E46 150bhp 320cd - Chipping/further tuning.

[Ralphie]

Hello fellow PHers,

I'm looking to improve the performance of my E46 320cd, it's the 150 bhp version. Whilst I understand the best way to get my E46 as fast as possible is to probably buy an E46 M3 I must add that this change of cars is certainly on the cards, however the market for buying/selling is a little frantic at the mo.

I do like my 320cd so I'm quite content to ride the storm out, but if piggy-back tuning options are as good as the hype then I'd obviously appreciate the extra power, torque and frugality.

Could anyone offer up some advice on manufacturers, systems, stages of tuning and just general tips?

Much appreciated

[DSM2]

Try Tunit.co.uk

Had one on a 150 Golf GTTDI, worked really well.

[baardc]

Hi

I had a remap done on my 2003 150bhp E46 320d Touring (6-speed manual gearbox). Using a racelogic performancebox i tested performance before the remap. 0-60mph in 9.4seconds, 0-100mph in 25.9 seconds.

The remap claims to give 200bhp and 300lb/ft of torque. The post remap results were staggering. See below (pasted directly from Racelogic software)

Speed Time (s)distance (m)
0.00 0 0.00 Speed Start
10.00 0.74 1.58 Speed Line
20.00 1.45 6.28 Speed Line
30.00 2.65 20.10 Speed Line
40.00 3.74 37.21 Speed Line
50.00 5.49 73.06 Speed Line
60.00 7.11 112.86 Speed Line
62.14 7.48 123.10 Speed Line 0-100km/h for our Euro friends
70.00 9.10 170.88 Speed Line
80.00 11.84 262.73 Speed Line
90.00 14.78 374.60 Speed Line
91.83 15.41 400.00 Distance Line 0-400m
91.99 15.46 402.34 Distance Line 0- 1.4 miles
99.49 18.72 542.58 Speed Line 0-160 km/h
100.00 18.93 551.92 Speed Line 0-100mph
30-70 6.45 30-70mph through the gears

So to summarise: 0-60mph now 7.1 seconds, 0-100mph now 18.9 seconds and 30-70mph through the gears in 6.5 seconds. This is now faster than the E90 163bhp 320d, E46 184bhp 330d. Performance on a par (or slightly better) than an Alpina D3, but not quite matching the 204bhp 330d or 231bhp E90 330d.

Remember that the 320d Touring is 100Kg heavier than a saloon, so your Coupe may actually go quicker. I reckon that - with practice - I could have improved on this time by not changing up early on the 3rd to 4th gears at 99mph. I reckon 0-60 in 6.9 is attainable - maybe 6.7 to 6.8 for the lighter saloon. The remap cost £300 from Celtic Tuning www.celtictuning.com.
Highly recommended. I used them to do a Golf TDi 90 at 90,000 miles and sold the car at 130,000 miles with no problems whatsoever. The Golf is still remapped and going strong.

While I am thinking of it - no change in fuel consumption. 44-47mpg average - based on brimmed tanks. Indicated 50mph at a steady 65mph cruise. 46-47mpg at steady 70mph. 35-40mpg around town (eco-mode driving).

Hope this helps

B.C

Edited by baardc on Monday 27th October 22:30

[Dave B S3]

Is there anything beyond a remap that brings strong resumts? Im looking at a E46 320D 6speed and would like to get it quite allot faster

I have to have a booked Co2 figure under 170, and have over 40mpg so the E46 looks good for now.

Cat bypass?
Fuel pump or regulator?

Any tried and tested options appreciated!

Dave (soon to be no S3)

[gee686]

add on boxes have come a long way these days, but still not as good as a well developed remap in my opinion. performance figures will vary on this car depending on year, 2003 saw the release of the later 320d which had a variable turbo. these models improve alot better than the early one when they are re mapped. realistic gains of around 30 hp (NO BS FIGURES) is possible and be RELIABLE. anything after that is just questioning reliability and also you may find other problems creeping up like transmission rumble if not mapped correctly lower down the rpm.

sure you can get more from the later models but you have to question the reliability. it seems that most tuners don't really look at reliability as being too important but in my eyes its more important than the gains.

after this a hybrid turbo can be fitted but at a high cost for a decent one. DO NOT REMOVE THE CATALYST.

regards