M140i Road & Track Upgrades // Part 2: 460bhp Remap!

In the second of our videos documenting the M140 upgrades we turn our attention to the fun stuff and add power!!
The drivetrain is standard bar a very nicely made and MOT legal BCS Sports Cat and the excellent remap from The Performance Centre in Sunderland.

[@DownShiftThrottle]

A very good informative vid. Taking away any nervousness I have around a remap!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

DownShift Throttle thanks! 🙌 Drives like a more powerful and exotic oem, I have no reservations recommending the Performance Centre mapping service.

[@supercharged5653]

you're bang on the money with these m140 vids, thanks for the great content!!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

supercharged Thanks Mr Supercharged! Much appreciated. 👍 Roots or centrifugal?...

[@supercharged5653]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS centrifugal for me, thanks 💪🏻 would you say that there's any difference in tunability between the n55 and your b58?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

supercharged from what I have seen and read, yes, it’s easier to extract more power from the B58 and there’s of course a higher starting point. I have contacted the company that did my remap for a well qualified answer to that question and will be making a video with a more thorough answer based on their experiences. 👍

[@ShogunsDojo]

Between the diff, suspension and the map you must have far more control over what the rear wheels are doing. That thing looks like an absolute monster on track, yet on the road it’s discrete and subtle. Perfection 👌🏾

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Kunle F22 thanks mate, it is much improved! We have also added wider wheels and tyres, camber plates, F8x LCAs and a rear underbody brace. best crack on with that next video to explain it all!!

[@ShogunsDojo]

CIRCUIT : DRIVER looking forward to that as no one has made any detailed explanation on how those mods affect the F2X cars and as an owner of one it would be cool to see the chassis potential. Glad I subbed.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Kunle F22 we’ll do our best!! Lots to cover but it’s worth it!

[@raveutcars]

Gonna have to get mine mapped. It lacks a lot of zing at the top. Only rev it to 5k as going higher feels a little pointless and it definitely removes some of the drama. Thanks for the vid.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

raveutcars exactly, I felt the same as standard, it feels more exotic with the extra power at the top and rewards you for using all the revs. It’s a lovely match for the tight 8 speed box! 😎

[@janosfilai2376]

Thanks for the vid mate, great content!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Janos Filip thanks Janos 👍

[@uklmngubane5661]

Only people that Mod cars will know the truth about...True M performance!!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Very few cars deliver better bang for buck! 😊

[@simonturner2867]

great video and great driving

[@markbroadheaf1593]

Bilstein PSS 14. Still haven't solved the brake pad issue, even on the road. Remap looks great.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Mark Broadheaf lovely, can’t go far wrong with the B14s, Will has fitted some on his M135i with a review coming soon. It took me a while to sort the brakes out but pads, discs, lines, fluid and M Performance brake coding has done the trick. Vid to follow of course!

[@marispelekis1]

i have M135 f21 only using as trackday car. after upgrading suspension to M Performance coils (Basically KW2) + corner weigh ( 51/49) + powerflex bushes all around + H&R sway bar + alignment i have shaved off 3 seconds and 2 more seconds EBC RP-1 + Nankang AR1 / from 1:42.3 to 1:35.7. Racetrack: Latvia Bikernieki racetrack (you can find onboard videos on youtube). narrow with concrete side walls :) At the moment running Manhart stage 2 - 400whp / 630nm. but I already have XDI HPFP and next year upgrading to TTE 550 turbos + upgraded (of course) coolant radiator + oil radiator + sport clutch (I have manual gearbox).

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Sounds a serious and we’ll though out build! 😎

[@IvanS5-5]

Марис, привет! Расскажи пожалуйста про перф подвеску, она встает болт он? Есть какие то нюансы?

[@richardtrow2751]

Nice 👍 I've got Bilstein B12 kit on my Lci M135i as well as a load of other stuff including quaife lsd I've mapped it stage 2+ ,great fun

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

richard trow Nice Richard, I’ve yet to drive a B12 kitted F20 but imagine it’s a huge improvement over oem. 👍

[@richardtrow2751]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS yes huge difference in feel and handling over original set up and not stupidly lower than original, fitted the rear brace underneath the other day as well that also improved the car .

[@samellio]

The standard car suffers from fuel surge or at least the older M135 did. As does M4. Great video 👍

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

samellio any plans to address the fuel surge in yours Sam or just keeping it topped up?

