may also sell a package. But there is no way I am paying that kind of money for what costs on pretty much any other car, less than $1,000 MAX!

Powerchip is a lot cheaper I believe. But the prices I know of are retail, I need to see what they are actually going for in the market, anyone got updated prices (real world)?

-Mike

 

I agree with that! Plus for me, I'd have to drive either to CA or FL from Texas to get it done, so my costs are much higher. If either of them sold both upgrades in a package, maybe 2 for the price of 1, I'd start making plans for the drive!

 

Well, you could also install the pullies yourself. And for the ECU reprogram, you can pull the ecu out, mail it to them and they'll get it back to you with a round trip of 2-3 days.

I know I am not making the trip to Fla just to get my ecu reprogrammed. When I got a supercharger for my old 01' 325Ci I sent my ecu to Norway to ESS and they had it back to me in under a week.

-Mike

 

That was my plan. As soon as I find out how much the ECU will cost........

 

None of you need to go anywhere for the ECU or pulley to be done. I sell the Renntech mods. You simply pull out the ECU send it overnight, they work on it, and overnight it back to you. You can have it back within 3 days. As for the pulley, if you dont want to install it yourself you can bring it to any good shop. The pulleys are pretty simple for any mecanic to install.

We are still having a sale on out Renntech Items, and are cheaper then Renntech Directly. Pricing is as follows for the C32.


ECU upgrade - $1799
Pulley Kit - $1799
Pulley Kit and ECU package price - $3187

 

pulley kit and ECU is $2890 from evosport ..how much should labor cost~ be for pulley install..

 

Is anyone working on a larger 190mm pulley for the c32 or has this been proven to be detrimental to the s/c & motor?

 

Probably like 200-300 for install? just a guess.

 

better cooling has to go along with the 190

 

Most of these companies will offer a discount if enough people buy at once. Anyone up for a group buy?

 

On the C32, running the evosport, renntech, or asp pulley without software will not cause problems. I believe Kleemann is the same, however I am not sure whether they run a larger amount of boost than the forementioned. The stock ECU is able to adapt on octane as low as 91 and still have a healthy air/fuel ratio. HOWEVER, changing the software can yield as much as 20hp on top of the pulleys.

 

As far as the software goes, does anyone know if the dealer can override the software with factory updates? I know this was the case with BMW.

If the answere is yes, will Renntech or the others offer new downloads for free or reduced price?

 

There's gotta be a way for cheaper software. If we are in for a group buy for pulley/software, count me in. I agree that both Renntech and Evosport are pretty much gouging us since we drive a premium car and they believe they can charge a premium.

My question is that if the dealer can overwrite the ECU software, what's to prevent them from copying the Renntech/Evosport software on a car that already has it and writing it onto another car's ECU? I don't want to start a flaming thread on software piracy b/c I don't think it's ethical/moral. However, to them, it's a sunk cost. Pure economics and obviously they haven't looked at the supply/demand lately. They've already made it and it's not like it's a stocked item that needs to be manufactured (except for the overnight upgrade process). I'm sure if the ECU upgrade was relatively the same price as other cars (Honda's, VW's, etc), or half the current price, there would be lots of people who would jump on it. What can we do to make them reassess their pricing?

Anybody have any insight into copying ECU software? I'm sure my engineering friends can figure it out b/c I suppose it's just a basic EPROM. If not, maybe someone with a MB diagnostic computer can let us know.

 

xqwizit,

copying dme software is not that easy and there are legal ramifications (seen a BMW company prosecuted for it).

the effort that goes into cracking a dme code may have something to do with the price and also demand for the product. There aren't many C32's on the road, compared to C230's or even 3 series BMW's.

personally, I would not copy software for ethical reasons and would not trust someone's engineering friends with my car's dme and driveability.

 

I agree, but then you go on to propose theft and piracy.
In addition to the ethical and moral issues it is illegal.


This is a ridiculous argument. These companies pay employee salaries, equipment (car, dyno, etc.), maintenance costs, facilities and overhead. However much time they put into the R&D needs to be recouped. We don't know where they are in that continuum, but you can't assume that they've reached that point. And if they have, more power to them. They may invest that money into expanding their operation, hiring more talent, participating in events, etc.

In the end, I too feel that it is expensive, but you have to consider the limited number of these cars. If you have less potential volume, you have to charge more or you don't produce that product.

You can also check out the alternatives. A number of people have purchased speedtuningusa's chip at $325.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/speedt...roducts/mb.htm

The potential downside is that you may not realize the maximum benefit from a bulk chip tuner. For example, the Evo chip would likely give you better results with the Evo mods.

Having said that, I know that there are a couple of members here who bought the Evo pulleys and got the chip from speedtuningusa. One of them has at least a year on his car with no problems. I have the pulleys and am facing a similar decision. Maybe as the vendors recoup their costs and feel pressure from others such as speedtuningusa, they will adjust their prices to avoid losing potential customers.

But in the end, I would never take someone else's product without paying for it. The billions upon billions lost due to piracy has weakened our economy, put so many people out of work and has taken away from innovation and new product development.

 

blando's comments are dead on! I am glad someone said it....I was holding back with my comments.

I own a BMW aftermarket parts company and we design and produce most of our products.

There are ALWAYS customers complaining about the price of ours and other manufacturers products, even though we are the most aggressively priced on most products.

Bottom line is, that someone is always going to think a part is too much money if THEY cannot afford it. That is really sad...

This attitude has been really dissappointing to me when I am working hard to make a product and then someone is complaining on the internet that I am gouging everyone because of the marque (BMW).

If the Renntech or Evosport Pullies and Software make the power and torque they claim, the price of the mods is in line. Look for group buys or call the manufacturer and see if you can get a better deal if you get several buyers involved. If you cannot afford it, stop complaining.

Also, like blando said, there is another alternative now.

People need to remember how few C32's have been produced. It is a key point.