Since I have a 2020+ Mini my options for getting it tuned are VERY limited. What is the best piggy back for my JCW? As far as I know my options are race chip, JB4, and Dinan. Are there any others that people have used? I read that the Dinan model had a problem for a while that caused the CEL, but I think they have it fixed now. Does anyone have any info on that?

 

I used the Dinan successfully for many years on my 2017 JCW (F56/B48) but Dinan does not do that anymore.

These days they'll flash what's shipped to them, leaving the owner to deal with the removal, short down time, and reinstallation. I decided not to do that.

I reckon Dinan's track record and support are good however, and I also believe that their current tune is stronger than the one I will illustrate below.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

I had the box in my 2016 JCW. Traded it in for free to get the “Stage 1” flash tune on my DME. It is quite nice, I’ve described it as a factory tune with quick throttle tip-in, more HP and importantly more Torque. HP and Torque figures are subject to so many factors and unique to the device they are measured on…you can go to the Dinan site to see how they measured - credit they measured crank and WHP on their Dyno both pre- and post tune.

Their Tune will require the right octane - I got the 93 tune since that is what we have in Florida. I really recommend this route long before putting on a box. I’m sure a local tuner could give me more “something” - but not as safe or as well tested as what Dinan has in place. I’ve posted this a few times because I’m honestly impressed and surprised. Have had it on for roughly a year. They even offer a 91 tune with a 5 year warranty if I recall. If I knew a local tuner and trusted them - likely could get similar results. I don’t.

 

I only started this thread, because I was under the belief that my DME could not be unlocked, and was only considering a piggyback because of that. I have since found out that my DME can be unlocked and tuned, so I am definitely going with a full tune. I am big fan of Dinan. Unfortunately, they do not have a tune for a 2020 JCW. My car was actually being considered as the test bed to develop that tune, but unfortunately that fell through. While that was going on, I got to tour their facility, and I was incredibly impressed. They are definitely world class.

I believe I will be going with Derv tech. They have a lot of experience, and I have heard good things about them. But, if anyone has some other advice I would be glad to hear it.

 

Dannieh, I'm curious if this will be for the track or for the street.
As with suspension, what works best for one is not necessarily optimum for the other.

I'm just a street canyon carver, and am currently "just" using the Dinan Sport module, but it works well for me as it boosts torque primarily in the lower rpm range. (See my recent review-thread.) Sadly, it peters out at around 4K rpm. Right now that doesn't bother me much, but it would be nice to have more grunt at all rpms, so I'd consider other options. I like that Derv Tech offers a software + hardware package. (I assume the retrofit forged pistons, and maybe an upgraded intercooler, yes? )

So, what type of tune are you going for?