330D PPK

TodmordenLad · 01-25-2016, 01:16 PM

Am thinking about getting the PPK for my 330D M Sport Touring but am hesitating.

I’ve got a price from Phil Ennis at Cotswold Group. Dealership is nowhere near where I live but he’s reasonably competitive and they’ve done several successful installations as far as I know, and I do occasionally make trips to the West Country.

My car was registered in Nov 14 and I’ve had it for nearly a year, as I bought it approved used. It’s done 13,000 miles so I need to get this out of my system, one way or another. There are a few PPK horror stories on the forum which are off-putting but most folks seem enthused at the results.

Help me make up my mind, please!!

(Forum is fantastic by the way, really informative and laugh out loud entertaining on occasions)

stormlv · 01-25-2016, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

Am thinking about getting the PPK for my 330D M Sport Touring but am hesitating.

I’ve got a price from Phil Ennis at Cotswold Group. Dealership is nowhere near where I live but he’s reasonably competitive and they’ve done several successful installations as far as I know, and I do occasionally make trips to the West Country.

My car was registered in Nov 14 and I’ve had it for nearly a year, as I bought it approved used. It’s done 13,000 miles so I need to get this out of my system, one way or another. There are a few PPK horror stories on the forum which are off-putting but most folks seem enthused at the results.

Help me make up my mind, please!!

(Forum is fantastic by the way, really informative and laugh out loud entertaining on occasions)

What horror stories? :|
Any links?

TodmordenLad · 01-25-2016, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormlv

What horror stories? :|
Any links?

May be getting my forums mixed up so my apologies but there are a few -ve reviews around. Here's an example: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...f=72&t=1546590

TodmordenLad · 01-25-2016, 02:41 PM

Tested link and not working for some reason?

Here's the text - the poster had the PPK reversed, Id imagine the dealer ****ed it up or BMW wrongly programmed the ECU

Wednesday 7th October 2015
quotequote all
Just thought I would share my experience of the official BMW PPK, in case any one else is considering this.

Fitting time was one hour, plus an extra seven hours for coding. That's normal apparently.

Since fitting last Friday, my fuel consumption in normal driving has increased dramatically. My 50 mile each way commute used to give about 45mpg, with PPK that's 35mpg. The official BMW literature claims no mpg difference in normal driving. The car runs far less smoothly, the gearbox is up and down the ratios like a yoyo even on the motorway and the shifting is now very jerky.

And the power increase? Barely noticeable. Virtually nothing. We're talking the difference between having a full or empty tank, or one passenger compared to none.

In summary, a complete waste of time and money, which has now basically ruined the car for me. Very unhappy indeed and trying to get a refund and car put back to standard.

Should have gone for the tuning box option which is easily removed and most of whom do a refund if you're not satisfied.

stormlv · 01-25-2016, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

May be getting my forums mixed up so my apologies but there are a few -ve reviews around. Here's an example: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...f=72&t=1546590

Hmm...

The link is not working per se, but I've managed to find the respective thread.

The owner seems to be saying that the fuel consumption increased with minimal tangible feel...

I'm actually curious if there are more serious issues i.e. damage to the engine, turbo, whatever.

I'm planning on an ECU remap, and if BMW can't get it right, what about the rest of the world?

TodmordenLad · 01-25-2016, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormlv

Hmm...

The link is not working per se, but I've managed to find the respective thread.

The owner seems to be saying that the fuel consumption increased with minimal tangible feel...

I'm actually curious if there are more serious issues i.e. damage to the engine, turbo, whatever.

I'm planning on an ECU remap, and if BMW can't get it right, what about the rest of the world?

To be fair, I've only read a few -ve reviews, and the vast majority are +ve.

That said, I'm simply keen to avoid the placebo effect of wanting the upgrade to feel significantly better, when my head is telling me that an 11% increase in HP and a 7% increase in NM wont be transformational

stormlv · 01-26-2016, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

To be fair, I've only read a few -ve reviews, and the vast majority are +ve.

