G Power launches 440hp M140i upgrade
Goes as fast as an M3, looks like any other 1 Series - perfect!
While a good few years old now, the inherent appeal of the BMW M Performance 1 and 2 Series models hasn't yet waned: put a large, powerful engine in a relatively compact, rear-wheel drive car, make it reasonably affordable and the popularity is easy to understand. Sure, it's perhaps not the most dynamically adept hot hatch out there, but it is unique in the sector.
Since its introduction in 2012, the turbocharged M135i (and M140i successor) has attracted plentiful attention from tuners, and this latest kit from G Power proves that work continues apace. Following on from a recent V1 upgrade for the 40i engined cars, G Power is now onto V2, and that means 440hp...
Yep, 440hp in a pretty standard looking 1 Series. Allied to 435lb ft and a delimit, G Power claims more than 174mph is possible. Building on the V1 software upgrade - or "optimised maps for the engine electronics" in G Power speak - V2 for the 40i 3.0-litre introduces stainless steel downpipes which are claimed to add another 40hp. Yes, a bold claim to say the least. But getting air in and out of turbocharged engines is key to power gains, and if they've been designed to work with the remap... Alright, 440 might be overstating their effectiveness, but however much more than 400hp it actually is, it remains a very exciting prospect in a small, five-door hatch. G Power says its work "remains within the technically acceptable limits with regard to the usable potential of the engines", while also offering M3 levels of performance.
Sounds ideal, right? Best of all, G-Power is marking its 35th anniversary by offering 35 per cent off its wares - that means the 400hp V1 upgrade is €1,740. With early cars now down to less than £14k, there's the potential for a pretty affordable 400hp there. But if that leads to a full overhaul of brakes, suspension, tyres and the like, then don't blame us...
[Source: Carscoops]
Problem is traction really, the scope is definitely there but as standard they can be a tad unruly, add just a remap/box to 370 ish and its getting a bit more frantic, 450 bhp really easily overwhelms the available grip from the rears, its fun and more is usually better but really the more power you add, the more you need that LSD and some suspension mods to contain it.
Mental though, how easily you can get hold of a 400 bhp car these days, but really hey do need more work to be a proper package other than just engine tuning.
A JB+/JB4 or Dinan stage 1 is ~380-400bhp without other supporting modifications. This one made 410bhp with just a JB4 Map1.
Fuel system seems to be the limit. With Water/Methanol injection and bolt-on modifications (intake/exhaust/map) US cars have made over 450whp. The Big Boost M240i is putting out more than 600whp, but I don't know what supporting modifications that has.
The Lotus Carlton was the fastest thing around at the time with 375 bhp, just over what these make standard.
Compare and contrast with buying a standard M140 and getting it mapped and a bit of the exhaust change.
I still like it, but maybe the extra power could be a way of smothering its flaws!
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