Remapping a standard E46 M3, is it worth it?
Remapping a standard E46 M3, is it worth it?
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Discussion

Mark300zx

Original Poster:

1,447 posts

277 months

Monday 16th May 2016
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As above, the true RR figures don't really show much of a gain?

andyman_2006

767 posts

215 months

Monday 16th May 2016
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Mark300zx said:
As above, the true RR figures don't really show much of a gain?


I wouldn't waste the money or risk or mapping it. Gains are minimal and all the power comes at top end and is gained pretty much by raising the Rev limit....which given the age of these cars (and potential head gasket weakness) would be a gamble, I wouldn't risk it, and I've had my top end of engine rebuilt after the head gasket issue, for me not worth 20hp gain.

If you really want or need more power, sell it get an m4!

Andy

carbonblack

334 posts

182 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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It depends what you're after. If you want power/torque then no, you'll probably be disappointed. However, remapping my E46 M3 smoothed cold starts out significantly and stopped the 'kangarooing' in 1st/2nd gear.

It improved the responsiveness and power delivery and I would definitely do it again.

In fact I did do it again as I fitted a CSL airbox and got a CSL remap for the second go round biggrin

Mark300zx

Original Poster:

1,447 posts

277 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies, which remap did you go for and how much was it?

jb2410

434 posts

136 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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I have an evolve map on mine, not a lot of difference really. Yes it kangaroos less when cold and the sport button throttle mapping is a little more sensible but really overall there's not much difference. Map defaults to a (iirc) 8200rpm limit but I retained the standard 8k for the reasons outlined above.

Maybe after having had a few turbo diesels in the past and mapped them I was expecting too much, but in all honesty knowing what I know now I wouldn't bother again. I paid £275 btw, significantly cheaper than evolves full price I believe.

Edited by jb2410 on Tuesday 17th May 18:44