I read the FAQ and some of the threads here, and checked out the MTH website... it certainly sounds like the MTH software will provide a substantial performance increase, though I'm still not entirely clear on how it accomplishes this. I guess my questions are --

- Why didn't BMW set up my Mini to give me max performance to begin with? Is there any type of "margin for error" that the MTH software eliminates in order to achieve the extra performance?

- What are the 2 or 3 most significant changes the software makes to provide the extra performance?

- Is there any downside whatsoever to using the software?

Thanks!

 

I would highly recommend doing a search. There are a number of threads that are being viewed right now that deal with this subject. I would start with one titled "Understanding ECUs." Lots of good stuff in there.

 

As L8RG8R suggests, go read https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=53002

To give a short answer:

1. MINI, as any car company, is in the business to make money. They sell to the masses. The vast majority of the masses probably could care less about performance. They must pay for warranty work. If they are on the cutting edge, how often will the parts break? DO you think Ford, GM or anyone else is selling you a car with the HP maxed out? Doubtful.
2. Dunno. They probably won't tell you ... probably proprietary.
3. Absolutely. Refer to #1. Something breaks while your using that aftermarket SW, who is going to fix it (if related to the sw)? Don't expect MINI to. What about wear and tear? Obviously MINI knew what it was doing or they wouldnt be in business. What extra wear and tear is going to be put on the car with more HP? Is the car balanced, between suspension, power, brakes, and tires? More HP aint worth squat without the ability to put it to the road.

 

The Mini and Mini 1 are the same car. Just different ECU programming. Pig power difference (tuners' dream, just plug in, program and voila, HP upgrade!)

Most of what MTH does is fuel curves and timing. The Mini S runs pig rich from the factory. It is far from optimized from any perspective.

Other benefits are DSC re-programming, and red-line changes. As to why the car manufacturers do what they do, it is a mystory!

Matt