I have read several threads with people looking for alternatives to the tunes out there, whether pre-packaged or custom. For anyone with a MY2011 or newer, there have been no options at all, until now...

I recently had the dumb luck of having a customer leave the MAR/APR edition of European Car at my shop. I've been dying to get a tune for my '11 MCS and NM Engineering, well known for exquisite Mini hop-up parts (I wish I could afford) was featured in an article with their new tune in a 2011 countryman. According to the article, the outcome was more than they ever expected and everything the Mini should have been from the factory. Oh, and the price was advertised at $500 - more than lunch money but a whole lot less than other tunes I've seen.

Needless to say, I emailed Jerry at NM immediately about availability; he told me they were still doing some late-stage testing but that it should be available in the early March time frame. Long story short (too late?), I sent off my ECU to him several weeks ago so that they could work their magic and O.M.G!!! Let me put it this way, I discovered that my Mini actually does have traction control!

Cold start up is stock, idle is perfect, and most important of all, drivability is even better. Smooth & progressive throttle response, very linear with no hiccups or dips in the power curve. The SPORT mode still works but is not needed as much as stock did. Also, no check engine light. In other words, no compromises.

The fun, however, starts anywhere you want it to - down low, up high, everything is so much more torque & power. Where as before there was no reason to rev to redline, now the engine pulls strong right to the limit. My MCS is no longer quick, its fast! I'll admit I just put on an Invidia exhaust system but that was after the tune - the two compliment each other, reinforcing why you would get either.

Jerry said that procrastination is the only reason that the tune hasn't appeared on NM's website but that it will soon. If you'r interested, read the European Car article and drop Jerry a line; I can't imagine why you would wait.

 

That sounds good! I have a Roadster S on order and am wanting to raise the boost a bit. I just found the magazine article online with before and after dyno tests. 30hp and 40ft-lb on a stock engine with stock exhaust. The power goes up from 2000rpm all the way out, with 3-4 psi increase from 3000rpm and up. Nice!!

 

good to hear!

 

The NM Engineering tune sounds quite promising indeed.

So among the tuning options for the N18 are NM Engineering, Revolution Mini Works, and Renntech. I believe there might be one or two others out there. I do know that all require that you pull and send your ECU module in to the tuner for a bench tune.

This is good . . . more and more tuning options for the N18 are materializing.

 

I wonder if the tune can be installed at one of their outhorized dealers, like they get the tuned ecu and install it

 

^ I know at least two need to go to the source, probably the third as well.

 

It is now May.
Any news on this tune?

 

Here is the email I recieved from NM. I have been watching this closely. I got this email last week.
Hello,*

Yes it is now finalized :-)

It cost $500 and that includes next day shipping going back to your location. We do the work and ship back to you the same day we receive the ECU.*

You can send the ECU to our location:

3300 Corte Malpaso
Camarillo, CA 93012
Attn: Jerry/Aaron

Along with the ECU, please include the vehicle's year/make/model, list of mods, and your info (name/address/phone #/email), vehicle usage (street only, occasional track day, a lot of track day, or dedicated track car). Also, If you are planning to install an intercooler, i recommend it being done first prior chipping the ECU.

Once it is ready to go back, we'll give you a call for the payment info.

I'm also putting together an instruction on how to remove and reinstall the ECU. Once i have it ready i'll shoot it over to you asap. Should be sometimes today.

Thanks,
Jerry T
NM Eng.