FAQ

Chiptuning refers to the fine-tuning and optimization of the software that controls your vehicle's engine management system. At Stefanel Performance, we customize the software to increase engine power, improve torque, and optimize fuel efficiency at the same time. Our approach is customized to each vehicle to unlock maximum performance safely and effectively.

Yes, safety is our top priority. Our chip tuning methods are designed to increase the performance of your vehicle within its mechanical limits. We use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure that any changes do not affect the reliability and longevity of your vehicle. Our experts take into account all aspects - from fuel quality to the everyday wear and tear of the vehicle.

The length of a software tuning depends on various factors, including the specific model of the vehicle and the type of tuning to be performed. A standard chip tuning session takes around 2-3 hours. During this time, we analyze the vehicle, perform the software tuning and then test the vehicle to make sure everything is working properly. For more complex projects, the process may take longer.

Chip tuning can actually lead to improved fuel efficiency as the engine works more efficiently. However, the exact impact depends on various factors, including the specific vehicle model, the condition of the vehicle and your individual driving style. In many cases, our customers report a noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency, especially in vehicles that are primarily used on long journeys.

At Stefanel Performance, we make sure that chip tuning improves the everyday usability of your vehicle. Our optimizations aim to increase engine performance and efficiency without compromising comfort or practicality for daily use. Customers often report a smoother driving experience in city traffic and improved performance on long journeys

When chip tuning or software optimization by Stefanel Performance, it is important to understand that this can usually affect the manufacturer's warranty. As soon as changes are made to the control unit, there is a chance that these will be detected by manufacturer tests, especially if you use the manufacturer's services. Many manufacturers carry out tuning queries that can identify any modifications and register them online. This is less likely in independent workshops. We can remove all tuning software from the control unit before any service intervention to minimize the risk of such detection. In addition, we offer a functional guarantee for our tuning work in case there are any problems during the general inspection (HU) or emissions test (AU). Our goal is to offer you the highest level of performance and reliability, while at the same time being transparent about possible effects on the manufacturer's warranty.

Yes, the customizations we make can be reversed. We keep a copy of your vehicle's original software so that if necessary we can return the vehicle to its original state. This is especially useful if you want to sell your vehicle or if it is required to comply with certain regulations.

Chip tuning is possible for most modern vehicles with electronic engine management. However, we assess each vehicle individually to ensure that chip tuning is a safe and effective option. Older vehicles or models with specific mechanical peculiarities may require a bespoke approach. At Stefanel Performance, we have experience with a wide range of vehicles and can advise if and how your specific vehicle may benefit from chip tuning.

If done correctly, chip tuning has no negative impact on the lifespan of the engine. We carry out a careful analysis and diagnosis of your vehicle before making any adjustments. Our goal is to increase performance without compromising the mechanical integrity of the engine. Our software optimizations are designed to take into account the load limits of the engine to avoid excessive stress.

Yes, at Stefanel Performance we offer different levels of chip tuning tailored to the individual needs and goals of our customers.

• Stage 1: This stage involves a careful adjustment of the maps in the engine control unit, while retaining all active engine protection functions. This tuning aims to exploit the vehicle's performance potential and can provide up to 30% more power. It is ideal for customers who want a significant increase in performance without additional hardware changes.
• Stage 2: In addition to adjusting the maps in the engine control unit, this stage includes a hardware upgrade that typically includes an intercooler and a downpipe. This combination enables an even greater increase in performance and is suitable for those customers who are willing to invest in additional hardware components to unlock the full potential of their vehicle.
• Stage 3: This stage is designed for our most demanding customers who do not want to compromise on performance. In addition to adjusting the maps, Stage 3 includes a comprehensive hardware upgrade, including intercooler, downpipe and, depending on the performance requirements, turbochargers and/or high-pressure pumps. For maximum performance increases, we completely reinforce the engine to ensure exceptional performance.

Each stage of chip tuning at Stefanel Performance is carried out with the utmost care and with the safety and reliability of your vehicle in mind. We will be happy to advise you on which stage best suits your requirements and your vehicle.

Yes, Stefanel Performance offers bespoke software optimisations. We understand that every vehicle and driver is unique, so we offer bespoke solutions tailored to your specific needs and desires. Whether you are looking for smoother acceleration, improved fuel efficiency or maximum performance gains, our team will work closely with you to find the perfect solution.

During chip tuning, we first perform a comprehensive diagnosis of your vehicle to assess its current condition and performance capabilities. We then read the original engine software, make the necessary adjustments and load the optimized software back onto the vehicle's ECU. This process includes careful calibration and fine-tuning to ensure that the improvements meet your exact requirements. Once the tuning is complete, we carry out extensive testing to check the vehicle's performance and behavior to ensure that everything is working perfectly.

At Stefanel Performance, the focus is on quality and safety in every step of the tuning process. Our chip tuning work is always carried out while maintaining all active engine protection functions. This approach ensures that the safety and longevity of your engine are maintained even after the performance increase.

• Quality Control: We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and technology to ensure software adjustments are precise and effective. Our experts review every map and change to ensure optimal performance without compromising engine integrity.
• Experience and expertise: Our team consists of experienced specialists who have extensive knowledge of vehicle technology. Through constant training and further education, we remain up to date with the latest technology.
• Individual adjustments: Each vehicle is analyzed and treated individually. We understand that every vehicle and every driver is different and adapt our tuning methods accordingly.
• Customer support: We offer comprehensive advice and support before, during and after the tuning process. Our customers can contact us at any time for support or further information.
• Sustainable Practices: At Stefanel Performance we strive to make our tuning practices as environmentally friendly as possible, ensuring that our interventions not only improve performance but also contribute to the efficiency of the vehicle.

Our goal is to offer you a tuning experience that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of performance as well as safety and reliability.

At Stefanel Performance we offer eco-tuning specifically aimed at increasing the efficiency of your vehicle. Through eco-tuning we optimise engine power and torque, resulting in lower fuel consumption. Our experts adapt the engine control software so that the vehicle works more efficiently at every speed. This means that you use less fuel for the same driving style, thus saving money. In addition, eco-tuning helps reduce CO2 emissions. It is an excellent option for drivers who want to both protect the environment and reduce the running costs of their vehicle.

After completing your chip tuning at Stefanel Performance, we recommend a test drive to experience the changes for yourself. A test drive offers you the most direct and tangible way to feel the improved responsiveness, increased power and optimized torque of your vehicle. For those who want a detailed analysis of the performance improvement, we offer the optional possibility of taking a measurement on our Insoric wheel hub dyno. This advanced dyno allows us to collect precise performance data under real driving conditions, giving you a clear picture of the improvements. The combination of a test drive and dyno measurement assures you that you can exploit the full potential of your tuned vehicle.

Yes, Stefanel Performance also offers chip tuning for older vehicles, as long as they have an electronic engine control unit. Older vehicles can benefit from software optimization by making them more efficient and powerful. Our experts evaluate each vehicle individually to determine which optimizations are possible and worthwhile. Even with older models, we can often achieve significant improvements in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.

Yes, your vehicle can be serviced as normal after chip tuning. However, it is important that the workshop is informed of the changes made. Some adjustments may require special considerations when servicing. At Stefanel Performance, we also offer maintenance services for tuned vehicles to ensure that your vehicle continues to perform optimally and that all adjustments are retained.

At Stefanel Performance, it is important to us to provide our customers with comprehensive information about the legal aspects of chip tuning. Chip tuning and software optimizations are fundamentally designed as motorsport items and are not approved for use on public roads.

• Legal notice: As with many high-performance components in motorsport, our chip tuning services are primarily intended for racing purposes. Use on public roads can lead to legal consequences, such as the loss of the operating license or the risk of prosecution.
• Insurance and TÜV: For performance upgrades that include up to 20% more power, we offer the option of having these legalized through a TÜV inspection. This requires prior coordination with the TÜV and the presentation of the vehicle registration document. Additional costs are incurred for the TÜV inspection. It is important that you inform your car insurance company of any changes to the vehicle, as chip tuning can affect the insurance conditions.
• Customer information: We would like to point out that the responsibility for compliance with the road traffic regulations and the insurance conditions lies with the vehicle owner. We advise our customers in detail about the legal framework and provide support in dealing with the authorities.