[@samellio]

CIRCUIT : DRIVER no, just keep it topped up. I haven’t owned a car that hasn’t had fuel surge for years so am quite used to it 😂

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

samellio 😂 same here, the silly MX5 does it too when low!

[@vollcare4076]

Never heard of any 40i‘s B58 that suffer from fuel even when mapped up to 500hp

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Voll Care is that tested at the circuit and with track tyres? If so which direction is the circuit? 🤔 Any meth injection at those power levels?

[@willojames9910]

thank you for the video- where did you get the bcs sports cat? can't seem to find any info online :) cheers!

[@Chris-nj1mr]

Great video, I like the cuts between car chat and balls out track attack! Although I have to say, between you and Markcup, you are tempting me to replace my e92 M3 with an M140i. ...or do I go with my heart and get a 981 Cayman / S! Keep up the great content, informative and entertaining mate 👍🏻

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Chris thanks for your comments! 😊 My feeling m140 vs M3 is that the M3 will be the much better drivers car and the m140 the much better daily. For me it came down to prioritising the latter and relying on other cars to give me the pure thrill of driving.

[@Chris-nj1mr]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS Absolutely, they're not like for like comparisons. As I said in my comment, I'm also considering a 981 cayman which is a completely different proposition again, but there's a lot that can be said for a "normal" (ish) car that can do it all like the M140i. The low down torque the b58 produces is lovely, something the Cayman and M3 just can't compete with. I know I should look at M4s, but the test drive I had of one I just couldn't get past the shrill engine note, such a dissapointment after a V8 but its effectiveness can't be overlooked, just not sure it's for me 👍🏻

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Chris ooh the Cayman and M4 would be steps up no doubt, I suppose if you’re at a point in life where the former is possible as a daily then it might be something to do whilst you can? I couldn’t manage without the practicality of a bigger car and a hatch in reality. Having run a couple of M4s, they are simply incredible cars, BUT they’re less practical, not as good a DDer, very expensive to both buy and maintain and as an ownership proposition I would find the build quality a constant annoyance and disappointment. All that said, mine made my day, every single day I drove them! 😂 Re the Cayman, we have a good friend who has a 981, that we will be featuring on the channel with his thoughts and a few mods as he does them.👍

[@Chris-nj1mr]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS Interesting you say the M4 build quality isn't up to par? I don't think this generation is built as well as e46/e92, they just felt more solid with less plastics! Saying that, the infotainment is leagues ahead now than it ever was, so swings and round abouts I guess. I eagerly await the 981 video 👍🏻

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Chris sounds silly for someone who enjoys driving so much but the infotainment system is a major thing for me in a daily driver and like you say stands out a long way ahead of the previous gens. It’s ok until you’ve gotten used to the mod cons but then you can’t live without them! 😩

[@censorshipBS]

Did you ever have any issues with transmision fluid getting too hot on track days?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

No, the only problem I ran into has fuel surge when the tank was half full or lower. The transmission was never an issue.

[@josueneto3]

Hey my friend long wait for this video. Amazed at the power you managed to pull with just a sports back and remap. I'm booked for Blyton 18th September, got some stuff done on the chassis of my m135i, it would be interesting to put them side to side and exchange some ideas if you were up for it 👌

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Josue Neto I would pop up to Blyton for sure but I’m on holiday until the 20th, bad timing! I’ll catch you next time! Like you say interesting to compare notes and have a look around the two cars. 🙌

[@danielhill2682]

Hey, what chassis / suspension mods have you done or would think of doing? Braces, shocks etc!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

A little late with the reply, I’ve done lots to mine, there are vids on channel for the LSD and M3/4 parts fitted. I’ve just filmed a video on suspension choices too that will be up before long. 👍

[@roadreg1820]

Brilliant video as always. Your driving is superb and I’m hoping you’re working or planning more M140i content? I know it’s not as agile and light as an S2000, but with the right handling mods, it can be a seriously competitive track day car. It looks like it’s almost there already. Do you have any plans to put some super sticky rubber on the 140, like some cup2’s for example? 🙂 Reg

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

BemaRoxtv thanks BR!! Ooh I’d love to try some sticky rubber, most of the mods are in place now, the vids will catch up but track tyres isn’t something I’ve done yet. I think temp management would need some thought and I’d need serious, serious pads, but later in the year perhaps it would be fun to try something like the Cup2s, maybe dropping down to a 17” wheel for wallet friendly rubber!

