Introduction:
Car manufacturer BMW began making cars in 1928 and was the 3rd most valuable vehicle brand worldwide in 2022. It is little wonder that their cars continue to gain in popularity, being known for their exceptional build quality, low levels of depreciation and excellent reliability.
The only aspect in which BMW vehicles attract criticism is their power output. The manufacturer has been very principled in implementing a power reserve bank that maximises the life of the engine but, unfortunately, restricts its capabilities.
But fear not; there are some ways in which you can optimise the performance of your BMW and we will discuss these in this article.
1. BMW tuning in the UK
The BMW 330, 530 and X5 are amongst the most popular models available from this manufacturer in the UK and all feature the unexploited potential for greater horsepower. Professional engine tuning can increase the horsepower and torque produced by the vehicle by adjusting the timing, airflow and ignition, but this will need to be performed annually to maintain effective results.
Alternatively, a piggyback ECU tuning kit, such as those supplied by Unichip Europe, will allow you to plug in the tuning kit whenever it is required and extract the additional torque and horsepower that you require. These kits have the advantage that they can be removed without trace and, being only used as required, can deliver improvements that last far beyond the year that traditional tuning offers.
2. Basic maintenance
For those that do not wish to invest in BMW tuning in the UK, there are some elements of basic maintenance which will help your BMW to run in an optimal manner, within the constraints set by the manufacturer.
These include changing the air filter, oil filter, engine oil and spark plugs to remove dirt and debris from the engine and to ensure that the engine is well lubricated and free from misfires or idling issues which can exacerbate performance issues.
3. Reduce weight
Particularly if your BMW is used as a family car rather than a performance vehicle, it is likely that it will contain accumulated clutter and reducing this weight can improve its performance. This includes removing unneeded roof rails or boxes, taking heavy golf clubs out of the boot, and streamlining the contents of the vehicle to only those that are truly necessary on a day-to-day basis.
4. Fit new tyres
If your vehicle is an everyday commuter vehicle, it will not need specific low-profile performance tyres, but good quality tyres with sufficient tread will grip the road more effectively and improve the vehicle's braking and acceleration for increased performance.
Conclusion
If you wish to exploit the power reserves of your BMW, you will need to look to engine tuning. If you are not ready to invest in engine tuning, there are some simple changes that you can make to optimise your vehicle's performance within its existing limits.