Our priority is to provide high quality tuning services while respecting legal regulations. We recommend that you inform yourself in advance about the impact of chip tuning on your specific situation.

The main difference between chip tuning and the use of a tuning box lies in the way in which performance increases are achieved. Chip tuning involves a direct and precise adjustment of the engine control software, which enables fine-tuned and individual optimization. In contrast, tuning boxes simply manipulate the incoming signals from the engine control unit. This can lead to an inaccurate adjustment, as the boxes only change actual and target values ​​without taking the entire engine control system into account. Such an approach can impair important engine protection functions, as they cannot react to changes in a timely or appropriate manner. This type of manipulation can lead to long-term damage to the engine and is often less efficient and safe than professional chip tuning. At Stefanel Performance, we therefore focus on chip tuning to ensure a safe, effective and customized performance increase.

Our goal at Stefanel Performance is to minimize exhaust emissions after chip tuning. In many cases we can reduce emissions through more efficient engine behavior. We make sure that all our tuning measures meet the applicable emission standards. Environmental awareness is an important aspect of our work and we strive to offer environmentally friendly solutions that combine performance and sustainability.

If any problems arise after chip tuning, our team at Stefanel Performance is ready to find a quick and efficient solution. We carry out a comprehensive diagnosis to determine the cause. If it turns out that there are hardware problems or defects, we can offer repair services through our partners, selected master workshops. These partnerships allow us to recommend a wide range of repair and upgrade options that are specifically tailored to your vehicle. We take great care to ensure that all work meets the highest quality standards. Our goal is not only to get your vehicle back on the road, but also to ensure that it functions optimally and that you can fully enjoy the benefits of chip tuning. Our priority is your satisfaction and confidence in the performance and reliability of your vehicle.

Yes, we offer full support and customer service for any questions or issues after tuning. Should you have any concerns or difficulties, our team is available to provide quick and effective solutions.

Yes, at Stefanel Performance we often offer a free Vmax lift as part of our Stage1 chip tuning. This allows your vehicle to achieve its maximum performance without factory speed limits. For owners of newer Mercedes models with a petrol particulate filter (OPF), we would like to point out that replacing the CPC (Central Powertrain Controller) may be necessary for complete performance optimization. Since updating the existing CPC is not possible in these cases, the module must be replaced with a new one, which entails additional costs. Our experienced team will advise you comprehensively on this specific requirement and all the steps involved to ensure that your vehicle is optimally modified to your requirements.

The cost of chip tuning at Stefanel Performance varies depending on the type of vehicle and the specifications you want. We offer individual solutions tailored to the specific needs and requirements of each vehicle and driver. To provide you with an accurate quote, we recommend contacting us and providing details about your vehicle and your wishes. Our prices reflect the quality of our work and the long-term benefits you will receive from our professional tuning services.

Appointment availability may vary, but we always endeavor to offer you an appointment as soon as possible. We understand that our customers do not want to be without their vehicles for long, so we work efficiently to minimize your wait time. To inquire about the current appointment situation and to arrange a suitable appointment, please contact us. We strive to offer flexible appointments that fit your schedule.

At Stefanel Performance, we are aware of the challenges that software updates from the vehicle manufacturer can bring, especially with regard to chip tuning.

• Updates and chip tuning: It is important to know that a software optimization or chip tuning can be overwritten if your vehicle receives an engine control unit update from the manufacturer. Such updates can reset or affect the adjustments we have made.
• Adaptation to new data statuses: After such an update, it is often necessary to adapt the chip tuning to the new data status or the new version number of the engine control unit. We offer this service to ensure that your vehicle functions optimally even after an update.
• Additional costs: Please note that adapting the chip tuning to the new software versions of the vehicle involves additional costs. We will provide you with transparent information about all costs involved and the scope of the work required.
• Preventive measures: We recommend that you consult us before a planned update of the vehicle. This way we can work together to develop a strategy on how best to handle the update in order to minimize the impact on the chip tuning.

Our goal at Stefanel Performance is to offer you optimal performance even after vehicle updates. We are available to provide you with advice and assistance to ensure the compatibility of your chip tuning.