RPM Sussex Help Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about ECU and TCU remapping, vehicle coding, servicing, diagnostics, performance upgrades and workshop appointments at RPM Sussex.

ECU & TCU Remapping Vehicle Coding Stage 1 & Stage 2 Servicing & DSG Exhausts & Upgrades Bookings & Pricing

Every vehicle and job can be different. If your question is not covered below, send us your registration number and a short description of what you need so we can provide vehicle-specific advice.

Search Our Help Centre

Find the Answer You Need

Search by a word, service, fault or question, or select a category to narrow down the answers.

Showing 42 questions

General Where is RPM Sussex located?

RPM Sussex operates from a workshop in Broadbridge Heath, West Sussex. Directions and the full workshop address are available on our contact page.

General What services do you provide?

Our services include ECU and TCU remapping, vehicle coding, diagnostics, servicing, DSG servicing, DPF TerraClean, selected ECU software solutions, Stage 2 packages, exhaust fitting, performance upgrades and body-kit fitting.

General Are your services workshop-based or mobile?

Most services are completed at our Broadbridge Heath workshop, where we have access to our diagnostic, programming and fitting equipment. Selected mobile services may be available depending on the vehicle, job and location.

General What information should I send for a quote?

Send your name, registration number, vehicle make and model, the work you require and any useful photographs, fault codes, warning messages or modification details.

General What is the quickest way to contact you?

WhatsApp is normally the quickest option, particularly when you need to send photographs, fault codes or supplier links. Include your registration number and required service in your first message.

Remapping What is ECU remapping?

ECU remapping adjusts supported calibration data within the engine control unit. Depending on the chosen map, it can improve power, torque, throttle response, drivability or fuel efficiency.

Remapping How long does a remap take?

A straightforward OBD remap normally takes approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. Bench or boot programming generally takes longer because the ECU may need to be accessed or removed.

Remapping How much power will my vehicle gain?

Gains depend on the engine, gearbox, existing software, fuel, condition and modifications. Send your registration number and we can provide expected power and torque figures for your vehicle.

Remapping What is the difference between Eco, Blend and Performance maps?

An Eco map prioritises diesel fuel efficiency and lower-RPM torque. Blend balances economy with stronger performance, while Performance prioritises sharper response and maximum safe gains for the supported vehicle.

Remapping Do petrol vehicles have separate Eco or Blend maps?

Generally, no. Petrol vehicles normally receive a Stage 1 calibration tailored to the vehicle and its modifications. Eco and Blend options are primarily offered for suitable diesel vehicles.

Remapping What do OBD, bench and boot programming mean?

OBD programming is completed through the vehicle’s diagnostic port. Bench or boot programming requires direct access to the ECU, and in some cases removal, because the control unit cannot be safely programmed through OBD.

Remapping Do you check the vehicle before remapping?

Yes. A pre-tune health check and diagnostic scan help identify stored faults or obvious issues. However, a remap may expose weaknesses that were already developing within the vehicle.

Remapping Can the vehicle be returned to its original software?

In most supported cases, yes. We retain the original ECU data before programming so the vehicle can be returned to its original calibration where required. A separate charge may apply.

Remapping What is TCU or gearbox mapping?

TCU mapping adjusts supported gearbox software, including areas such as shift behaviour, torque limits, response and gear selection. Support is available for selected DSG, ZF and other automatic transmissions.

Remapping Will a gearbox map automatically display D1–D8 on the dashboard?

Not necessarily. Gear-number display is often a separate coding or configuration setting and is not automatically included with every gearbox calibration.

Coding Is vehicle coding the same as remapping?

No. Coding changes supported vehicle settings and convenience functions. Remapping recalibrates engine or gearbox software to change performance, torque, response or efficiency.

Coding Which vehicle brands do you support for coding?

We primarily assess selected BMW, MINI, Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA and Škoda vehicles. Compatibility depends on the exact generation, equipment, modules and software.

Coding Can every listed coding feature be added to my car?

No. Availability depends on the build date, existing equipment, control modules, software and security protection. Some features require factory hardware that cannot be added through coding alone.

Coding How long does vehicle coding take?

Most straightforward coding appointments take approximately 30–60 minutes. Advanced coding, retrofit work or fault investigation can take longer.

Coding Can the original coding settings be restored?

In most cases, yes. We retain the original configuration wherever the platform allows. A return-to-original coding service is available where supported.

Coding Can a manufacturer update remove coding changes?

