Often we are asked what ist he difference between Kraftwerk tuning and the usual handheld flashtools.

On first view they all do the same: reflash the engine controller of the car.

But if you look closer at it, there are several differences, starting on the warranty we give unlike flashtools from other countries.

• Kraftwerk reads the pcm (power control module) data and modifies it individually.
  

  Flashtools program the same data to every car.

• all flashtools make changes to ignition and mixture only for WOT (wide open throttle).
  

  Kraftwerk makes changes for any load condition. Or do you drive your car only WOT all the time?

• flashtools usually allow changes only in 3 rpm ranges:
  

  0-2000 rpm
  2000-4000 rpm
  4000-6000 rpm

• Beside the fact that changes at idle are nonsense, Kraftwerk changes all parameters in 250 rpm steps (and even smaller steps if required), so at least 8 times more adjustment steps.
  Due to this, our calibration is a lot more accurate, especially because at higher rpm a very exact programming of the mixture is required.

• Some flashtools disable the knock sensors to hide low quality ignition calibration to prevent the pcm from taking back ignition and losing power as a result. This is simply dangerous for the engine and can lead to engine damage. There is a reason why engineers implemented this function. Kraftwerk invested lots of time, tests and dyno runs to make a perfect ignition calibration so the engine does not start to know. The knock sensors stay active with our programming.

• Some flashtools also allow the user to calibrate ignition, fuelling and other parameters himself.
  Though the idea of that is good, it is dangerous as well. Engine tuning takes more than just raising some values and more is not always better. Most users have no idea what they are doing at all and do not have the knowledge and testing equipment to check correctly the results of their own changes. Anything between sub-optimum results and engine damage can be the long term result.
  Just because you have a tool means not you can properly use it.Tuning a car is a job for professionals with experience, know how and the right testing equipment.
  If a car is tuned correct, there is simply  no need to make any more changes.