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      04-15-2010, 11:02 AM   #1
lambobambo
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Active Autowerk Chips & Pulleys... Is It A Mistake To Take This Route?...

Hi, im looking to make some alterations to my car for more power, but am a little aprehensive about getting in chipped (eg Active Autowerk chip) as so often i read in the classified car ads, "never chipped" etc.
IS it a bad idea to take this route for my M3?
Also Pulleys, do other areas of the car suffer? And has anyone had any problems with either, or is it all good?!!!!!!
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      04-15-2010, 01:25 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomvcarter View Post
Hi, im looking to make some alterations to my car for more power, but am a little aprehensive about getting in chipped (eg Active Autowerk chip) as so often i read in the classified car ads, "never chipped" etc.
IS it a bad idea to take this route for my M3?
Also Pulleys, do other areas of the car suffer? And has anyone had any problems with either, or is it all good?!!!!!!
It's all good

I believe the reason why people list in classifieds "never chipped "is due to the fact that people who modify their car usually abuse it a bit more as well, also mods decrease resale value.

AA pulleys Does Not Modify Factory Harmonics or Dampening so you needn't worry.
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      04-15-2010, 01:44 PM   #3
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AA? there are better alternatives
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      04-15-2010, 01:46 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomvcarter View Post
Hi, im looking to make some alterations to my car for more power, but am a little aprehensive about getting in chipped (eg Active Autowerk chip) as so often i read in the classified car ads, "never chipped" etc.
IS it a bad idea to take this route for my M3?
Also Pulleys, do other areas of the car suffer? And has anyone had any problems with either, or is it all good?!!!!!!
look into the ESS tune

why AA?
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      04-15-2010, 02:56 PM   #5
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powerchip tune is good too
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      04-15-2010, 03:34 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomvcarter View Post
And has anyone had any problems with either, or is it all good?!!!!!!
I had both and they are both all good. The "never chipped" you see in ads most likely refers to older cars where actual chips had to be replaced. You really shouldn't call the AA tune/flash a chip because it is a flash where they replace the software in your computer and nothing is physicaly removed or added to your ECU.
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      04-16-2010, 04:44 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ARA5HE90 View Post
look into the ESS tune

why AA?
Just because it was the brand i am most familiar with?
Is the ESS one held in higher esteem?
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      04-16-2010, 07:09 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomvcarter View Post
Just because it was the brand i am most familiar with?
Is the ESS one held in higher esteem?
Powerchip seems to be the hot one lately.
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      04-16-2010, 10:03 AM   #9
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I would probably say there is MINIMAL difference between the tunes.

ECU Flashes and Pulleys have been around for AGES so dont worry about issues or reliability.

I personally have the new 1.5 flash from AA and love the power. On the track there is not much that can keep up with me on the long back straights.

Also did a 3rd gear run vs my friends stock C63 AMG and I easily beat him. Took one car length on 3rd gear alone. Stock M3 is slower than a C63 so in real world I did get way more power.
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      04-16-2010, 11:57 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomvcarter View Post
Just because it was the brand i am most familiar with?
Is the ESS one held in higher esteem?
In my opinion, you should go with the company you are most comfortable with, after all of your research.

Every individual will have their favorite, but it's best to follow what you feel is the most suitable option for your M3.

I myself have Powerchip's tune, but I'm not going to sit here and bring down another company's tune, since that's not my motive.

Just as M3 Montreal said, I would also say that there may be minimal difference between tunes, but that's just how I feel. Again, I think most of our tunes capture the essence of what a tune should be about, and may not be OUTSTANDINGLY different when you end up comparing.

Just an opinion from my behalf.
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      04-16-2010, 12:01 PM   #11
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i have the AA chip, pulley, ssk, and exhaust and i think they are all great! its also convenient for me to go with AA because i live in Miami and they are a 20 minute drive from my house
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      04-16-2010, 12:02 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Montreal View Post
I would probably say there is MINIMAL difference between the tunes.

ECU Flashes and Pulleys have been around for AGES so dont worry about issues or reliability.

I personally have the new 1.5 flash from AA and love the power. On the track there is not much that can keep up with me on the long back straights.

Also did a 3rd gear run vs my friends stock C63 AMG and I easily beat him. Took one car length on 3rd gear alone. Stock M3 is slower than a C63 so in real world I did get way more power.



on track it really is great! even for such a heavy car
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      04-16-2010, 01:09 PM   #13
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Active Autowerke has been around for 29 years. We work on BMW and only BMW specializing in M models. Most of our competitors cannot say they have even been around for 15 years. Some people may say why AA? Enthusiast know that when you go AA it is synonymous with quality research and development, quality materials, technological advancements and technical support. If you have any questions about any of our products feel free to PM me.
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      04-16-2010, 02:17 PM   #14
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but Im in the same boat with these exact same 2 mods that I want:

...however, the AA flash will void the warranty correct?

Thanks,
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      04-16-2010, 02:22 PM   #15
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If you are worried about voiding your warranty walk away. Just walk away.
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      04-16-2010, 02:29 PM   #16
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i was in the market for the same thing...pulley and tune

I was researching many different brands of pulleys and it seems that most, not all, have some history of something going wrong. Not saying its the manufacturer ... its just reviews on personal experience.

I opted to not run the risk...and went with a Powerchip tune...

I am very happy with the results
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      04-16-2010, 02:32 PM   #17
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According to BMW any modification will void warranty. With tunes like the Active Flash usually dealers don't detect it unless the driver over revs the engine and then they can see that the revs went way above spec and then the technician then starts the investigation of why the car over rev'd.
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      04-16-2010, 03:29 PM   #18
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Well my friend King Tut- after having the tranny replaced at 10k mi, you could see my skepticism about voiding my warranty on a $70k car....thanks for the info gentlemen
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