2024 BMW Tuning Blog
You can find a full list of our BMW tuning parts here.
BMW ECU Tuning:
ECU tuning is vital when it comes to increasing the power on your BMW. Often each "Stage" of tuning has it's own requirements and/or pre-requisites which we will cover below.
There are many ways one can tune a BMW ECU, from mobile-friendly applications such as BM3, MHD, or MG Flasher, all the way to a "flash and go" OBD tune, or even a custom tune either on the road or on a dyno. It's worth noting most of the ECUs in MY2019 onwards require bench-unlocking before tuning can take place, which does increase cost, and time spent doing so. Please ensure you do the relevant research for your specific ECU before committing.
Stage 1 tuning for BMW:
Stage 1 tuning for B58, N55, S55 and even the newly released S58 is relatively simple. In layman's terms, Stage 1 tuning can be used on a completely stock car, or with light/few modifications.
Example Stage 1 tuning for the above vehicles:
- Replacement panel filter and/or induction kit
- Stock/OEM exhaust, or upgraded
- No catalytic converter changes
- Stage 1 ECU tune
- TCU tune (for Auto equipped models) optional
Stage 1 tuning for BMW is often the first and simplest task to complete to unleash more power from your car, with huge gains to be had, even on a completely standard vehicle.
Stage 2 tuning for BMW:
Stage 2 tuning is where parts and tuning become a little more invasive, requiring changes to downpipes (catalytic converters, either sports-cat or de-cat), cat-back exhausts and in cases of newer vehicles, GPF pipe replacements. Typically over and above a Stage 1 setup, you'll gain more BHP/Torque in the mid-range and at the top end of RPM, usually limited at that point by the turbo(s).
Example of Stage 2 tuning for BMW:
- Replacement panel filter and/or induction kit
- Upgraded cat-back exhaust
- Upgraded downpipe, either sports-cat, or de-cat
- Stage 2 ECU tune
- TCU tune (for Auto equipped models)
*Please note, some vehicles may require fuel pump, and or fuelling changes to maximise gains made through Stage 2/Stage 2+ tuning.
Stage 3 tuning for BMW:
Stage 3 tuning for BMW is such a vast market, it begins to blur the lines between what we understand through "stage" tuning. For example, Stage 3 tuning on most models/marques does include the changing of the turbo, or turbos. This could begin as simple as a hybrid turbo, or it could be as in depth as full frame, top mounted turbos, with external wastegates and screamer pipes... (yes really!)
Stage 3 tuning also opens you up to things such as major fuel changes such as port injection, methanol/ethanol use, flex-fuel pumps and devices, and custom tunes to run with specific RON or Ethanol ratings, quite often at this level, custom ECU tuning is the way to go as the tune can then be tailored to your specific setup, whereas at Stage 1 and 2 level, a general blueprint is followed for the vast majority.
Basic example of Stage 3 tuning for BMW:
- All above modifications listed in Stage 1 and/or Stage 2
- Upgraded turbo(s) - these could be hybrid, or full frame/top-mounted
- Major fuelling changes such as port injection, bigger fuel pumps/injectors and/or camshaft changes
- Larger diameter exhaust to aid temperatures and back-pressure
- Larger boost pipes, or charge pipes if required
*Please note, engine forging/reinforcement may be required at any of these stages of tuning, please enquire with your chosen tuner/parts provider for advice.
How to handle all of that power?
When tuning a vehicle, be it BMW, Audi, Mercedes or otherwise, it's always advised to consider other areas of improvement, such as brake discs, brake pads, brake lines, brake fluid, suspension, be that springs or coilovers and general maintenance.
You can find a full list of our BMW tuning parts including handling mods here.
*Please check with your individual tuner as to the specific parts needed for YOUR car, each car is individual, this tuning guide is a guideline, and indicative only.