Racechip GTS Black installation help
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 697
Likes: 104
From: Taiwan
GLC43, X P100D, S P100D, CT200H
I was considering ordering the BMS bluetooth unit when I ordered the BMS GPS Dragy unit, but ultimately came to the conclusion that I would only use it once or twice (once to turn it off and another to turn it back on for testing/dyno). BMS doesnt offer any updates for the JB1 currently and they only tune certain cars in general, so I think it is less useful in the BMS than it is in the Racechip.
Racechip offers 1 or 2 free retunes when/if you change your car so you dont need to buy another unit and they tune almost any Turbocharged vehicle (BMS only does BMW Audi/VW and until now the M276). Racechip can also fine tune if you get headers exhaust etc. So Bluetooth is definitely more useful in the Racechip whereas its function in the BMS is pretty limited.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
2017 C43 AMG (W205), 2012 AM Vantage V12, 1989 964
I was considering ordering the BMS bluetooth unit when I ordered the BMS GPS Dragy unit, but ultimately came to the conclusion that I would only use it once or twice (once to turn it off and another to turn it back on for testing/dyno). BMS doesnt offer any updates for the JB1 currently and they only tune certain cars in general, so I think it is less useful in the BMS than it is in the Racechip.
Racechip offers 1 or 2 free retunes when/if you change your car so you dont need to buy another unit and they tune almost any Turbocharged vehicle (BMS only does BMW Audi/VW and until now the M276). Racechip can also fine tune if you get headers exhaust etc. So Bluetooth is definitely more useful in the Racechip whereas its function in the BMS is pretty limited.
Racechip offers 1 or 2 free retunes when/if you change your car so you dont need to buy another unit and they tune almost any Turbocharged vehicle (BMS only does BMW Audi/VW and until now the M276). Racechip can also fine tune if you get headers exhaust etc. So Bluetooth is definitely more useful in the Racechip whereas its function in the BMS is pretty limited.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 697
Likes: 104
From: Taiwan
GLC43, X P100D, S P100D, CT200H
JB4 bluetooth module is a must have option and I would definitely add it down the road. I love the ability to see live boost, IAT, targets...etc.. and to be able to adjust on the fly and data log the results. This feature is awesome and if they decide to go JB4 on the C43 it would provide much more data.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
2017 C43 AMG (W205), 2012 AM Vantage V12, 1989 964
The GTS Black with Bluetooth is ~ $850.00
I love the JB1 and i think its a great product. I hope they continue to develop it. I think you cannot go wrong with either JB1 or RaceChip GTS Black. I think they put down the same HP numbers but utimately JB1 has more flexibility and the RaceChip is much more polished and complete.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: los angeles
C43 AMG
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
2017 C43 AMG (W205), 2012 AM Vantage V12, 1989 964
Like someone else mentioned. I think either cam sensor works. I don't think it makes any difference which one you use. I don't think swapping them makes any more power because i did it.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 44
From: North East
2017 AMG C43, AWE Touring, BMC Air Filters- 2015 BMW X3 3.5i (JB1 Equipped)
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
From: hongkong Shenzhen
C260
I am giving it some more time. So far it feels identical to the JB1, maybe even giving the JB1 a slight edge. I think the JB1 might have increase boost a little more down low, but im going to give it another 200 miles to get a feel of it. I do miss all of the data that the JB1 logs. GTS black is like a piggyback for dummies, where the JB1 give you a lot more control (but the JB1 hardware looks unfinished compared to the GTS Black.)
On the JB1 as I mentioned in your other post I think you have an earlier one. This is what it looks like.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
From: hongkong Shenzhen
C260
You can use CAM sensor from either side of engine, as all the tunes do with this is read engine RPM for tuning purposes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
2017 C43 AMG (W205), 2012 AM Vantage V12, 1989 964
They look to be basically identical function wise, with the JB1 giving some extra configuration and custom mapping options. The main difference from what I can see is the price.
On the JB1 as I mentioned in your other post I think you have an earlier one. This is what it looks like.
On the JB1 as I mentioned in your other post I think you have an earlier one. This is what it looks like.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 44
From: North East
2017 AMG C43, AWE Touring, BMC Air Filters- 2015 BMW X3 3.5i (JB1 Equipped)
So what are most of you doing after you install the unit? Do you keep it programmed on Sport, Race or off? Turning it on only when you want to have some fun.
I think after I install mine I will keep it in sport and just use the dynamic settings on the AMG to increase the performance, or is it better to keep it in Race all of the time? I guess it makes no sense installing a chip unless your getting maximum overdrive out of it.
Any thoughts on how people are using the chip?
I think after I install mine I will keep it in sport and just use the dynamic settings on the AMG to increase the performance, or is it better to keep it in Race all of the time? I guess it makes no sense installing a chip unless your getting maximum overdrive out of it.
Any thoughts on how people are using the chip?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 44
From: North East
2017 AMG C43, AWE Touring, BMC Air Filters- 2015 BMW X3 3.5i (JB1 Equipped)
Why do you think the chip will significantly lesson the life of the turbos? I think even with the chip on all the time, the car should be good for 100k mi but I could be wrong or are you just being cautious?
I am planning on dumping my C43 before I hit 80k mi or 6 years which ever comes first. I am thinking that leaving the chip on all of the time and driving in Comfort most of the time will give the best of both worlds.
I am planning on dumping my C43 before I hit 80k mi or 6 years which ever comes first. I am thinking that leaving the chip on all of the time and driving in Comfort most of the time will give the best of both worlds.
