1.9 16v REMAP

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Buz007
Joined: Fri 16 Jul, 2010 20:18
Posts: 254

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Leeds

1.9 16v REMAP

Post by Buz007 »

Just had my 1.9 remapped. As I have an ’OEM fetish' I don't want to make many physical alterations to the car or engine. Therefore I contacted my local chap who came recommended, I have to say he was very honest in the assessment of the potential improvements one could achieve with a 4 pot, however having driven the car for 10 years I have noticed a real difference in throttle response and top end pull. Well worth doing I would say to any 1.9 owners. Plus he turned my E70 X5 into a rocket ship at the same time :shock:

Put on a rolling road today and I'm now getting 152bhp :shock: :shock: I have the certificate to prove it!
''need I remind you 007, you have a licence to kill...not to break the traffic laws''
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 1.9 16v REMAP

Post by Del »

Thanks for sharing that info. A lot have talked about tweaking their 1.9s and possible remapping, but you are the first I have seen who has actually done it and measured the result :) Have you had time to observe any other improvements i.e. is the engine producing torque over a wider rev band and do you now need to use higher octane fuel 100% of the time?
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Buz007
Joined: Fri 16 Jul, 2010 20:18
Posts: 254

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Leeds

Re: 1.9 16v REMAP

Post by Buz007 »

Hi del,

Firstly I use the performance unleaded all the time anyway, just to take extra care of the engine. The tourque has definitely improved and the engine just seems to run smoother, not that it was a bag of spanners so before but there is definitely an improvement. Very surprising considering he didn't use any tools other than a laptop!

I had the bhp recorded as 134 meaning the car had lost 6 in 16 years which he noted as quite remarkable, however I look after it and it's only done 60k. Getting 12bhp above the 'as new' level in a car of its age and capability is well worth it in my opinion. I will take a pic of the printout and post
''need I remind you 007, you have a licence to kill...not to break the traffic laws''
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 1.9 16v REMAP

Post by Del »

Had the same done by a tuning specialist recently. Not just a remap dumped on the ECU but a proper job followed up with a lengthy rolling road session and fine tuning. BHP taken up to 152. The firm referred to it as a “stage 1” remap designed for a standard engine – if anything, fuel economy is slightly improved. I suspect this generation of BMW was deliberately “under-tuned” from new to cope with servicing abuse and poor fuel quality around the World.

152 BHP is similar to the 6-pot 2.0 litre but with the advantage of the much lighter weight of the 4-pot (1.9 M44 engine)

The car generally runs smoother and accelerates much more smoothly and eagerly – the difference being more noticeable at 3,000 RPM +

The car needs to be in decent condition – my piston compressions are all very good and even and the engine burns no oil. Also the car should be in a good state of servicing care to start with e.g. no faults, air leaks, new filters, engine oil and spark plugs – I’ve been very impressed with Bosch FGR 7DQP+ :)
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 1.9 16v REMAP

Post by BladeRunner919 »

Interesting. What was the cost, if you don't mind me asking?
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 1.9 16v REMAP

Post by Del »

Total £275 - at least 3 hours work including full diagnostic pre-check and general car condition/safety check before starting. I used a company called Avon Tuning, BS32 4LJ. Their policy was to turn away any car brought in by, for example, an eager youngster that was in a poor state of service and/or with fault codes present etc. - or do the work themselves before remapping.
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