[smithers330d]

As in the title

It was a toss up between this and a DMS remap. I was leaning towards the latter, but common sense prevailed. I like the fact the Steinbauer is a less invasive mod, and that if I ever decided I didn't want it at any point in the future (fat chance of that!) the whole thing can be completely reversed with hardly a footprint, plus I can recoup most of the cost of the unit. Furthermore, the power claims made by Steinbauer seem safer and a bit more realistic.

So I have Jason from Steinbauer coming out to my house tomorrow to install it. I don't know what to expect to be honest. This is the first car I've ever owned that I'm having tuned beyond its factory spec. It's a shame there won't be a before and after dyno, but as long as I'm satisfied with the difference and the way it drives, I'll be happy!

Will report on how it goes. Hopefully

[Alscoob]

Interesting I have one sitting in my garage at the moment not fitted, just haven't had time to do it, be good to hear your thoughts when done.

Some say you don't really notice it, as it just gives you more of what you have if and when you need it. Enjoy

[smithers330d]

I'm hoping for a little more low down grunt. One thing I've noticed about the 30d engine is it likes to rev. The swell of torque you get low down is over with before you notice it. We'll see. Like I say, I've no idea what to expect. I'm hoping it'll feel like a different car and will blow my socks off! lol

[Alscoob]

Originally Posted by smithers330d

I'm hoping for a little more low down grunt. One thing I've noticed about the 30d engine is it likes to rev. The swell of torque you get low down is over with before you notice it. We'll see. Like I say, I've no idea what to expect. I'm hoping it'll feel like a different car and will blow my socks off! lol

I'm sure it will

[JLR1969]

It will make a huge difference but for the cost I went for a Bluespark box £260 compared to £1200

The differences in performance in the two are very similar but the Steinbauer is a lot more advanced

[S1NGH]

Originally Posted by smithers330d

As in the title

It was a toss up between this and a DMS remap. I was leaning towards the latter, but common sense prevailed. I like the fact the Steinbauer is a less invasive mod, and that if I ever decided I didn't want it at any point in the future (fat chance of that!) the whole thing can be completely reversed with hardly a footprint, plus I can recoup most of the cost of the unit. Furthermore, the power claims made by Steinbauer seem safer and a bit more realistic.

So I have Jason from Steinbauer coming out to my house tomorrow to install it. I don't know what to expect to be honest. This is the first car I've ever owned that I'm having tuned beyond its factory spec. It's a shame there won't be a before and after dyno, but as long as I'm satisfied with the difference and the way it drives, I'll be happy!

Will report on how it goes. Hopefully

How much does it cost with fitting mate?

[M2Andy]

Isn't the mppk only marginally more expensive than the steinbauer box with the added advantage of new intercooler and keeping your warranty intact?

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by Dvr80

Isn't the mppk only marginally more expensive than the steinbauer box with the added advantage of new intercooler and keeping your warranty intact?

Agree If spending that amount I would go with the mppk. Otherwise you can get a very good remap to around 315bhp for below £500 if you research thoroughly

[smithers330d]

Originally Posted by S1NGH

How much does it cost with fitting mate?

I got mine for £795 incl fitting and VAT.

[smithers330d]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Agree If spending that amount I would go with the mppk. Otherwise you can get a very good remap to around 315bhp for below £500 if you research thoroughly

I would have needed the brake upgrade too so this option would have been very expensive. But I agree with you. If I had the money I would have gone the MPPK route.

I'm not so bothered about headline power claims. Steinbauer claim 306bhp and 496lb/ft, which to me seems realistic and safe for the engine. In the end, as long as it puts a grin on my face I don't care.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by smithers330d

I would have needed the brake upgrade too so this option would have been very expensive. But I agree with you. If I had the money I would have gone the MPPK route.

I'm not so bothered about headline power claims. Steinbauer claim 306bhp and 496lb/ft, which to me seems realistic and safe for the engine. In the end, as long as it puts a grin on my face I don't care.

Good price mate, you won't be disappointed

I got 300BHP and 480ft/lb with Bluespark actual based on a rolling road run.

Just watch your actual MPG v OBD as the box may throw it out, it can be corrected though in the hidden menu

[F15CCT]

Originally Posted by smithers330d

I got mine for £795 incl fitting and VAT.

That's a very good price

[mikeoz]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Agree If spending that amount I would go with the mppk. Otherwise you can get a very good remap to around 315bhp for below £500 if you research thoroughly

I got my MPPK fitted for £950 all in. Had brakes already.
Very please with it and it also smooths out the gears. Its not just a simple power hike.

[smithers330d]

Well Jason from Steinbauer is here and getting on with it. Nice bloke but not the most talkative chap in the world. Didn't even want a tea or coffee!

I'll ask him about actual MPG vs OBD. The tune adjustment dial on the unit was at its factory 12 o'clock setting, but he says he always turns them to the 2 o'clock position.

[F30Andy]

Originally Posted by smithers330d

Well Jason from Steinbauer is here and getting on with it. Nice bloke but not the most talkative chap in the world. Didn't even want a tea or coffee!

I'll ask him about actual MPG vs OBD. The tune adjustment dial on the unit was at its factory 12 o'clock setting, but he says he always turns them to the 2 o'clock position.

Is it in yet?

How you finding it?

[rossm]

He's too busy out enjoying himself

[Kiddy1]

Keen to learn how you're finding it... could be the answer to me keeping the 330D! Getting bored of it already 😭

[spaceman07]

I got an install guide for my f36 and was not too sure about a self install as you need to solder some wire to the throttle in the front.. not sure how that becomes plug and play?

[smithers330d]

He took 2 and a half hours to fit the thing! Needed to extend one of the wires or something.

Anyway I've been out, albeit in lots of traffic and rain, but definitely an improvement. Where I notice it most is at higher speeds (80+mph). The extra torque makes itself known and it continues to pull hard where before it just lost that slight edge. There's more immediacy in the acceleration at all speeds and it's very smooth. It holds gears longer and uses the extra low down grunt where before it would swap down a gear. This makes it more relaxing and effortless to drive. Like I say, the road conditions weren't really conducive to testing it out, so more driving required when it gets quieter. Overall, I wouldn't say it's night and day. Definitely more subtle than I thought, but you only need to look at the speedo to see it's doing its job! Overall, happy man!
I will update more as I get more acquainted with it.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by spaceman07

I got an install guide for my f36 and was not too sure about a self install as you need to solder some wire to the throttle in the front.. not sure how that becomes plug and play?

A lot more involved than a Bluespark box so if your car is in warranty it won't be a 5 mins job to take it off.

It's supposed to be a lot more advanced but not sure it's really that vital to be so involved.

I suppose you get what you pay for.

[smithers330d]

Originally Posted by spaceman07

I got an install guide for my f36 and was not too sure about a self install as you need to solder some wire to the throttle in the front.. not sure how that becomes plug and play?

I wouldn't have wanted to install it having watched him. It looked fiddly to me and you could see his back was giving out from being bent over for a long time! lol

He did a great job though making sure it was all neat.

[smithers330d]

Oh, I forgot to mention, Sport mode is razor sharp! Didn't have the opportunity to test sport much because of road conditions, but for the brief period I did it was proper quick!