Mini (F Series)

Mini

WG Motorworks Tuning Guide

The 3rd Generation Mini Models F series (F55 F56 F57 F60) runs the superior BMW engine, the main focus of this guide is the B48 Engine, which is part of BMW's modular family, linked to the B38 and B58.

Although there are a few variants of the B48 engine, with different outputs and specs from Cooper S (189HP) to JCW (228HP) which had slightly different intercoolers, and exhaust options all using BMW's Twinpower (twin scroll) turbocharger.

The Later B48TU which was introduced in the 2018 facelift models is more tuneable equipped with MG1 ECU, compared to the pre LCI MED17. To also complex things there were 3 gearbox options over the period other than the old-fashioned manual 6-speed gearbox, which is the drives choice! First models were introduced with a 6-speed Automatic, which was later replaced with the 7 Speed DCT gearbox in 2016-2017. The later LCI models came with the much improved ZF 8-speed gearbox.

B48 Engine ECU tuning is offered tune with its proven calibrations - which have been Dyno, Track, and also importantly Road tested.

For the power-hungry folk or those who simply want to improve their soundtrack - plenty of upgrades can be offered from MOT-legal exhaust systems or full track-ready systems (Not road legal), along with Hybrid turbochargers, Intakes and engine cooling upgrades. Click here for Performance Upgrades

For those who have increased their power and want a chassis to match, we can offer simple upgrades from lowering springs, and performance pads to full Coilover systems. anti-roll bars and big brake kits.

Infomation

DME lock
Some models have an 'OBD Lock' which prevents tuning from being carried out via the OBD port, we have to carry out a 'DME (Digital Motor Electronic) Unlock using our Tuning tools, this connects directly to the Engine ECU Pins, to carry out the Bench unlock, Once complete tuning car be carried out via the OBD port again.

Gearboxes:
There are a range of Gearboxes for the Mini Models, most to do take kindly to too high torque levels - for the 6 Speed gearbox we can now offer software to prove the terrible shift logic, improving the delays and more importantly the internal gearbox limiter for better torque calibration, while also increasing the RPM limiter on some models.

Development:
We have our own JCW Mini that we have put through its paces, testing out different hardware and software combinations to offer the best feedback to what we believe the best upgrades are!

Tuning:
All our tuning is carried out with extensive knowledge of BMW engines, limitations and experience, over time we will update software and hardware recommendations.  Our custom software calibrations can be offered to suit your needs if you already have hardware installed, tailored to your requirements (within hardware boundaries) or we have put together our recommended products that we have tried and tested our renowned WGM Tuning packages.

Expected Results are based on testing carried out on our Dyno Dynamics Dyno Tech AWD Rolling Road, from cars we have seen, and carried out development on, Results can vary from car to car, health and fuel quality used, all results are based on using 99ron based fuels. WG Motorworks only recommends tuning on 99ron, Shell V Power, Tesco Momentum and Esso 99

 

Stage 1

The first step in extracting power from the S58 engine requires no hardware changes, this is a software-only upgrade. The software calibration optimises boost and ignition timing and fuel requests.

Expected Results, based on our Dyno Dynamics rolling Road: 270-280HP 270-290LBFT Early Models 280-300HP 290-310LBFT LCI JCW

 

 

Stage 2

To maximize the performance of the stock turbocharger we install an air-to-air intercooler with a much larger core and overall surface area, dramatically improving intake temperatures - instantly picking up horsepower and most importantly consistency, especially in the summer months when the standard intercooler will struggle. While adding a free flowing exhaust system/downpipe.

Expected Results, based on our Dyno Dynamics rolling Road: 290-310HP with 290-320LBFT Early Models, 310-330HP 300-330LBFT Later LCI JCW

Comparison Graph Stage 1 vs Stage 1 with Intercooler (Torque limited for stock clutch life)

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

Dyno Testing

All ECU remaps are carried out on our State of the Art Dyno Dynamics Dynotech rolling road, which can accurately read upto 2400HP

Data Logging

Each car is hooked up to a Wide band lambda sensor to ensure correct air to fuel ratio, along with data logging tools to ensure Boost, Ignition timing parameters are all in check

Diagnostic Check

We carry out a pre and post tuning ECU diagnostic trouble code check (DTC) to ensure no faults are present before or after tuning