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R56 WMW Remote tuner vs Alta AP vs RMW tune

Old Feb 14, 2013 | 10:02 AM
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WMW Remote tuner vs Alta AP vs RMW tune

I'm looking to find the best tuner/tuner module. I understand Alta no longer makes the AccessPort and they will stop servicing it around July (I think?). What would be my best option for a tuner? What is the easiest to use? I like the plug-and-go feature of the AP and I like that it has stage 1, 2, and 3 maps already on it. I have a JCW engine.

Looking for ease of use, a stage 3 map, and potential to get a custom map. I live in Denver CO and I know the tuners here don't have the ability to download custom maps to a handheld device like the AP.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 10:14 AM
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Oh how the mighty have fallen. R.I.P. AccessPort.

You are forgetting a major player in the BMW/MINI market. Evolve Automotive. I have their Evolve-R tool, which is a OBDII-USB cable, with their software and have been DELIGHTED. If you live near a dyno facility they can do a remote tune but be ready to get up early in the morning since they're in the U.K. If you arrange something with them they'll most likely stay late in the office. They also offer a variety of pre-mapped "staged" tunes based on your powertrain modifications.

I haven't heard much from RMW regarding the Dimsport compatibility with the R56 platform. He's not the biggest lover of the R56 platform anyway.

One thing is for sure, Evolve has what you need today. Give them a call!
http://www.evolveautomotive.com/
+44 1582 584 000

I am not a paid endorser for Evolve, I am just very happy for what services they have done for my R56 after waiting around forever in Detroit for some kind of glimmer of hope for a tune.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 12:46 PM
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I've been wondering about this too. I have an AP but sine support is about to go and even so it seemed it wasn't possible to get a custom tune with an AP because no one tuned a MINI on it, this is something I'm looking into as well.

RMW does support the R56 with the Dimsport but you'll either have to go to him for a tune or, similar to Evolve, set up a remote tuning session.

I have the same problem in Dallas, no chance so far of getting a custom tune. I was hoping Cobb would eventually do it with their Cobb/AP tool, but no such luck.

How are the Evolve canned tunes? I'd like to move from the AP onto another platform that's supported and that I can get a custom tune through.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 01:09 PM
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Just my 2 cents, I haven't been able to get a hold of RMW regarding tuning since February 2012. I talked to Jan directly when setting the deal up, he was very efficient and helpful in getting me the remote tune, but once it was on there was no more contact. My brother attempted to contact Jan regarding a remote tune a few months ago and similarly, no response. It's looking like they're out of the tuning game, or just don't care to deal with anyone that's not dynoing at their facility? Either way, I've been looking around for a new option as well. Sucks because I bought the DimSport tool way back when that was RMW's only option. Now it's looking like it was a waste of $850 (tool + tune). Definitely going to look into the Evolve deal...

Sucks cause I was so excited about the RMW route...But things change.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 01:11 PM
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I believe Way Motor Works also tunes with the Dimsport tool. May be worth looking into since you already have one.

I've heard the same when working with Jan since he gets so busy. I'm thinking of going the Evolve route or checking with WMW.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by sooper_cooper
I believe Way Motor Works also tunes with the Dimsport tool.
Hmmmm I'll look into that. Thanks!
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by sooper_cooper
I believe Way Motor Works also tunes with the Dimsport tool. May be worth looking into since you already have one.

I've heard the same when working with Jan since he gets so busy. I'm thinking of going the Evolve route or checking with WMW.
I sent WMW a PM regarding their tuner. I have not heard back. I'm going to call them in a little bit and see what they have to say (assuming I get a hold of someone). Then I will report my findings. It sucks being in the Midwest/Southwest because the tuning scene (at least in CO) leaves something to be desired. There are a lot of rich people with Audis that get tuned and MINI is overlooked unfortunately. Folks like us end up relying on pre-set maps.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 03:12 PM
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Yea I'd be interested in hearing more about it. Here's the link to the tool:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-rem...ng-module.html

I'm curious to know if it's a canned tune or if it's customized using data logs or via remote tuning, as well as cost for the tune.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 03:16 PM
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I talked to jan a couple days ago, he is still in the tuning game.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 05:24 PM
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Way does NOT tune the N18 yet. He told me that he is doing in-house testing. The AccessPort is no longer supported. There is no OBD port tune for the N18. There never will be. Alta is out. NM tunes but you have to send your ECU to them. The N18
changed things. Solskjaer1999, it would help if we knew what year/type MINI you have.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Melangell
Way does NOT tune the N18 yet. He told me that he is doing in-house testing. The AccessPort is no longer supported. There is no OBD port tune for the N18. There never will be. Alta is out. NM tunes but you have to send your ECU to them. The N18
changed things. Solskjaer1999, it would help if we knew what year/type MINI you have.
I have the N14 JCW. I tried calling WMW and I sent them an email, but I haven't heard anything just yet.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2013 | 05:46 PM
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Try again. I've never, not had Way ignore me for long. He is a dude, not a big company. Give a peep a break. That said, when you order from him, you will receive quickly.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 05:19 AM
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Originally Posted by sooper_cooper
Yea I'd be interested in hearing more about it. Here's the link to the tool:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-rem...ng-module.html

I'm curious to know if it's a canned tune or if it's customized using data logs or via remote tuning, as well as cost for the tune.
Got a response this morning on the WMW remote tuner: It is $500 plus the price of the remote tuner model. That is the price for one map everything else is custom remote tuning. I was told it honestly isn't the easiest device to use. Hearing this I'm thinking this is no longer a good option for what I'm looking for out of a tuner module.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 06:56 AM
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Originally Posted by countryboyshane
Oh how the mighty have fallen. R.I.P. AccessPort.

