|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Today's Posts | Search |
 |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
Evolve Switch Unit - Installation Process and First Impressions.
|
 |
| 05-15-2009, 11:17 AM | #1 |
|
Brigadier General
 
202
Rep 4,655
Posts |
Evolve Switch Unit - Installation Process and First Impressions.
Hello guys,
For those who enjoy (or loathe) my longer posts I am afraid you will have to wait a little longer for the full review. I just wanted to post up about my experience with Evolve, using the switch box and my impressions of the remap in the last 24 hours. As a buying process, I had no problems with Evolve - the Group buy was kind of organised by peer pressure and it was good to see Evolve proactively putting something together to benefit users who were keen on obtaining their Switch unit product. Once the buy was arranged, I rang and spoke to Sultan who was very friendly etc, even agreeing to make me a cuppa should I ever be down Luton way and no doubt I will so thats something to look forward to. Payment was taken about a week before the units were sent, but I dont think thats entirely unreasonable as I dont believe they would have quibbled too much if I had chosen to later cancel my order before dispatch etc etc. The group buy thread was fairly regularly updated and I have no complaints about how the order, dispatch and delivery process happened in short. Next the actual remap. Once I had the box, I was eager to begin the process of remapping. This was hampered by the fact that Evolve had been sent improved versions of the original Switch unit, featuring different firmware and a new piece of software was required. This delayed things by a day, but wasnt a problem and Imran updated the Group Buy thread in a timely manner. I came home at lunchtime yesterday to perform the remap and following Imrans instructions, I was able to link the Switch unit with my laptop, choose my car, upload my original ECU data from the car to the Switch unit and then email it back to Evolve. The first criticism of the process lies here, in that the instructions are fine for me because I am reasonably technical but they are not absolutely accurate step by step instructions. I have already mentioned this to Imran and he is going to 'Evolve' his advice based on feedback etc hehe!!! He turned around the modified file in good time, despite a technical hitch which looked like it may have held up the process (I blame the instructions, Imran probably blames me hehe) and sent it back to me zipped up. I then copied it back into the Switch unit, a process which deviated significantly from the instructions, but was still straightforward enough for me to complete, and I would think for 90% of people to follow also. I then went to the car to upload the map... Unfortunately, here is where I failed to follow the instructions and epically failed to secure the wellbeing of my car... I basically plugged in the unit, switched off all electrics including comfort lights, screen, stereo, auto headlights etc.... I then followed the instructions on the screen and ignored all the warnings etc... one thing to note here is that the Switch unit demands that you connect a 'battery charger device' to 'something' during the process - I ignored that, which worked out ok in the end, but I dont know if its something which might snag others.... The Switch unit prepared for a few minutes and then began erasing my original file... it then gave up several error codes and sacked off any further activity... I tried my car and lo and behold - the starter motor tried and tried but the car would not start. I didnt panic, having read ALCOOK's Bluefin post, I calmly watched as I was told that the ABS, TCS, DTC, Fuel Pump, Tyre Pressure Sensor, Knock Sensor etc had all failed - my BMW suggested I drive moderately... I regrouped and considered what I had done wrong... then it occurred to me... I had put the key in and assumed that meant the ignition was on... I knew I didnt want the engine running as I had already tried like that the Switch unit had warned me against it... I tried a quick stab of the start button, illuminating more of the dash... and tried to upload the map again - this time it seemed to be working, and I was relieved to see a progress bar fill up, then complete. A couple of instructions followed before I was able to unplug the Switch unit and try the motor.... It sparked into life first time with no further warning indicators - happy f**king day!!!!! Just as a side note - I messed up a few other things during this process which I have skipped - such as the first time I tried to map the car, I took turning the ignition on to mean turn the motor on - FAIL!! Also, I accidentally knocked several electrics - full beam, had my foot on the brake thus lighting it up etc lol and I even forgot to turn off the Autoheadlights