[tron1043]

I'm interested in an ECU tune like Bootmod3 (BM3) or the MHD flash tuner. If it matters, it's for the B58 engine. I'm concerned about spending $600+ on an ECU flash that may be disabled by a BMW software update.

I've read across the Bimmerpost model forums that the latest model cars have their ECUs locked or blocked from accepting ECU tunes like those mentioned above. However, in this post in the F30 section, https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1805881, the owner stated his installed ECU flash was removed by a dealer software update. Further, the owner stated his ECU would not accept the same ECU flash after the software update, at least without removing his ECU.

So,

1. Are BMW dealer software updates locking/preventing ECU flashes for all G chassis cars regardless of the car's build date?

2. My 540's current software is I-Level S15A-20-3-532. Does this software level include the feature that locks/prevents ECU flashes?

Not interested in a "bench flash" for my ECU. If I don't go with the ECU flash, I'll go with JB4 or RaceChip.

[Fuel-It!]

BMW updates are breaking flash tunes but I don't know what version. Some models can be bench flashed after and other models can't be flashed at all even on the bench.

[speedyman]

Originally Posted by Fuel-It!

BMW updates are breaking flash tunes but I don't know what version. Some models can be bench flashed after and other models can't be flashed at all even on the bench.

Yeah, kind of given up for now on a flash tune for my '21 M50i for these reasons. Going back to my original plan of doing a piggyback, just not sure which one to go with, JB4 or RaceChip.
I've a couple posts from guys who were unimpressed with the JB4 on the V8 X5s and would like to hear feedback on the RaceChip if anyone has tried it. They claim 59HP and 88TQ which would work for me if it is true. A near 90 increase in TQ at the rpm levels where the vehicle most often operates should give a nice SOTP bump.

[Mtn2Srf]

Originally Posted by speedyman

Yeah, kind of given up for now on a flash tune for my '21 M50i for these reasons. Going back to my original plan of doing a piggyback, just not sure which one to go with, JB4 or RaceChip.
I've a couple posts from guys who were unimpressed with the JB4 on the V8 X5s and would like to hear feedback on the RaceChip if anyone has tried it. They claim 59HP and 88TQ which would work for me if it is true. A near 90 increase in TQ at the rpm levels where the vehicle most often operates should give a nice SOTP bump.

I have the 2021 M50i and a RC GTS Black. Only at 900 miles will probably install around 2,000 miles. I also have a dragy and will post results , however I am at a mile high so all of my numbers tend to be about .2–.3 slower than people at sea level. Try working with 12k+ DA!

[speedyman]

Originally Posted by Mtn2Srf

I have the 2021 M50i and a RC GTS Black. Only at 900 miles will probably install around 2,000 miles. I also have a dragy and will post results , however I am at a mile high so all of my numbers tend to be about .2–.3 slower than people at sea level. Try working with 12k+ DA!

Sounds good my friend.
I'm at 4,000 miles now and will order the RC GTS Black this week. Decided against the JB4 after reading about a bunch of hassles with firmware updates, beta version, no ability to make the boost control connection due to the need for an adapter. Where did you buy your RC?

[chuckins9]

Originally Posted by Mtn2Srf

I have the 2021 M50i and a RC GTS Black. Only at 900 miles will probably install around 2,000 miles. I also have a dragy and will post results , however I am at a mile high so all of my numbers tend to be about .2–.3 slower than people at sea level. Try working with 12k+ DA!

Really interested in your results! Keep us posted. My M50i should be here by months end (hopefully)

[Mtn2Srf]

Originally Posted by speedyman

Sounds good my friend.
I'm at 4,000 miles now and will order the RC GTS Black this week. Decided against the JB4 after reading about a bunch of hassles with firmware updates, beta version, no ability to make the boost control connection due to the need for an adapter. Where did you buy your RC?

There was a sale at the time I bought on RC'a main website) a better price than I've seen in a long time so I bought it there, but if I was to do it again, I probably just buy it through RGsport who is on our boards here, he already discounts it I think?

[speedyman]

Still wrestling with which of these Piggybacks to go with vs. a flash tune.
I'm kinda thinking that there may be a flash coming soon for the '21s that doesn't require a bench procedure. It would be great to have a flash that can be loaded through the OBD port as so many others are.
Wondering if there is any recent word or updates on the availability of these products.

[Mjbmw1]

When the car is flashed through ODB port or direct ECU. The car detects the change and when scanned even if tune removed flags the vehicle. https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1742423

[luckylingy]

I just got a message from Carbahn (Steve Dinan’s new outfit) of a flash tune now available for B58 models of X3/X4/X5/X6/X7. Limitations are either you disable OTA updates once the tune is installed, or send the DME to Carbahn for bench flash if the software has been updated since August 2019. I’d love the extra power, but not at the expense of not receiving future software updates.

https://carbahnautoworks.com/product...i-g05-g06-g07/

[speedyman]

Just looked at Carbahns site. They are showing a near 700HP tune for the 2020 M50i. I've got a 2021 M50i, not sure where that puts me.
This update over the air cancelling of an aftermarket tune sure sticks a fork in all this fun. There has to be some way around this.

[130FeetDeep]

Originally Posted by speedyman

Just looked at Carbahns site. They are showing a near 700HP tune for the 2020 M50i. I've got a 2021 M50i, not sure where that puts me.
This update over the air cancelling of an aftermarket tune sure sticks a fork in all this fun. There has to be some way around this.

They also have 20% off their tunes right now. I would get the tune tomorrow if they could provide any evidence of the numbers. I have repeatedly asked for a dyno and they stop responding. Isn't that just standard to ask for?

[speedyman]

Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep

They also have 20% off their tunes right now. I would get the tune tomorrow if they could provide any evidence of the numbers. I have repeatedly asked for a dyno and they stop responding. Isn't that just standard to ask for?

Unresponsive to that question is not exactly a confidence builder. Its all just talk however if the BMW updates are going to negate the calibration.

[MVPMotoring]

BMW Dealer updates the car and with the newer software it blocks ALL OBD Flashes.

My local friends @BM3Tuning and @TristateBM3 work on these late models from 2017-2020 and do the Bench Unlock and Flash afterwards it's very normal these days.