That said, I'm simply keen to avoid the placebo effect of wanting the upgrade to feel significantly better, when my head is telling me that an 11% increase in HP and a 7% increase in NM wont be transformational

I don't know about the 330d, but the petrol guys swear by their butt dyno that they can feel the difference.

If you're not short on cash, I'd do it anyhow - it's one of the safer bets when it comes to tuning.

I wish the bastards had a 335d/435d PPK

I'd have done in it a heart beat.

b1gandy · 02-06-2016, 09:38 AM

I have had my PPK on my 330d M Sport for around 8 months now and its been brilliant. I have had a slight decline in MPG but thats me, not the poor performance. Its too tempting to plant the right foot down, its just so much fun. In Sport+ there is a noticeable gearbox "nudge" which actually feels very positive under flat-out acceleration, and fun. I did notice a big decline in reported MPG when it was first fitted but when I reset all the trip settings and drove the car sensibly again there wasn't much actual drop. Add to this the fact your warranty stays put and its a no brainer if you have the £975 to spend. It changed the car completely.

TodmordenLad · 02-06-2016, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1gandy

I have had my PPK on my 330d M Sport for around 8 months now and its been brilliant. I have had a slight decline in MPG but thats me, not the poor performance. Its too tempting to plant the right foot down, its just so much fun. In Sport+ there is a noticeable gearbox "nudge" which actually feels very positive under flat-out acceleration, and fun. I did notice a big decline in reported MPG when it was first fitted but when I reset all the trip settings and drove the car sensibly again there wasn't much actual drop. Add to this the fact your warranty stays put and its a no brainer if you have the £975 to spend. It changed the car completely.

Have placed the order so just waiting for the new ECU and intercooler to arrive from Germany. Will post a review once fitted. Thanks for the feedback

b1gandy · 02-06-2016, 09:50 AM

It can take a while to do so be prepared for it to be on ramps for a couple of days. I don't know if there are any deals on at the moment but I got mine from my local dealer in Bristol for under a grand. I already had the brakes and 19" wheels so didn't need anything else doing.I notice the difference most when booting her from 50 or so when overtaking, it just keeps pulling with no real effort. Its not like having an engine transplant but your butt dyno will definately notice it.

TodmordenLad · 02-06-2016, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1gandy

It can take a while to do so be prepared for it to be on ramps for a couple of days. I don't know if there are any deals on at the moment but I got mine from my local dealer in Bristol for under a grand. I already had the brakes and 19" wheels so didn't need anything else doing.I notice the difference most when booting her from 50 or so when overtaking, it just keeps pulling with no real effort. Its not like having an engine transplant but your butt dyno will definately notice it.

Having it installed at Cotswolds Gloucester. They get good press on the forum and they've done quite a few PPK's, unlike my local dealer who has done none. Speaking to Phil there, he was reckoning on 2.5 hrs, 4 hrs worst case based on previous jobs.

b1gandy · 02-06-2016, 10:28 AM

My dealer had done quite a few as well but if the ECU programming doesn't take the first time it can take a while for the Germans to sort it out remotely. It doesn't mean the dealer doesn't know what they are doing, its just that not every ECU takes the programming first time, and you want it done right.

TodmordenLad · 02-06-2016, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1gandy

My dealer had done quite a few as well but if the ECU programming doesn't take the first time it can take a while for the Germans to sort it out remotely. It doesn't mean the dealer doesn't know what they are doing, its just that not every ECU takes the programming first time, and you want it done right.

Ok cheers, thanks for the heads up

TodmordenLad · 02-09-2016, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1gandy

My dealer had done quite a few as well but if the ECU programming doesn't take the first time it can take a while for the Germans to sort it out remotely. It doesn't mean the dealer doesn't know what they are doing, its just that not every ECU takes the programming first time, and you want it done right.

Ok cheers, thanks for the heads up

Getting the kit installed a week today so will let you know how I get on

b1gandy · 02-14-2016, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

Getting the kit installed a week today so will let you know how I get on

I bet you can't wait.....only a few days to go.

