Nothing underneath

I have a 163bhp BMW 120d, which is great except that there is a lack of power between 1,000 rpm and 1,500 rpm. This is a real nuisance when pulling out at junctions in 2nd gear because it seems to take an age to get to 1,500 rpm when the power/torque cuts in, whereas in my previous car (A3 1.8T) the power was available straight away at low revs. I suppose this is just a characteristic you have to live with, or is there anything which can be done to cure this e.g. re mapping/chipping the ECU?

Asked on 23 May 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

That's because it's a turbodiesel. They have virtually no torque under 1,500rpm. Talk to www.superchips.com . But it might be unwise to muck about with BMW Efficient Dynamics mapping. You can't have everything. More torque at low revs will involve more fuel being used so economy may suffer and turbo life may be compromised. With other engines, Superchips has got them to tug well from around 1,200rpm, but that's about as low as it goes. The best low speed diesel slugger is the big D5 in the little Volvo V50 manual. That pulls from about 800rpm.

Tags: technical issues modifications owning lack of power

Similar questions

What's causing the heavy start on my Renault Megane?

I've just bought a Renault Megane 1.6 petrol. When I start the engine, it starts but loses power at first. It needs a bit of accelerating to keep the engine running. I have changed the spark plugs already,...

Golf losing power

My 6 year old Golf started to lose power going uphill on a long drive today, that is to say I was pressing the pedal but no acceleration was forthcoming. Thereafter, it became a problem on the flat as...

Power loss in a Toyota Corolla Verso

I have encountered intermittent power loss from my Corolla Verso, particularly on inclines and from a standing start. Cannot seem to put accelerator far as power seems to drop, come down in gear and all...

Related models