Newquay-based Celtic Tuning have found a new way to unlock the potential of many BMW models, releasing new software for the ZF 8HP automatic gearbox that adjusts its torque limiting ECU.
CELTIC TUNING LIFTS THE LIMIT ON BMW AUTOMATICS
According to Celtic Tuning, every modern automatic transmission has torque limits for each gear that prevent the engine from developing its potential maximum power, allowing its software to “truly transform” the driving experience.
Taking the popular BMW 2.0-litre diesel engine with 184bhp as an example, Celtic found the ZF8’s electronic limiters were set at between 280lb ft and 325lb ft from the factory, depending on which gear was selected. Celtic Tuning’s software for the gearbox increased torque to 347lb ft in all six gears, a jump of at least 52lb ft. Other benefits of the software are said to include faster shift times and potentially faster acceleration off the line.
Thanks to the number of models using the ZF8 gearbox, the £300 upgrade (£200 with an engine tuning upgrade) could have a huge potential audience. The 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Series can all benefit, as well as X3, X4, X5 and X6 models built from around 2012. The humble 116d to the mighty X6 M50d can all be found on Celtic Tuning’s list of supported vehicles. More information is available at www.celtictuning.co.uk.
