Customer Service from Powerchips
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Customer Service from Powerchips
I know many of my soCal enthusiasts have gone with PC for their tuning. I'm curious how many of us actually have dealt wit them directly, vs going through our tuners?
Anyone here with first hand experience wo0rking with them and have an opinion on their level of customer support?
I'm strongly considering changing my ECU tune to a different company because of some emails, but I wondered if it is just miscommunication or consistent banter from them.
Anyone here with first hand experience wo0rking with them and have an opinion on their level of customer support?
I'm strongly considering changing my ECU tune to a different company because of some emails, but I wondered if it is just miscommunication or consistent banter from them.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 880
Likes: 1
From: Encino, CA
a toy
I went to them directly and have had good results in terms of customer service. The E350's tune made decent power for that little motor, yet they were happy to tweak the tune as many times as I cared to drive down there. I experiemented quite a bit, running leaner at low end, richer at topend, playing with the line pressures...they were happy to oblige.
I obviously had the CLS tuned by them as well. Just last week I asked again to bring it down and make a few changes to my liking, and of course within 20 minutes I got a reply saying "sure mate!"
I'd definitely encourage you Jangy, and am surprised you waited this long even.
I obviously had the CLS tuned by them as well. Just last week I asked again to bring it down and make a few changes to my liking, and of course within 20 minutes I got a reply saying "sure mate!"
I'd definitely encourage you Jangy, and am surprised you waited this long even.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
What is a gold dealer? Do you interact with PC and have the clients interact with you?
I've had great results by going through Vadim. Also, just to be clear I love the progress that was made technically. I'm just a little miffed at the emails. Maybe it is because PC california and PC Australia are separate or that they do not watch the boards enough but there is a gap somewhere.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 9
From: Daytona, Florida
SL600
I've talked with them on the phone a few times, and they seemed pretty knowledgeable. They said to have the car dyno'd afterwards and they'd be happy to make any tweaks etc., that needed to be done. I spent prolly 30-40 minutes asking a bunch of questions and they were happy to oblige. I was also impressed that they are pretty realistic with their power figures, unlike some other tuners. They readily admitted all I'm ever going to gain from a tune on a N/A motor is 5-10%. When people make ridiculous claims it's a real turn off to me, and PC passed that test. All in all, I thought they were nice folks.
Only problem I had with them is their pricing. They are definitely a bit on the high side of fair, especially compared to the absolute bargain that is LET.
Only problem I had with them is their pricing. They are definitely a bit on the high side of fair, especially compared to the absolute bargain that is LET.
Administrator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 901
From: THE Orange County, California
2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS
Jangy is this rhetorical? You have been there right??
Personal Experience (direct):
All my tunes have been via PC with no adverse issues. In fact I have had 6 tunes with M6, each with improved results. I have had 3 tunes with my 997TT with the same type of improvements.
What I like about them is the direct relationship Ive developed over the past few years. I get a tune done and there is an email or phone call a few hours later checking on my thoughts. Then over the next few days and weeks, more followup. And anytime I wanted to get another tune they would allow me to come over (Im local) and they make the time. Usually the customer is the crash test dummy on new tunes (with tuners in general when the tunes are new). In this case I use them to test what I like and switch and play what I like. So in a sense, I crash test them
This relationship might not be what others have with their tuners but its my personal experience and its a solid one.
Customer service is always key in the mod arena- Ill gladly pay more for better service, followup, and product backing.
Cars they have tuned for me:
W211 E55
W215 CL65
997TT
M6
They dont tune GT-R's or I would get it done.
Personal Experience (direct):
All my tunes have been via PC with no adverse issues. In fact I have had 6 tunes with M6, each with improved results. I have had 3 tunes with my 997TT with the same type of improvements.
What I like about them is the direct relationship Ive developed over the past few years. I get a tune done and there is an email or phone call a few hours later checking on my thoughts. Then over the next few days and weeks, more followup. And anytime I wanted to get another tune they would allow me to come over (Im local) and they make the time. Usually the customer is the crash test dummy on new tunes (with tuners in general when the tunes are new). In this case I use them to test what I like and switch and play what I like. So in a sense, I crash test them
This relationship might not be what others have with their tuners but its my personal experience and its a solid one.Customer service is always key in the mod arena- Ill gladly pay more for better service, followup, and product backing.
Cars they have tuned for me:
W211 E55
W215 CL65
997TT
M6
They dont tune GT-R's or I would get it done.
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Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
VIC bro, oddly enough I have probably said less than 20 words to anyone that works at PC. Like you and Roupin say, it must just be that my situation got clouded since i did not deal directly. I know you have a great relationship with them.
To the ones that say they are happy to oblige tweaking the tune, what kind of money does that cost? I guess part of my frustrations have been with not being able to have enough say in how I want my tune or the little extras that could easily be had.
