You dont need it but upgrading the ECU should give you a little more horsies.

 

Define "need" vrs "want"

You may not need to... but if it was me I certainly would want to.

 

Well, okay then, hypothetically, if I decided I WANTED to chip... two issues come to mind:

1. A voided warranty.
2. Who to go to for the chip? Dinan of course prefered by the dealer, but there has been a large debate on the board about whether or not that chip is worth the money at all. Powerchip? And how much money are we talking anyways, $500?

-Matthew

P.S. I think I'm going to stick with simply the exhaust and no chip, but it's good to think about.

 

Hey Matt,

How are you buddy?

Needing , Wanting, and improving are all seperate issues.

Do you need it, IMO NO. Should you want it, IMO HELL YES.

Will it make an improvement, Powerchip Hell Yes.

Example.

Recently I upgraded my Powerchip to the one that was tested with a TUBI.

I had the standard M5 Powerchip prior. Then fitted the Tubi.

Backfire is way too strong of a word, Crakle and pop might be a better explaination.

But anyhow, after the TUBI?POWERCHIP the car is silky smooth and the sound is even smoother, It is a nice even sound. Its like the Software, makes everything Place nice.

It joins everything together seamlessly.

I am very happy with it. It restores stock smoothness, without the holes.

Smooth power, everywhere. Its not placebo, because the sound is definitly different. It is a smoother freer sounding tone, without cacles, crackles Pops and splurts.

 

Hey Matt...........

Who ever the dealer is that told you(in more or less words) you'll blow up the engine, if no chip/software download is added, due to the two mentioned parts you just added, well...... I say, he's on some major drugs!!!
Matt, I have the X-pipe along with 83mm Kelleners (racing version) cans AND the Active Auto Werkes Cold Air Intake system. Guess what..... gee... my engine hasn't blown up due to not adding a software download. I've had this setup for a little over 2500 miles and it works great with the stock ECU. In fact the car is actually stronger by a little bit due to the piping and exhaust cans. Im waiting to do a "header" upgrade before I feel the need to upgrade the car's ECU software. Once headers are done, then yea.... baby......
software will be necessary!!!!!!!!
Robert

 

i think with the software you'd be less likely to experience SES light issues. I don't think dinan has software specific to free flowing exhaust, though powerchip will modify for the exhaust. The horsepower gains are probably not noticeable peak, but you might notice slight low end torque gains. If you're worried about the warranty keep the rev limiter stock.

 

Matt, Brother "M" bring up an interesting point......

He mentioned the SES light, which some guys have complained about, once doing the conversion(s).
Your car is a 2002. My car is a 2003 model. When I had the parts installed, the SES light only came on one time, and I actually think it was due to the gas station attendant not properly closing the gas tank's gas cap. When it came on, it remained on for that day but only that day, the very next day it was gone and has NEVER appeared again. No SES light for me, thank goodness!
You may also have the same experience and all will be well, with zero SES light coming on.
Robert :viking:

 

Re: Matt, Brother "M" bring up an interesting point......

Well thanks all! As usual, you have been extremely helpful. You never let me down.

I pride myself on pretty much knowing my stuff when it comes to our cars. The guy I talked to who said the the engine would pretty much blow up (I think he mentioned a potential melting piston ring or something... sheesh) is the founder of the shop I was contacting who prides himself on having raced BMWs since he could drive, etc. etc. etc. Generally, I'm sure, a very capable and knowledgeable guy. He has his own very highly regarded shop afterall. But when he told me that I am going to need a chip with the exhaust... I didn't want to be inappropriate or offensive, but... PUHLEASE! I politely told him that I was pretty confident that it was unnecessary. He eventually took my word.

I just figured I'd run it by the real experts.

I think I will just stick with the new cans and replacement resonator. I don't know that I want to put more money into this right now. And besides. You can only do 25 down residential streets anyways. I really want the exhaust for the sound more than anything else. A few extra horse isn't really... well... you know. I hate to say it, but "necessary". Even if it smooths out everything, as MIB said.

Thank you gentlemen. Invaluble as always.

-Matthew