How Much BHP Does A Stage 1 Remap Add? Real Figures By Car

It’s the first question almost everyone asks: how much power will a remap actually add to my car? The honest answer is that it depends on your exact engine, but the gains on a custom, dyno-developed Stage 1 map are bigger and more consistent than most people expect, especially on turbocharged BMW and VAG engines.

Typical Stage 1 gains by car

These are typical figures from our tuning catalogue, not promises. Enter your reg to see the expected figures and price for your exact car.

Real results from our dyno

These were measured on our 4WD dyno, before and after, on customers’ cars:

Cars often measure a little below their badge figure before tuning, which is why the “before” numbers differ from the factory ones. The BMW 320i and 420i gain so much because their B48 engine is the same basic unit as the more powerful 330i, detuned from the factory. More results are on our dyno results page.

How much does Stage 2 add?

Usually a further 10–20bhp over Stage 1, and up to about 30bhp on some engines, with a matching rise in torque. Stage 2 needs supporting hardware fitted first, such as a performance downpipe, intake or intercooler, so the map can safely ask for more. On our price list Stage 2 is usually £150 more than Stage 1.

What affects the gains

Two identical-looking cars can gain different amounts. The biggest factors are:

• Turbo or not. Turbocharged engines (almost every modern BMW and VAG diesel and most petrols) respond far more to tuning, because boost can be raised safely as well as fuelling and timing optimised.
• Diesel or petrol. Diesels typically see big torque gains, great for real-world pull and towing; petrols gain strong power higher up the rev range.
• How the factory set it up. Detuned versions of a bigger engine, like the 320i, have the most in reserve.
• Engine health. A well-maintained engine makes the most of a map, which is why we health-check every car before tuning.
• The gearbox. On an automatic, the gearbox software can limit torque, so pairing the map with xHP or DSG tuning lets you use all of it.

Remap gains FAQs

How much bhp does a Stage 1 remap add?

Typically about 25% more power on a turbo diesel and about 20% on a turbo petrol: around +40bhp on a BMW 320d and +70–80bhp on a 330d, 335d or Golf R.

How much torque does a remap add?

Usually 20–30% more, which is the part you feel most on the road. A BMW 335d typically goes from 630Nm to around 780Nm on Stage 1.

How much bhp does a Stage 2 remap add?

Usually a further 10–20bhp over Stage 1, and up to about 30bhp on some engines, once the supporting hardware is fitted.

Will I feel the difference?

Yes. The extra mid-range torque makes overtaking and pulling away noticeably stronger, and throttle response is sharper.

How do I know what my car actually gained?

We run the car on our 4WD dyno before and after the tune, and you take away the printout with both runs on it.

Want your specific figures? Check your car for expected gains and price, or get a free quote.