Where to have bench unlock done?

ibestplayer · 09-23-2022, 02:22 PM

2018 340i. Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about getting a bench unlock done?

AndrewC1989 · 09-23-2022, 02:59 PM

1. Google search to find your nearest performance shop or tuner specializing in BMWs.

2. Call or email them to ensure they can bench-tune your DME.

3. Go to your tuning appointment.

zobr · 09-23-2022, 03:11 PM

If done at a local tuning place, do they take out the DME or is it done through the OBD port?

AndrewC1989 · 09-23-2022, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zobr

If done at a local tuning place, do they take out the DME or is it done through the OBD port?

Depends on the car. Newer models tend to have anti-tuning software built into the DME so flash tuning via OBD isn't possible, and the DME must be removed to physically modify/unlock on a workbench. Example: My 2015 F30 was able to be flash tuned at home, but had I had a 2016+ car (LCI), it would need bench tuning.

Side note: flash tuning via OBD is incredibly easy and you can DIY, no need to go to a shop unless you're absolutely clueless or you want the car tuned on a dyno.

oem.plus_440gc · 09-23-2022, 05:37 PM

I just got mine done by Kies. They were great to work with. Only takes a few minutes to take the dme out of the car. Just label your connectors on the way out and make sure they're all plugged in properly after.

thejeremyman9 · 09-23-2022, 06:07 PM

I believe bimecu in California does it

ibestplayer · 09-28-2022, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewC1989

Depends on the car. Newer models tend to have anti-tuning software built into the DME so flash tuning via OBD isn't possible, and the DME must be removed to physically modify/unlock on a workbench. Example: My 2015 F30 was able to be flash tuned at home, but had I had a 2016+ car (LCI), it would need bench tuning.

Side note: flash tuning via OBD is incredibly easy and you can DIY, no need to go to a shop unless you're absolutely clueless or you want the car tuned on a dyno.

Just got mine done at a tuning place nearby. They DID take out the ECU, it was not done through the OBD port. Took maybe 10 minutes. 2018 340i. Didn't wanna send it over to Kies Motorsports as I would be without a car for a day or two (but I heard their service is great too).

AndrewC1989 · 09-28-2022, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibestplayer

Just got mine done at a tuning place nearby. They DID take out the ECU, it was not done through the OBD port.

Not surprising. Any F30 2016+ needs bench tuning which requires DME removal. Once unlocked it can be flash tuned via OBD (should you want to change tunes).

Runner340 · 09-29-2022, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibestplayer

2018 340i. Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about getting a bench unlock done?

You could try calling:

Bren Tuning https://www.btgarage.co/
or
Woodward Motorsport https://www.woodwardmotorsport.com/

zobr · 09-29-2022, 07:55 AM

How much for a bench unlock if done at a local place instead of removing yourself and shipping?

This makes me want to go with JB4.

09-23-2022, 02:22 PM	#1
ibestplayer Private 5 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2018 340i Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Where to have bench unlock done? 2018 340i. Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about getting a bench unlock done? Last edited by ibestplayer; 09-23-2022 at 02:29 PM.. Reason: solved
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09-23-2022, 02:59 PM	#2
AndrewC1989 Brigadier General 10915 Rep 4,550 Posts Drives: 2015 328d xDrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NoVA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2015 328d xDrive [8.90]	1. Google search to find your nearest performance shop or tuner specializing in BMWs. 2. Call or email them to ensure they can bench-tune your DME. 3. Go to your tuning appointment. __________________ My Build Thread
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09-23-2022, 03:11 PM	#3
zobr Private First Class 39 Rep 160 Posts Drives: M550i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	If done at a local tuning place, do they take out the DME or is it done through the OBD port?
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09-23-2022, 05:37 PM	#5
oem.plus_440gc Lieutenant 353 Rep 517 Posts Drives: 2019 440i XDrive GC Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 440i GC xD [0.00]	I just got mine done by Kies. They were great to work with. Only takes a few minutes to take the dme out of the car. Just label your connectors on the way out and make sure they're all plugged in properly after. __________________ Current: 2019 440i xDrive Gran Coupe - Alpine White, Coral Red Dakota Leather, 8AT, MSport, THP, BM3; 2015 X5 35i xDrive - Mineral White Metallic, Mocha Dakota Leather; Previous: 2015 Subaru WRX - World Rally Blue, Premium, FBO+Tune
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09-23-2022, 06:07 PM	#6
thejeremyman9 Major General 4358 Rep 7,597 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 335i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	I believe bimecu in California does it
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09-29-2022, 07:55 AM	#10
zobr Private First Class 39 Rep 160 Posts Drives: M550i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	How much for a bench unlock if done at a local place instead of removing yourself and shipping? This makes me want to go with JB4.
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