Here at PTF we've worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to create the World's First factory ECU (DME) flash tuning platform for the BMW F series called bootmod3.
Background, the boring stuff... :)
We've been working tirelessly since late 2015 to create a truly unique cloud based performance flash tuning platform offering benefits both end users and tuners in ways prior unimaginable!
Up until bootmod3 came into existence there were two popular ways of tuning the BMW F series, using a piggyback device to to just add boost and sending , and the other, by sending your ECU (DME) out for a one time flash to a tuner of your choice. With the
With a piggyback the end user has partial control over the boost the car is running user has only partial control over boost but no direct control over any other critical engine parameters such as ignition timing, lambda targets, fuel pressure targets, torque/load targeting, throttle mapping, valve timing and duration, various torque and load limiters, among others. With the one time flash some tuners were providing the ECU would get reprogrammed on the bench and many of the parameters above would get adjusted. However, if
The other option that existed prior to BM3 was a one-time flash offered by many tuners that doesn't offer any diagnostics, datalogging or map switching capability. If the end user wanted to customize their tune for different modifications, octane levels, go bigger turbos , with a built motor, datalog how the car was running, to get the most performance out of their car there simply wasn't any way of doing so, until now! UNTIL NOW :)
bootmod3 is a full custom tuning platform for the factory engine computer (ECU/DME) that provides the end user with mobile applications for Android, iOS and Web Browser enabled devices available for Windows, macOS and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Users can change their tunes through the OBD port at will port in their own driveway using the web or mobile apps taking about a minute to taking just seconds to do so. In order to enable OBD map switching and programming on the BMW F series cars a one-time removal of the ECU(DME) from the car is required to apply what is commonly referred to as the OBD unlock. It is a software patch that allows OBD programming access to the factory engine computer. From that point forward the user is free to change their maps/tunes in the convenience of their driveway, at the track, on the dyno or wherever and whenever you'd like to do so.
Here is a set of FAQs we've compiled over time that describe how to get bootmod3 on the car and some of its features:
What is bootmod3
What do I need from you to get this going?
Click on this link for instructions: How to install bootmod3 on your vehicle
Do you have a user manual?
Yes, here's a link to the bootmod3 user manual: /wiki/spaces/BCS/pages/594739205
How do I reach Tech or Sales Support if I have an issue or need help?
Open a tech support ticket with us on our support website and one of our staff will reach out to you:
https://bootmod3.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portals
How does bootmod3 flash the car, does it need internet?
bootmod3 is the first custom cloud based tuning platform for the BMW F series vehicles.
What do I need from you to get this going?
1) License purchased on our website, click here. License currently includes all the features including flashing DME, DCT TCU, logging, live dash, read/clear codes, reset adaptations, reset ECU and others.
2) bootmod3 mobile app - currently available for Android in the Google Play store, click here. iOS app is just around the corner along with a Web-only version.
3) BMW ENET (OBD) cable - available on Amazon, one of them available here:
https://www.amazon.com/BMW-ENET-Ethe...rds=enet+cable
4) bootmod3 OBD Agent software - free download from dropbox to run on your laptop. Setup instructions provided, click here. Agent software connects your vehicle's OBD port to bootmod3 servers and the device is not VIN locked.
Optional: OBD Agent hardware device - Convenience always-on option, alternative to #4 above. Why? Removes the need to use a laptop in the car and comes preconfigured with the agent software for connectivity to bootmod3 servers and connects to your phone over WIFI.
To setup the OBD WIFI Agent with the latest firmware click here for instructions.
5) DME unlock - work with us or any of our dealers to read out the factory software on the DME and have it patched to open up OBD access. This readout is used to activate your license and use the bootmod3 featuresthis means is that we provide all the tools necessary to securely and most efficiently tune the car, through the Web, much like how you have your email with Google (Gmail) instead of hosting your own mail server. Data lives on our servers and the system provides enhanced features such as map editing and configuration, built-in custom tuning with tuners in our Tuner Directory without depending on emailing CSV files and map files back and forth. Tuners and end users can enjoy a high level of efficiency when custom tuning either on a local dyno or working with each other remotely.
Once a given version of a map is downloaded from the servers it can be flashed without internet access, similar to how Spotify for example works with music/songs.
Can I use bootmod3 with more than one car?
bootmod3 license applies to 1 vehicle (1 VIN). OBD Agent hardware device however can be used on multiple cars.Can I just buy the flasher or just the logger as I don't care for other features?
We strongly believe a tuning platform should have all of the features provided and we are adding more all the time without additional licensing fees. In case of higher demand for portions of bootmod3 features such as offering flash-only or logging-only licenses, we do have the means to separate them out. Please inquire separately at this time.
Do I need to unlock my DME?
Yes. One time DME unlock is required to gain OBD access.
Who can unlock it for me?
We can take care of the DME unlock at our home location listed on our website or through any of the authorized dealer locations listed here in alphabetical order below
Do I need to remove my DME and send it to you to unlock for programming?
In some cases this is required. There may be cases where the vehicle manufacturer releases a software update and changes the way unlocking the DME through OBD. The system will check support at the time of software license activation and our Tech Support team will advise if any special steps are needed at that time. Once connected with the car the app will show you the required unlock procedure.
Do you have Authorized Dealer shops who can install this for me?
Absolutely. You can get in touch with any of our authorized dealers listed on our website and get bootmod3 installed. NOTE: Prior appointment scheduling is required. Cost of unlock and DME labor for removal/reinstall is Labour cost install is to be inquired with the shop you're interested in getting the unlock done with.