for about the first ten seconds. My thoughts on the Switch unit then are this - it might look like a cheap piece of junk from Taiwan, but its smart enough to not have broken my car on about 5 different occasions due to my own stupidity/lack of care. My warning is this DONT fuck about when your mapping your car, but if you knock a switch/light - dont panic right away and do something silly that could make things worse!!!! So onto First Impressions... My car sounded different immediately, I decided this was in my mind but as time went by, it became apparent it was in fact the truth. My mate Paul asked me why that might be - my only answer was 'dunno mate, something to do with fire and explosions probably' The car is a lot quicker, but not significantly less driveable... In D mode the dropdown when you need just-a-little-more power is significant, and scary sometimes as I found that just pushing enough to drop a cog can lead to the tail wiggling a litte - course, it has rained up here for 24 hours solid now... In addition, it now spins the wheels in the first four gears at least when giving full beans, which is both impressive and exciting, its something I have been missing since my 350Z. The car needs to be treated with more respect now, but it is certainly more worthy of it. In D/S round a tight country road it was more than capable of maximising the midrange torque to effectively explode out of corners once the back was in line, on any occasion that the back is not in line - see the beginning of this paragrah especially in this weather. In a straight line its more than a match for whatever Exotica Carl claims to have annihilated, I would believe him having felt it for myself - I cant actually imagine how a car could be any quicker, but thats because I dont think I have ever been in one that was - its really very fast indeed. I look forward to this weekend when I have more of a chance to test it - preferrably in the dry! All in all, its a fantastic product - I would reccomend it to anyone with almost any car, but I would also say if your already a bit worried about using a 335D or 335i or maybe even a 330D to its full potential - you wont like the new power, its almost terminal lol  A full review will come prob this weekend, with a load of pictures Matt |
| 05-15-2009, 11:43 AM | #2 |
|
Major
 
144
Rep 1,399
Posts |
That sounds very exciting! I'm sure that the car is almost unrecognizable...
 Truth is you really must be very careful when replacing your map as you said. If I'll be in that situation, I'll ride the instruction 100 times before doing it! Glad you like it! Are the brakes handling the new power well? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-15-2009, 11:48 AM | #3 |
|
Right Responsible
71
Rep 1,647
Posts |
Super first impressions there RK!!
I understand that the unit is a bit rougher round the edges (installation-wise) than the Bluefin unit - which is a no-brainer to use. The main thing though is what the end result is - and for the X5 - the bluefin was definitely not great. Out of interest - did you go for the 730Nm or the 700Nm map? I am gonna try the 730Nm beastie
__________________
Last: 330cd Sport - Silver Grey, 335d M Sport Coupe, F10 535d M Sport.
Current: AW F21 M135i, Coral Red, Pro Nav, Vis, HK, & Clunky Adaptive Suspension Current: F15 X5 XDrive 40d M Sport - Space Grey, lots of toys.  |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-15-2009, 11:58 AM | #4 |
|
Brigadier General
202
Rep 4,655
Posts |
Hmmm, I went for the 350bhp option I believe, Evolve didnt really give me any choice - I dont know if I could have had a different one if I had wanted or not really?
I might be wrong, and I am sure Imran will correct me if I am wrong... but the XPro software suggests the box can actually hold 2 modified maps.... I am really pleased with it, and you guys will find out just how so when I write the proper review Matt |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-15-2009, 12:10 PM | #5 |
|
Right Responsible
71
Rep 1,647
Posts |
There are 2 maps available for the x35d engine. One is 350bhp/700Nm and the other is 340bhp/730Nm.
The 2nd one has more torque low down the revs - and I was thinking would suit the 4wd X5 better due to its extra grip. My car has a 700Nm Emaps map and I would not want any more torque lower down as it can barely handle things as it is due to only being rear wheel drive.
__________________
Last: 330cd Sport - Silver Grey, 335d M Sport Coupe, F10 535d M Sport.
Current: AW F21 M135i, Coral Red, Pro Nav, Vis, HK, & Clunky Adaptive Suspension Current: F15 X5 XDrive 40d M Sport - Space Grey, lots of toys. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-15-2009, 12:46 PM | #6 |
|
Major
36
Rep 1,269
Posts
Drives: A Rental
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Creepy Crawley
|
That part about the battery charger is a little worrying!
