Flashed Bootmod3 map to my 50i

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

Are you worried about them seeing the drilled holes in your ecu?

Drilled holes???

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

Drilled holes???

The bootmod flash tune or any flash tune requires them to drill holes into the ecu housing to access it, that's how the flash the car. That's why so many people are scared to flash vs piggy back or dinan because it would void your warranty with bmws new software. They'll send your info straight to BMW NA and if anything ever happens you're screwed.

[CT335xi]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

The bootmod flash tune or any flash tune requires them to drill holes into the ecu housing to access it, that's how the flash the car. That's why so many people are scared to flash vs piggy back or dinan because it would void your warranty with bmws new software. They'll send your info straight to BMW NA and if anything ever happens you're screwed.

The old way was to pull out your ecu/ dme and send it in where they would bench flash it - meaning they install a cable and download the software into your ecu or remoltly now via email with you using a laptop and cable to hook up to your obd2 port. I don’t know of any holes to be drilled?

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by CT335xi

The old way was to pull out your ecu/ dme and send it in where they would bench flash it - meaning they install a cable and download the software into your ecu or remoltly now via email with you using a laptop and cable to hook up to your obd2 port. I donÂ’t know of any holes to be drilled?

I mean how old? This was done 7 months ago on my friends M6 through bootmod.

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

The bootmod flash tune or any flash tune requires them to drill holes into the ecu housing to access it, that's how the flash the car. That's why so many people are scared to flash vs piggy back or dinan because it would void your warranty with bmws new software. They'll send your info straight to BMW NA and if anything ever happens you're screwed.

No need for that anymore. Everything can be done with a laptop and a cable.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

The bootmod flash tune or any flash tune requires them to drill holes into the ecu housing to access it, that's how the flash the car. That's why so many people are scared to flash vs piggy back or dinan because it would void your warranty with bmws new software. They'll send your info straight to BMW NA and if anything ever happens you're screwed.

I feel like someone is trying to punk you or this is sarcasm, I'm not able to tell.

But no, bmw will not physically see anything. But if they looked deep enough into the ecu even if you flashed back to stock they will see boost levels and a lot of other variables outside of stock. But it's typically only if a puma case is opened.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by pits200

I feel like someone is trying to punk you or this is sarcasm, I'm not able to tell.

But no, bmw will not physically see anything. But if they looked deep enough into the ecu even if you flashed back to stock they will see boost levels and a lot of other variables outside of stock. But it's typically only if a puma case is opened.

Are you talking about what I am saying or what he is saying? I am absolutely positive almost every flash tune cracks open the ecu to flash...

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

Are you talking about what I am saying or what he is saying? I am absolutely positive almost every flash tune cracks open the ecu to flash...

Not anymore. It's all done through the OBD2 port. There is no need to physically touch the ECUs anymore.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

Are you talking about what I am saying or what he is saying? I am absolutely positive almost every flash tune cracks open the ecu to flash...

Do you mean actually crack open the ecu like physically? That's a bench flash which in essence is the same but as stated this is all through the obd port with a personal computer. No part ever has to leave the car.

[CT335xi]

Originally Posted by pits200

Do you mean actually crack open the ecu like physically? That's a bench flash which in essence is the same but as stated this is all through the obd port with a personal computer. No part ever has to leave the car.

I think maybe he is referring to the term crack the ecu as in they have unlocked it and began writing software . I remember hearing how some would say that they haven’t been able to crack that ecu, hence why some platforms take longer to develop a tune / flash. There aren’t many options with our n63 but as you see there’s a plethora of n54 and n55 tunes.

[luv135i]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

Are you talking about what I am saying or what he is saying? I am absolutely positive almost every flash tune cracks open the ecu to flash...

Not any more. Thats the old way of doing some ecus.

[pits200]

Originally Posted by CT335xi

I think maybe he is referring to the term crack the ecu as in they have unlocked it and began writing software . I remember hearing how some would say that they haven’t been able to crack that ecu, hence why some platforms take longer to develop a tune / flash. There aren’t many options with our n63 but as you see there’s a plethora of n54 and n55 tunes.

I am very familiar with the saying. But the part about drilling holes into the ecu threw me for a loop and caused metaphorical confusion.

Either way, if people are deciding flash tune, no one should be sending out an ecu anymore once a feasible at home flashing software is introduced. PTF has been around bmw tuning platform for a little now and makes a solid product. For all us 50i owners, the stage 1 tune we are asking for is child's play and no risk involved unless you do something wrong on your end.

[CT335xi]

Originally Posted by pits200

I am very familiar with the saying. But the part about drilling holes into the ecu threw me for a loop and caused metaphorical confusion.

Either way, if people are deciding flash tune, no one should be sending out an ecu anymore once a feasible at home flashing software is introduced. PTF has been around bmw tuning platform for a little now and makes a solid product. For all us 50i owners, the stage 1 tune we are asking for is child's play and no risk involved unless you do something wrong on your end.

Totally agree so much has changed, I remember back in the day with my older e30 m3’s / obd1 and actually opening the ecu to replace the chip, man I regret getting rid of that car.