Nah, wasn't rhetorical. i was just curious if they have a few loyal fans or if it is more broad based. I initially assumed broad based, but am now getting the RennTech glow from them...
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MBWorld Founder
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,599
Likes: 7
From: Scottsdale (aka The Surface of the Sun)
They have been great with/for us. There are always ups and downs in any relationship, but after 7/8+ years dealing with them, we are more then happy to deal with PC!
If you have emails with them, I am curious how that could impact your product choice. Especially if you bought it from Vadim (PC makes far less money when selling through a reseller), so if you have issues with the billing or charging, you should speak with Vadim.
Powerchip technically should not be dealing with you direct at all, as "you" as a customer belong to Vadim/VRP. I think you really do understand this.
If this has anything to do with your recent post about attempting to resell your Powerchip ECU tune to someone else (which is not possible), then maybe it is just a misunderstanding. The tune stays with the ECU, and cannot be transferred to another customer/car. Not sure, just thinking out loud.
thanks
Brad
If you have emails with them, I am curious how that could impact your product choice. Especially if you bought it from Vadim (PC makes far less money when selling through a reseller), so if you have issues with the billing or charging, you should speak with Vadim.
Powerchip technically should not be dealing with you direct at all, as "you" as a customer belong to Vadim/VRP. I think you really do understand this.
If this has anything to do with your recent post about attempting to resell your Powerchip ECU tune to someone else (which is not possible), then maybe it is just a misunderstanding. The tune stays with the ECU, and cannot be transferred to another customer/car. Not sure, just thinking out loud.
thanks
Brad
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
2010 E63 AMG
Jangy is this rhetorical? You have been there right??
Personal Experience (direct):
All my tunes have been via PC with no adverse issues. In fact I have had 6 tunes with M6, each with improved results. I have had 3 tunes with my 997TT with the same type of improvements.
What I like about them is the direct relationship Ive developed over the past few years. I get a tune done and there is an email or phone call a few hours later checking on my thoughts. Then over the next few days and weeks, more followup. And anytime I wanted to get another tune they would allow me to come over (Im local) and they make the time. Usually the customer is the crash test dummy on new tunes (with tuners in general when the tunes are new). In this case I use them to test what I like and switch and play what I like. So in a sense, I crash test them This relationship might not be what others have with their tuners but its my personal experience and its a solid one.
Customer service is always key in the mod arena- Ill gladly pay more for better service, followup, and product backing.
Cars they have tuned for me:
W211 E55
W215 CL65
997TT
M6
They dont tune GT-R's or I would get it done.
Personal Experience (direct):
All my tunes have been via PC with no adverse issues. In fact I have had 6 tunes with M6, each with improved results. I have had 3 tunes with my 997TT with the same type of improvements.
What I like about them is the direct relationship Ive developed over the past few years. I get a tune done and there is an email or phone call a few hours later checking on my thoughts. Then over the next few days and weeks, more followup. And anytime I wanted to get another tune they would allow me to come over (Im local) and they make the time. Usually the customer is the crash test dummy on new tunes (with tuners in general when the tunes are new). In this case I use them to test what I like and switch and play what I like. So in a sense, I crash test them
This relationship might not be what others have with their tuners but its my personal experience and its a solid one.Customer service is always key in the mod arena- Ill gladly pay more for better service, followup, and product backing.
Cars they have tuned for me:
W211 E55
W215 CL65
997TT
M6
They dont tune GT-R's or I would get it done.
Would you say the PowerChip to a stock W211 E55 power is similar to a LET Stage 1 Tune with a Pulley upgrade? And can PC retune the chip if I were to get a 180mm Pulley? How much would a retune cost?
Thanks
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
If you have emails with them, I am curious how that could impact your product choice. Especially if you bought it from Vadim (PC makes far less money when selling through a reseller), so if you have issues with the billing or charging, you should speak with Vadim.
I didn't initiate the contact.
Powerchip technically should not be dealing with you direct at all, as "you" as a customer belong to Vadim/VRP. I think you really do understand this.
I do and again, I did not contact them.
If this has anything to do with your recent post about attempting to resell your Powerchip ECU tune to someone else (which is not possible), then maybe it is just a misunderstanding. The tune stays with the ECU, and cannot be transferred to another customer/car. Not sure, just thinking out loud.
No, it isn't about that....although it is quite possible.
thanks
Brad
I didn't initiate the contact.
Powerchip technically should not be dealing with you direct at all, as "you" as a customer belong to Vadim/VRP. I think you really do understand this.
I do and again, I did not contact them.
If this has anything to do with your recent post about attempting to resell your Powerchip ECU tune to someone else (which is not possible), then maybe it is just a misunderstanding. The tune stays with the ECU, and cannot be transferred to another customer/car. Not sure, just thinking out loud.