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-15-2009, 01:25 PM | #7 | |
5492
Rep 3,822
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-15-2009, 01:27 PM | #8 | |
|
5492
Rep 3,822
Posts |
Quote:
You have the 350 BHP/700Nm map - it is the one we install on 95% of 335d's. |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-15-2009, 02:58 PM | #10 |
|
Brigadier General
357
Rep 3,022
Posts |
Upload went smoothly first time. Followed the instructions and unit wiped ecu (DCS, Flat tyre warnings appear) then a couple of inginitions on/off and I was ready to go.
Initial thoughts (on v wet/damp roads  ):-Didnt notice any change in noise like Matt reports -Auto box seems to change up at 30mph quicker than usual (that's a good thing) -Echo Matt's comment (even for the 330d) - this car needs to be treated with maximum respect in the wet - I got out of shape in 4th in a straight line  - Power seemed more linear, but that could be becasue I could not access any of the 'old-school' 330d shove under 3k revs (need a dry road to try that)- Did feel faster in 3/4 and reached national limit much quicker - Revs to 4.5k much happer So all in happy v happy after first run - just need a dry day now  Tim
__________________
M2 Arrived!
Family 5er |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-18-2009, 09:25 AM | #11 |
|
Right Responsible
71
Rep 1,647
Posts |
Put the Evolve map on the X5 35d at the weekend. All went very smoothly and instructions were spot-on.
The guys at Evolve got the new map emailed back to me within 1 and a half hours. Thanks guys Had to drive for the first 80 miles with 400Kgs tiles in the back - so needless to say could not test it out. Once I got them out and give 'er some beans, all was very good. It seems to be much better than the Bluefin I had previously tried - smoother and more low-down torque. I dont want to discredit the Bluefin here as I have used Superchips in the past and have always been very happy. I just think that their more conservative map is not thorough enough for the 35d engine. I have not tried any timings yet with the accelerometer but I am opptimistic they will be impressive. It also seems that the vehicle will hold onto a higher gear better at low revs and can pull comfortably from 1100rpm in 6th without changing down. This is something which annoyed me about the original map - the fact it changed down a gear too often when you accelerated at low revs. All in all my summary in a few words is: The remap makes the car drive like you just let 3 people out of the back seat!!
__________________
Last: 330cd Sport - Silver Grey, 335d M Sport Coupe, F10 535d M Sport.
Current: AW F21 M135i, Coral Red, Pro Nav, Vis, HK, & Clunky Adaptive Suspension Current: F15 X5 XDrive 40d M Sport - Space Grey, lots of toys. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-18-2009, 11:48 AM | #12 | |
|
5492
Rep 3,822
Posts |
Quote:
We are doing more 35d engines in the X6 and X5 recently. They carry a lot more weight than the E9X so need that extra grunt. Remapped a X3 35d the other day - it was obscenely quick for a SUV!  |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-18-2009, 05:52 PM | #14 | |
|
Colonel
101
Rep 2,204
Posts |
Quote:
I have the 350BHP map from Evolve as well, I havent noticed any real changes in my engine noise though ?
__________________
Engine Mods: VF HEX Stage 2, ER Charge Pipes, VRSF Catless Downpipes, BMS Intakes and PCW Exhaust Mod
Running Gear Mods: HRE Flow Form F01, Yellow Stuff pads. Cosmetic: Performance Grill, Lip Spoiler, Splitters, Side Skirt Extensions, Diffuser and BMS Tips |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 05-20-2009, 09:54 AM | #16 |
|
Lieutenant
 
92
Rep 452
Posts |
!!!!
WOW my E93 330D was just Evolved.....it's just incredible !!! i got a feeling that someone add a second turbo in my car
  Tracktion control lamp will "burn" my dashboard on each start On D mode i still have the turbo lag but it's also the fault of the auto box wich is a bit slow,would like to test the new dual clutch !! On DS is amazing,i just "killed" an Audi A5 3.0 tdi the guy with the Audi has some suicidal tendencies now He disapper in my rearview mirror ....Using the Evolve switch was as simple as updating a mobile phone and it took at all 10 min, there was some errors on the Navi screen when the Ecu was erased and then you just switch off/on your car and reflash was done Evolve guys are real 5 STAR sellers and their service is much much better then every car dealer that i ever deal with  Thany you so much !!! Cheers guys  |
|
Appreciate
0
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
