E9x M3 EDC Adaptions How-To

[1messedupZ4M]

Instructions using ProTool to reset your EDC module adaptions front and rear axle.

Use case: Changed front struts / changed rear struts / installed EDC coilovers. (Bilstein, TracTive)

Do not reset your EDC adaptions unless you have performed one of the above activities. If you do, the car will ride like a wet rag going down the road on your clapped out 100k old EDC shocks. Do not perform this function if you've bought "LOW MILEAGE" EDC shocks. I can almost promise you it will still ride like a wet rag. Don't do it.

Background: As the E9x M3 ages and gains miles, BMW built in a system to actively make the shocks stiffer as they age. This, in short, is to keep the car feeling "the same" as it did once it left the factory. The problem: If you install EDC shocks that are new, the module doesn't know, so your shocks are hard as rocks 24/7.

Tools needed:
Bimmergeeks DKAN Cable (recommended, its more reliable than generic cables, can be used for DME flashes and is more reliable than their bluetooth module)
BimmerGeeks ProTool DIAGNOSTIC license (Just buy the diagnostic and coding license)
Battery tender (It doesn't take long, but, better safe than sorry)


1. Install new shocks/coilovers
2. Hook up ProTool to the vehicle with ignition (position 2)
3. Scan and find module under the Chassis section named EDC
4. Navigate to "Functions" then "Expert Functions"
5. Read the disclaimer. No one is responsible for messing this up besides you.
6. Run job "STATUS_EDC_INPUT"
7. Take a screenshot. The last few values in the line that says "_TEL_ANTWORT:" will change with each job. Reference the screenshot to make sure the next jobs are changing said value.
8. Run job "STEUERN_TOL_ABGLEICH"
9. Input value (WITHOUT QUOTES!) "1;km_sto;km_sto" - This is front axle adaptions. Only run this if you have only changed front axle shocks. Shocks MUST be replaced in pairs.
10. Job should complete and read the STATUS. It should state "OKAY"
11. Exit out, go back to Expert Functions, run "STATUS_EDC_INPUT" and see if your ANTWORT value changed. Take a screenshot, exit out.
12. Run job "STEUERN_TOL_ABGLEICH" again.
13. Input value (WITHOUT QUOTES) "2;km_sto;km_sto" - This is rear axle adaptions. Only run this if you have only changed rear axle shocks. Shocks MUST be replaced in pairs.
14. Job should complete and read the STATUS. It should state "OKAY"
15. Exit out, go back to Expert Functions, run "STATUS_EDC_INPUT" and see if your ANTWORT value changed. If it changed twice and both jobs said "OKAY", you have successfully reset your EDC adaptions.


Be warned. On comfort mode, especially with Evolve/B6 EDC and stiff lowering springs, the car will feel like the front end has blown shocks going over low speed modulating bumps like speed bumps. This is normal. It will also make each EDC setting more noticeable than before.


Enjoy your new found comfort and handling.

[Helmsman]

Interesting, thanks OP!

I'll wait for a bit longer on Bimmergeeks to implement the feature as a touch button feature, but interesting to see that the tool already at least are able to identifiy and touch the EDC module.

Mean while I am curious about your experience of doing this on current/old shocks (which I'm planning to do). While I read about folks doing it with some success, I certainly want to avoid the car to end up riding like a wet rag.... Would you by any chance have some more data here, e.g. what type of shocks, how old they where etc?

Thanks
Nik

[1messedupZ4M]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Interesting, thanks OP!

I'll wait for a bit longer on Bimmergeeks to implement the feature as a touch button feature, but interesting to see that the tool already at least are able to identifiy and touch the EDC module.

Mean while I am curious about your experience of doing this on current/old shocks (which I'm planning to do). While I read about folks doing it with some success, I certainly want to avoid the car to end up riding like a wet rag.... Would you by any chance have some more data here, e.g. what type of shocks, how old they where etc?

Thanks
Nik

Hey brother,

ProTool is a direct rip of the OEM tools, as you know
It can do everything/anything, as long as it can see the module. The "One Touch" functions they have are literally automated tasks of the above expert level functions (normally, anyways!)

That being said, its a really simple process, truthfully. The job will fail if the arguments are entered wrong, so, don't be afraid

RE: Shocks - yes!
OEM EDC shocks.
On my car, 90k miles, OEM non comp springs.
Reset module. On comfort, very soft, boat like. The other two settings were actually tolerable. Made the EDC settings more noticeable.
After taking the shocks off the car, all 4 still had a *SLIGHT* Gas charge (meaning, no leaks, they would come back up very slowly after being compressed)
As a side bar, compared to new Bilsteins, which when not plugged in are literally nearly impossible to compress (since, as you know, EDC is a system where no volt = max hard), the ZF shocks were hilariously soft.