No, it isn't about that....although it is quite possible.
thanks
Brad
MBWorld Founder
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,599
Likes: 7
From: Scottsdale (aka The Surface of the Sun)
Well, I think taking a step back is a good idea.
From my perspective:
1. YOU post WAY too aggressively WAY too often, and it is read by many to be much more inflammatory then you intend.
2. Australian's have a very different temperament and sense of humor then American's - leads me to tiff's with Ausies often that are unnecessary.
thanks
Brad
From my perspective:
1. YOU post WAY too aggressively WAY too often, and it is read by many to be much more inflammatory then you intend.
2. Australian's have a very different temperament and sense of humor then American's - leads me to tiff's with Ausies often that are unnecessary.
thanks
Brad
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
I would also like to know what the charge is for modifications to a purchased tune vs a new one, etc.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
2015 S212
Well, I think taking a step back is a good idea.
It isn't like anything is going on, so no need to step back. I'm fine with it and am still running their tune.
From my perspective:
1. YOU post WAY too aggressively WAY too often, and it is read by many to be much more inflammatory then you intend.
Point taken. I speak my mind. Opinions are just that and I have them too. While I agree that I can come accross bad, I also feel like I have given plenty of props to PC for their technical work, which I am not questioning here.
2. Australian's have a very different temperament and sense of humor then American's - leads me to tiff's with Ausies often that are unnecessary.
That can be true and I don't know how to factor it in..
thanks
Brad
It isn't like anything is going on, so no need to step back. I'm fine with it and am still running their tune.
From my perspective:
1. YOU post WAY too aggressively WAY too often, and it is read by many to be much more inflammatory then you intend.
Point taken. I speak my mind. Opinions are just that and I have them too. While I agree that I can come accross bad, I also feel like I have given plenty of props to PC for their technical work, which I am not questioning here.
2. Australian's have a very different temperament and sense of humor then American's - leads me to tiff's with Ausies often that are unnecessary.
That can be true and I don't know how to factor it in..
thanks
Brad
.
Administrator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 901
From: THE Orange County, California
2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS
Please contact Travis at PC for retune questions and tell him about this post:
800 495 0777 or 949 646 1026
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 442
Likes: 1
From: bay area
05 E55t, 07 R63, 04 Mini R53 (SOLD):01 s4 avant st3, 06 q7
I think so. We are down to just a few $k in difference so I think she will stay.
What is a gold dealer? Do you interact with PC and have the clients interact with you?
I've had great results by going through Vadim. Also, just to be clear I love the progress that was made technically. I'm just a little miffed at the emails. Maybe it is because PC california and PC Australia are separate or that they do not watch the boards enough but there is a gap somewhere.
What is a gold dealer? Do you interact with PC and have the clients interact with you?
I've had great results by going through Vadim. Also, just to be clear I love the progress that was made technically. I'm just a little miffed at the emails. Maybe it is because PC california and PC Australia are separate or that they do not watch the boards enough but there is a gap somewhere.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 86
From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
I know many of my soCal enthusiasts have gone with PC for their tuning. I'm curious how many of us actually have dealt wit them directly, vs going through our tuners?
Anyone here with first hand experience wo0rking with them and have an opinion on their level of customer support?
I'm strongly considering changing my ECU tune to a different company because of some emails, but I wondered if it is just miscommunication or consistent banter from them.
Anyone here with first hand experience wo0rking with them and have an opinion on their level of customer support?
I'm strongly considering changing my ECU tune to a different company because of some emails, but I wondered if it is just miscommunication or consistent banter from them.
When we found a glitch in the software from track testing, which BTW no one else experienced, PC made changes to their software. I think it was helpful to have Evosport coroborate the issues with their track support.
The Aussies are on a different time zone which is fustrating for the tuner and customer. I'd rather have someone in my corner than going it alone.
To sum it up, PC was very responsive to changes when we presented solid evidence that there was a problem. But don't expect them to be up a 9am to install the ecu.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
2010 E63 AMG
After purchasing the initial tune, say I were to add a 80 throttle body or HEM, what would be the additional charge to have the car retuned to take into account the added components?
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 442
Likes: 1
From: bay area
05 E55t, 07 R63, 04 Mini R53 (SOLD):01 s4 avant st3, 06 q7
[QUOTE=jng204;3527228]55wagon,
After purchasing the initial tune, say I were to add a 80 throttle body or HEM, what would be the additional charge to have the car retuned to take into account the added components?
Thanks[/QUOT
I will let you know on monday....
After purchasing the initial tune, say I were to add a 80 throttle body or HEM, what would be the additional charge to have the car retuned to take into account the added components?
Thanks[/QUOT
I will let you know on monday....
