How safe will this remap be? (BMW)
Discussion
So I have a 2011 bmw 1 series 116i f20 at stock it’s 136bhp.
With a remap this car can hit 220bhp, I wouldn’t go that high I’d go 200 but will it be safe? I don’t want to ruin the car I just want it quicker. Loads of people have done it but I want to know in long run whether it’ll be fine.
A tuning box will only raise it to 168bhp the performance of its tuned brother 118i.
The car has had brand new engine, turbo and clutch done by BMW in the past year
Thanks
With a remap this car can hit 220bhp, I wouldn’t go that high I’d go 200 but will it be safe? I don’t want to ruin the car I just want it quicker. Loads of people have done it but I want to know in long run whether it’ll be fine.
A tuning box will only raise it to 168bhp the performance of its tuned brother 118i.
The car has had brand new engine, turbo and clutch done by BMW in the past year

Thanks
Steve91 said:
Alright so serious answer;
You'll absolutely destroy your clutch. You're running almost 70% more power than standard, so be prepared for that.
Other than that, it should be pretty safe. Other than your brakes being more than lacking for that performance
I was told about the clutch, that’s the only thing I’m worried about. Wonder how long that clutch would last.You'll absolutely destroy your clutch. You're running almost 70% more power than standard, so be prepared for that.
Other than that, it should be pretty safe. Other than your brakes being more than lacking for that performance
Guess I’ll look into breaks a bit more but saying that, I don’t drive the car stupid, it’s just bit of power when you need it and when there’s a straight piece of road just nice to put your foot down every now and then. Drive it to work and back, that is all really.
You could use http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog and compare the engine part numbers. If they are the same, fine. If not, try comparing turbo, pistons, injectors etc to see what the difference is. Same also for the clutch.
It will take more work than just asking on a web forum, but you will be more likely to get a more informed answer.
As it turns out, doing the work for you in 5mins.
F20 116i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
F20 118i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
Same engine is used in 1, 2, 3, and 4 series
F20 116i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 118i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 116i Injector - 13538625396
F20 118i Injector - 13538625396
Same brake discs, calipers and pads also.
Seemingly the same car, just a different map in the DME.
It would have been easier to be alarmist and cry about the clutch exploding and the brakes failing.
It will take more work than just asking on a web forum, but you will be more likely to get a more informed answer.
As it turns out, doing the work for you in 5mins.
F20 116i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
F20 118i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
Same engine is used in 1, 2, 3, and 4 series
F20 116i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 118i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 116i Injector - 13538625396
F20 118i Injector - 13538625396
Same brake discs, calipers and pads also.
Seemingly the same car, just a different map in the DME.
It would have been easier to be alarmist and cry about the clutch exploding and the brakes failing.
Edited by stevesingo on Saturday 27th July 08:17
That assumes that the 116i brakes are not enough to stop a 200hp car already, especially as the weight won't change. It also doesn't necessarily mean that the car will be travelling faster, it would be hitting the same speeds quicker. A 116i is capable of 130mph already and designed to be operated up to those speeds.
If chasing laptimes then yes, brake upgrades are needed, but if acceleration up a dual carriageway is the aim, why would standard brakes not manage road use?
The bigger question is actually can the tyres handle the increased power.
Only an utter moron would not tell insurance, so let's assume this chap will.
As for whether it is safe, then I would say it probably is if done right. Longevity might reduce from, say, 500k miles to 300k, but good maintenance should help.
As for the clutch, is it the same as a 120d? In which case it should be fine as they push a lot more torque though them. If not, then there is the upgrade route for you.
Edited by topsey.mod on Saturday 27th July 09:41
Tyre Smoke said:
If you only drive it to work and back, why do you want 200hp?
I feel like I want to respond to this but fear incoming parrots...on the face of it, it seems you asked a guy in a motoring forum, in the part specifically put aside for general car chat, in a topic about remapping, why he’s wanting a bit more power...and your forum name is Tyre Smoke. If he was asking about turning the wick up on the latest GTR I might possibly understand the query. 
stevesingo said:
You could use http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog and compare the engine part numbers. If they are the same, fine. If not, try comparing turbo, pistons, injectors etc to see what the difference is. Same also for the clutch.
It will take more work than just asking on a web forum, but you will be more likely to get a more informed answer.
As it turns out, doing the work for you in 5mins.
F20 116i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
F20 118i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
Same engine is used in 1, 2, 3, and 4 series
F20 116i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 118i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 116i Injector - 13538625396
F20 118i Injector - 13538625396
Same brake discs, calipers and pads also.
Seemingly the same car, just a different map in the DME.
It would have been easier to be alarmist and cry about the clutch exploding and the brakes failing.
Just had a look at that and I did confuse me a bit but thank you for that. Seems like they really have just tuned the 118i up then. I may just get a tuning box to upgrade to 118i performance I’m not so sure yet.It will take more work than just asking on a web forum, but you will be more likely to get a more informed answer.
As it turns out, doing the work for you in 5mins.
F20 116i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
F20 118i engine B38B15A - 11002405549
Same engine is used in 1, 2, 3, and 4 series
F20 116i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 118i Set, Clutch Parts - 21207625147
F20 116i Injector - 13538625396
F20 118i Injector - 13538625396
Same brake discs, calipers and pads also.
Seemingly the same car, just a different map in the DME.
It would have been easier to be alarmist and cry about the clutch exploding and the brakes failing.
Edited by stevesingo on Saturday 27th July 08:17
Mike335i said:
That assumes that the 116i brakes are not enough to stop a 200hp car already, especially as the weight won't change. It also doesn't necessarily mean that the car will be travelling faster, it would be hitting the same speeds quicker. A 116i is capable of 130mph already and designed to be operated up to those speeds.
If chasing laptimes then yes, brake upgrades are needed, but if acceleration up a dual carriageway is the aim, why would standard brakes not manage road use?
The bigger question is actually can the tyres handle the increased power.
Only an utter moron would not tell insurance, so let's assume this chap will.
As for whether it is safe, then I would say it probably is if done right. Longevity might reduce from, say, 500k miles to 300k, but good maintenance should help.
As for the clutch, is it the same as a 120d? In which case it should be fine as they push a lot more torque though them. If not, then there is the upgrade route for you.
I tell everything to my insurance, just informed them on a custom catback exhaust I put on.If chasing laptimes then yes, brake upgrades are needed, but if acceleration up a dual carriageway is the aim, why would standard brakes not manage road use?
The bigger question is actually can the tyres handle the increased power.
Only an utter moron would not tell insurance, so let's assume this chap will.
As for whether it is safe, then I would say it probably is if done right. Longevity might reduce from, say, 500k miles to 300k, but good maintenance should help.
As for the clutch, is it the same as a 120d? In which case it should be fine as they push a lot more torque though them. If not, then there is the upgrade route for you.
Looks like I really just have to worry about the clutch, if I keep all services good.
Edited by topsey.mod on Saturday 27th July 09:47
Rizmah said:
Monkeylegend said:
What happened to the original engine, was that tuned/remapped as well?
My sister bought it off bmw with no remap on it, so we aren’t sure. But there was oil leaks coming out of multiple places on the engine so they just replaced it.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff





