I've been following a thread developing over in the R56 Drivetrain Mod forums discussing the NM-Engineering ECU remap for the N18 engine. I only stumbled on it through a Google search looking to find engine tuning options for the Countryman outside of what I've seen discussed coming out of PAW in FL.

Anyone on this forum have experience with the NM-Eng tune, or their services in general? Though I'd prefer a flash-loader option like ALTA's AccessPort or the old RMW Dimsport that I've got for my 2008 MCS, without that type of option available I may wind up taking a roadtrip down to SoCal.

 

I'm trying o figure out who is out there too, before I bite on the Countryman All4.

I do know... that I want a dyno tune. I don't want a flash - they can get better numbers and power out of the engine when they can work with it. I had an STI and that was the ideal method, when upgrading major parts like headers, turbo, fuel, cams, etc. But not so much an intake or exhaust.

I suppose, if you're not near anyone, then you don't have much of a choice.

 

I am new to the whole Dyno tuning process and trying to figur it out also. I have found some 4 wheel dynos in my area but am not sure if they can do the Countryman.

Do they need to have a particular application to do tuning with MINI or can any tuning application work?

 

They need to be Mini specific, or at least have a GREAT history of tuning turbo engines. Even at that, they need certain software to get into the ECU to change anything do with the engine.

Which is where I'm having an issue... Having the STI, or even the M3 I have now, isn't so bad. There are a select few across the So Cal area (for me), so that works. I haven't heard much on who or where there are Mini tuners.

I'd hate to buy a CM All4 and not being able to tap into some good power without it having to be a remote tune. Remote tune is cool... On a N/A engine, but for turbo, I'd definitely rather have it done in person, on a dyno.

 

Thank i guess i will call around to see who might be able or tap into my local club resource to see if they know anyone closer that might be able to.

I would also reccomend you check into you local mini club/forum and they might have more info. Socal is pretty big in mini it seems so i am sure there is someone around there.

 

I know that PAW in Miami did a great job with my tune for my CM S ALL4... They didn't push the engine as far as it would go, so I know it won't blow on me... so now I'm pushing around 207 hp and around 145 lb/ft of torque (Dyno tested)

You can take out the ECU and send it to them... and they will send it back to you tuned with the re-flash as well

Kyle

 

i don't know about the OP, but I'm not down with the sending my ECU places.

 

I'm also not game for sending the ECU out for work- my car's my daily driver, and we're a one-car-family for the time being.

Kyle- it's safe to assume you meant your CM was pulling 245 lb/ft or torque, right? Those numbers must be at the crank, so I'm curious how they adjusted/corrected- but regardless those numbers would make a significant improvement over the stock CM drive. Hence why I'm getting attracted to the NM-Eng tune here in CA...

 

I agree with the sending of the ECU... I just happened to be in Miami when a friend of mine let me know about the tune... Good timing right?

Oh! Yes 245 sorry about that! and that was corrected for at the crank.... on the mustang dyno the car read 160hp and 207 lb/ft at the wheels.

And sorry about the hp number... its just under 200 at the crank... I got that mixed up with my wheel torque number.

Kyle

 

That's one thing holding me back on this car... is the small numbers. I know it's a small engine, but still, I don't know if I could handle having a low powered car. idea of it is great.. practical, looks good, awd. But that's everything the STI had, just a bit bigger, with way more power potential.

I like the CM All4 because it's shorter, not as long as any of the cars I've had... I like that about it. has a nice wide base and AWD you just can't go wrong. but Unless i can get this car up to the 275-300 WHP area.... I'm a bit iffy.

 

I think you are going to be looking at a lot of mods and money to get it into that area... As far as value for performance goes... the STI wins hands down... My dad had one and it was a lot of fun! The MINI is more of (I really hate to say it) a fashion statement... The quality, fun etc is all there... but the performance, even in the upcoming JCW is unfortunately not on par with the STI, like it could have been.

Kyle

 

I'm not really looking for par on with the STI, as that car can hit 450 WHP with some basics and a turbo swap.

I would just like to be quick still. 180 WHP, just isn't quick to me. My M3 is now at about 3000 lbs and just a basic stage 1 tune, more or less 285 WHP... not quick enough yet. Shooting for 350-360 WHP and 2800 lbs.

Now, I do not need that for the CM, but like I said, I do want to have some push behind it. I suppose, some weight management (get it down to 3000 lbs) and 250 WHP could be tolerable without losing the nice comforts of the car.

The more I think about it... the more I start leaning back towards the STI. :( I really like the CM All4 look and the BMW Motorsport engines are, hands down, some of the best made out there, out of the factory.

 

That all makes sense... and it is the same problem I faced when buying the ALL4... I hope it all works out for you!

Kyle