To remap or not to remap that is the question.

[Aerialmark]

Please could I have a little infomation off you people in the know.It is not about my Mercedes as I think that is past a remap because of its age and milage (2001 E320 cdi with 133,000 miles) But is about my chauffeur car which is 09 Ford Galaxy Titanium X 2.0 Diesel with just under 40,000 on it.Its not extra power I am looking for but more MPG as I do in the region of 70 to 80 Thousand miles a year.My previous Galaxy an 05 mk2 did around 50+ mpg but this is struggling to make 44 mpg.I have been told that it loses a few mpg because it has a full length glass roof which makes the car heavier and would like to make this back.So my question is what would be the best way to go about this can you get a remap for Galaxy and if so is it worth doing or is there anything else considering the milage that I do. Thanks in advance Mark.............

 

[sinewave]

A few more Psi in the tyres!

 

[wemorgan]

From my experience remapping makes only the smallest of difference with regards to mpg. Driving slower and smoother is far more significant. The Galaxy is quite a large MPV, maybe when you come to naturally replace it consider something smaller that in turn comes with a more efficient 1.6 diesel engine seen in the latest Ford and VAG ranges.

 

[Aerialmark]

From my experience remapping makes only the smallest of difference with regards to mpg. Driving slower and smoother is far more significant. The Galaxy is quite a large MPV, maybe when you come to naturally replace it consider something smaller that in turn comes with a more efficient 1.6 diesel engine seen in the latest Ford and VAG ranges.

Unfortunatly thats not an option as size is important and the galaxy fits the bill.

 

[wemorgan]

The latest Galaxy also comes with the 1.6 diesel engine. 55mpg so the stats claim.

 

[Aerialmark]

The latest Galaxy also comes with the 1.6 diesel engine. 55mpg so the stats claim.

Maybe worth a look at next time but at the moment I have another 2 years and 150,000 of this one and I would like to increase mpg if possible.I already drive frugally but still only get about 46 or so on the motorway.

 

[wemorgan]

What sized wheels and tyres do you have, did lower spec come with smaller (lighter, narrower) wheels and tyres?

What brand tyres do you have - some of the harder compounds advertised as 'eco' tyres may help.

 

[Aerialmark]

The tyres are 225 50 17 and yes I believe the lower spec galaxy comes with 205 70 16. The tyres fitted are continentals which are due to be replaced(well 2 of them anyway)

 

[wemorgan]

For your high mileage it would be worth experimenting with some second-hand 16" alloys. I'm sure you could sell your 17" for similar money. You'd possibly also save some money on the purchase price of 16" tyres as well.

 

[Aerialmark]

Possibly but I can,t see it saving much,the other thing is appearance,I work for various football clubs and the Irish FA plus BBC and ITV so the car has to look the part and putting 2nd hand alloys on is not really what I want.

 

[wemorgan]

It sounds like you're against the idea, but I wasn't referring to cheap non-OEM alloys, but Ford originals. You can refurbish for £50 each and they will look like new. I suppose it's about how much will you have.

All I'm really saying is that from my own experience a remap will cost ~£300 and not return the fuel economy you're looking for.

 

[Aerialmark]

It sounds like you're against the idea, but I wasn't referring to cheap non-OEM alloys, but Ford originals. You can refurbish for £50 each and they will look like new. I suppose it's about how much will you have.

All I'm really saying is that from my own experience a remap will cost ~£300 and not return the fuel economy you're looking for.

Do you think it would not increase it that much ? What would I be looking at mpg increase if any ?

 

[rf065]

Do you think it would not increase it that much ? What would I be looking at mpg increase if any ?

I've read countless remap/chipping back to back tests and have yet to see one which showed conclusively that it achieved better MPG than before.

Russ

 

[wemorgan]

My other car is an Audi A2. The car is known to be quiet economical in standard form. The base car which I have has 15" alloys and the Sport spec has 17". Anecdotal evidence from the forum suggests about 10% difference in economy between the two sizes. Quite a few 17" owners are 'downgrading' to the 15" to improve ride quality and then commenting on the improved efficiency.

Having said the above, I feel the foundation for good economy is starting with a car that was designed with that in mind in the first place. I'm not sure the Galaxy fits that imagine, so most modifications will be minor tweeks to economy, not the major you're looking for.

 

[Aerialmark]

My other car is an Audi A2. The car is known to be quiet economical in standard form. The base car which I have has 15" alloys and the Sport spec has 17". Anecdotal evidence from the forum suggests about 10% difference in economy between the two sizes. Quite a few 17" owners are 'downgrading' to the 15" to improve ride quality and then commenting on the improved efficiency.

Having said the above, I feel the foundation for good economy is starting with a car that was designed with that in mind in the first place. I'm not sure the Galaxy fits that imagine, so most modifications will be minor tweeks to economy, not the major you're looking for.

I think you are right Will but I have come up with the answer,I will just have to put my prices up !.If clients want looks comfort and space they will have to pay a little more for it.

 

[wemorgan]

Stick a Mercedes star on the bonnet. That's a 10% rate increase for starters. A bowl of mints on the back seats +5%, sheepskin mats +3%, classic FM +2%.

 

[Aerialmark]

Stick a Mercedes star on the bonnet. That's a 10% rate increase for starters. A bowl of mints on the back seats +5%, sheepskin mats +3%, classic FM +2%.

Now you,re talking

 

[Aerialmark]

Anyway Will off to bed up at 03-00 to take 2 clients to airport,thanks for input hope to speak to you again Thanks very much....regards Mark