Global ECU remapping leader Superchips has developed a method to deliver a performance-enhancing remap direct to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on thus-far ‘un-tuneable’ BMW cars
Until now, the company has used its Superchips EPC tuning device, which contained the revised settings for the engine’s ECU to help increase power and torque, as well as in some cases, fuel economy.
However, the company has been working on developing a method of reprogramming the ECU directly, using the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, as it does with so many of its other conversions.
However, before this can take place on the F-Series chassis of the BMW range, the car’s ECU must be removed, opened, reprogrammed and refitted. This then enables Superchips to communicate with the vehicle via the OBD port.
As with all of Superchips’ conversions, the gains are very impressive, giving both turbocharged petrol and diesel engines useful gains in torque and power. Diesel engines typically experience up to 7% gains in fuel economy as well, when compared with a similar driving style.
The new method of application applies to the F-series chassis and includes models ranging from the 114i to the 640d. The following table shows the different models and their respective performance gains:
118d, 218d, 318d, 418d, 518d, X3 xDrive18d +41bhp/80Nm
335d, 435d, 535d, 640d, 740d, X3 xDrive35d, X5 xDrive40d +66bhp/123Nm
135i, 335i, 435i, 535i, X3/X5/X6 xDrive35i +55bhp/128Nm
325d/xDrive GT, X1d/xDrive, 425d, 525d +42bhp/75Nm
530d/xDrive, 530d/xDrive GT, 730d +44bhp/107Nm
114i, 116i, 118i, 316i, 320iED +48-114bhp/63-134Nm*
*Exact gains depend on the specification of the base vehicle
The process typically takes three hours and the customer can either leave their car with the Superchips dealer or wait while the conversion is carried out. The cost of the BMW remap is £399 including VAT and labour and all are covered by Superchips’ market-leading 30,000/12-month warranty.
