changing software - extra power & better fuel economy?

[Gr1zzLy]

Hey guys,

I've read a few posts on this forum about software updates, but not being mechanically minded, could anyone explain the repercussions of changing the software from the oem version to say a BBR version or any other version?

I read on the BBR site that their software upgrades can provide abt 18bhp extra and better fuel economy than the current MINI setup. I've also read somewhere on this forum that you can't get better fuel economy and more power at the same time. It's a trade off for one or the other. The last one makes sense to me, so I'm curious as to how better fuel economy and extra power is gained through a software update. Can someone explain this to a mechanical numbhead..

Much appreciated for any enlightment....

[Gr1zzLy]

anyone?!?!??

[xianqi]

I'm not an expert on the BBR software or any other for that matter. However my experience with older cars tell me that timing is very important and what is optimized to pass emissions is not optimized for performance. I say this because emissions testing is more important to oem software than either performance or fuel economy. Also, if the oem software is designed to be universal, it must be designed for worst case scenario, I've heard in some countries where the mini is sold, the best octane of fuel is around 81(?).

Most aftermarket software is optimized for higher grade fuels and care very little for emissions standards. Hence they can build a map where the timing is ideal for power and will actually run more efficiently with the same amount of fuel. Hence, better gas milage and more power.

Mind you, if you are heavy footed like I and many others on this forum are, the more aggressive software map will feed your need for speed and you'll get much worse gas milage than with the oem software .

[Gr1zzLy]

So basically by a remap, I can go faster and have better fuel economy as long as I don't floor it? I think I'm lost.. hahahaha

Coz your saying that I get more power with the same amount of fuel, is my understanding of that right or have I gone a little nuts?

[xianqi]

I'm saying with a good remap, your motor can run more efficiently. The efficiency comes from tuning for fuel type and timing that is geared towards power/efficiency vs emissions/universiality.

So yes you could get better power and gas milage, however there is a good chance, if you're like me.. that you'll just push the car harder and get worse fuel efficiency...

Fuel efficiency doesn't just come by not flooring it, but how agressive you are with the pedal.. its an artform that i have never mastered.

Aka, drive like you have a police officer driving in the same direction as you but not chasing you and you should get good gas milage :P.

[MINI-Morgan]

I think its burning the fuel more efficently and not chucking wasted fuel out the exhaust. I have to say with the MTH remap my MCS was using less fuel cruising along down the motorway and was more powerful and responsive when you put your foot down.

[Mike Edwards]

Some of the posts on here suggest that the MCS runs very rich at low revs (the soot and various pops and bangs from the exhaust on my car appear to back this up) but leans out at high rpm.

The remap will probably run more advance (better power) and lean out the mixture at lower rpm (reducing fuel consumption).

The only question is the degree to which the rich mixture is being used to help cool the engine...

[shazam]

I had the BBR remap for a while befor i got the stage 1.

The problem is that it makes the car quicker so the urge to floor it means that you will not see better fuel economy.

However once you calm down a bit, the extra torque allows you to change gear much earlier- so this is when you will see the benefits.

By the way, since having the stage 1, i still cant stop going everywhere at full tilt, but it hasnt decreased fuel economy- Im still getting around 250 miles to a tank.

S

[Gr1zzLy]

thanks guys... really appreciate it. I'm wondering whether to get a remap which is why i asked the question, considering fuel prices going up, and for a tiny car it runs as much fuel as a larger car. I've only had my MCS since July, but I'm finding it a little low of power so a couple of spikes up would be nice. Would this void the warranty? I'm not after a crapload of more power, just a tiny shot is enough.... ( I want to still keep my licence )

[shazam]

If the engine blew up- highly unlikely- or anything major broke, i would always return to std befor informing BMW as they may well say warranty is void.

Depends on dealer