Mercedes GLA180 1.6 121bhp/122ps - Custom ECU Remap with Dyno Test

In this latest tune and dyno test, we take this 2018 Mercedes GLA180 1.6 and custom tune it, adjusting the software and fine tuning the results with the rolling road dyno testing. The result… Some pretty impressive performance gains!!

Firstly, we take the GLA completely stock. We get it strapped up on to the rollers, and take it for the first set of tests to establish what the factory mapping is producing. The stock dyno graph can be seen below, with power results showing 138hp. Now, this is higher than the 122hp manufacturer quoted, but with these ‘de-tuned’ Mercedes engines it is very common to see higher figures than what they originally quote. The same can be said with torque, as this is also higher, coming in at 244Nm from a 200Nm quoted figure.

Once we are happy that we have everything logged and the stock figures are dialled in, it’s time to connect to the ECU. We use our Autotuner system to connect directly on to the ECU. The process of this custom tune is very much a hands-on, ‘fine tweaking’ procedure. We make several alterations to the software, adjusting the exact parameters we need and configuring the software files to give us that increased power and torque.

Once we are happy with our alterations, we take it for further dyno testing, allowing us to monitor the engine responses in real time, data logging the entirety of the test. Once the first few tuned runs are complete, the data is analysed and conclusions can be made as to where further adjustments and alterations can be made. Again, we configure this directly within the ECU, changing the exact parameters which are necessary to reach the requirements.

After these adjustments, there are further tests and it’s once again taken for more tuned runs. The data is logged and gains are recorded. This process is repeated several times, as we will constantly analyse and fine tune, right down to the final requirements, until we are happy that we are getting the very best results from this remap.

The final tuned dyno run can be seen at the 0:30 mark in the video below, where we have finally finished altering everything, giving us the complete results. Dyno testing before and after shows healthy gains across the rev range, with a significant increase in power and torque, really transforming how it feels to drive.

Peak power was increased significantly. We were able to lift it from 138hp at stock, up to 175hp after the custom tune. Taking a look at the tuned dyno graph below, you can see how the curve changes (dotted red and blue lines), bringing that power in right down from those lower revs, and showing improvements across the whole rev range, giving much more consistency throughout that whole portion of the rev range.

Torque also saw some great improvements. At stock the engine produced 244Nm, and now 300Nm after the remap. Again, taking a look at the graph (solid lines), you can really see the difference in that curve. Looking right across that mid-range, you can see the huge increase in how we deliver that extra torque, showing real consistency across the full range and adding that +56Nm at its peak. Some really impressive improvements made here, really transforming how the vehicle now feels out on the road.

Check out the full dyno test here: