Warning to those post 03/08 build 135i owners wanting to tune

[mikeo]

There is reasonably accurate information that BMW AG has changed the ECU/ECM on 135i cars starting in March, 2008. This new Siemens ECM v81 (v80 prior to March, 2008) incorporates new hardware/firmware and reportedly can detect all ECU re-flashes and most piggyback tunes.

In conjunction with this factory change in ECU hardware and software, there is also good information that BMW is preparing to take a less understanding position regarding warranty work that might arise from any tunes/mods.

Those of you planning to mod you car may want to bide your time until the diffences in the v81 are more clearly understood and/or until BMW makes its intentions better known.

[atr_hugo]

Mike - I take it you got that from one of your reliable sources? ; -)

[AwesomeBMW]

Well this sucks But really, it was only a matter of time before this happened anyways.

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

Mike - I take it you got that from one of your reliable sources? ; -)

Related to me by a dealer employee that will go un-named and was in a recent meeting where a BMW NA engineer warned that these changes were coming. Specifically, BMW was tired of doing warranty work on highly modified cars that damage a turbo, tranny, halfshaft or other driveline component. Southern California was noted as a particular problem area and Dinan was also mentioned as one of the tuners no longer in favor.

This can still be classified as informed speculation, but I am certainly taking it as a word to the wise.

[mistermojorizin]

will this effect pre-3/08 cars? (i.e. through a progman update?) thanks

[Numb3rs]

Many insiders are reporting the same thing. This is more than understandable and even hinted at by BMW's own Performance line.

Truthfully, I am glad BMW is taking precaution to limit the garage style tuning, that people have been adding to their BMW's. CPO's will be very troublesome in a few years and it will give BMW a bad name.

It cost thousands of dollars to mod a car properly, which also take commitment. Not 30 minutes and $700 bucks.

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by mistermojorizin

will this effect pre-3/08 cars? (i.e. through a progman update?) thanks

Agree with numbers, because it is a matter of numbers. Warranty numbers.

My understanding is that progman will NOT be able to update v80 ECUs to the capabilites of v81 due to hardware differences.

[rajuncajun]

Well, I'm still glad I've waited. I have a Feb 08 build so I should be in the clear, but I'm still going to wait to see how this plays out.:iono:

[Red135]

For those interested enough to access the ECU, the version is on a sticker on the top of the ECU.

[ktdw]

Yet another good reason to have ordered early

[MastaMind]

I just read the 20+ page post on E90Post about this.

Mikeo, thank you for creating a warning thread over here regarding this issue. We'll just have to be patient and see what transpires.

[imported_NA]

See below text from the Dinan site regarding the ECU upgrade for the 135/335/535. This certainly adds credibility to this issue. Hope it gets resolved soon as I intended to pull into my nearest Dinan dealer at mile 1,201.

"Currently, Dinan software is applicable for vehicles equipped with the MSD v80.0 DME (engine management computer). Vehicles equipped with the MSD v81.0 DME are not yet supported. For the most part, the production date break appears to be 3/08, however this is not an absolute so it is best to check the DME label. "

[atr_hugo]

Hey Mike - I think I'm going to make this a 'sticky'.

[TwinturboBMW07]

Dang thats not cool at all

[malves85]

That is bad news!

My car order was placed 3/27. Maybe with lots of luck they didnt update before my car went through.

[jeremyc74]

Oouch. My car was just built, and I was planning on putting a tune on it as soon as I hit the break in number.

I'm guessing Dinan will probably still have something available? I hope.......

[Red135]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

Oouch. My car was just built, and I was planning on putting a tune on it as soon as I hit the break in number.

I'm guessing Dinan will probably still have something available? I hope.......

From the website:

Currently, Dinan software is applicable for vehicles equipped with the MSD v80.0 DME (engine management computer). Vehicles equipped with the MSD v81.0 DME are not yet supported. For the most part, the production date break appears to be 3/08, however this is not an absolute so it is best to check the DME label.

[Cashman]

Well so much for this car being easy to tune . What a bunch :bs:

[JBurer]

What a pile! Could have had a Feb build date, but opted for the Munich Delivery in April - which I believe pushed the build date into April.

I'm planning to inspect the ECU in my car as soon as it comes stateside. Can anyone tell me where it's located?

[Tuned1M]

I could of had a pre-3/08 build but they (BMW) totalled my first order!

[Smallbodybimmer]

Originally Posted by Cashman

Well so much for this car being easy to tune . What a bunch :bs:

Well...looks like you can still tune it. It doesn't say the new ECU will prevent a tune, just detects and records that the stock tune is being messed around with, so don't expect to tune and have BMW cover related repairs under warranty. No more cake and eat it too. Gotta pay to play and all that jazz.

Oh well, my order was placed 3/04/08. I was not keeping close track but that puts my build somewhere between March 18 and April 8. Wish I paid closer attention.

[Cashman]

No actually ive heard from a couple tuning sources that the new ecu, is a pain to tune as well. I guess we will have to just wait and see.