Buying a used racechip gts black
#1
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Thread Starter
Buying a used racechip gts black
I can't seem to find an answer on the racechip site, but I still have time to cancel my order.
Does anyone know if the racechip piggyback tuners are fully transferable? I know it will work once installed but in order to use the app you must "register" the product. I entered the serial number of what I bought but the app requires a live connection to process, meaning I need it installed first. If not I'll be stuck with the setting the last user had it set at (warm up timer).
Maybe I'll just cancel and buy a new one.
Does anyone know if the racechip piggyback tuners are fully transferable? I know it will work once installed but in order to use the app you must "register" the product. I entered the serial number of what I bought but the app requires a live connection to process, meaning I need it installed first. If not I'll be stuck with the setting the last user had it set at (warm up timer).
Maybe I'll just cancel and buy a new one.
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2016
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GLC43, X P100D, S P100D, CT200H
https://www.racechip.com/service-support/faq.html
edit: if the app is purchased through the appstore, its highly unlikely that it is able to be transferred.
edit: if the app is purchased through the appstore, its highly unlikely that it is able to be transferred.
Last edited by waisoserious; 11-11-2019 at 01:17 AM.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Are you referring to this?
For this reason, unlimited re-use of our chip tuning products is only possible if the new vehicle has exactly the same engine.
Thanks but I've gone through all the FAQ's, my question remains unanswered though. I have the C450 and so does the person I bought the used device from. So from that standpoint I can use it, but can I use the app? The app allows control of the warm up timer and costs $50 extra when ordering from racechip.
I've downloaded the app from the Google Play Store, funny enough it is a free download. So that's where I'm lost... in regards to the app and registering the product a second time.
Can I still use my RaceChip after switching to a new vehicle?
At RaceChip we specifically program our optimization software for the particular engine in which our product is being installed for performance optimization.For this reason, unlimited re-use of our chip tuning products is only possible if the new vehicle has exactly the same engine.
Thanks but I've gone through all the FAQ's, my question remains unanswered though. I have the C450 and so does the person I bought the used device from. So from that standpoint I can use it, but can I use the app? The app allows control of the warm up timer and costs $50 extra when ordering from racechip.
I've downloaded the app from the Google Play Store, funny enough it is a free download. So that's where I'm lost... in regards to the app and registering the product a second time.
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Taiwan
Posts: 691
Received 103 Likes
on
78 Posts
GLC43, X P100D, S P100D, CT200H
Are you referring to this?
For this reason, unlimited re-use of our chip tuning products is only possible if the new vehicle has exactly the same engine.
Thanks but I've gone through all the FAQ's, my question remains unanswered though. I have the C450 and so does the person I bought the used device from. So from that standpoint I can use it, but can I use the app? The app allows control of the warm up timer and costs $50 extra when ordering from racechip.
I've downloaded the app from the Google Play Store, funny enough it is a free download. So that's where I'm lost... in regards to the app and registering the product a second time.
Can I still use my RaceChip after switching to a new vehicle?
At RaceChip we specifically program our optimization software for the particular engine in which our product is being installed for performance optimization.For this reason, unlimited re-use of our chip tuning products is only possible if the new vehicle has exactly the same engine.
Thanks but I've gone through all the FAQ's, my question remains unanswered though. I have the C450 and so does the person I bought the used device from. So from that standpoint I can use it, but can I use the app? The app allows control of the warm up timer and costs $50 extra when ordering from racechip.
I've downloaded the app from the Google Play Store, funny enough it is a free download. So that's where I'm lost... in regards to the app and registering the product a second time.
Same with Google play.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Yea, I'm probably stuck with no app or at least having to purchase it separately. The person I bought it from also paid for the app when he bought the racechip. So I'm going to cross my fingers and hope that the product serial number is not uniquely registered to that one particular person to use the app but instead just registered to enable the app in general.
I guess I'll see what happens when I get it. If I can't get the app working in any way I'll sell it cheap and just buy new.
I guess I'll see what happens when I get it. If I can't get the app working in any way I'll sell it cheap and just buy new.
Last edited by BayAreaAMG; 11-11-2019 at 04:30 AM.
#7
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Trending Topics
#8
The RaceChip and RaceChip+ apps (for older and newer RaceChip versions) are both free (at least for iPhones) and I know one person who's had to re-register for a new iPhone and it only required the RaceChip serial number. As such, w.r.t. the app, I'd bet you'd have no problems with the transfer from one vehicle/owner to another.
#9
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Thread Starter
The RaceChip and RaceChip+ apps (for older and newer RaceChip versions) are both free (at least for iPhones) and I know one person who's had to re-register for a new iPhone and it only required the RaceChip serial number. As such, w.r.t. the app, I'd bet you'd have no problems with the transfer from one vehicle/owner to another.
Last edited by BayAreaAMG; 11-11-2019 at 02:46 AM.
#10
I can't seem to find an answer on the racechip site, but I still have time to cancel my order.
Does anyone know if the racechip piggyback tuners are fully transferable? I know it will work once installed but in order to use the app you must "register" the product. I entered the serial number of what I bought but the app requires a live connection to process, meaning I need it installed first. If not I'll be stuck with the setting the last user had it set at (warm up timer).
