The pros and cons car mapping, Do you know that the engine that is fitted to your vehicle has had its power output deliberately restricted from the factory?
This is due in part to manufacturers needing to accommodate diverse conditions and different users across the world , and must account for the following situations:
Certain countries that aren’t part of Europe provide only low octane or substandard fuels.
Certain car owners fail to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedules.
Both low and high altitudes should be considered.
Another reason could be the result of low emissions zones.
Manufacturers like BMW have a tendency to restrict certain engines using specific maps for each model. Many of the power maps BMW employs are identical physically and the chosen ECU tunes can increase or decrease the power output according to the demand of their customers. Consider the early Mini One and Cooper as an excellent example. These two cars have the same engine however with a 25bhp different in the power output. This is just an alternative ECU program chosen by BMW. You can also choose to take the Mini One over and above Cooper specifications by way of an remap that gives it 30 more horsepower.
The good news is that these limitations do not have to be imposed for any model of the models in the BMW models. If we can remove these restrictions, we are able to optimize the engine of your car to the maximum extent possible. This is called reconfiguring.
What exactly is ECU Remapping?
Remapping is an efficient and effective solution for replacing files or microchips within the car’s ECU by rewriting the current settings using an external program. Electronic engine control units (ECU) functions as the core of an engine’s management system. It manages airflow, the supply of fuel as well as fuel injection and ignition.
If the settings of your engine control unit (ECU) are changed, it permits you to exceed the limitations established by the manufacturer and make the most of your engine.
ECU software reprogramming is regarded as to be one of the most effective solutions for car owners of all kinds.
The Pro’s
Re-mapping the car’s ECU (engine control unit) and thereby achieving a significant increase in driveability, smoothness as well as power, throttle response torque and MPG. Its “flat places” (usually 2) which are intentionally incorporated in the power curve in the factory (so that they can pass the emission or noise rules at the specific RPM points) can also be removed.
The updated software can be restored to the original map at any point.
Does Vehicle Remapping Enhance Fuel Efficiency?
As per popular opinion it is true that car remapping improves fuel efficiency, but the habits of driving fans speak for themselves. It all depends on each individual. A majority of drivers want to modify their vehicle don’t let a chance pass to make use of their vehicle to its maximum potential. They are enthralled by putting the pedal to the metal as well as high-speed driving, and thus ignore the the increased use of fuel.
Another aspect that affects fuel efficiency is the need to purchase higher octane gasoline to your vehicle that has been remapped.
What are the cons of Remapping?
As with everything it has pros and cons to every option, you need to decide for yourself to determine if this is the best option for you. Here are some of the negatives we’ve observed:
The potential impact on your Insurance The potential impact on your insurance premium. Similar to any other modification to your car it is required to make a declaration of ECU chip tuning to your insurance company. not informing insurance companies may be prohibited in certain countries. If the information is discovered in the future, this could cause the cancellation of the policy and result in not paying out if you need to. If you openly inform the insurance provider, they’ll ask you to explain what the power increase is in percentages and will then decide whether to continue your insurance or not.
Manufactures Warranty: If your vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty You may discover that certain manufacturers will not the payment of certain items when an remap replaces the default map program in the ECU. Insurance companies and manufacturers will look at any possible reason to not pay, so be aware of this when searching for an map remap.