Good place to buy OE Tuning Flash tool?

[adc]

Obviously the ability to revert to stock, do reflashes, account for incremental upgrades is appealing. So I'm wondering what the best place to buy that EzFlash tool is...

Thanks!

[FStop7]

Why not from OE Tuning?

[skoot3r]

what is EZflash?

[baarii]

Originally Posted by FStop7

Why not from OE Tuning?

Get it from OE! Thats were i got mine from!

Originally Posted by adc

Obviously the ability to revert to stock, do reflashes, account for incremental upgrades is appealing. So I'm wondering what the best place to buy that EzFlash tool is...

Thanks!

+1

[adc]

Originally Posted by FStop7

Why not from OE Tuning?

Price, local support in a physical shop etc. Just wondering...

[HP Man]

Originally Posted by adc

Obviously the ability to revert to stock, do reflashes, account for incremental upgrades is appealing. So I'm wondering what the best place to buy that EzFlash tool is...

Thanks!

Just make sure you know what it is you're buying. Last time I checked (about 2 months ago), the EZ Flash could not defeat the anti-tuning software that BMW has in the ECU. As such, if the dealer ever over-writes your tune with new BMW software, the EZ Flash will not let you load your old DME to the ECU. Rather, you will first have to take your ECU to someone who can "unlock" it, then the EZ Flash will work.

I initially thought that the EZ Flash would be perfect for me since I am supercharged. As I understand it, most of the software updates done by BMW must overwrite all the software in the ECU (including the DME) for it to work. It would be great to have an EZ Flash that I could simply plug in to the OBD port after the dealer is finished with the car and restore the DME for my supercharger, but unfortunately, OE Tuning confirmed to me that the EZ Flash will not work until the ECU is unlocked.

This, for me, makes the EZ Flash largely useless. If they ever develop it such that it can defeat the anti-tuning software, then it would be great.

[adc]

Originally Posted by HP Man

Just make sure you know what it is you're buying. Last time I checked (about 2 months ago), the EZ Flash could not defeat the anti-tuning software that BMW has in the ECU. As such, if the dealer ever over-writes your tune with new BMW software, the EZ Flash will not let you load your old DME to the ECU. Rather, you will first have to take your ECU to someone who can "unlock" it, then the EZ Flash will work.

I initially thought that the EZ Flash would be perfect for me since I am supercharged. As I understand it, most of the software updates done by BMW must overwrite all the software in the ECU (including the DME) for it to work. It would be great to have an EZ Flash that I could simply plug in to the OBD port after the dealer is finished with the car and restore the DME for my supercharger, but unfortunately, OE Tuning confirmed to me that the EZ Flash will not work until the ECU is unlocked.

This, for me, makes the EZ Flash largely useless. If they ever develop it such that it can defeat the anti-tuning software, then it would be great.

That's good info, didn't know that... Thanks!

[BT M3]

"Tuner proof DME's" were new 2011 deliveries or anything reflashed/reprogrammed by BMW after April 2010. If your car does not fall into this category you are all set. If it is, it will need to be sent in to be unlocked first.

[duk]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

The dealers in my area say it's mandatory to reflash every car that comes in for service -- even for something as mundane as an oil change. They've been doing this for at least the past six months. So the actual numbers of cars with locked ECU's may be very high -- maybe as high as 25% or more.

It would be really interesting to know if this was some type of edict from BMWNA -- and whether all dealers are under the same orders...and doing the same thing.

That is disturbing to hear PG. If true, this will play a role in quest for ecu tune.

[mexicanmike]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

The dealers in my area say it's mandatory to reflash every car that comes in for service -- even for something as mundane as an oil change. They've been doing this for at least the past six months. So the actual numbers of cars with locked ECU's may be very high -- maybe as high as 25% or more.

It would be really interesting to know if this was some type of edict from BMWNA -- and whether all dealers are under the same orders...and doing the same thing.

I too am concerned about this, seems like a future ECU tune is more trouble than its worth unless you service your own car.

[adc]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

The dealers in my area say it's mandatory to reflash every car that comes in for service -- even for something as mundane as an oil change. They've been doing this for at least the past six months. So the actual numbers of cars with locked ECU's may be very high -- maybe as high as 25% or more.

It would be really interesting to know if this was some type of edict from BMWNA -- and whether all dealers are under the same orders...and doing the same thing.

So if your ECU is locked, the flash won't work, correct? It won't disable the car or anything drastic?

[ShadeD1]

My SA told me in September that they were ordered to flash every e9x M3 that came in for service before releasing the car to the customer. I saw the memo.

