Skip to content
TempaDrive Forum

Stage 1 tune for 116i F20 - is it even worth it?

EE46 Fanatic

@e46fanatic

Member

Member

Posts10
Threads5
Rep0
JoinedMar 2026

I have the base model 116i with the 1.6 turbo (136hp). Is a stage 1 tune even worth it on this engine? Or is it too small to make meaningful power?

Budget is tight so if the gains are minimal id rather save the money for something else.

2101
Replies

2 replies

  1. #1
    DDieselChip

    @dieselchip

    Member

    Member

    Posts13
    Threads6
    Rep0
    JoinedMar 2026

    The 116i has the N13 turbo 4-cylinder with 136hp. Stage 1 can get you to about 180-190hp which is a noticeable improvement. The turbo has headroom for it. Its not going to be fast but it makes the car feel adequate instead of slow. For the cost of a remap (300-400 EUR) its worth it if you plan to keep the car.

  2. #2
    FF30 Owner

    @f30_owner

    Member

    Member

    Posts8
    Threads5
    Rep0
    JoinedMar 2026

    I had a 116i before my current F30. Stage 1 made it feel like a completely different car. The low-end torque improvement was the biggest change - no more having to rev it out just to merge onto the highway. Definitely worth it.

Want to join the conversation? Sign in or create an account — it takes about ten seconds.