Now, I pulled a set of EDC shocks off of a customers car that had 30k miles for a set of Ohlins.
Curiously, installed them on my own vehicle (they all rebounded significantly quicker and had significantly higher resistance compared to my shocks, but still nothing like new B6 EDC).
Significantly better in the grand scheme of things, but nothing like fresh Bilstein B6/Bilstein B16.

The reason I say not to reset is, as far as I KNOW, you can't insert any arguments that put the system back to where it once was. Meaning, once its reset, you're stuck there!

That being said I have never experienced one of these cars new off the show room floor. (I was 10 when the cars were first released and Dad wasn't quite in the tax bracket lol)


I made a post about this reset on the Facebook group for E9x M3 owners. Someone commented back stating that after a reset, the module will "adapt the stiffness of the shock until it sees that acceleration value", which is an interesting concept. I wasn't aware that the module had any ability to sense this. I know it can't sense anything in the shock. Maybe it does it via the G sensors in the vehicle? (I'm pretty sure the module just has a dumb algorithm based on age and miles to make the shocks stiffer..)

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by 1messedupZ4M

Hey brother,

ProTool is a direct rip of the OEM tools, as you know
It can do everything/anything, as long as it can see the module. The "One Touch" functions they have are literally automated tasks of the above expert level functions (normally, anyways!)

That being said, its a really simple process, truthfully. The job will fail if the arguments are entered wrong, so, don't be afraid

RE: Shocks - yes!
OEM EDC shocks.
On my car, 90k miles, OEM non comp springs.
Reset module. On comfort, very soft, boat like. The other two settings were actually tolerable. Made the EDC settings more noticeable.
After taking the shocks off the car, all 4 still had a *SLIGHT* Gas charge (meaning, no leaks, they would come back up very slowly after being compressed)
As a side bar, compared to new Bilsteins, which when not plugged in are literally nearly impossible to compress (since, as you know, EDC is a system where no volt = max hard), the ZF shocks were hilariously soft.

Now, I pulled a set of EDC shocks off of a customers car that had 30k miles for a set of Ohlins.
Curiously, installed them on my own vehicle (they all rebounded significantly quicker and had significantly higher resistance compared to my shocks, but still nothing like new B6 EDC).
Significantly better in the grand scheme of things, but nothing like fresh Bilstein B6/Bilstein B16.

The reason I say not to reset is, as far as I KNOW, you can't insert any arguments that put the system back to where it once was. Meaning, once its reset, you're stuck there!

That being said I have never experienced one of these cars new off the show room floor. (I was 10 when the cars were first released and Dad wasn't quite in the tax bracket lol)


I made a post about this reset on the Facebook group for E9x M3 owners. Someone commented back stating that after a reset, the module will "adapt the stiffness of the shock until it sees that acceleration value", which is an interesting concept. I wasn't aware that the module had any ability to sense this. I know it can't sense anything in the shock. Maybe it does it via the G sensors in the vehicle? (I'm pretty sure the module just has a dumb algorithm based on age and miles to make the shocks stiffer..)

Thanks again Zack,

not too worried about softness in Comfort as long as its stiff enough in Sport. What I miss is the difference between the setting, its there but far from what it was. In my case it changed quite suddently already around 25k miles and I was never able to figure out the reason behind, but thinking reset adaptation just might help. I am at 62k easy miles so hoping the shocks aren't shot, we'll see.

The adaptation is according to BMW specs done based on time only (would have thought mileage would be a good factor but apparently no). I find the FB input on adaptation based on shocks sensor or accelerometers kinda hard to believe but sure, would be nice. Any possibilities to dig a bit further there mate?

[1messedupZ4M]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Thanks again Zack,

not too worried about softness in Comfort as long as its stiff enough in Sport. What I miss is the difference between the setting, its there but far from what it was. In my case it changed quite suddently already around 25k miles and I was never able to figure out the reason behind, but thinking reset adaptation just might help. I am at 62k easy miles so hoping the shocks aren't shot, we'll see.

The adaptation is according to BMW specs done based on time only (would have thought mileage would be a good factor but apparently no). I find the FB input on adaptation based on shocks sensor or accelerometers kinda hard to believe but sure, would be nice. Any possibilities to dig a bit further there mate?

Only one way to find out lol!

RE: Dig further, I requested the guy to give me any additional info he has on it. I really hope he has some kind of official BMW document, that'd be huge!

I'm sure one of the other guys who have a lot of EDC experience will chime in.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by 1messedupZ4M

After taking the shocks off the car, all 4 still had a *SLIGHT* Gas charge (meaning, no leaks, they would come back up very slowly after being compressed)
As a side bar, compared to new Bilsteins, which when not plugged in are literally nearly impossible to compress (since, as you know, EDC is a system where no volt = max hard), the ZF shocks were hilariously soft.

