[chuckles01]

I recently brought my car in for basic oil-change service, brake fluid flush, and also replacing the audio unit due to a cracked button. Car has a GSR ECU tune and was also coded to enable certain features (e.g. rear fog lights, comfort access folding mirrors, etc.).

To replace the entire audio unit, they had to reprogram the new unit to my car. So to be expected, this wiped out all my coded features. I also noticed as a byproduct, my navigation software was updated. I didn't ask them to update the nav, nor did I realize it was necessary for putting in the new audio, but that's a good surprise.

However, my question is, could this have somehow reprogrammed my ECU and wiped out or affected my ECU tune as well? I ask because, I've noticed my car responds a little differently than before - the throttle is slightly more laggy, and it doesn't feel as powerful as before. There's nothing in the service docs that noted programming the ECU, but I wonder if it's possible they just did a bulk update (hence why the nav updated as well) and it somehow included erasing or overwriting the ECU tune?

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by chuckles01

I recently brought my car in for basic oil-change service, brake fluid flush, and also replacing the audio unit due to a cracked button. Car has a GSR ECU tune and was also coded to enable certain features (e.g. rear fog lights, comfort access folding mirrors, etc.).

To replace the entire audio unit, they had to reprogram the new unit to my car. So to be expected, this wiped out all my coded features. I also noticed as a byproduct, my navigation software was updated. I didn't ask them to update the nav, nor did I realize it was necessary for putting in the new audio, but that's a good surprise.

However, my question is, could this have somehow reprogrammed my ECU and wiped out or affected my ECU tune as well? I ask because, I've noticed my car responds a little differently than before - the throttle is slightly more laggy, and it doesn't feel as powerful as before. There's nothing in the service docs that noted programming the ECU, but I wonder if it's possible they just did a bulk update (hence why the nav updated as well) and it somehow included erasing or overwriting the ECU tune?

Very likely, since re-flashing updates everything. On my previous E92 335i, I had a steering angle sensor replaced, which required a reflash. By doing so, it also over-wrote my Dinan S3 software. Once I pointed that out, they re-flashed my Dinan tune at no cost.

If you have factory NAV, most likely its software (not necessarily the map data) was updated along with everything else in the latest software version.

[chuckles01]

That's a bit annoying, I had assumed coding in a new audio unit would've been separate from the ECU? When BMW updates one during service, do they typically just reflash everything including the ECU? Had I known, I would've just not had them replace the audio unit.

Is there anyway for me to determine this for sure? Boost reader or something I can get to see if I'm pushing out stock boost or tuned boost?

Originally Posted by roundel335

Very likely, since re-flashing updates everything. On my previous E92 335i, I had a steering angle sensor replaced, which required a reflash. By doing so, it also over-wrote my Dinan S3 software. Once I pointed that out, they re-flashed my Dinan tune at no cost.

If you have factory NAV, most likely its software (not necessarily the map data) was updated along with everything else in the latest software version.

[ttomczak]

Same thing happened to me with my Audi, they had to reflash the transmission and wiped out the stage two APR software. Since it was sold to me with the stage 2 on it, Audi had to pay to get it reflashed.

It's easier for them to 'just do it' vs going module by module.

[eluded]

Same thing happened to me, my ECU got updated to Windows 10 and I did not want it.

[chuckles01]

If I get one of those wifi obd2 tools, then I should be able to verify whether the tune has been erased or affected for sure, right? By reading boost?

Was just trying to see if there's a more accurate way other than relying on my butt dyno.

[RoundelM3]

Depends on the tool - Carly for BMW might be able to do it using the "parameters" feature where you can choose which readouts you want (oil pressure, oil temp, water temp, boost, etc.). I used to use INPA on my E92, but I'm not sure what the equivalent is for the F-chassis cars. The OBDII adapter you need is different as well - same plug, but the cars have a "network" instead of a CAN-BUS. Carly sells a bluetooth adapter to use with their software; I don't think you'll find one that uses wifi. There are also programs like Bavarian Technic that use a cable, although it plugs in to a network port rather than USB.

