Will a tuned/flashed ECU be overwritten by BMW updates?

JPA · 09-01-2009, 01:28 AM

If your ECU is flashed with a tuned program does it get overwritten with each new update from BMW necessitating a new reflash from the tuner, or are they two separate computers?

Thanks,
John

p.s. If I buy this car my only mods will be JB3/reflash, coil-overs and LSD. Just to keep it a "sleeper" car.

MuchMoore · 09-01-2009, 01:49 AM

Please search some...it will provide you with a great deal of helpful information.

I would remove any tune before taking the car to the dealer if you like having a warranty.

Roowah · 09-01-2009, 11:15 AM

I think the OP may be asking about an actual performance software reflash of the ECU versus a piggyback removable system such as a JB. Correct?

MuchMoore · 09-01-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roowah

I think the OP may be asking about an actual performance software reflash of the ECU versus a piggyback removable system such as a JB. Correct?

He edited his posted after I answered, haha.

Roowah · 09-01-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuchMoore

He edited his posted after I answered, haha.

Actually, it was edited after me trying to clarify the original post! Hey, at least I knew what he originally meant!

Much clearer now OP!

JPA · 09-01-2009, 12:47 PM

I edited the post because the sticky answered my first question about the warranty issue, but did not answer my second question about a tuned reflash being overwritten by BMW updates.

Still curious,
John

ToadHollow · 09-01-2009, 06:59 PM

Yes, if BMW updates your existing software the ECU will have to be reflashed. I know this due to the fact that the Dinan tune is an ECU flash that has to be reinstalled after any BMW software update that is installed.

Alpina_B3_Lux · 09-02-2009, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToadHollow

Yes, if BMW updates your existing software the ECU will have to be reflashed. I know this due to the fact that the Dinan tune is an ECU flash that has to be reinstalled after any BMW software update that is installed.

+1

In Germany almost everyone uses ECU flashes (piggybacks are very rare), and any tuner will tell you that BMW can overwrite them. They usually offer you a re-flash without additional charge (that's at least the case for the tuners I know such as Evotech).

Alpina_B3_Lux

Spydeputy · 09-02-2009, 05:24 AM

does it void your warranty if they find a flash tune other then their's.

sorry if i'm a noob about this, just starting to learn about turbos. and loving it!

cstavaru · 09-02-2009, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spydeputy

does it void your warranty if they find a flash tune other then their's.

Yes.

Spydeputy · 09-02-2009, 05:37 AM

thanks "cstaveru", that's what i thought. i couldn't believe that those BMW shops would override a flash to your ECU, w/out raising a red flag.

i've enjoyed reading your posts about the Performance upgrade. i've got an inquiry w/ our local dealership Tisher for availability, and price here in the states.

enrita · 09-02-2009, 05:49 AM

dont think anybody sane in his mind would bring his flashed car to the dealer. you can just restore your original DME software with a flash loader.

WhereItsAt · 09-02-2009, 09:15 AM

How does GIAC do it?

kyleb350 · 09-02-2009, 09:57 AM

Other than driving your car spirited, the dealer would only know you had flash if they pulled your ECU code and had it examined. I don't see them doing this unless they really had to.

ToadHollow · 09-02-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhereItsAt

How does GIAC do it?

Most likely they would allow maybe 2 reflashes if your car were to require a software update from BMW ......

just my opinion as another flash tune vendor offers up to 3 reflashes. EAS or ESS???

09-01-2009, 01:28 AM	#1
JPA Private First Class 8 Rep 106 Posts Drives: German Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (3)	Will a tuned/flashed ECU be overwritten by BMW updates? If your ECU is flashed with a tuned program does it get overwritten with each new update from BMW necessitating a new reflash from the tuner, or are they two separate computers? Thanks, John p.s. If I buy this car my only mods will be JB3/reflash, coil-overs and LSD. Just to keep it a "sleeper" car. Last edited by JPA; 09-01-2009 at 02:24 AM.. Reason: Found info on sticky
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09-01-2009, 01:49 AM	#2
MuchMoore Colonel 82 Rep 2,325 Posts Drives: 08 E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: CenFla iTrader: (28)	Please search some...it will provide you with a great deal of helpful information. I would remove any tune before taking the car to the dealer if you like having a warranty. __________________ \| Andrew \| M Technik \| BMW Performance \| BBS \| Forge \| V1 \| LUX \| Bilstein \| Precision-Sport \|
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09-01-2009, 11:15 AM	#3
Roowah Captain 28 Rep 811 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (0)	I think the OP may be asking about an actual performance software reflash of the ECU versus a piggyback removable system such as a JB. Correct? __________________ 2006 E90 330i 6MT: TiAg\|Black Leather\|Poplar Trim\|Premium Package\|Cold Weather Package 2003 E46 325i 5MT: Retired - The beginning of my BMW obsession!
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09-01-2009, 12:47 PM	#6
JPA Private First Class 8 Rep 106 Posts Drives: German Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (3)	reflash question I edited the post because the sticky answered my first question about the warranty issue, but did not answer my second question about a tuned reflash being overwritten by BMW updates. Still curious, John
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09-01-2009, 06:59 PM	#7
ToadHollow Once upon a time ...... 276 Rep 5,048 Posts Drives: 2008 JB E92 - SOLD 5/2010 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Asti, Italy & Austin, Texas iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [8.00]	Yes, if BMW updates your existing software the ECU will have to be reflashed. I know this due to the fact that the Dinan tune is an ECU flash that has to be reinstalled after any BMW software update that is installed. __________________
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09-02-2009, 05:24 AM	#9
Spydeputy Brigadier General 205 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	does it void your warranty if they find a flash tune other then their's. sorry if i'm a noob about this, just starting to learn about turbos. and loving it!
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09-02-2009, 05:37 AM	#11
Spydeputy Brigadier General 205 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	thanks "cstaveru", that's what i thought. i couldn't believe that those BMW shops would override a flash to your ECU, w/out raising a red flag. i've enjoyed reading your posts about the Performance upgrade. i've got an inquiry w/ our local dealership Tisher for availability, and price here in the states.
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09-02-2009, 05:49 AM	#12
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	dont think anybody sane in his mind would bring his flashed car to the dealer. you can just restore your original DME software with a flash loader. __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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09-02-2009, 09:15 AM	#13
WhereItsAt Constantly Learning 66 Rep 200 Posts Drives: Four Wheels Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	How does GIAC do it?
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09-02-2009, 09:57 AM	#14
kyleb350 Brigadier General 424 Rep 4,709 Posts Drives: '21 X3MC Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Milwaukee iTrader: (6)	Other than driving your car spirited, the dealer would only know you had flash if they pulled your ECU code and had it examined. I don't see them doing this unless they really had to.
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