Now, I pulled a set of EDC shocks off of a customers car that had 30k miles for a set of Ohlins.
Curiously, installed them on my own vehicle (they all rebounded significantly quicker and had significantly higher resistance compared to my shocks, but still nothing like new B6 EDC).

Hi Zack,

I have no experience of the shocks outside the car but curious about your input on gas/rebound; I thought the OEM shocks are filled with liquid (controlled by the solenoid/valve, no internal spring, hence no rebound should/could occur..?

Thanks
Nik

[1messedupZ4M]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Hi Zack,

I have no experience of the shocks outside the car but curious about your input on gas/rebound; I thought the OEM shocks are filled with liquid (controlled by the solenoid/valve, no internal spring, hence no rebound should/could occur..?

Thanks
Nik

Hey Nik,

As far as I know, every shock has a gas charge to prevent the fluid from getting cavitation during exercise. As the gas charge leaves the shock, the fluid is more prone to cavitation which results in the shock being significantly less effective. ( I'm not a suspension engineer, just a guy who changes parts ). I think, technically though, twin tube will work without a gas charge?

I guess there are some shocks, by design, with significantly less gas charge than others, when it comes to twin tube vs mono tube. Mono tube shocks generally, from what little research I have done, are always pressurized with significant pressure. Guy named "Travis Jones" on YouTube uploaded a video named "OHLINS Controlled shock cavitation" that shows this in real time, if you're curious to see it!

Good video I found about this difference is from a channel named "Tinkerer's Adventure" with a video named "The Key Difference No One Talks About | Twin Tube vs Mono Tube Shocks (Is High Pressure Good?)". Seriously informational!

"bounce back" of any shock when compressed is strictly due to gas charge in the shock. Shocks with less gas charge will rebound slower. Likewise, shocks with less "opening" in the piston (aka stiffer rebound) will "bounce back" slower.


Did a lot of learning today to try to confirm what, albeit little, knowledge I had about shock designs lol

Basically, stronger the gas charge, if its a monotube and the rebound is the same, the less fluid cavitation will happen when pushed. (I think..)

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by 1messedupZ4M

Hey Nik,

As far as I know, every shock has a gas charge to prevent the fluid from getting cavitation during exercise. As the gas charge leaves the shock, the fluid is more prone to cavitation which results in the shock being significantly less effective. ( I'm not a suspension engineer, just a guy who changes parts ). I think, technically though, twin tube will work without a gas charge?

I guess there are some shocks, by design, with significantly less gas charge than others, when it comes to twin tube vs mono tube. Mono tube shocks generally, from what little research I have done, are always pressurized with significant pressure. Guy named "Travis Jones" on YouTube uploaded a video named "OHLINS Controlled shock cavitation" that shows this in real time, if you're curious to see it!

Good video I found about this difference is from a channel named "Tinkerer's Adventure" with a video named "The Key Difference No One Talks About | Twin Tube vs Mono Tube Shocks (Is High Pressure Good?)". Seriously informational!

"bounce back" of any shock when compressed is strictly due to gas charge in the shock. Shocks with less gas charge will rebound slower. Likewise, shocks with less "opening" in the piston (aka stiffer rebound) will "bounce back" slower.


Did a lot of learning today to try to confirm what, albeit little, knowledge I had about shock designs lol

Basically, stronger the gas charge, if its a monotube and the rebound is the same, the less fluid cavitation will happen when pushed. (I think..)

Ah, got it - thanks mate! I'll have a think about doing it myself using your instructions, but will ping Bimmergeeks once more to see if they have a time plan for feature implementation.

[Reddevils7]

So adaptation data is based on mine only? I have a MY10 with 39k miles and recently did the dinan springs, camber plates and bumpstops with their top mounts. Would I benefit from this considering my shocks don't have a lot of use? They're nonzcp shocks with zcp EDC and euro mdm coding

[1messedupZ4M]

Originally Posted by Reddevils7

So adaptation data is based on mine only? I have a MY10 with 39k miles and recently did the dinan springs, camber plates and bumpstops with their top mounts. Would I benefit from this considering my shocks don't have a lot of use? They're nonzcp shocks with zcp EDC and euro mdm coding

The adaptions in the EDC module are specific to your vehicle, yes.

RE: reset, wouldn't recommend it. Your EDC module has the adaptions for your shocks in their current (estimated) condition. They have not been replaced, so, would leave them as is.

[Reddevils7]

Originally Posted by 1messedupZ4M

The adaptions in the EDC module are specific to your vehicle, yes.

RE: reset, wouldn't recommend it. Your EDC module has the adaptions for your shocks in their current (estimated) condition. They have not been replaced, so, would leave them as is.

Sorry, I meant to say "... Based on *mileage* only..."??