01-25-2016, 01:16 PM	#1
TodmordenLad Brigadier General 2870 Rep 3,962 Posts Drives: Audi A4 Avant Join Date: May 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	330D PPK - help me make my mind up, please!! Am thinking about getting the PPK for my 330D M Sport Touring but am hesitating. I’ve got a price from Phil Ennis at Cotswold Group. Dealership is nowhere near where I live but he’s reasonably competitive and they’ve done several successful installations as far as I know, and I do occasionally make trips to the West Country. My car was registered in Nov 14 and I’ve had it for nearly a year, as I bought it approved used. It’s done 13,000 miles so I need to get this out of my system, one way or another. There are a few PPK horror stories on the forum which are off-putting but most folks seem enthused at the results. Help me make up my mind, please!! (Forum is fantastic by the way, really informative and laugh out loud entertaining on occasions) __________________ Owned: 440i GC LCI with MPPSK, F31 330D M Sport with MPPK, F11 530D SE, F11 520D SE, E61 530D M Sport, E36 325i plus many MB's, Audi's & Volvo's
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01-25-2016, 02:41 PM	#4
TodmordenLad Brigadier General 2870 Rep 3,962 Posts Drives: Audi A4 Avant Join Date: May 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Tested link and not working for some reason? Here's the text - the poster had the PPK reversed, Id imagine the dealer ****ed it up or BMW wrongly programmed the ECU Wednesday 7th October 2015 quotequote all Just thought I would share my experience of the official BMW PPK, in case any one else is considering this. Fitting time was one hour, plus an extra seven hours for coding. That's normal apparently. Since fitting last Friday, my fuel consumption in normal driving has increased dramatically. My 50 mile each way commute used to give about 45mpg, with PPK that's 35mpg. The official BMW literature claims no mpg difference in normal driving. The car runs far less smoothly, the gearbox is up and down the ratios like a yoyo even on the motorway and the shifting is now very jerky. And the power increase? Barely noticeable. Virtually nothing. We're talking the difference between having a full or empty tank, or one passenger compared to none. In summary, a complete waste of time and money, which has now basically ruined the car for me. Very unhappy indeed and trying to get a refund and car put back to standard. Should have gone for the tuning box option which is easily removed and most of whom do a refund if you're not satisfied. __________________ Owned: 440i GC LCI with MPPSK, F31 330D M Sport with MPPK, F11 530D SE, F11 520D SE, E61 530D M Sport, E36 325i plus many MB's, Audi's & Volvo's
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02-06-2016, 09:38 AM	#8
b1gandy Private 7 Rep 55 Posts Drives: f30 330d M Sport + EBII + MPPK Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Somerset, UK iTrader: (0)	I have had my PPK on my 330d M Sport for around 8 months now and its been brilliant. I have had a slight decline in MPG but thats me, not the poor performance. Its too tempting to plant the right foot down, its just so much fun. In Sport+ there is a noticeable gearbox "nudge" which actually feels very positive under flat-out acceleration, and fun. I did notice a big decline in reported MPG when it was first fitted but when I reset all the trip settings and drove the car sensibly again there wasn't much actual drop. Add to this the fact your warranty stays put and its a no brainer if you have the £975 to spend. It changed the car completely.
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02-06-2016, 09:50 AM	#10
b1gandy Private 7 Rep 55 Posts Drives: f30 330d M Sport + EBII + MPPK Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Somerset, UK iTrader: (0)	It can take a while to do so be prepared for it to be on ramps for a couple of days. I don't know if there are any deals on at the moment but I got mine from my local dealer in Bristol for under a grand. I already had the brakes and 19" wheels so didn't need anything else doing.I notice the difference most when booting her from 50 or so when overtaking, it just keeps pulling with no real effort. Its not like having an engine transplant but your butt dyno will definately notice it.
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02-06-2016, 10:28 AM	#12
b1gandy Private 7 Rep 55 Posts Drives: f30 330d M Sport + EBII + MPPK Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Somerset, UK iTrader: (0)	My dealer had done quite a few as well but if the ECU programming doesn't take the first time it can take a while for the Germans to sort it out remotely. It doesn't mean the dealer doesn't know what they are doing, its just that not every ECU takes the programming first time, and you want it done right.
	Appreciate 0 Quote