Good morning all. I've searched through the r53 forums for a thread on govenors and came up empty. Forgive me if this is a redundant post.

I had occasion, recently, to open up my r53 a little. At 110mph I backed off. Now, upon reflection, I am really scared. Scared for my 15 year old son, who is to inherit this little rocket next spring. So, my question is: is there a way to govern the top speed? I know the computer has a rev limiter, and there is a speed alarm in the NAV computer display; but can I set an actual hard limit?

Thankyou all.

 

I am thinking a tune could be created to limit the speed.

 

Another possible option is one of the OBDII cellular nanny systems. You might check w/ your cellular provider to see if they offer such an option. It won't actually limit the speed, but you can set speed alerts and geofencing alerts to your device.

 

I'm intrigued. "A tune"? Do you mean detune the engine. Restrict the intake or something? The hard part here is that I, and later he will, use this car for Autocross. It has a Spectre intake, and a 15 percent pulley. I'd really just like it to cut out at 55mph.

 

I've read of some tunes that have a valet setting, that reduces performance so the car can't be abused by parking valets, it could be unlocked with a special key.

 

With what you have done with Mods, I would buy two tunes, one for the car as set up now that should give you the best bang for what you have and then another that could set limits on based upon certain outputs. You with have to buy a tuner that you could keep that you then go from one tune to the other. Talking like $1,000 ($650 for the 2 tunes and $350 for the tuner).

I like to disconnect the power steering when I am setting the ECU as it draws amps whether the car is running or not (you have to have the key in the 2nd position to tune). I also have a good charger that will keep the battery charged while the tune is uploading and disconnect the headlights as well.

 

Please forgive my ignorance. A "tune" is actually a change to the computer program, the program that controls the ignition curve and timing, etc.? Does it also reference the velocity readings?

Just to be clear, I purchased the car used, and the current mods, except brakes, came with the car.

 

If you decrease the amount of fuel or air to an engine the loss of horsepower will result in a slower speed. A rev limiter that reduces the RPM will also reduce the speed. The Mini also has a speed limiter.

Therefore it would be logical to assume a "tune" may accomplish your goal. The only thing a tune cannot do is keep an individual from texting while driving.

 

It requires a 90 amp battery charger, as the tune takes a long time.

 

It depends on the tune. I was able to flash my ECU in about 5 minutes. Took three time before the tune worked correctly and each time the same 5 minutes. The tuner told me not to worry about the battery but I was not taking any chances so I disconnected a bunch of stuff, had the battery charged fully and then had a charger connected. During the time I could see the battery pulling around 25 amps.

 

Its not just an R53 that's fast, nearly all cars today are easily capable of high speeds.

If anything the Mini is the better choice since it handles FAR better than most comparable cars.

Rather than choke or electronically limit the car, get your son to a track. There are a lot of teen type driving events to help kids learn from a third party. My son has been driving for about a year now. Fortunately, he's not interested in speed or driving for that matter, perhaps that's better?

Nevertheless, BMWCCA has a teen driving event in July and he's been signed up to gain more skills. i wish I had a safe enough place to teach him myself, but for the very small price and a chance to hang out with my kid, it's worth it.

 

Take your son out and teach him good driving habits, most cars are capable of doing over 100, even ones that have a speed limiter.

You can be hurt just as bad doing legal highway speeds as you can speeding. But if you teach him to be a safe driver you will sleep better at night!

 

Well, thank you all. Those that P.M.ed me as well.

I have taught my son(s) to drive responsibly, defensively, and cautiously. I plan on having him (them) participate in Autocross as soon as he can drive the Mini. I know that many cars can do well over the speed limit. Part of the reason I bought the Mini was for the airbags, etc. But I intend on finding a way to govern this car. The kids aren't to be driving on the Tollway, so 60 is fast enough, and won't impact the tight circuit Autocross that's done here. If BMW could program a top limit based on velocity readings, I should be able to lower that number.

Thanks again.

 

So you've taught your son to drive responsibly, defensively, and cautiously, yet you still want to restrict him? Do you not trust your son? If he's not going to be on the highway anyway, why bother restricting him? I'd feel pretty insulted if my dad took the time to teach me how to drive and then turned around and detuned my car.

 

^ that is my exact sentiment ^

 

On top of that, i love my Mini, but id hardly call it fast even with the supercharger, ive got a 94 mustang that ive only spent a third of what i spent on my mini including purchase price that will easy walk away from my mini.

Theres many older cheaper cars faster than a mini.

 

If you live in town a stick shift really puts the Cabosh on distracted driving. Really hard to eat and shift or text and shift, etc. won't help on the highway.

 

Frankly, if I were in your position, I would look for an R50 for the son to drive. When he has proven he can be responsible with that car, think about moving him up to the R53.