[@kevinlambo4310]

Hi with your sports cat is there much of a smell thinking of getting this for my m240i with just the standard system also did you have any issues with warning lights etc did you use spacers for lambda. Thanks mate.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Kevin Lambert there was a fuel smell when I first fitted it but after a month or so it went away and is now fine. I understand that they’re fine with standard map and lambda, though I would suggest contacting BCS or whoever manufactures the sports cat you’re considering for confirmation. Mine was fitted on the same day as the map so I don’t have any experience using it with standard map. FWIW the decat fitted preciously (by the first owner) had a spacer but drive nicely on the standard map, I remember getting the odd code on the JB4 though.

[@sparkyt6497]

Do you have any performance air filter

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Sparky t no standard panel filter, The Performance Centre see no benefits from anything else and I like the peace of mind of the standard filtration too. 👍

[@donaldchia2178]

Is LSD necessary for track? It’s my daily and I will only track it once every two month. What would you recommend for brake pads. Keep up the good work!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Donald chia definitely not necessary but will vastly enhance enjoyment both at the track and on the road. For pads I’ve ended up with DS UNOs, though would recommend RS29s if you can afford them! The UNOs work well though, both on road and track. I tried Stoptech Sports and EBC Yellow too, but neither were really up to track work at the tighter circuits we visit.

[@powertec]

Hi , have you had any issues with engine after remap? Thanks

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

No probs Peter, on track a touch of fuel surged when really on it if the tank’s not full, but always perfect otherwise and like a standard car in terms of manners and drivability. 👍

[@sheilamorrison1954]

Isnt the cold start to run rich and heat up the cat quickly?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

You might be right there! I know they don't get rid of the cold start completely for good reason, just make it infinitely less boy racer and attention seeking!!

[@sheilamorrison1954]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS I feel the same. Got a Remus catback on mine and the cold start makes me want to hide...

[@k20ee96]

Looks like you're putting something very special together here Matt! Do they not have any cooling issues on track with the extra power then?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Joseph Stankaitis cheers Big Joe! They’re very very good at temperature management, you only have to take the bumper off to see why - so many heat exchangers! I did monitor them at first but the temps are absolutely rock solid, very impressive and completely standard!

[@k20ee96]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS the misses wants an automatic and your videos are giving me ideas 😂

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Joseph Stankaitis well it’s definitely one of the best automatic boxes around! 5dr hatch would be a perfect family car! 👌

[@peterkukolik8402]

@CIRCUIT : DRIVER Confirmed. Cooling is very good sorted on the M140i. Try to put the ZF in "N", when driving down a long declined road at normal speed (50-60mph) and watch the oil temperature drop just after few seconds. This happens even in warm weather conditions.

[@sheilamorrison1954]

Do you get any CEL with the Sports Cat?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Sheila Morrison I had the sports cat fitted at the same time as it was mapped, though it ran up on the dyno without issue for a ‘before’ baseline run. My honest advice is speak to BCS or a specialist like The Performance Centre seeking their guidance as I don’t have direct experience. 👍

[@hobgoblin9308]

What do you think your 0 to 60 went down by with the map?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Daniel Mapps I think it’s probably about the same as an M4 Comp now so between the LSD, wider tyres and remap around about -0.5s. This is guesswork but the pace feels very similar to M4 CP. 👍

[@hobgoblin9308]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS thanks mate. Just on the brink of tinkering with my 240i. Lsd and map are the first I think. Thanks for the reply!

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Daniel Mapps I know I’ve not covered it yet, but new shocks are worth considering too! We find the standard parts very poor! 😩 We’ll have videos about those along with plenty of other chassis mods coming soon!

[@09BIJAN09]

Sports cat passes mot?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

09BIJAN09 it varies by sports cat and conditions, I expect mine to pass but will ask the MOT tester to ensure the engine and cat are well warmed before testing to give it the best chance. 👍

[@09BIJAN09]

CIRCUIT : DRIVER I get you. Each garage says something different to me so I’m just not sure. Random question, but do you know if xdrive models, you could install a locked diff? Thanks. Looking forward to your next video

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

09BIJAN09 I ‘think’ you can install a Quaife to the rear axle still, but certainly one to look into and I await correction. I doubt there’s much that can be done to shuffle the front/rear torque split though without upsetting the DSC and TC systems. 🤔

[@Benjay1975]

459bhp... what was that at the rear wheels?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Sorry Benjay, not a clue, I didn’t ask for whp.

