About BMW Performance Chips

Today in the ‘generation Y’ era virtually everything is run through computer systems and automobiles are no exception. The BMW performance chip is proven to increase horsepower and fuel economy of of the most elite commercial vehicle on the market today

History

The creation of performance chips started with advancements in space exploration technology and eventually became an accessible additive for the automobile industry. The progression of BMW performance chip technology over time has led to the evolution of brands that provide more control over the physical operation of the vehicle to the owner. Since the advent of performance chips, BMW owners are now able to customize their vehicles’ operation to their exact specifications.

Function

Essentially the function of the BMW performance chip is to give the driver more control over her vehicle, especially after a large number of modifications and upgrades have been made to different parts. For example, the addition of BMW M5 touring high performance brakes to one’s sport package would call for a vehicle with the added horsepower that a performance chip provides. The modification is not mandatory, but some BMW enthusiast might argue the new brakes would be put to waste without the additional horsepower. The performance chip works as the intermediary between the BMW engine and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to dictate the exact rate of acceleration, through adjustments in torque and fuel expenditure. The most simple upgrade takes control of ignition timing, dictates how much fuel is injected into each cylinder and regulates valves.

Installation

Installation of a BMW performance chip depends on the brand, but the most convenient type is installed through the glove compartment, by unscrewing the lid to the ECU box, and replacing the stock chip with the upgrade. This is a very simple procedure that usually takes no more than 30 minutes. More complex upgrades require the help of a mechanic.

Types

Other types of BMW performance chips include those that are installed through modifications to the ECU box and the engine, just the engine, just the fuel injection system or all three. As there are numerous brands of performance enhancing equipment available on the market it is really up to the consumer which route they want to take in modifying their vehicle.

Warning
While many brand name companies marketing their performance chips claim to improve fuel economy while increasing horsepower, some inevitably require consumers to change the level of their gas intake from regular to premium. Some consumers also make the mistake of purchasing chips designed for diesel or V10 engines instead of their commercial vehicles. It is very important to make sure the chip you purchase provides the exact preferences you seek. For example, some companies charge more for chips that make the engine operate better in cold weather; if you know you won’t be traveling where it’s cold and only seek improved fuel economy and increased horsepower, it would be wise to ensure this is what you are buying. If you are unsure, you can check by simply calling to the customer service of the site from which you are ordering the product.

Misconceptions

It is a major misconception that it is safer and cheaper to buy performance upgrades from the dealer or to order them online from the factory. The truth is their are multiple automobile modification companies that are coming out with their own brands of performance chips that can be more conveniently ordered directly from the chip manufacturers’ websites and they are much more affordable than anything you might find through the factory.