Hi all enthusiasts!
Regarding ECU remapping, I have experiences on it and would recommend anyone who wanted better engine power and responses to go for it.
I am just offering my 2 cents worth and my information may not be 100% correct. If so please feel free to correct.
I am very happy with Bernard as my E39 M54B25 has been tuned for Bernard from BVO himself (while he was in KL and organized by member Feisal) and it is now running at 161WHP, bearing in mind the the stock bhp from the engine is appx 192bhp, and factoring in 30-40% loss in automatic transmission (manual transmission, DSGs, SMGs are more efficient gear boxes and thus present less losses in HP).
Remapping or ECU tuning basically boils down to Air/Fuel ratio (AFR) among other things. All mass produced cars are normally tuned to be running your AFR richer than is really necessary for vehicle longevity (more importantly engine). As a simple explanation, if the AFR is too RICH, then our engine is like being choked with too much fuel at an instantt without oxygen to help it burn, thus not really as fuel efficient and producing more carbon by products. Remapping methods commonly sought to LEAN out this AFR. Of course, the AFR tuning is also dependant on your throttle position/load as well as your RPM. A good tuner will have to max your car's potential while retaining a fair bit of safetly margin to prevent your engine from blowing itself out (if too lean).
Is it reliable or safe for your engine, some may ask. I would say it is quite safe as long as your tuner is knowledgeable. In the end, if you engine or car is in bad condition, it is definitely not going to help your car/engine's condition. Again car performance is not all about engine power alone... its about the whole package... Imagine yourself driving your BMW monster and speeding up to 250kmh or more and fast approaching a bend but your suspension/brakes/chassis/tyres were to fail you (any which will likely kill you)!
So my advices to you all enthusiasts are to make sure your car is in good condition (engine too of cos) before doing your ECU remap. For those who are interested to have other mods like upgrading exhaust systems, air intakes/filters, cams, you should do your upgrades firstly before going for your ECU remaps to maximise all your mods' potential. Make sure you know your mods and inform your tuner (Bernard from BVO in this case) accordingly when he is tuning your ECU.
Exclusion Clause: IT MAY/MAY NOT RENDER YOUR CAR'S WARRRANTY AS NULL AND VOID!
Cheers!
Neoh
