That's disturbing if this is how it was when new! I've had lots of different makes and models with 5-speeds (mostly non-premium brands like Chevy and Honda) and never had any gripes like this. Can you elaborate on how the remap would be done? Edit: Looks like there's a sort-of how to on the E46 forum:
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/...uning.1082287/
I dug deep into EEPROM programming and remapping on a Fiero years ago but that was because it was a custom job with a different engine and computer.
@80stech - I do still plan on getting the firmware update. It's just hard to find time to get to the dealer.