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

The dealers in my area say it's mandatory to reflash every car that comes in for service -- even for something as mundane as an oil change. They've been doing this for at least the past six months. So the actual numbers of cars with locked ECU's may be very high -- maybe as high as 25% or more.

It would be really interesting to know if this was some type of edict from BMWNA -- and whether all dealers are under the same orders...and doing the same thing.

[BT M3]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

The dealers in my area say it's mandatory to reflash every car that comes in for service -- even for something as mundane as an oil change. They've been doing this for at least the past six months. So the actual numbers of cars with locked ECU's may be very high -- maybe as high as 25% or more.

It would be really interesting to know if this was some type of edict from BMWNA -- and whether all dealers are under the same orders...and doing the same thing.

Due to this thread I inquired and was told the protocol is cracked to ezflash tuner locked dme's and will be released after the new OE facility is finished. Guess it's only a matter of time

[Marvelous]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

The dealers in my area say it's mandatory to reflash every car that comes in for service -- even for something as mundane as an oil change. They've been doing this for at least the past six months. So the actual numbers of cars with locked ECU's may be very high -- maybe as high as 25% or more.

It would be really interesting to know if this was some type of edict from BMWNA -- and whether all dealers are under the same orders...and doing the same thing.

Great....I just put a deposit down for the ess tune. ESS only gives you one free reflash. If my local dealer is going to be doing this than there is no point in getting a tune. My SA is too 'buy the book' for me to want to deal with this issue. And driving to San Jose for an oil change would be a big pain in the ass.

Here's a quick example how my SA operates. I asked him about possibly voiding my warranty if I installed an exhaust and this is what he said.


"To answer your question, I would need to know what your brand of equipment you are installing. If it is not a BMW performance accessories or Dinan parts, you run the risk of voiding the warranty on any parts involved with the exhaust system. For example, if the exhaust system you are installing causes internal damage to your valves due to improper back flow pressure, then warranty would not cover any repairs."


GODDAMNIT!!!!

[Cloud]

Why would the dealer reflash a car that's taken in to regular service? I was told it takes hours to reflash the car. I leave my car overnight at the dealers to be reflashed at times.

off topic but, when the dealer reflashes my car, will the coded FRM2(for LCI tails) module be reflashed as well? I recall every module in the car gets reflashed when a dealer does one.

[11' AW M3]

Originally Posted by Marvelous

"To answer your question, I would need to know what your brand of equipment you are installing. If it is not a BMW performance accessories or Dinan parts, you run the risk of voiding the warranty on any parts involved with the exhaust system. For example, if the exhaust system you are installing causes internal damage to your valves due to improper back flow pressure, then warranty would not cover any repairs."

Is that even possible? Can the valves really get damaged due to improper back flow pressure?? I was under the impression that adding an axle back doesn't have any effect- maybe with a full system but not just axle back?

[Marvelous]

^I think the SA may be exaggerating a bit. imo

[adc]

Mostly he's covering his behind - although even my more adventurous SA told me BMW is tightening the noose. If you throw a muffler on the car there is no way in hell they can void your warranty - but if you show up with a full catless exhaust or some other wild engineering... be on your toes.

[BT M3]

Originally Posted by Cloud

Why would the dealer reflash a car that's taken in to regular service? I was told it takes hours to reflash the car. I leave my car overnight at the dealers to be reflashed at times.

off topic but, when the dealer reflashes my car, will the coded FRM2(for LCI tails) module be reflashed as well? I recall every module in the car gets reflashed when a dealer does one.

Yep, this won't happen unless there is a mandatory recall out there for an oil change visit. There is too much time, effort, and "brick-ability" for reflashing for no reason.

[Shieldze1025]

I have one for my 335i and Jeremy assured me I was good to go. Told me that if I get a reflash from the dealer, the EZflash can read it and I can email it to him, he'll retune using the new DME and email back to me.

He flashed it for me in person, checked the EZflash and it worked great. Two months later now I need service and can't get it to work. Been trying to get help but no answer yet.

[gthirtyfizle]

Be careful with oe everyone. GL

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Cloud

Why would the dealer reflash a car that's taken in to regular service? I was told it takes hours to reflash the car. I leave my car overnight at the dealers to be reflashed at times.

off topic but, when the dealer reflashes my car, will the coded FRM2(for LCI tails) module be reflashed as well? I recall every module in the car gets reflashed when a dealer does one.

Only modules that are called upon for updating/reprogramming are affected - the FRM2 would likely be wiped since it carries the vehicle order (VO).