2024 Mini Tuning Blog

Often heralded as a "go kart on wheels" - tuning and Mini's have gone hand in hand even back to the original re-release of the Mini Cooper, and the supercharged "S" variants. Since becoming part of the BMW Group, and sharing a lot of their parts, tuning for Mini's has become simplified, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck with modifications.

Stage 1 tuning, again follows the cookie-cutter style template. With tuning able to be done on completely bare standard cars, you could opt for the following:

• Upgraded panel (air) filter/induction kit
• Upgraded intercooler - Required for Stage 1 to maintain performance
• Cat-Back or GPF back exhaust upgrades (optional) 
• Stage 1 ECU tune
• TCU tune (for ZF8 equipped models) optional

Stage 2 tuning for Mini:

Stage 2 tuning once again follows in BMW's footsteps, only really requiring a downpipe, intercooler and induction kit to make the most from your Stage 2 tune. 

• Upgraded panel (air) filter/induction kit
• Upgraded intercooler
• GPF/OPF delete (if applicable)
• GPF/OPF back exhaust system
• Upgraded downpipe, either sports-cat or de-cat
• Stage 2 ECU tune
• TCU tune (for ZF8 equipped models)
• *Please note some vehicles may require clutch changes

Stage 3 tuning for Mini:

Often with some B38 and most B48 motors, providing the above Stage 2 parts have been added, the only additional parts to take you to Stage 3 are fuelling, and turbo based:

• All parts inlcuded in Stage 2 tuning - PLUS
• Hybrid turbo, or full frame turbo (dependent on your power goals)
• Upgraded fuel pump, likely HPFP, possibly LPFP dependent on final power output/goals
• Stage 3 ECU tune 

How can you handle all of that power?

Although Mini's are known to be the Go Karts on the road putting 1.5x, or even 2.0x the standard power can test even the best OEM suspension. We highly recommend upgrading the brake pads, brake lines (braided lines being our preference), brake fluid (RBF600/660 or similar) and discs, alongside upgrading your suspension to be able to make the most of the drive!

*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.