BMW Chip Tuning
Beginning when computers were added to vehicles in the 1980s and 1990s, BMW chip tuning is one of the most popular forms of performance enhancement. Chip tuning can be performed in a couple of different ways – modifying or changing the EPROM chip in a vehicle and updating an ECU, referred to as ECU tuning. ECUs were added to vehicles during the 1970s. BMW chip tuning can enhance performance through cleaner emissions, better fuel economy or increased engine power.
ECU Chip Tuning
Through advancements in engine technology, it is possible to control various aspects of engine operation using fine tuning within the internal computer. ECU chip tuning can be used to increase fuel injection or spark timing. In addition, this type of performance tuning can enhance the ESC (electronic stability control) system, alter the electronic throttle control, enhance boost control, adjust the speed governor, and control ABS systems. So, although ECU chip tuning and indeed BMW chip tuning itself can be used to boost a vehicle’s power, the process actually has multiple applications in performance enhancement.
BMW chip tuning is performed in a couple of different ways. The most typical tuning process involves a specialist that uses an OBD Flash tool to update the internal computer through the engine diagnostic port. Sometimes, specialists can perform reprograms or updates through the circuit board itself.
A secondary way to perform ECU tuning is by physically adding a device that performs modifications to the computer only when the device is attached. This tuning box has advantages in that it can be removed easily to revert the computer back to its original state. However, this type of chip tuning is only possible with the external management ports available on modern engines.
Top Reasons for Using BMW Chip Tuning
One of the foremost reasons for BMW chip tuning is to boost power. BMW manufacturers, by default, tune vehicles to offer higher fuel economy and optimum emissions. However, this also means sacrifices in engine power. By simply making some adjustments, the engine begins to burn more fuel but allows for more direct power generation. Along the same lines, cars that are turbo fitted can have their allowable levels of boost increased above the default level. BMW vehicles with low pressure turbo fittings have the most potential for power level gains through ECU tuning.
Another reason that vehicle owners will often take advantage of ECU chip tuning is if there have been system modifications to the car – such as engine, exhaust or intake additions. These additions can often change the air to fuel ratio. Without attention to the fuel tables present in the engine, the performance gains from modifications can be inefficient.
A malfunctioning or improperly tuned ECU can actually have quite harmful effects on the engine itself – sometimes resulting in serious engine damage. Some vehicle problems stem directly from problems within the ECU unit and can be resolved through ECU tuning.
Finally, BMW chip tuning can be used to improve fuel economy in a vehicle. This is a valuable addition for people that have vehicles that burn too much fuel when being operated. Vehicles can become less fuel efficient over time, a problem that be corrected with simple ECU tuning.