BMW performance upgrades are an excellent way to boost your vehicle and get extra horsepower. If you’re considering these upgrades, you may wonder how long they take. You may not want to be without your car for too long, especially if you have a busy schedule. Understand some factors that can affect the process:
How Long Does a BMW Performance Upgrade Take?
This process can take anywhere between one hour to several days, depending mainly on what you’re getting. The larger the performance upgrade and the more modifications required, the longer it will take.
It does not depend only on the garage but also on some other factors. Here are factors affecting the length of a performance upgrade:
1. The Job’s Complexity
Different BMW performance upgrades have different time spans. A relatively straightforward job, such as fitting an upgraded air filter or adding a cold air intake system, can take an hour or less. It may take longer if the work involves more complex parts, like turbocharger installation or a complete engine overhaul. Discuss the details with your upgrade professional to understand the time frame. That will allow you to plan around your schedule.
2. The Number of Upgrades
Car enthusiasts are different — some like to keep it simple, and others can’t wait to turn their cars into racing machines. A single upgrade, such as remapping the ECU, can take a few hours. If that is the only service you need, you won’t have to wait long. If you are making multiple changes, you may expect your car to be in the shop for several more hours. That’s because each job may require a separate installation and tuning process.
3. Parts Availability
When you visit a performance shop, the technicians’ first step is to evaluate your car. They then list the parts and upgrades they need to complete the job. Some components may be available in their inventory, while others may have to be shipped from outside. If the parts are readily available, the upgrade process will take less time because they won’t have to wait for the shipment. If they need to order the parts, it could add several days to the time frame.
4. The Performance Shop’s Expertise
The performance shop you visit can also affect the turnaround time. Choose a reliable shop that specializes in BMW cars and has experienced technicians. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to do the job. Seasoned experts may have encountered a similar situation before and can easily diagnose the problem, thus completing the job quickly. Visit a potential shop and ask questions to get a feel for their experience and knowledge.
5. Your BMW’s Make and Model
Some models are easier to work on than others. The technicians may require additional work time if you own a modern BMW with many technological features. That’s because they may need to recalibrate certain parts and programs for compatibility with the new upgrades. Older BMW models with few features may not take as long. Alternatively, older parts may take longer to source than newer parts.
6. The Time of the Year
The peak season for performance upgrades is usually during the summer when people want to take their cars out for joyrides. During this period, performance shops may be busier than usual and have more cars in line. If you need to get your vehicle upgraded during this time, expect the process to take a bit longer. Consider visiting the shop in the off-season when there are fewer customers, and you may get your car serviced faster.
7. Unforeseen Issues
Even with all the planning, you may encounter unforeseen issues that can add time to the upgrade process. A part may not fit correctly, or an unexpected problem with the car’s wiring could cause delays. These issues can happen to anyone, so you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. Relax and let the technicians do their job. You can always plan around the extra time they may need.
These are the major factors that affect the length of a BMW performance upgrade process. Some jobs may take only an hour or two, while complex modifications can take several days. By understanding the factors involved, you can better understand how long your upgrade will take and plan accordingly. Speak with a performance specialist at a reputable shop for the best advice and results.