Former Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 0
Likes: 94
CLS
I have no basis to opine anything other than years of experience flying heavy, Unpressured recips. Engine stress, if there is any, is cumulative and always causes latent, even minor defects to manifest sooner. For example, using an EGT, I never used theoretic lean mixture as I once burned up the valves in an engine doing so.
Do whatever you wish.
Do whatever you wish.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 44
From: North East
2017 AMG C43, AWE Touring, BMC Air Filters- 2015 BMW X3 3.5i (JB1 Equipped)
I have no basis to opine anything other than years of experience flying heavy, Unpressured recips. Engine stress, if there is any, is cumulative and always causes latent, even minor defects to manifest sooner. For example, using an EGT, I never used theoretic lean mixture as I once burned up the valves in an engine doing so.
Do whatever you wish.
Do whatever you wish.
I do not believe adding 3psi of boost max will cause latent or minor defects to arise. If we were running at the edge of this engines capabilities I could agree with you, but disagree with a small bump in performance adversely affecting the engine, if it is properly maintained.
Thank you though, you have jogged my mind to research the correct answer. I do respect your conservative approach in regard to the Racechip though- for me, if I spend the money, I want it on all of the time.
Last edited by Lazz83; Jan 31, 2018 at 11:53 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 44
From: North East
2017 AMG C43, AWE Touring, BMC Air Filters- 2015 BMW X3 3.5i (JB1 Equipped)
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 44
From: North East
2017 AMG C43, AWE Touring, BMC Air Filters- 2015 BMW X3 3.5i (JB1 Equipped)
I recently ordered one of these and am curious.
I am looking for some real world answers on how the tuning went after connecting the unit. I am interested to know how the settings are chosen by the user.
It is my understanding that you start with tune #2 and keep proceeding up the tune numbers until your car either throws a code, bucks or does some other incident that makes you back the tune off to the last tune that worked well. For instance if you were at tune #6 and the car ran great, than tried tune #7 and experienced knocking you would set the tune back at #6 since that is the highest tune the car would accept without running poorly.
From reading some of the posts I understand Tune #6 is the highest people on this board have been able to go.
Also, I did emailed Racechip about the fine tuning but was unable to get an answer I could understand, they are in Germany so I think we had a bit of a language barrier. Can anyone explain how the fine tuning works?
I am looking for some real world answers on how the tuning went after connecting the unit. I am interested to know how the settings are chosen by the user.
It is my understanding that you start with tune #2 and keep proceeding up the tune numbers until your car either throws a code, bucks or does some other incident that makes you back the tune off to the last tune that worked well. For instance if you were at tune #6 and the car ran great, than tried tune #7 and experienced knocking you would set the tune back at #6 since that is the highest tune the car would accept without running poorly.
From reading some of the posts I understand Tune #6 is the highest people on this board have been able to go.
Also, I did emailed Racechip about the fine tuning but was unable to get an answer I could understand, they are in Germany so I think we had a bit of a language barrier. Can anyone explain how the fine tuning works?
Last edited by Lazz83; Feb 8, 2018 at 10:00 AM.
Former Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 0
Likes: 94
CLS
I recently ordered one of these and am curious.
I am looking for some real world answers on how the tuning went after connecting the unit. I am interested to know how the settings are chosen by the user.
It is my understanding that you start with tune #2 and keep proceeding up the tune numbers until your car either throws a code, bucks or does some other incident that makes you back the tune off to the last tune that worked well. For instance if you were at tune #6 and the car ran great, than tried tune #7 and experienced knocking you would set the tune back at #6 since that is the highest tune the car would accept without running poorly.
From reading some of the posts I understand Tune #6 is the highest people on this board have been able to go.
Also, I did emailed Racechip about the fine tuning but was unable to get an answer I could understand, they are in Germany so I think we had a bit of a language barrier. Can anyone explain how the fine tuning works?
I am looking for some real world answers on how the tuning went after connecting the unit. I am interested to know how the settings are chosen by the user.
It is my understanding that you start with tune #2 and keep proceeding up the tune numbers until your car either throws a code, bucks or does some other incident that makes you back the tune off to the last tune that worked well. For instance if you were at tune #6 and the car ran great, than tried tune #7 and experienced knocking you would set the tune back at #6 since that is the highest tune the car would accept without running poorly.
From reading some of the posts I understand Tune #6 is the highest people on this board have been able to go.
Also, I did emailed Racechip about the fine tuning but was unable to get an answer I could understand, they are in Germany so I think we had a bit of a language barrier. Can anyone explain how the fine tuning works?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 44
From: North East
2017 AMG C43, AWE Touring, BMC Air Filters- 2015 BMW X3 3.5i (JB1 Equipped)
there is no language barrier. I’ve dealt with them by email many times in two months. The answers are usually responsive to the question. The Racechip app Provides only three settings and I never set the CHIP manually. All I can tell you is that race and sport plus are thrilling.
Every time I ask them about the "custom tweaking" that you mentioned earlier they know nothing about it. This has nothing to do with Sport or Race selection on bluetooth. Racechip mentions that there are several levels of initial tune for each car and you keep adjusting the level up until the tune level number no longer increases, but causes drivability issues like knocking and bucking.
So CFG are you saying you just plugged in the 3 connections of the racechip, mounted it and were off to the races? You did not have to fine tune the unit at all by going through the steps I mentioned above?
