To remap, or not to remap...

[MouthBoy]

...my C250d?

I have always like modifying my cars but there has always been a reason I shouldn't. Normally my car is how I get to work and back, or like this one how I get to clients and back - so if it goes wrong I am down more than just a car as I cannot work. However if the taglines are to be believed a 'stage one' is normally very safe. The car has only done 53k and has been very well maintained throughout so it should be a good example to play a little with.

Stock the car has 204bhp and 369ftlb. Depending where I look I get between 42-51bhp more, and between 41-88ftlb more on the most aggressive tunes. Some also offer a guarantee on their changes too.

Any opinions on this? Am I just being stupid and will not really notice the differences or will this be quite noticeable?

 

[MouthBoy]

You will notice for sure, the car will accelerate in each gear better, overtaking feels easier too.
Had my mk1 leon cupra done, took it from 180 to 215 or so and a little more in terms of torque increase, it was a different car altogether.
My WRX, I modified the rom myself, it went from a very tame car altogether into a hilarious back road blaster. Brakes had to be upgraded too as they were found out very quickly too.
My 530d msport, also mapped, is sneaky fast as it simply doesn't have the raw edge of smaller or sporty cars but it just seems to go and I have to keep an eye on the speedo when on the motorways as it feels so calm inside.

Have you encountered any issues at all with any of the remaps? I presume as you have done 3 cars now you're an advocate of it?

Where did you get yours done?

 

[MouthBoy]

Yep looking to go to a reputable place. Any suggestions? Have been looking at CleticTuning.

Regarding insurance, what's the best approach to let them know?

 

[MouthBoy]

Some insurers will just say no, or hike premiums to silly levels. Especially the mainstream ones.

You may need to switch to a modified car insurer to get a good price, but the best ones can be picky with who they accept. Check before you actually do it.

Do tell them as they can easily find out if the car gets written off and they check.

Yea I will check. As I also do business mileage I cannot afford to get caught out.

 

[MouthBoy]

Do some careful reading about CelticTuning, they're a franchise so some will obviously be better than others but historically from what I've read they quote very optimistic figures and many have had ECU's bodged/poor quality work etc.

Some of the higher power Volvos and Skodas have had issues with them.

Plenty happy with them though so depends what your local one is like I guess.

Thanks for the heads up. I will do my research.

Although I would love high figures, honestly I just want a little bit more from what I already have. If I was really pushing for performance, I probably would not be a in diesel. Whats weird is that I thought the high torque figure of 500NM/369ftlbs would seem 'faster' than it actually does when I put my foot down, although that could be the gearbox thinking about the change down rather than the power from the engine.

Most of my turbo diesels/petrol's have been mapped, all were better to drive as a result, I tended to prefer smoother power delivery over headline figures and i'd always suggest taking claimed power figures with a pinch of salt. Look on the brand specific forums, see who's work is well regarded, the Quantum resellers tend to be OK, but i'd look for one with a dyno for before and after runs. Insurance wise, it's a lottery, my old car had two pages of declared retrofit options/modifications including induction, remap, throttle body and exhaust work and was sub £200/yr fully comp via a specialist broker, the 18 year old 68bhp Fabia that replaced it came in at nearly 3x that from a mainstream comparison site.

Oh and yes, you will certainly notice a difference.

Always a pinch of salt with figures, but what I hope is that because my car is under 3 years old still I would be lucky to get a little more than if the engine was 5-7 years old. I could be utterly wrong though. Like I have said above though, I am not after 'wow figures' but a better driving experience overall. Not saying it is bad as it is though, but just want a little more.

Regarding insurance I will call my insurance company at some point to find out some theoretical prices. Wife and I agree that if my insurance gets silly it wouldn't be worth it.

Had my Saab done from 250 BHP to 275BHP and 420nm. A lot more lively than before.

That is a healthy increase. Was model was that on? I was looking at a 9-3 2.8 V6 before my old man put his Mercedes up for sale.

 

[MouthBoy]

My first question would be will you leave a trail smog behind you and how often would you need to replace the DPF.

Not planning to leave a trail behind me, is this a possible affect of the tune?

Not worried about the DPF as most of my driving is on the motorway so it gets a decent speed for at least an hour each day. A few times a month I do 6-8hour round trips on motorways too so it gets a good clean out.

 

[MouthBoy]

I’m not sure, but I know of a tuned A3 and crap that throws out is boarder line offensive. I’d imagine that will build up in the filter quickly.

It’s just something I’d look into before hand.

Thanks for the heads up - very much appreciated!

 

[MouthBoy]

I got my Volvo booked in for Monday.

Getting the Polestar (official Volvo) map put on, which goes from 150bhp to 180bhp on my car, only problem is official Volvo = ££££££££££ I am not even telling you guys how much it is in fear of redicule.

But oh well, it's a one off and I guess its far less likely to blow my car up, Volvo even state it wont affect your warranty.

I think for the sake of the thread, we need to know how much.

 

[MouthBoy]

A remap on a diesel is well worth it, just remember its not about peak numbers its about how the remap makes the car more driveable and fun through more of the rev-range. Do you have any warranty left on your car to worry about as a remap can void it.

In September it will be 3yrs old so warranty ends then.

 

[MouthBoy]

I have been talking to work and I need to ensure that modifying my car and using for business, when I am likely to have clients in my car from time to time, is going to be ok. They are checking as they are unsure themselves right now. Could put a stop to me doing it.

 

[MouthBoy]

Work have given the OK as long as any mods I do are not offensive to customers and my insurance is valid. Next task is to find out if my insurance company are willing to play ball.

 

[MouthBoy]

How does one approach the subject? Go to 'I have heard it gives better MPG' route, or, 'I have increased my power by XYZ' please charge me?

 

[MouthBoy]

"I'm looking at getting my car remapped. The company I have contacted me have estimated to give me X more BHP, I would like a quote on adding this modification to my vehicle before I have it carried out."

Sounds obvious...just didn't know if there were any trigger words that would flag stupid quotations needlessly.

I wouldn't have told them, its extremely unlikely anyone would find out.

Not worth the risk. Wouldn't want to put my family or myself at risk of anything happened and my insurance was found to be invalid.

 

[MouthBoy]

Does anyone have any recommendations for Mercedes tuners? I have been googling about but just coming up with all my local ones and the bigger names. Really unsure what is good and bad.

 

[MouthBoy]

I'm looking at getting the Vito remapped so I'd be interested if you find anywhere.

I've seen DP Auto Services in Sharnford that seem to remap a lot of different vehicles including vans/commercial but they're lack of dyno concerns me a little.

Yea I want someone with a Dyno to test the map after and look at anything that might be wrong post map.

 

[MouthBoy]

Have been thinking about this lately and I am really torn to what to do. On one hand I need my car to be reliable for work, but on the other hand that is always going to be my argument for any modifications - and you only live once etc.

I still have time to think on it as I need to get my MOT done and new tires before Christmas too...but unsure right now on if I will go ahead with this.

 

[MouthBoy]

Its generally on older cars. Hoses failings, seals failing etc just niggly bits.

See this is the problem, my car is still under 3 years old (just) and so all perishables should still be just fine which makes me think I should do it.