There are various ECU "builds" throughout the life of the R53/52. On top of that, there are numerous updates for each build on so on. Some of these builds are more susceptible to pinging than others. There isn't a good explanation for it other than something buried down in the code, more than a tuner or flash tune can change or overwrite, causes it. A tuner can change values in the fuel/timing tables to mostly make this tendency to ping go away, but it takes deviating slightly from the norm.
This pinging is not all that uncommon, my car had this tendency from the factory. Adding the DTBPV made it much worse due to the fast boost response from the valve. Look at all of the variables on the car as something that seems insignificant can cause a chain reaction down the line.
I'd try the plugs/seafoam treatment etc. detailed by Doc O then look into possible getting it tuned out as a permanent fix.

 

go water /meth

 

there are benefits to doing that, but one really ought to figure out the cause and fix that before adding in a bunch of stuff to mask it.

Matt

 

okay ; try the plugs, and seafoam . if good results , see how many miles till issue comes back . then go water/meth to keep deposits at bay . if mileage interval seems too long . or just get a thicker head gasket .

 

I have tried an RMW tune which helped a lot. Jan put A LOT of time into helping try to relieve this issue! However, even after SeaFoam, plug wires, plugs (Brisk), the problem [seems] to be IATs. Jan and I found this to be true on a number of runs on the streets of SoCal. When my car's intercooler is hot (above 140 or so) the pinging is pronounced between 2800 and 3200 rpm in second, third and fourth gears - in other words, when under load. When my IATs are lower, the pinging is greatly reduced. The other "cure" is higher octane fuel. I have had NO pinging when I use an octane booster.
I am going to look into the knock sensor next but.....?

 

I belive my car will be going to Dr Fuh for a tune.

 

My highly modified MINI emits a sound like it's pinging. It's fooled a lot of people..experts car guys, mechanics, guys who do dyno runs for a living, and long time mechanics. Yet it's my passenger side drive shaft that's wearing out. We know for fact it's not pinging simply by looking at the power curve especially when you hear the sound but the ticking sound on hard acceleration happens in the same way as pinging does and sounds very similar.



Richard

 

if it's at load and acceleration; between 3-4000 rpm's it could be the dreaded harmonic damper episode . i did what many have and changed from 04 damper to the lighter redesigned 05 damper . noise gone . sounds like playing card in the spokes .

 

Naw its definitely my drive shaft...my harmonic damper already burned up and was replaced a few thousand miles ago. I replaced my drive shaft with a rebuilt one and it solved it for about a week then went bad again...anyone thinking about saving some money with a rebuilt drive shaft..I don't recommend it.

Richard