[chuckles01]

Thanks, I guess it's worth a shot just to see. I might try this: https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scann...ct_top?ie=UTF8

and pair it with Carly, Dash Command, or OBD Fusion app or similar.

Just not 100% sure the scanner is compatible with F30s.

Originally Posted by roundel335

Depends on the tool - Carly for BMW might be able to do it using the "parameters" feature where you can choose which readouts you want (oil pressure, oil temp, water temp, boost, etc.). I used to use INPA on my E92, but I'm not sure what the equivalent is for the F-chassis cars. The OBDII adapter you need is different as well - same plug, but the cars have a "network" instead of a CAN-BUS. Carly sells a bluetooth adapter to use with their software; I don't think you'll find one that uses wifi. There are also programs like Bavarian Technic that use a cable, although it plugs in to a network port rather than USB.

[CalCarNut]

Not sure the OBDII dongle will tell you...

email Matt@ GSR and ask him his opinion. If i remember, i'll hook my obdII up to my car and see if the boost indicates anything more than 17lbs (stock #s)..if it does, then you can probably use that as a test...but if it doesn't, not sure what else you can do other than have Matt re-flash it?

[chuckles01]

Thanks CalCarNut, really appreciate it! If you do end up trying it, please let me know if it indicates more than stock boost.

I was going to reach out to Matt but was hoping to gather more info first, if readily available that is. If not then, yeah... seems like the only option is to re-flash it. :\

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

Not sure the OBDII dongle will tell you...

email Matt@ GSR and ask him his opinion. If i remember, i'll hook my obdII up to my car and see if the boost indicates anything more than 17lbs (stock #s)..if it does, then you can probably use that as a test...but if it doesn't, not sure what else you can do other than have Matt re-flash it?

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by chuckles01

Thanks, I guess it's worth a shot just to see. I might try this: https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Scann...ct_top?ie=UTF8

and pair it with Carly, Dash Command, or OBD Fusion app or similar.

Just not 100% sure the scanner is compatible with F30s.

Carly only works with their own adapter. There's one for Android and a different one for IOS. It's roughly $50, and about $50 for the full version of Carly. Best $100 you'll ever spend.

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by chuckles01

Thanks CalCarNut, really appreciate it! If you do end up trying it, please let me know if it indicates more than stock boost.

I was going to reach out to Matt but was hoping to gather more info first, if readily available that is. If not then, yeah... seems like the only option is to re-flash it. :\

I'll check it for you. Wife.com has my car today so hopefully tomorrow or later tonight....

[jninja]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

... Wife.com has my car today...

Is that a mail order type of thing?

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by jninja

Is that a mail order type of thing?

lol. I suppose it could be but no, not in my case....

[chuckles01]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

lol. I suppose it could be but no, not in my case....

Thanks a lot calcarnut!

[CalCarNut]

CHUCKLES..still haven't driven my car to test the boost level...haven't forgotten!

[chuckles01]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

CHUCKLES..still haven't driven my car to test the boost level...haven't forgotten!

No worries at all! Totally appreciate you even thinking about it!

I also just picked up my OBD reader, but haven't had the chance to do any meaningful tests yet. Traffic has just been bad around here too so I've only verified it was able to read data and haven't gone full throttle or anything to check boost.

[chazmink]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Carly only works with their own adapter. There's one for Android and a different one for IOS. It's roughly $50, and about $50 for the full version of Carly. Best $100 you'll ever spend.

I agree. I'm new to Carly but have been impressed so far. BTW, the second generation of their adapter is wifi, not Bluetooth. Just be sure to connect to their network. Initially mine tried to connect to my home wifi.

[chuckles01]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

CHUCKLES..still haven't driven my car to test the boost level...haven't forgotten!

So, finally had the chance to do some pulls and log data. The max boost I recorded was around 16.2 psi. I sent the files over to Matt and he confirmed that the tune was flashed over, so they're going to have to put it in again.

Thanks guys for all the help!