aFe Scorcher/Hartge piggyback

[AK_F30]

Can anyone give me some insight into the aFe Scorcher or Hartge unit? Have you purchased it, seen it in action, have any feedback? This may be a silly question, but will the scorcher or Hartge units void the warranty? I'd like to through a couple of things on the car but not sure what big brother will say.
p.s. this is for the N20

[tim330i]

I drove Turner Motorsport's F30 335i with the Hartge unit and it was night and day different. I haven't had a chance to test the N20 unit but from what I've seen it should be a nice improvement.

Both will void the warranty if your dealer finds out. Keep in mind that it would not keep you from getting other parts of the car repaired under warranty, but anything engine related would be excluded by running a module. That being said you can remove them without too much trouble.

Tim

[AK_F30]

That is a serious bummer. I had an Audi A3 with an APR tune on it that was completely transparent when set to"stock" mode, too bad they don't do BMW'S.

[ModBargains.com]

We've had great feedback from our customers who have the aFe Power Scorcher Module BMW N20/N26 328i/528i/X1. It'll give your car an instant kick of up to 52hp and 60lbs. x ft. torque! The unit is safe and is completely plug and play. A dealer can void your warranty if you drive in with the unit installed. All you really need to do is remove it from the car prior to a dealer visit and you'll be fine. It doesn't leave a trace and your warranty will not be voided so long as it's removed.

aFe Scorcher modules use OE style "all weather" connectors which require no modification to your factory harness, providing a secure factory-style fit and hassle-free installation. The housing is constructed of aluminum with a hard coat black anodized finish and uses Automotive grade TXL wire with high heat and chemical resistance. The aFe Scorcher Modules come with a 2-year limited warranty as well

[lucky_doggg7]

Well, I guess if a DSM Evo X can make 300 horse out of 2 liters, so can BMW. That BMW must be seeing low to mid 20's in boost pressure with that module; gee, that's a lot. I remember a time when 100 hp/l was a big deal, now 150 hp/l is the new normal for turbo motors. What's next?

[AK_F30]

It looks like I'll be giving ModBargins a call here soon, I've looked at the install of the aFe unit and looks very simple and straight ahead.

[ModBargains.com]

Originally Posted by AK_F30

It looks like I'll be giving ModBargins a call here soon, I've looked at the install of the aFe unit and looks very simple and straight ahead.

[ericanthony]

I have the Hartge tuner on my F30 (328i)..... Now that is how this car should drive - for reelz

[tim330i]

Originally Posted by ericanthony

I have the Hartge tuner on my F30 (328i)..... Now that is how this car should drive - for reelz

Will you create a new thread will a full review for everyone? This is on my list of things to get for the Project 328i.

Tim

[ericanthony]

Sure, stand by..

[///KM]

I have the aFe Scorcher unit for my 328i, and I'm very impressed. The install could not be any simpler, just tap into 2 sensors (MAP & TMAP) on the throttle body with the aFe plug & play connectors and you're done - 5 minutes. Going to the dealer for service would just require those 2 connectors be put back to stock. For warranty preservation, the install/uninstall process was really important to me in deciding which tuner to go with. This is as simple as it gets.

I have yet to dyno my car before/after, but may do so soon. The throttle response and torque increases are really apparent, especially in Sport mode. It really feels like I'm driving my buddy's 335i.

I don't think it needs anything else (intake/downpipe/exhaust). The aFe is all the power increase I wanted at a great price!

[AK_F30]

I'd have to agree with ///KM. I bought mine about two weeks ago and the difference was immediate. Keep in mind, I live in Alaska and it has been -26 a few times since I've had it so it's been a little hard to really appreciate the extra "boost" (yup, a pun).

I will say for me, the real reason for buying the Scorcher was for a hope in increased fuel economy. I drive about 100 miles a day commuting to/from Anchorage, and with premium running $3.65 a gallon or more, I needed all the help I could get. Some of you may think I'm blowing smoke, but the best I could do before the install was 31.5 highway at 28 combined. After the install, I've seen as high as 37.2 on the highway and 32.1 combined, so my goal was met (these number where taken right off the dash). I've been able to get 495 miles on one tank before refueling using 15.04 gallons, which by the pen and paper equals 32.9 combined driving.

Not to downplay the Hartge setup, but I don't think that the rate of return for the money spent is going to be anything close to the aFe product (MHO).

[phoenix155]

Originally Posted by AK_F30

Some of you may think I'm blowing smoke, but the best I could do before the install was 31.5 highway at 28 combined. After the install, I've seen as high as 37.2 on the highway and 32.1 combined, so my goal was met (these number where taken right off the dash). I've been able to get 495 miles on one tank before refueling using 15.04 gallons, which by the pen and paper equals 32.9 combined driving.

That's amazing! Any chance we could get a photo of those numbers (not saying I don't trust you, but it'll be even more "official."

I have to ask this question though - how would increasing the HP of the engine/PSI of the Turbo increase fuel efficiency? I'll freely admit I don't understand engines nearly at all. :-) Thanks!

[///KM]

I've noticed an improvement in fuel economy with the aFe as well - especially in Sport mode, as odd as that sounds. Basically, it allows me to accelerate faster and hit the speed limit (or slightly over, lol) at a faster time, meaning I can let off the gas and coast for a longer period of time. I think this is contributing to the FE improvement - or it could just be a leaner AFR.

My MPG went from 30.2 combined city/highway pre-aFe --> 30.7 with aFe, but that's just the reading off the ECU. I won't know for certain until my next tank of gas is up and measured.

[AK_F30]

Originally Posted by phoenix155

That's amazing! Any chance we could get a photo of those numbers (not saying I don't trust you, but it'll be even more "official."

I have to ask this question though - how would increasing the HP of the engine/PSI of the Turbo increase fuel efficiency? I'll freely admit I don't understand engines nearly at all. :-) Thanks!

On this tank I haven't quite got what I was quoting before, but keep in mind that we've had a lot of snow which creates more drag on the tires (this is combined MPG). Pics are below. Also, take a look at the dash, that's 302.8 miles on half a tank, weird though it doesn't match the trip computer.

[mondo322]

I just bought andinstalled my afe module for my f30 328i and immediately noticed difference. The numbers claimed by the company should be somewhat accurate from what I feel. bit more torquey, feels quicker after shifts overall great and easy buy. You cant go wrong with it! Feels very close to the performance of a 335i

[Turboedv6]

I am selling my AFE reflash for the N20/N26 seen here...
http://www.f30driver.com/forum/showthread.php?t=976975