You are forgetting a major player in the BMW/MINI market. Evolve Automotive. I have their Evolve-R tool, which is a OBDII-USB cable, with their software and have been DELIGHTED. If you live near a dyno facility they can do a remote tune but be ready to get up early in the morning since they're in the U.K. If you arrange something with them they'll most likely stay late in the office. They also offer a variety of pre-mapped "staged" tunes based on your powertrain modifications.

I haven't heard much from RMW regarding the Dimsport compatibility with the R56 platform. He's not the biggest lover of the R56 platform anyway.

One thing is for sure, Evolve has what you need today. Give them a call!
http://www.evolveautomotive.com/
+44 1582 584 000

I am not a paid endorser for Evolve, I am just very happy for what services they have done for my R56 after waiting around forever in Detroit for some kind of glimmer of hope for a tune.
I wish Evolve had a US affiliate. I would jump at the chance to get a custom Evolve tune for my N18 MINI. But shipping the ECU across the pond (and back) makes me nervous and would cost $$$.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Melangell
Way does NOT tune the N18 yet. He told me that he is doing in-house testing. The AccessPort is no longer supported. There is no OBD port tune for the N18. There never will be. Alta is out. NM tunes but you have to send your ECU to them. The N18
changed things. Solskjaer1999, it would help if we knew what year/type MINI you have.
The AccessPort is supported.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-post3080.html

Dave
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 07:42 AM
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I'm going to pull the trigger on the Evolve-R tuner module. After doing some research on it and the company I think it's the best bet. I would like to thank CountryboyShane for making me aware of this option and for answering the questions I had about it. I emailed Evolve last night with some questions about my personal concerns and expectaions. I was responded to almost first thing this morning with excellent and clear answers (not bad response time for the company being located in the UK). For what I want out of my car this looks like the perfect option. I am extremely satisfied with my response from Evolve (and CountryboyShane) so I am going to purchase this after I buy my Helix FMIC haha.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 08:09 AM
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Keep us updated, I am too considering Evolve.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 08:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Hujan
I wish Evolve had a US affiliate. I would jump at the chance to get a custom Evolve tune for my N18 MINI. But shipping the ECU across the pond (and back) makes me nervous and would cost $$$.

Time for a piece of crap daily driver and your MINI for fun. Only then is it possible
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by solskjaer1999
I'm going to pull the trigger on the Evolve-R tuner module. After doing some research on it and the company I think it's the best bet. I would like to thank CountryboyShane for making me aware of this option and for answering the questions I had about it. I emailed Evolve last night with some questions about my personal concerns and expectaions. I was responded to almost first thing this morning with excellent and clear answers (not bad response time for the company being located in the UK). For what I want out of my car this looks like the perfect option. I am extremely satisfied with my response from Evolve (and CountryboyShane) so I am going to purchase this after I buy my Helix FMIC haha.
Based your findings and previous comments I think I'll go this route as well. The Dimsport is made in Italy and as I recall Way has had problems getting replies from them regarding questions.

I've hear only good things about Evolve.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Kalibdor
Just my 2 cents, I haven't been able to get a hold of RMW regarding tuning since February 2012. I talked to Jan directly when setting the deal up, he was very efficient and helpful in getting me the remote tune, but once it was on there was no more contact. My brother attempted to contact Jan regarding a remote tune a few months ago and similarly, no response. It's looking like they're out of the tuning game, or just don't care to deal with anyone that's not dynoing at their facility? Either way, I've been looking around for a new option as well. Sucks because I bought the DimSport tool way back when that was RMW's only option. Now it's looking like it was a waste of $850 (tool + tune). Definitely going to look into the Evolve deal...

Sucks cause I was so excited about the RMW route...But things change.
Another story of 850 plus dollars wasted here. Go to evolve.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 06:28 PM
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I just sent Jan an E-mail with my tune to adjust the A/F ratio and take away my boost for the new engine. We shall see how long it takes for him to reply. Ill start counting on monday since it is 6:30 already. Last weekend he E-mailed me on the weekend so we will see. If you really wanted to get ahold of him its not hard, all you have to do is call. Generally when he doesn't answer for a couple days it is because he is out of his shop at a tuning thing in some state.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniMoic
Another story of 850 plus dollars wasted here. Go to evolve.
Can you elaborate on how you wasted $850?
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 06:43 PM
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I know it was briefly mentioned here, but what about the NM Tune? $500 for the tune on either the N14 or N18. Unlimited upgrades and reflashes. Doesn't sound bad. Now I don't know if they only do canned tunes or customs...I would think only canned.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 07:43 PM
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NM does a canned tune... I just got my ECU back from them with a stage 2 tune.... HOLY CRAP!!!!!! Call Jerry T at NM.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 09:28 PM
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Yea the bad part about NM is you have to mail your ECU to them. So no car for a couple days while they work on it.
 
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