[bennzwel]

Hi all,

I have been reading and posting in some of the threads but thought to create a new one as I have specific question.

I am from new Zealand ( which you cant really drive faster than 110KM/H at 90% of the roads). I purchased a new 2013 F20 116i in November and was thinking to look around and see what is the most convenient and easy to install mods available to increase the torque at lower revs and speed (up to 100KMs)

I came across Hartge , ACS and Autofaszination with their engine mod kits, but to me they seem worthy and kick in at higher revs and speed.

Could anyone advise if any of above has actually "realistic" performance (Torque mainly) improvement at low revs ( 1500-3500 ) and speed?

I certainly don't want to heavily modify the car or alter the warranty or the look of the car ( body kit and exhaust ).


Any help and suggestion is highly appreciated

[Bob UK]

Most meaningful mods will affect warranty and insurance but if you are looking for low down torque you might explore a Diesel.

The companies you mention will improve things across the range but as you say, are most effective in the upper band.

[vladberca]

For petrol engines you can downshift 1 gear and you'll be in the proper torque range.
Only diesel engines will offer enough torque at low RPM...

[ILUSV]

the improved throttle response will make the car feel lighter, which could take care of the issue for you. I've never chipped a car and got disappointed (even NA cars).

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by ILUSV

the improved throttle response will make the car feel lighter, which could take care of the issue for you. I've never chipped a car and got disappointed (even NA cars).

I have chip tuned a couple of NA cars, and been disappointed every time. The throttle response was unchanged, and the power increase was very modest.

I doubt that the F20 tuning boxes will affect throttle response at all. They mostly manipulate how much boost you can run, so the engine will still suffer from the usual turbo lag.

[ILUSV]

Really? Last two NA cars I chipped were a '98 GTI VR6 with (techtonics tuning) and an 01 Jetta VR6 (GIAC) and was happy both times, maybe VW stock programming isn't as good as BMW

[ILUSV]

In terms of gains I agree, chipped my '06 GTI (2.0L turbo) with APR and the gains were amazing

[bennzwel]

Thanks all for the response. So you dont recommend I get those tuning boxes as the result wont be noticeable? Are the claims of increase in HP and Torque by considerable percentage just a marking tactic? Specially the massive boost claimed by ACS

Just wanted to get the most of my F20 116i engine without causing trouble or damage.


Thanks
Ben

[ovekvam]

For turbo cars, the gains are definitely noticeable! The claims are usually on the optimistic side. In the 116i case, the percentage gain is lower than claimed, since the engine has more power than specified from the factory.

[bennzwel]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

For turbo cars, the gains are definitely noticeable! The claims are usually on the optimistic side. In the 116i case, the percentage gain is lower than claimed, since the engine has more power than specified from the factory.

So have you tested either Hartge or ACS , which one is more recommended ?
Using either of those going to void my warranty ?


Thanks

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by bennzwel

So have you tested either Hartge or ACS , which one is more recommended ?
Using either of those going to void my warranty ?


Thanks

I know people who have tested both. ACS is more expensive and more advanced than Hartge. It will also give higher gains. Both will take over your warranty.

[lefthander]

Think definitely ACS output is better. You can add on additional catback and intercooler to max out the engine.

[bennzwel]

I heard the 116i Exhaust is the main difference between 116 and 118 . Which part of exhaust is smaller in 116 ? The whole thing ?