From Z4 sdrive 18i to sdrive28i - remapping

[BondE87]

Belgian tuner Shiftec recently has remapped Z4 sdrive18i (basic engine in Europe). Results are amazing... take a look at the dyno chart below



Looks like sdrive18i is going to be mostly ordered engine, because it its so much cheaper than sdrive28i, but they both have exactly the same engine, transmission and suspension components.

[abeardo83]

Gains are impressive, but you'd also have to weigh up the costs to spec the 1.8 up to the 2.8's trim level (so things like bigger wheels, automatic air con, leather seats, etc. then factor the cost for the remap, and the fact that your warranty wod be voided.

[BondE87]

It depends on Your needs

[Angie4m]

So you invalidate the warranty for the engine, turbos etc as soon as its mapped as well as increasing the insurance premium to probably more than a standard 28i. Yes the 18i is a popular choice, it's popular in white and basic spec because people like the look of the car and it's offered cheaply on never, never finance at a couple of hundred quid. So can't see too many of them being mapped either.

But if that's your thing then so be it

[Twin Turbo]

I know from another forums, they say boosting an 18i & 20i are recommended to been lower than the 28i

However I have also read software that some one got an 20i remapped via BMW using a 28i map

Also I am understand that the 20i & 28I have the same internal engine components pistons and bottom end - but not aware of any differences on the electrics etc - check real oem

[Billy]

I know from another forums, they say boosting an 18i & 20i are recommended to been lower than the 28i

However I have also read software that some one got an 20i remapped via BMW using a 28i map

Also I am understand that the 20i & 28I have the same internal engine components pistons and bottom end - but not aware of any differences on the electrics etc - check real oem

Components are the same, however 28i uses better quality materials (apparently) to withstand the extra load/stress

[abeardo83]

I know from another forums, they say boosting an 18i & 20i are recommended to been lower than the 28i

However I have also read software that some one got an 20i remapped via BMW using a 28i map

Also I am understand that the 20i & 28I have the same internal engine components pistons and bottom end - but not aware of any differences on the electrics etc - check real oem

Components are the same, however 28i uses better quality materials (apparently) to withstand the extra load/stress

Really? If that was right, part numbers would be different. Many on here have said that the part numbers are the same. (I cba looking as the parts catalogue is bloody difficult to read!!)

[R.E92]

I know from another forums, they say boosting an 18i & 20i are recommended to been lower than the 28i

However I have also read software that some one got an 20i remapped via BMW using a 28i map

Also I am understand that the 20i & 28I have the same internal engine components pistons and bottom end - but not aware of any differences on the electrics etc - check real oem

Components are the same, however 28i uses better quality materials (apparently) to withstand the extra load/stress

I would be surprised if that was the case. The additional cost of designing and producing two identical engines to a different material spec would outweigh any savings in the use of the lower quality materials.


I think the best approach to remapping would be to use something like WinKFP to flash the 28i ECU software on to the 18i. You could re-flash the 18i software before dealer visits and they would never know. A lot of people do this to their TCU module for the M3 to give them the GTS firmware or on the 335i with the Aplina TCU software.

You can do the same with the 35i. Just write the 35is software to the ECU and job done. But the 35is tune leaves so much on the table power wise that most just flash custom software to tap the full 400whp the stock engine can produce.

[BondE87]

Another one Z4 18i

[Billy]

Another one Z4 18i

Wow, that is rather impressive! Is is using a remap or module?

[BondE87]

Remap.