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      10-28-2011, 03:38 PM   #1
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ESS software tune ECU loading question regarding my stock file.

I have a 2008 E92 and I bought the flash tuner because I have the CEL from the GTM RPI exhaust. I loaded the stock file to the direct flash tuner, sent it to ESS and got the new file but had a concern before I try it. Here is the response from a very helpful ESS representative.

"Hi Justin,

Your car was on the very first software version BMW ever released. This version is full of bugs and should be updated.

I have included a file with built in software upgrade to a newer and much better version. Try it and if it loads fine you are all set. If not you will have to run the automatic recovery mode to restore the ECU back to stock and take it to BMW for an update.

Normally updates through the DirectFlash units work fine, but one some older versions of software like yours there may be problems preventing it from successfully loading.

Remember to use a good capacity battery charger during the programming."

My question is, I know I'm safe either way, but wanted to get someones experience if you think I should just try and load the new tune or try to find time to take it to the dealer to update the ECU prior to loading the tune. I don't have much time to go to the dealer and update the computer, that's why I ask.

If any of you have experience with the programmer just working with the old software, I'll just go for it.

If you have heard of it not working, I'll have to wait 2 weeks to go to the dealership to update my ECU.

Any knowledge is helpful!

Justin
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      10-28-2011, 04:22 PM   #2
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Just try it. If it fails for whatever reason go into recovery mode and restore back to the stock file. How has your car never been updated?
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      10-28-2011, 04:35 PM   #3
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I guess not. I called my SA, (super cool guy) I told him what I'm doing and he asked for my last 7 digits of my vin and I guess it's the factory flash ECU. He can't see it's been updated.

How many updates have there been since new?

Justin
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      10-28-2011, 04:44 PM   #4
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I'd go for it. I was never too into waiting.
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      10-28-2011, 04:49 PM   #5
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BMW service kept my car for 3 freakin days doing an ECU update. If you're pressed for time update it yourself.
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      10-28-2011, 04:53 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3DriverE92 View Post
BMW service kept my car for 3 freakin days doing an ECU update. If you're pressed for time update it yourself.
I know, I just hope it will work. ESS's email scares me! Haha

Justin
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      10-28-2011, 05:02 PM   #7
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I flashed my ECU with the DirectFlash tool many times when I got the s/c installed. It failed a few times and went into recovery mode and it loaded the stock file just fine. After many tries we figured out that ESS gave me an older file that was already on my car. So to answer your question if the DF tool kicks into recovery mode don't panic (like I did the first time!). It will put back your original file just fine.
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      10-28-2011, 05:14 PM   #8
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Cool! I'll keep you guys posted, I wish I had a few of your guy's number to call in the event something happens and I need immediate help! Haha

Justin
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      10-28-2011, 08:55 PM   #9
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There have been many updates since new. But the dealer usually won't update it unless you have some preexisting issue.

Saying my software is old usually won't cut it, unless you haven't received the DCT recall update yet. The dealer will try to avoid updating your car. Main reason is that they only get paid X amount from BMW to do it, and chances are there are over ten updates to different modules in the car. BMW dealers don't have the ability to simply update the DME only, they will have to program the entire car. This increases the propensity for an issue, and given the potential time requirement and looking at the cost/benefit on a car with no present issue, they may or may not be inclined to procede.

I can always flash you to the latest version if the dealer doesn't want to.

If it were me, I'd want a tune on the later software because there are a number of fixes since then. It's good to have a base version which has been considered to be reliable. Good luck with getting it worked out.
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      10-29-2011, 08:25 AM   #10
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Thank you, Mike! I asked the dealer and they said there are no updates, so they are probably looking at the "formula'' you stated above. It's not beneficial to them to update me, BUT ESS states that the updated tune IS in the new software tune, so I guess if it works, I don't necessarily need to get the update through the dealer.

But, if you'd like, PM me your number and maybe I'll need update to the stock software.

Thanks for the response.

Justin
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      10-29-2011, 08:34 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmw M3 Guy View Post
Thank you, Mike! I asked the dealer and they said there are no updates, so they are probably looking at the "formula'' you stated above. It's not beneficial to them to update me, BUT ESS states that the updated tune IS in the new software tune, so I guess if it works, I don't necessarily need to get the update through the dealer.

But, if you'd like, PM me your number and maybe I'll need update to the stock software.

Thanks for the response.

Justin
Mike's a good guy so you'll nothing to worry about if you ask him to update your DME with the latest software version.
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      10-29-2011, 08:44 AM   #12
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Absolutely, I never questioned him! I actually remember seeing his user name pop around when I had my E46 a while back.

Justin
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      10-29-2011, 08:52 AM   #13
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If you are communicating with Asbjorn from ESS, they do have the latest BMW stock file thanks to me I went in to my dealer last month to get the software updated and they told me BMW just released a new version. As Mike said, they won't do the update unless there is a specific complaint you have that the update will fix, so they charged me a few hundred to update. When I downloaded the file and sent it to Asbjorn he said he it was completely new and never seen this file before. When he sent me the modified file built off this dealer update it uploaded to my car just fine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmw M3 Guy View Post
Thank you, Mike! I asked the dealer and they said there are no updates, so they are probably looking at the "formula'' you stated above. It's not beneficial to them to update me, BUT ESS states that the updated tune IS in the new software tune, so I guess if it works, I don't necessarily need to get the update through the dealer.

But, if you'd like, PM me your number and maybe I'll need update to the stock software.

Thanks for the response.

Justin
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      10-30-2011, 01:09 PM   #14
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I tried to update, and it ended up not working, The programmer said there was an error and was put back to recovery mode.

I called the dealer and asked about an update, gave them the last 7 digits of my vin, and they said there is no reason for an update.

I think they are being lazy, or don't want to update the car.

Gotta find out what's my next task!
Justin
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      10-30-2011, 01:49 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmw M3 Guy View Post
I tried to update, and it ended up not working, The programmer said there was an error and was put back to recovery mode.

I called the dealer and asked about an update, gave them the last 7 digits of my vin, and they said there is no reason for an update.

I think they are being lazy, or don't want to update the car.

Gotta find out what's my next task!
Justin
Tell them you have had an issue with the car stalling or a throttle lag. Do you have a dct? They are obligated to give you the latest software in these situations. There were some bulletins with software updates available on the forum, but I'm not sure where they are located. They can easily find them in their system. Otherwise, go to a different dealer. My dealer always updated mine whenever I asked. I've had it done about 3 times since purchase.
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      10-30-2011, 04:38 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by erio View Post
Tell them you have had an issue with the car stalling or a throttle lag. Do you have a dct? They are obligated to give you the latest software in these situations. There were some bulletins with software updates available on the forum, but I'm not sure where they are located. They can easily find them in their system. Otherwise, go to a different dealer. My dealer always updated mine whenever I asked. I've had it done about 3 times since purchase.
+1 - there's a new DCT update (now a few months old) and if your car doesn't have it, as stated above, they have to update your car. DME will get updated to the latest software as well as the DCT software.
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