Meaning the data is only based on miles and not how old they are? Because mine are now 15/16 years old but only 39k miles

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Reddevils7

Sorry, I meant to say "... Based on *mileage* only..."??

Meaning the data is only based on miles and not how old they are? Because mine are now 15/16 years old but only 39k miles

According to BMWs documentation the adaption is based on time only, i.e. not mileage. Hence after 15/16 years they assumingly are stretched up.

[omgzirra_exe]

You can omit the battery tender, you can reset the EDC shocks with the car running, as well as do coding while the car is running.

[Reddevils7]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

According to BMWs documentation the adaption is based on time only, i.e. not mileage. Hence after 15/16 years they assumingly are stretched up.

So then in my case I might actually see improvement in comfort if I reset it at just under 40k miles? I can definitely still tell the difference from comfort to sport but not as much of a difference between comfort and normal

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by Reddevils7

So then in my case I might actually see improvement in comfort if I reset it at just under 40k miles? I can definitely still tell the difference from comfort to sport but not as much of a difference between comfort and normal

I haven't done it myself yet so can't say mate.

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by Reddevils7

So then in my case I might actually see improvement in comfort if I reset it at just under 40k miles? I can definitely still tell the difference from comfort to sport but not as much of a difference between comfort and normal

In theory, yes, that's correct, but no reports of anyone actually doing that yet i.e. an adaptation reset on aged EDC shocks.

[--Aramis--]

Originally Posted by DrFerry

In theory, yes, that's correct, but no reports of anyone actually doing that yet i.e. an adaptation reset on aged EDC shocks.

A little return of experience

I had changed the EDC module on mine M3 from an early 2007 module to an Z4 E89 2015 module similar to M3 LCI ZCP, i don't know if in US you had the two ref for EDC module but in EU we had a prior ref for before 03/2008 and the LCI ref for after 03/2008

module are interchangeables but a prior module can not be updated and coded at an after LCI ZCP module, hardware and software are differents

Coded module to ZCP specs for sport+ variable mode not 75% fixed mode and confort/sport suspension law ZCP updated

On 105000km (60000miles) 17 years aged EDC shocks it was an improvement.

After i had also reset the EDC adaptations for "science", test drive a little more softness in confort mode and perhaps a little more reactivity in twisty roads on left-right turn sequence

And after i had mounted Tractive shocks...another world of suspension

[CTMike]

Originally Posted by --Aramis--

A little return of experience

I had changed the EDC module on mine M3 from an early 2007 module to an Z4 E89 2015 module similar to M3 LCI ZCP, i don't know if in US you had the two ref for EDC module but in EU we had a prior ref for before 03/2008 and the LCI ref for after 03/2008

module are interchangeables but a prior module can not be updated and coded at an after LCI ZCP module, hardware and software are differents

Coded module to ZCP specs for sport+ variable mode not 75% fixed mode and confort/sport suspension law ZCP updated

On 105000km (60000miles) 17 years aged EDC shocks it was an improvement.

After i had also reset the EDC adaptations for "science", test drive a little more softness in confort mode and perhaps a little more reactivity in twisty roads on left-right turn sequence

And after i had mounted Tractive shocks...another world of suspension

There’s a thread here talking about Tractive… if you haven’t shared your thoughts/experience there I think it would be great to hear!

[BigTee]

Originally Posted by --Aramis--

module are interchangeables but a prior module can not be updated and coded at an after LCI ZCP module, hardware and software are differents

Are you saying a 2008 with EDC cannot be coded to ZCP, which came out in 2011?

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by BigTee

Are you saying a 2008 with EDC cannot be coded to ZCP, which came out in 2011?

He probably refer to that the comp pack dampers and springs are different. That shouldn't prevent you from upgrading the sw only (which I believe "only" is dynamic in Sport mode also, while in non ZCP its static in Sport).

Here's an interesting full blown legendary retrofit by (unfortunately late) Ian to read into for all details:
https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...begins.120370/

Edit: Post 53 in above talks about results after completed project, interesting comparison. I also now realized Aramis is talking about the actual module, which I wasn't aware of had different hw content.

[--Aramis--]

Originally Posted by BigTee

Are you saying a 2008 with EDC cannot be coded to ZCP, which came out in 2011?

Yes because EDC module before 03/2008 ref 37147840414 doesn't have the right software/hardware EDCK65.C19 and cannot be updated to the later software EDCK65.C1A for the needs of that coding

You need EDC module ref 37156788790 (left side of the attached pic)

[--Aramis--]

Originally Posted by CTMike

There’s a thread here talking about Tractive… if you haven’t shared your thoughts/experience there I think it would be great to hear!

This topic was my inspiration.

Not much more to add to what's been said other than to confirm it.

These shock absorbers are perfect for this car and make the chassis and driving experience perfect.

Topic of my car https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1997869