[DuSh]

Hey guys, no need to drill holes anymore - now it's a port flashing via OBDII port. After you port flash it - that is unlocking it - that's why earlier it required to drill holes. After that you can start using any OBDII tunes, including BM3.
BM3 is just a software that allows you to flash different maps etc. Maps itself are where catch 22 is. You still need to choose proper one - off the shelf maps in BM3 database are mediocre. However, you'll be able to find some good ones I'm sure in their database (they have BPC too!)

BM3 license is transferable tho - so that's a good thing - when you'll sell your car you just flash it to stock and let BM3 know and you can take your license with you to another car (another VIN).

Stage 2 with 22+ psi is a beast of the beasts - need a 93 and DP tho

I myself am done with modding and going back to sedentary life lol. Priorities changed in life.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by luv135i

Not any more. Thats the old way of doing some ecus.

Guys - It's not that old. Even bootmod was doing this a year ago. I had an M4 and an M6 both tuned. I just checked their website and you are right, it's no longer required but that's how every flash tune worked before.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by DuSh

Hey guys, no need to drill holes anymore - now it's a port flashing via OBDII port. After you port flash it - that is unlocking it - that's why earlier it required to drill holes. After that you can start using any OBDII tunes, including BM3.
BM3 is just a software that allows you to flash different maps etc. Maps itself are where catch 22 is. You still need to choose proper one - off the shelf maps in BM3 database are mediocre. However, you'll be able to find some good ones I'm sure in their database (they have BPC too!)

BM3 license is transferable tho - so that's a good thing - when you'll sell your car you just flash it to stock and let BM3 know and you can take your license with you to another car (another VIN).

Stage 2 with 22+ psi is a beast of the beasts - need a 93 and DP tho

I myself am done with modding and going back to sedentary life lol. Priorities changed in life.

Now that you've had it for a while, how are you liking your BPC stage 1? Any drivability issues at all? Have you scanned/checked to see how much boost it is creating?

[redline9001]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

Guys - It's not that old. Even bootmod was doing this a year ago. I had an M4 and an M6 both tuned. I just checked their website and you are right, it's no longer required but that's how every flash tune worked before.

You are correct, it’s not that old on f series cars/Ecus. BMW and others are making it harder to crack the ecu encryption with each new generation. G series cars with b series engines are still not cracked and you have to use piggy backs on them. It will be years before there is flashing tuning on them.

Even on the e series cars it started as bench flashing before odb port flashing was figured out.

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by Rotzy

Now that you've had it for a while, how are you liking your BPC stage 1? Any drivability issues at all? Have you scanned/checked to see how much boost it is creating?

It's perfect! No drivability issues. I'm keeping it as a family vehicle for next 10 years lol. My focus will shift to longevity and maintenance now.
I haven't scanned for boost pressure, but I'm sure Bob at BPC kept it on safer level - meaning there's a potential there for sure. I remember him mentioning 1.3-1.4 bar pressure - which is about 18-20psi. Unfortunately never made it to Stage 2 as I wanted. Hopefully some of you guys will do it. N63TU has tons of potential and with 21+ psi boost it can be a beast. Bob also does transmission tuning. I have him change torque limiters etc on Sport/Sport+ modes and I have stock tranny values on ECO/Comfort modes. That doesn't affect power of course, but decreases acceleration time.

[luv135i]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

Guys - It's not that old. Even bootmod was doing this a year ago. I had an M4 and an M6 both tuned. I just checked their website and you are right, it's no longer required but that's how every flash tune worked before.

I mean its in the past and not the current way so yea its the old way.

[AZTWW]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

I flashed the 50i tonight using the bm3 software... It's whole different animal now . Didn't get to drive it too much after the install but initial impressions are excellent. I was able to get on the gas in comfort, sport and sport+ but for short intervals. Longest was in sport mode and it launched me from 45 to 80 in a heartbeat. The amount of torque is incredible . I didn't get on it from a stop only from a roll. I'll have more input tomorrow after I drive it on the interstate and get a few digs in from a stop. Very impressed with this tune and, while the install wasn't seamless, the online support was excellent. More to come...

Any more feedback and thoughts on this tune since you have had it for a while and it has probably adapted plenty by now? Notice anything different? Any performance metrics to share?

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by AZTWW

Any more feedback and thoughts on this tune since you have had it for a while and it has probably adapted plenty by now? Notice anything different? Any performance metrics to share?

It's a BEAST! I'm still amazed how much of a difference it made. The power is always there and... THE TORQUE = Holy Shit Batman! Call me crazy but it pulls harder than the modded 2011 CTS-V I had. I've never driven an X5 M but it would be nice to drive one and compare. Can't even imagine what a tuned S63tu motor would be like. I believe BM3 has a 30 day satisfaction guarantee so you can get your money back if you're not impressed. Odds are... you won't be requesting a refund.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

It's a BEAST! I'm still amazed how much of a difference it made. The power is always there and... THE TORQUE = Holy Shit Batman! Call me crazy but it pulls harder than the modded 2011 CTS-V I had. I've never driven an X5 M but it would be nice to drive one and compare. Can't even imagine what a tuned S63tu motor would be like. I believe BM3 has a 30 day satisfaction guarantee so you can get your money back if you're not impressed. Odds are... you won't be requesting a refund.

What about the throttle responsiveness and transmission downshift issues you mentioned earlier?