Maybe I'll just cancel and buy a new one.
Does anyone know if the racechip piggyback tuners are fully transferable? I know it will work once installed but in order to use the app you must "register" the product. I entered the serial number of what I bought but the app requires a live connection to process, meaning I need it installed first. If not I'll be stuck with the setting the last user had it set at (warm up timer).
Maybe I'll just cancel and buy a new one.
#12
Member
Thread Starter
I've reached out to them by email on Saturday since their phone support was closed, haven't heard back yet so I think I'll try giving them a call in a few minutes.
#13
Member
Thread Starter
I thought about it as my first option but unfortunately you don't ship to California. Then I thought I would just buy one on Ebay (only one seller there who had it). However for the bluetooth module I must buy it separately and they charge a bit more for it.
I ended up with racechip for the fact that I got a great deal on one that was only used for 4 months... but I've got JB4 in the back of my mind still. What makes the tuning on JB4 safer? Doesn't it also require the use of the OBD port? 🙂
I ended up with racechip for the fact that I got a great deal on one that was only used for 4 months... but I've got JB4 in the back of my mind still. What makes the tuning on JB4 safer? Doesn't it also require the use of the OBD port? 🙂
Last edited by BayAreaAMG; 11-11-2019 at 01:51 PM.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
I just talked to RaceChip customer service.
Confirmed that the app is free to download and it's all fully transferrable to any person or vehicle. You just enter the serial number on the back of the device then enter the PIN number which is the last 6 digits of the serial number. I think the PIN is just used to pair the device to the phone since it tries to connect after entering the serial number.
Idk why they still try to sell the app on their site if it's free on the Apple or Google store. Hmmm... 🤔 oh well.
Confirmed that the app is free to download and it's all fully transferrable to any person or vehicle. You just enter the serial number on the back of the device then enter the PIN number which is the last 6 digits of the serial number. I think the PIN is just used to pair the device to the phone since it tries to connect after entering the serial number.
Idk why they still try to sell the app on their site if it's free on the Apple or Google store. Hmmm... 🤔 oh well.
#15
Former Vendor of MBWorld
I thought about it as my first option but unfortunately you don't ship to California. Then I thought I would just buy one on Ebay (only one seller there who had it). However for the bluetooth module I must buy it separately and they charge a bit more for it.
I ended up with racechip for the fact that I got a great deal on one that was only used for 4 months... but I've got JB4 in the back of my mind still. What makes the tuning on JB4 safer? Doesn't it also require the use of the OBD port? 🙂
I ended up with racechip for the fact that I got a great deal on one that was only used for 4 months... but I've got JB4 in the back of my mind still. What makes the tuning on JB4 safer? Doesn't it also require the use of the OBD port? 🙂
Anyway as long as you're aware there are better options out there. JB4 also has a much higher resale value generally so even if its a few bucks more you make it back later.
#16
They're not selling the app, they're selling the optional capability of the RaceChip to support an app (presumably it means it has the bluetooth hardware/firmware) ... the RaceChip must have this option for the app to work.
#17
Member
Thread Starter
OBDII is optional but always suggested, allows the JB4 to read in critical engine data like air/fuel ratio, throttle position, pedal position, temperature data, etc, and incorporate that in to the tuning. So you get a lot more than a "dumb" system like RaceChip that can only monitor and adjust boost pressure, systems like that can't even tell how far down you're pushing the gas pedal so the net result is quite a bit different. Also lacks fuel control and the means to know if the engine is running lean under the higher boost pressure.
Anyway as long as you're aware there are better options out there. JB4 also has a much higher resale value generally so even if its a few bucks more you make it back later.
Anyway as long as you're aware there are better options out there. JB4 also has a much higher resale value generally so even if its a few bucks more you make it back later.
I don't know exactly how piggyback tuners like the RaceChip work but I imagine that the amount of boost over stock that it provides is based on RPM (since it reads it) and what the current boost pressure is at. Partial throttle boost pressures would still be still partial boost but improved over stock amounts. Except not fine tuned if it can't read throttle or pedal position.
As far as my safety concerns go, I imagine the RaceChip and JB4 are equally safe with the AFR when only going 4-6 PSI over stock. Sure the JB4 reads the AFR but the stock ECU would compensate/adjust for that as it usually does since all the safety parameters are unchanged in a piggyback. I also don't know how much extra PSI is the limit until the stock fuel injectors max out however when RaceChip or Dinan created these tunes they would have been watching AFR and injector duty cycle.
The only concern I really have is about knock which I'll plan to monitor for a while. Dinan in "race mode" says it recommends 93 octane, so they must've seen some knock with it on 91 octane. Thr RaceChip is probably the same and we don't have 93 octane anywhere near me.
If someone out there knows anything or believes I'm wrong then please chime in and correct my assumptions. My mind is going a million miles an hour thinking about this. I might try out a JB4 later and compare.
