Yesterday I successfully upgraded the code in the ECU of my Cooper S with a modified map supplied by MTH. This mod claims to raise a Cooper S to 195 Bhp but the real bonus is it cost me about 40 quid for the map, which is a one off licence fee which is tied to the ECU of your car. If I carry out any further modifications to my car – smaller pulley etc I just email Franz at MTH with details of the modification and he will provide a new revised map.
The other advantage is that I can return the ECU to standard, with a laptop and cable, and revert to the modified map as often as I like (good for dealer servicing).
Installation is basically a 2 step process, download the ECU and email it Franz listing what mods you have done to the car. Franz will then return a modified map back to you which can be downloaded back into the car. My modified map took about 2 hours to come through - but whilst you are waiting you can still use the car as normal. I did have a small problem, that left my car with no map in the ECU, but managed to get round it with another laptop – was a bit scarey for a while thoughAt all stages of the process Franz of MTH was helpful and efficient in his help and support. I have since removed and replaced the map a few times to check that I have resolved the issue and I am now confident that it wont happen again :I
There is an article in the latest GoMini about a company called ChipTuning, they offer a map which is almost identical to the one offered by Franz for £500, plus you have to travel to them or one of their licensed dealers to have the map installed and removed.
In order to install the software in my ECU I had to purchase a special cable – which cost about 60 quid. Now that I have the cable I am prepared to loan it out or perform the upgrade for anyone that wants to give it a try for a minimal fee (beer and food usually goes down well). On top of that you will just have to pay the licence fee to MTH.
Franz has maps for all models – One, Cooper, Cooper S, Diesel, CVT etc. He is also responsible for producing maps for most the major tuning companies – Hartge etc. He also has maps for the whole range of BMW’s and some other cars.
There are threads here
Mini 2 Thread
and here
NAM Thread
and the main MTH website is here
MTH Powerchip
I have only had the map installed since yesterday lunch time but I am more than pleased with the feel of the new system. I cant vouch for the 195 bhp figure, havent had the car dyno'd and dont intend to but it feels fantastic. The car feels much looser and picks up much better. Also the mods to the ASC traction control seem to have made an improvement. At the end of our street is a patch of cobbles, when I used to hit them in the wet the ASC light you used to go mad, this morning it didn’t even flash!!!
I will continue to update this thread with my feelings about the new map as it “learns” my driving style. The chip tuning article mentions that most people don’t notice the full potential for the first few days as the ECU is learning your driving style again and Franz made a similar claim but so far I am impressed:)
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