Should I have my BMW 1.8 diesel 'chipped' for better torque and fuel economy?
I have a 2010 BMW 1.8 diesel automatic and was interested in having it remapped/chipped to improve torque and hopefully mpg, which is 48mpg at the moment. The BMW dealer told me that they did not do it, that it needed various components changed and if I got it done at an independent garage that my warranty would be void. I have been quoted 275 Euros to have the job done by an independent garage using a UK franchise. Taking the warranty issue out of the equation, is BMW correct? Also, can I pull a caravan or trailer with this car?
Asked on 7 September 2013 by TW, Dunshaughlin, Ireland
Answered by
Honest John
It's a torque converter auto so will tug. The driver's manual will tell you how much it can haul. But the 318D is seriously down on low end torque compared to the 320D and that affects its economy because you have to change up earlier. A BMW dealer will always tell you what your dealer told you. The chipping might be partially successful, or it might not. Rather than muck around and suffer an insurance penalty I'd swap the car for a 320d or 320dED. I averaged 63mpg over 7,000 miles in a 320dED.
Real MPG enables you to register the fuel economy you are actually getting against your make and model of car, its engine and type of transmission.
Every time you enter an average consumption figure against your car, the overall average automatically adjusts to reflect it.
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