Yes. A dealer or manufacturer software update can overwrite or reset previously coded settings. The vehicle may need to be checked and coded again afterwards.

Coding Does retrofit coding include supplying or fitting hardware?

Not unless it is specifically included in your quotation. Retrofit coding normally covers software configuration for compatible hardware that has already been installed.

Servicing What car servicing options do you offer?

We offer Interim servicing from £175, Full servicing from £245 and Major servicing from £300. The correct option depends on the vehicle, mileage and service history.

Servicing Is the service content the same for every vehicle?

No. Exact service contents vary according to the engine, vehicle, service history and manufacturer requirements. We confirm the appropriate parts and service level from your registration number.

Servicing What oils and filters do you use?

We use suitable premium-quality oils and quality filters selected for the particular vehicle and engine specification.

Servicing Can you service modified or remapped vehicles?

Yes. Standard, modified and performance-focused cars are welcome. Let us know about any relevant modifications when booking so they can be considered during the service.

Servicing How much is a DSG gearbox service?

DSG servicing starts from £325. The final price and procedure depend on the installed gearbox, required oil and whether the transmission uses a serviceable filter.

Servicing How do I know which service my car is due?

Send your registration number, current mileage and any known service history. We can then advise whether an Interim, Full, Major or gearbox service is the most appropriate option.

Diagnostics Why might diagnosis be required before software work?

Similar warning lights can be caused by different components, wiring faults or system conditions. Checking the stored codes and live status helps us recommend the correct route rather than assuming software alone will solve the problem.

Diagnostics Is additional diagnostic work included in the software price?

Not automatically. Fault investigation, resets, wiring checks and additional diagnostic work are quoted separately where required. We will explain any additional charge before carrying out that work.

Diagnostics What should I do if an AdBlue no-start countdown is showing?

Tell us the exact remaining mileage or number of starts. An active restriction may need to be diagnosed and reset before supported ECU programming work can be completed. Once the threshold is reached, the vehicle may not restart.

Diagnostics How much is an AdBlue software solution?

Eligible AdBlue software work is priced from £300. AdBlue-disable software is only offered for genuine off-road, competition or motorsport applications and is not supplied for vehicles used on public roads.

Diagnostics Do you provide EGR software solutions?

We can assess EGR-related faults and advise on diagnosis, cleaning, repair or replacement. EGR-disable software is restricted to genuine off-road, competition or motorsport applications.

Diagnostics What is a DPF TerraClean and how much does it cost?

DPF TerraClean is our primary cleaning route for suitable filters affected by accumulated soot and restricted flow. The service is priced at £300, with further diagnosis available where another fault is preventing regeneration.

Diagnostics Can every blocked DPF be cleaned with TerraClean?

No. A filter that is melted, physically damaged, heavily contaminated with oil or loaded with non-combustible ash may require specialist off-vehicle cleaning or replacement. Underlying engine faults must also be addressed.

Diagnostics Do you remove or delete DPF systems?

Our priority is diagnosis, cleaning and retaining the original DPF wherever practical. The compliant route for an unserviceable DPF on a public-road vehicle is repair or replacement. Removal or deletion is only considered for genuine non-road, competition or motorsport applications.

Upgrades What does a Stage 2 package involve?

Stage 2 combines suitable supporting hardware with a matching ECU calibration. The exact route may include intake, intercooler or exhaust upgrades depending on the vehicle and intended result.

Upgrades Can you supply and fit performance parts?

Yes. We can supply selected performance parts, including Forge Motorsport products, and quote for professional workshop fitting. Fitment is confirmed from your registration and the chosen part.

Upgrades Can you fit an exhaust system I have already purchased?

Yes, selected customer-supplied exhaust parts can be fitted. Send the supplier link, part number, vehicle details and photographs where possible so we can assess compatibility and estimate the labour time.

Upgrades What information do you need for a body-kit fitting quote?

Send your registration, vehicle year and trim, supplier link or part numbers, what you want fitted and photographs of the kit and supplied hardware. Kit quality can affect preparation and fitting time.

Pricing What is your standard workshop labour rate?

Our standard workshop labour rate is £85 per hour. We provide an estimated labour time before fitting work wherever possible.

Pricing Is 0% Payment Assist available?

Payment Assist may be available for eligible work, subject to the provider’s eligibility checks and terms. Please tell us before your appointment if you want to use this option so it can be discussed and arranged in advance.

Still Have a Question?

Send your name, registration number, vehicle details, required service and your question. Photographs and fault codes can also be attached once WhatsApp opens.

Ask on WhatsApp