GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: timp7748 on 30 January 2007, 11:58
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Anyone fitted a superchips bluefin? does it make much difference on the gti? will it be suitable for a dsg?
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Hi
I live in Dubai and received my Bluefin handset on 1st February. To date I have not been able to load the Superchips modified ECU program on my GTI. Here's my story:
The product arrived very nicely packaged and all and the initial part of installation went without a hitch. I say "initial part of the installation" because, contrary to the marketing blurb on the website, the installation is not a seamless process. The steps involved (for a VW GTI at least) are as follows:
1. Connect Bluefin to car -- the handset reads the existing ECU program and stores its details
2. Load Bluefin software from a supplied CD on to a home computer and connect the Bluefin handset to the computer.
3. At this stage, the computer and the Bluefin handset are supposed to "talk" to each other; the computer is supposed to automatically transmit vehicle data stored on the handset to Superchips HQ; new ECU files are supposed to be sent from Superchips HQ to the computer and then transferred to the handset.
4. Thereafter, the handset is supposed to be connected to the car again and the modified ECU files transferred from the handset to the car.
So when you read on the website that the tuning process is as easy as connecting the Bluefin handset to the car and simply following instructions, please be aware of the many steps involved.
When I was at step 2, I got a message on my computer that the supplied software did not carry some kind of certification from Microsoft and may not work properly with WindowsXP -- did I want to proceed? I called Superchips for advice and the answer I got was that if I did not proceed with installing the software, then how could I expect to tune the car .... ??
So I had no choice but to press "Yes -- continue anyway".
After the installation of the software, I discovered that my computer and the Bluefin handset were refusing to "talk" to each other -- so step 3 could not be completed. More (international) calls to Superchips ... I was guided through some manual steps which allowed me to save the original vehicle data on my computer ... emailed this through to Superchips who sent me the modified ECU files by return email, along with codes to allow saving the files on the Bluefin handset.
I carried out all the steps but kept getting error messages "Bluefin has encountered an error and will shut down" -- which it kept doing. Superchips even sent me a revised software but even that didn't work.
We are now at the end of Friday (2nd February) with no progress -- at the end of that day I am informed that the technical team would discuss the problem with the development team on Monday (5th February) and revert to me.
On Monday I get a call from the technical team that, apparently, other customers have also reported similar problems and the solution entails re-writing the Bluefin software which would take 2 / 3 days for development and testing. I am offered an alternative that Superchips would collect the Bluefin handset through DHL, have it sent back to their UK headquarters, programmed with the new ECU files, and sent back to me -- but they are confident on the 2 / 3 day timeline for developing the new software. I gave them the benefit of the doubt (big mistake) and told them I looked forward to receiving the new software by Thursday (8th February).
On Thursday I asked for an update and was advised that development work was almost over and testing would take place on Friday (9th February) morning -- I could expect to receive the new software on Friday, assuming testing went well.
On Friday (10th February) I asked for another update and the same story (of Thursday) was repeated. At the end of Friday I asked for another update and was advised that development was complete but testing would take until the end of Friday -- so I would only receive the new software on Monday (12th February) ..........
Clearly, Superchips have not done enough development work to ensure that the Bluefin handset "talks" seamlessly with Windows-based computer operating systems -- yet they have started marketing the product as though tuning your car is as simple as plugging the Bluefin handset to the diagnostic port and following the simple instructions.
I will probably wait for the outcome until the end of Monday (13th February) and then decide if I want to keep the product or not -- I am sure that modified ECU files will work fine but this whole incident has shaken my confidence in the Bluefin handset as a tuning tool.
My advice to other potential customers is to call Superchips and specifically ask them if they have resolved the problems related to the Bluefin interface with home computers, before ordering this product.
Regards
Rehan
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Thanks for that write up and information Rehan, I WAS thinking of the Bluefin option, but think I'll go APR, as they allow you to reload the standard ECU via the cruise control switch gear.
Thanks again.
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I had a bluefin for my mini and it was pretty good but i felt some flat spots occasionally. the reason I originally asked was to find out if it made much difference on the gti. they also said i could part exchange my mini handset for a gti one. after the writeup i may wait for a further 3 or 4 months to allow them to decelop it further.
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Hi everyone
Just an update -- as I was expecting, Superchips failed to deliver on their promise today. Amazing explanation given to me, though ....
I have been informed that it is very normal for such interface problems to occur with computers -- after all, there are millions of computer configurations out there and it is not possible to write a program that will work with every single computer configuration. There may be software on my computer that is preventing the Blufin software from operating normally and, therefore, I should expect that fixing such problems would take time ......
I'm no computer expert but, like a lot of middle class thirty-something human beings out there, I do have my share of USB interfacing gadgets. None of these gadgets has ever given me any problems in interfacing with my computers. I almost feel insulted at having been given the explanation above.
Bottom line, I have decided to return the Bluefin handset and expect a full refund from Superchips.
Regards
Rehan
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Thanks for that write up and information Rehan, I WAS thinking of the Bluefin option, but think I'll go APR, as they allow you to reload the standard ECU via the cruise control switch gear.
I would avoid the APR chips. You are aware they are US origin, and have the "Homogenised" aspect of the fuel injection disabled, due to the crap petrol in the states. You'd be better off going with any of the European based chip tuners, such as Revo, or Oettinger.
Rgds
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Thanks for that write up and information Rehan, I WAS thinking of the Bluefin option, but think I'll go APR, as they allow you to reload the standard ECU via the cruise control switch gear.
I would avoid the APR chips. You are aware they are US origin, and have the "Homogenised" aspect of the fuel injection disabled, due to the crap petrol in the states. You'd be better off going with any of the European based chip tuners, such as Revo, or Oettinger.
Rgds
No I didn't know that, thanks for the "heads up" I'm in a bit of a quandry at the mo, part of me say keep the GTi spend some dosh on a remap, new rear valance and exhaust, or put the money (estimated around £2k) toward an R32.
Ta for the info. :smiley:
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You still running 'those' xenons creep?
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There's nothing like opening up old wounds is there! :wink: :laugh:
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You still running 'those' xenons creep?
Yes I am. :smiley:
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EPILOGUE
Hi everyone
Here's how the Bluefin saga has ended for me.
On 13th February I got a call from Superchips agreeing to immediately refund the money -- apparently my problem was discussed all the way up the food chain at Superchips and their MD had authorised immediate refund. The money was refunded immediately.
Superchips then requested that I give them one more chance at sorting out the software interface issue -- once resolved, I could load the new ECU files on to my car and test it as long as I wanted. Only if I was completely satisfied, not only with the performance of my car due to the new ECU files but also with the operation of the Bluefin handset, would Superchips charge my credit card again. If I wasn't satisfied, I could return the Bluefin handset to DHL who would return it to Superchips headquarters in UK at no cost to me.
With nothing to lose (and being the average decent guy that I am .... !!!) I agreed.
Later that day, Superchips sent me a revised software interface which initially did not work. This time their programers had embedded a log which pin-pointed where the interface problem was with my computer. I emailed them the log file and within minutes a revised software interface was emailed to me.
It worked this time and I was able to load the new UCU files on to the Bluefin handset. Thereafter, loading the new ECU files to my VW was a seamless 20-minute process.
The difference in performance was immediately noticeable. From 2000 rpm, the car was completely transformed -- more urgent and absolutely no flat spots. In-gear acceleration (especially in 5th / 6th gear) is very impressive from as low as 1800 rpm, so no need to shift down. Flat-out in 2nd / 3rd / 4th gears is reasonably neck-wrenching now. A flat-out standing start will spin the wheels. And no CEL light at any time.
Over my weekend I changed back to stock ECU files without a problem (again a 20-minute job) and a few km later changed back to the new ECU files. This time around the performance gains seemed even more distinct.
At that point I made up my mind to keep the Bluefin handset and informed Superchips of my decision last Monday.
In conclusion, I must praise the efforts of Superchips in sorting out the problem -- and specifically the persistance of Jo, Michael and Simon at Superchips in ensuring that their product worked to my satisfaction.
Bottom line, I'd happily endorse the product -- but more importantly, endorse the service at Superchips.
Regards
Rehan