Hey everyone,
I don't get on here much anymore with kids and work always taking up most of my free time. I've owned my car since new in 2005 and although I used to do modifications to it somewhat regularly, I've put it aside for the last several years and don't really drive it anymore (72k miles!). I bought a used RMW street header 9 or 10 years ago and had check engine light issues since day one for catalyst efficiency. Being from NY we have OBD2 emissions inspections and no matter what I tried (simulators, j-bungs, spacers) I could never seem to keep the light off and as such, would be an automatic failure. Because of this I haven't had my car inspected in 6 years, successfully dodging the cops!
I had read about Adrian (Adriancl) doing remote tunes for some other members on here and all had wonderful things to say about his work. So I decided enough is enough and I want to get my car back on the mend and start to enjoy it again, legally, so I PMd him and explained my issues. He responded almost immediately and has always been quick to respond to my questions throughout the process. Today I upgraded my injectors to the Bosch 380cc and uploaded my new tuned file via MPPS V18 (which was very cheap and easy to use) and upon startup, you wouldn't even know anything changed! The car idles just like stock, maybe even a little smoother. All the power is there and maybe a little more. I don't drive it enough to really notice. My main reason for contacting him was to help with the emissions issues I was having so I can keep my RMW header and maybe a little bump in power. His price is more than reasonable and he has the ability to add multiple custom features like increased redline, emissions mods, cooling fan activation mods, increased burble, etc. If you're considering a tune for your car, I highly recommend reaching out to Adrian.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

I'll be having a tune done by the man himself as well, when my MPPS V18 comes in.

 

He's the BEST! Adrian built a Facelift ECU for my 2004 PFL car. Same tune but so different in how it responds. Congrats and best wishes!

 

Worked with Adrian.

Really easy guy to work with - turned off the P0420 on my R53, tuned it up, car idles much cleaner and feels quicker.

Happy with the services, will be using him for my other 3 R53s!

 

Adrian was recommended to me by someone for a remote tune on my R52S. I’ve joined today and will be messaging him when I have messaging enabled to sort something out

 

^^^Welcome to NAM, that being your first post here!

I too will be scheduling Adrian to do a remote tune after I complete installation of new OEM JCW 380cc injectors today.

Adrian will likely advise you to purchase the required items below (not actual links, since eBay sellers vary):
​​​​​​1) MPPS SMPS V18 MAIN+TRICORE+MULTIBOOT with Breakout Tricore Cable Program Tool
2) BMW K+DCAN OBD2 USB Interface Cable Diagnostic Tools EDIABAS NCS EXPERT (with switch)

 

Thanks! I already have NCS expert as it came with my ISTA+ package, however I’ve not managed to use it yet. I also have the cable which came with the kit, that works with ISTA.

I’ve dropped Adrian a Facebook friend request and messaged him, hopefully he’ll respond at some point.

PS your username is similar to my reg, LN07FUN

 

Just in case you don't know, Adrian lives in Romania so the time difference has to be accounted for. I gained 17hp (dynoed before and after) from his tune (switched to a facelift ECU) on my R53. Great guy. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.

 

Adrian was a big help in getting my R50 6 speed swap running with the cruise control again.

I will also 2nd that you will need the MPPS v18 adapter as Adrian will need your ECU file and you will need to write his completed file back to your ECU.

 

Thanks gents. I’m wondering if I should invest in some 380cc injectors to go with my 15% pulley? I had another R52 before this one and it went like stink with the standard pulley on it and no other visible mods. I’m guessing it must have had a remap at some point as it was quicker than this car, even before I put a pulley on the supercharger.

 

I would definitely switch to 380s prior to your tune. Check this forum for tons of information.

 

^^^ Agreed, got mine installed yesterday and sorted today (see recent posts in sig thread). I'm ready for Adrian now!

 

Adrian responded via Facebook messenger. I’ve ordered the tools needed, plus a set of 4 375cc injectors 2nd hand out of an Audi TT 225hp
BAM engine.

just waiting on the bits turning up before carrying out the work.

Thanks All

 

Hopefully your MPPS adapter arrived quicker than mine did when I ordered it. It had to ship from China and took very nearly a month.

 

It turned up yesterday. Went through the process with Adrian of sending him the map out of the car and loading on the fresh one. He wasn’t happy with the fuel trims so after a fair few hours, one dodgy MPPS usb cable and 4 maps he’s come to the conclusion that I have a boost leak somewhere, which would explain why this one’s down on power compared to the other one.

Adrian has come to this conclusion as We are not seeing at least 14 psi of boost at the map sensor, but after having a think I’m wondering if that’s right? Theres a map on the suction side of the intercooler and one after. When I serviced the intercooler a week or two ago, I fitted the old bypass valve off the other R52S (I’d replaced the original one on that car with a modified one from rooster racing, and assumed the one that came off was OK).

I’ve checked the boots on the intercooler and they’re not split, so I’m thinking it could either be:

intercooler split
bypass valve
manifold gaskets
Injector O ring

I’m thinking I’ll spray a few bits with brake cleaner with the engine idling and see if the RPM picks up?

 

What is your elev in NW UK? I never been there, so don't know the terrain but thinking perhaps somewhat less than here at 5k' / 1.5k m? Regardless, if anything other than near sea level, you must factor that in baseline boost readings as shown below with the ignition on but engine off wherein mine is - 2.5 psi. BTW as you might already know, Adrian completed my tune early yesterday morning as outlined in my sig topic.

The data in this table correlates to the boost reading on mine at 5k' elev: Elevation Versus Atmospheric Pressure

 

I wasn’t aware of Adrian tuning yours. I’m pretty new to the forum and haven’t had chance to find my way around.

One things for certain, Adrian knows what he’s on about. I thought he was a pleasure to deal with.

I live in Warrington, which is in between Manchester and Liverpool. Elevation wise I guess my house is no more than 100 feet above sea level.

Thanks for sharing, I’ll compare your numbers with mine. I need to find this boost leak fast as I don’t want to keep Adrian waiting too long

 

As Adrian might have mentioned during FB chat session, he has tuned 150+ MINIs - many of those for USA NAM members and of course, all of Europe and beyond. I meant to ask how many languages he is fluent but forgot. I'll bet several. I recently "joined" a few UK-based forums (MiniTorque, MINI2 and R53 Owners Club on FB) but still find NAM to be the most active in terms of daily posts and content plus being a much more intuitive interface than FB (which I generally dislike using). I can only imagine what NAM was like at the peak of 1st gen posting activity.

Good luck with your apparent boost loss from vacuum leakage. Agreed at ~ 100' above sea level, no baseline numbers need be factored...

 

I'm in line for a tune.
Q_ #1: Anyone have a 210hp tune?
Q_#2: What kind of mpg can I expect w/210 tune /daily driver?

I have no intention of tracking. It would be "fun" to have a little more hp....but not at the cost of noticeable gas consumption.
A quick/reliable daily driver is what I have in mind.
Just weighing my options and wouldn't mind a little feedback from those w/a 210 tune.

My specs/mods: 15% SCP, 380cc Siemens, 2.75 diam CAI, colder NGK plugs/blue wires, stock coilpack, stock intercooler, stock diam CP, stock exhaust.
Currently Boosts @ +13 - +15 (5.8k -6k Rpms)

 

As stated in my own topic, my objectives were to maximize operating efficiency rather than achieve maximum peak power from the mods on my R53. I seriously considered sending the ECU/ECM to WMW for flashing the "canned" 210hp JCW-spec tune but in the end, figured better results might come from a custom tune based on that and with Adrian being the best known choice considering his experience and ability to evaluate baseline parameters seen and adjust those to suit. So then, I'll watch for subsequent replies as well as your results.

 

I just finshed up a tune session with Adriancl this morning.

First bit of advice - Be prepared. Adrian responds promply to your request.
I was in contact with him for a day (yesterday/Saturday); downloaded software in preperation for an undetermined appointment. That evening I confirmed I had all necessary cables & software for remote/tune connection. I figured it was going to be a couple of days to hear back. I just happened to wake up this morning (Sunday) at 7:30am - On my way to make coffee, I see a message alert on my phone. Adrian was ready to go! I don't think this man ever sleeps.

Still half asleep; I grabbed my phone, PC, cables and headed out to the Mini. Over a lousy tethered 4g network connection, Adrian remotely installed all INPA and MPPS software on my PC. A gracious and patient man indeed! I just followed his prompts via whatsapp.
We wrapped up in just over 2hrs.

Took the Mini out for a test spin for about 4mi @ WOT/ redlined @ 2nd & 3rd (ran out of road @ 90+mph), +15psi boost. My Mini always ran well (just a bit rich after 380cc install). After Adrian tuning, Trottle reponse was signifigant from stop to WOT with no lags or hesitation. I have to admit though, I've almost never floor it from a stopped position - let alone ever redlined it past 7rpms.
I have no idea what HP gains were attributed to Adrian's tune. Athough he advised that the ECU will adapt after a good 35+ mi of driving. Will wait and see. So far / so good.

 

Great report! I get that on your early up. I'm a fairly early riser but still got up 5am yesterday for the 6am appt to be certain I was alert...

I drove mine this morning to fuel up for planned drive tomorrow and connected my OBDLink MX+ dongle / Android tablet to monitor stuff. First thing noticed on the dashboard app was that long term fuel trim read zero! Hadn't driven it since Adrian completed the session, so no adaptations started until today. I'll continue monitoring during ~ 200 miles tomorrow. I think running conditions and throttle response will continuously improve during the initial miles...