#18
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Thread Starter
#19
I'd argue that a JB4 can be less safe. With a RaceChip, you have a tune that's done by a team that's located in Germany (and thus likely has better access to information and can legally/easily test at any speed on the autobahn) who have years of experience producing tunes for Mercedes/AMG engines. With the JB4, you have a product that enables the tune to be fiddled with by any amateur (e.g., me) with zero experience in such matters.
#20
And while I agree that that's a wonderful feature, I'd remind people that (according to BMS' responses to my queries), if you're using their device connected to the OBD port, you can't have any other OBD devices. If you, for example, want to capture telemetry via a KiWi3 to use with Harry's LapTimer when on the track, you won't be able to use the JB4's OBD capability to capture data when on the track.
#21
Member
Thread Starter
I'd argue that a JB4 can be less safe. With a RaceChip, you have a tune that's done by a team that's located in Germany (and thus likely has better access to information and can legally/easily test at any speed on the autobahn) who have years of experience producing tunes for Mercedes/AMG engines. With the JB4, you have a product that enables the tune to be fiddled with by any amateur (e.g., me) with zero experience in such matters.
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
I'd argue that a JB4 can be less safe. With a RaceChip, you have a tune that's done by a team that's located in Germany (and thus likely has better access to information and can legally/easily test at any speed on the autobahn) who have years of experience producing tunes for Mercedes/AMG engines. With the JB4, you have a product that enables the tune to be fiddled with by any amateur (e.g., me) with zero experience in such matters.
And while I agree that that's a wonderful feature, I'd remind people that (according to BMS' responses to my queries), if you're using their device connected to the OBD port, you can't have any other OBD devices. If you, for example, want to capture telemetry via a KiWi3 to use with Harry's LapTimer when on the track, you won't be able to use the JB4's OBD capability to capture data when on the track.
Also, 43's do NOT have AMG engines. Correlation =//= causation...just because a tuner is located in Germany does not make them inherently more knowledgeable to a German car.
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Mr. J (11-18-2019)
#23
Former Vendor of MBWorld
I'd argue that a JB4 can be less safe. With a RaceChip, you have a tune that's done by a team that's located in Germany (and thus likely has better access to information and can legally/easily test at any speed on the autobahn) who have years of experience producing tunes for Mercedes/AMG engines. With the JB4, you have a product that enables the tune to be fiddled with by any amateur (e.g., me) with zero experience in such matters.
In terms of complexity the user interface is all optional stuff. In fact in the next app release all user adjustment beyond map changes will be placed under an "advanced" tab so customers know to avoid it unless they know what they are doing. But even if you stumble in to settings, and changes things to crazy levels, the JB4 safety systems, and ECU safety systems, all remain in effect.
In terms of the tuning limitations a simple tuner like RaceChip doesn't even know when you're pressing the gas pedal down....
#24
Member
Thread Starter
BMS has been tuning turbocharged German vehicles since 2007 when the BMW 335i was first released, and we have an excellent track record for reliable performance. But more to the point, the additional safety the JB4 provides is due to the OBDII data. Many people aren't aware of this fact but the factory tuning will chug along without going to limp at very lean air/fuel ratios, with boost over target, fuel pressure close to crashing, and many other situations. While the factory safeguards are reasonable for factory tuning once you increase performance they become limited at best. The JB4 monitoring engine data via CANbus is able to use that data for real time tuning and to continually check to ensure the vehicle is operating within safety parameters while racing around. It's like having a tuner looking at your data logs full time while racing and taping you on the shoulder if things get out of check. And of course the factory safety systems are all present and fully operational, limited as they are, as a backstop.
In terms of complexity the user interface is all optional stuff. In fact in the next app release all user adjustment beyond map changes will be placed under an "advanced" tab so customers know to avoid it unless they know what they are doing. But even if you stumble in to settings, and changes things to crazy levels, the JB4 safety systems, and ECU safety systems, all remain in effect.
In terms of the tuning limitations a simple tuner like RaceChip doesn't even know when you're pressing the gas pedal down....
In terms of complexity the user interface is all optional stuff. In fact in the next app release all user adjustment beyond map changes will be placed under an "advanced" tab so customers know to avoid it unless they know what they are doing. But even if you stumble in to settings, and changes things to crazy levels, the JB4 safety systems, and ECU safety systems, all remain in effect.
In terms of the tuning limitations a simple tuner like RaceChip doesn't even know when you're pressing the gas pedal down....
You've mentioned about the pedal position again... why is that so important? I can understand how it can be for a more refined tuning capability, but how does that affect your stage 1 tune map (vs comparable racechip) in terms of safety? I'm guessing it's probably unnecessary and redundant?
Again.. I'm all still interested and open minded.
Last edited by BayAreaAMG; 11-11-2019 at 07:03 PM.
#25
Former Vendor of MBWorld
OBDII can route out a preexisting hole in the firewall or through the door jamb, both are perfectly functional.
We only offer the JB4 now for the platform and while all maps benefit from the OBDII cable map1 (default) can be run without it. Without OBDII map1 will perform similar to RaceChip, although it still has better internal tuning logic IMHO.
We only offer the JB4 now for the platform and while all maps benefit from the OBDII cable map1 (default) can be run without it. Without OBDII map1 will perform similar to RaceChip, although it still has better internal tuning logic IMHO.