[@Benjay1975]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS fair play, here in AU we always talk WHP or KW at the Wheels, I would have thought that the dyno print out would have shown WHP as that's where the machine is measuring the power. Strange that they convert it to Crank AKA BHP and give you that number...

[@Benjay1975]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS I think its around 390 rear wheel HP or 290KW based on 15% loss through driveline.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

@@Benjay1975 honestly I wouldn’t want to guess, there always seems to be a misalignment of UK and US whp numbers too. The more you read, the more apparent it becomes that as a tool it’s most useful when compared with itself and not other dynos. Perhaps why measuring acceleration figures is becoming more popular for comparison / bragging! 😅

[@CJS621]

4wd rolling road?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Craig Stacey yes mate, at The Performance Centre in Sunderland 👍

[@Muss786g]

Have u been black flagged on track due to exhaust noise because of the sports cat ? Because de cat is a straight black flag

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Mustafa Ahmed no black flags, and I’ve been to both Donnington and Blyton who are fairly strict. Where abouts were you black flagged?

[@Muss786g]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS I was with a friend he had an m140i stage 2 and he was black flagged and mine was standard no issues 🤭 bedford autodrome

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Mustafa Ahmed wow that’s surprising! They don’t sound loud on track compared to other cars. Sometimes the mics can pick up some tones more than others though. No probs at all with mine. 👌

[@Muss786g]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS 👍👍

[@C8UER]

Really great video. I'm looking to fit a BCS sports cat to my car. I have a Litchfield stage 2 with the Remus unresonated midpipes and it's quick. However I think the sports cat will be the cherry on the cake. Keep up the great videos! 👍😊

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

C8UER thank you mate, I’ll bet your car sounds good!! Even better with a sports cat too! If you’re happy with it as it is, that money might be better spent on the chassis though... 🤔 On the other hand who doesn’t like extra power and more turbo noises!

[@C8UER]

CIRCUIT : DRIVER thanks and good advise. I already have Eibach springs, the underbody brace, a front strut brace, 245 front tyres and 255 rear tyres and the M Performance LSD. These were all done before the power was touched 😁👍

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

C8UER very nice! (and very sensible to do them before adding power) Have you thought about changing shocks?

[@C8UER]

CIRCUIT : DRIVER Honestly I haven't thought about the shocks. Personally I don't track mine so on the road with the adaptive suspension is pretty much perfect for what I need. However I would be interested to drive a car with upgraded shocks to see what impact it would make. I'm at the point now where my car is the perfect balance of comfort and performance. It's a little weapon 😁

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

C8UER sounds like you’ve nailed it then! If the car is right for you, then it’s perfect!!! 🙌 We all have different requirements and drive different roads daily!

[@Yhyujss]

The problem with a custom map is when you want to sell the car you can't take it back to stock which is more likely to sell

[@lav773]

Nice .how much is the map ?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

C lav £325 on one of their frequent offer prices 👍

[@lav773]

@@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS nice one I'll check them out 👍

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

C lav well worth it at that money, the optional extras like cold start or limiter delete are £50 each. 👍

[@stephenw7298]

MSS Springs?

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Stephen W not sure what you mean by MSS?.. Suspension wise I’ve tried a few things and am still learning by trial and error! 😂

[@stephenw7298]

CIRCUIT : DRIVER I should have explained myself. I have an M240i and have been looking at options and the MSS Height Adjustable Springs seem to be an attractive option although a bit more expensive than other options. See the Evolve RS3 video about them as they put them on that car recently.

[@stephenw7298]

Tom Wrigley has a 240 build thread on babybmw and he has fitted them.

[@CIRCUITDRIVERCARS]

Stephen W ah that’s interesting, I’ll have to take a look! Likely because of the rural roads where I live but for me the oem damping, both passive and adaptive leaves a lot to be desired so I would always change the shocks too. I’ve tried a few things so far and will cover all in the suspension vid once I’ve finally got things right. Will has also got some B14s for his m135i to be fitted so we should have a good idea of what works well before long! 😊