DME is unlocked, got the car back, what's next?
Open a tech support ticket with us on our support website attach the original DME readout along with your VIN. We'll have your VIN and your DME readout file registered in the system. Link to support website:
https://bootmod3.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/1
Once we've registered your car you can start the OBD Agent on your laptop or Wifi device, log in on the web (http://www.bootmod3.net) or the mobile app (iOS or Android) and activate your license.
looking to work with.
I see the Stock Tune under My Maps. How do I get a tune (OTS map) to flash on my car?
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1) Go to My the OTS Maps screen and click on the Stock Tune
2) Click Edit in the top right
3) Click on Request Tune
4) Choose protuningfreaks in the dropdown of tuners and fill out the details about the OTS map you're requesting and send it over to us and we'll turn it around.
NOTE: For now use the website not the mobile app for requesting OTS maps. Mobile apps will have this supported soon.
Any DYNO numbers?OTS Map you'd like to flash on your car and proceed with flashing. You can choose any of the OTS Maps available.
Any DYNO numbers or results?
You can view them on product pages on our website but results evolve and get better over time as well constantly. bootmod3 team strives for the best possible tunes all the time and updates are released for free. Many results on our instagram account @protuningfreaks but here are just some examples that have been posted in the past. Many are and have been added to our Instagram and Facebook accounts over time since:
bimmerpost.com, real world results/records listing:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1383036
S55 (M3 / M4):
Stage 1 93 octane: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/shoshowthread....php?t=1297004
Stage 1 93 octane, comparison with JB4 on pump gas: httppump gas: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1328339
Stage 2 93 octane: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...showthread.php?t=1320220
Stage Stage 2 93 on car octane with OEM downpipes, just dropin filters and exhaust, comparison with JB4 on pump gas map 2 : http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21434205&postcount=477
Stage 2 93 octane + Meth http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1435169
Stage 2 91oct + Custom 91 + Meth via BM3 by PaulJohnson https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1457078
Stage 2 91oct Pure Turbo’s https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1427209
Stage 2 V3 https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1479021
Stock Turbo + Custom 93 and E85 Tune via BM3 http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1479683
Pure Turbos - Full E85 Custom Tune via BM3 by Paul Johnson https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1446993
Stock Turbo Full E85 Custom Tune via BM3 https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1444698
Pure Turbos + Full E85 Custom Tune via BM3 by CaryTheLabelGuy https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1471241
N55 EWG (235i / 335i / 435i / 535i / M2/ M2 / X4 M40i / X5 35i / 640/535):
M2 M2 (N55 EWG) FBO + Pure Stage 2 on pump 93 octane: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...showthread.php?t=1344711
M2 (N55 EWG) FBO, Stock Turbo on pump 91 octane: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1344711
435i Stock turbo + meth (world record N55):1437086
M2 (N55 EWG) FBO, Dinan Turbo http://f30f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...showthread.php?t=1454381
M2 (N55 EWG) FBO 91oct http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13363221455188
M235i, Stock turbo, pump gas, stock intercooler, just downpipe+intake: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...showthread.php?t=1331464
335i Stock turbo + meth (world record N55): http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1331464
435i FBO1336322
335i FBO+Meth on stock turbo: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...php?p=21017588showthread.php?p=21017588
PWG 535 FBO+Pure Stage 2: http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1433194
N55 EWG Stock, Stage 2 93, Stage 2 E30: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg_ag7eF85Q/
N55 PWG Stage 2 93 octane: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJjlnLlsQ1/
S63TU (M5 / M6 / X5M / X6M):
Stage 2 on 93 octane + downpipes: http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1337143
Can I run E85 or meth and do you have OTS maps for these?
Yes, they're currently in beta and we'd love to have you on board with us going through testing.
Do you offer backend flashes to run with a JB4?
Yes. In fact our OTS Stage 1 and Stage 2 maps are great backend flashes as they raise load and torque targets far higher than stock allowing the DME and TCU to run as close to actual values as possible. We have E30 (30% ethanol) and E50 (50% ethanol) blend OTS maps available. Full E85 maps are custom and can be done with any of the tuners listed in our tuner directory.
How do I datalog and monitor how my car is doing?
Using either bootmod3.net website or the bootmod3 mobile app and agent running in the car while connected to the bootmod3 servers (cloud).Can I use my JB4 mobile app with your flash and log with JB Mobile?
Yes, absolutely.
Do I need to always have a laptop with me in the car to run the agent? Do I need the device always plugged in?
No. Agent that runs on a laptop or hardware device is only required to be used if using the bootmod3 app features. Otherwise, no need for anything to be plugged into the OBDII port.
What's the difference between bootmod3 and a piggyback like JB4?
bootmod3 is software and reprograms the vehicle's factory engine control unit computer (DME) and in some cases other modules such other ECUs such as the transmission control unit (EGS/TCU). JB4 is a piggyback device that works in tandem with the DME to offer some of the features that may not be currently available with the factory DME (e.g. meth or secondary port fuel injection)Piggybacks are simply boost controllers with extremely limited ability in tuning. Piggybacks usually come to the market first due to simplicity in their install and function. A complete flash tune like bootmod3 is vastly superior in terms of tuning ability retaining all factory failsafes and in some cases taking things even further such as the case with our CustomROM.
Can I tune my own car with bootmod3?
Yes! You can go into the Stock Tune and do 'Save As' another map so your stock tune stays in tact and you can start tuning it yourself or with your preferred tuner/shop.Here are some videos created by Cary Jordan, one of the tuners using bootmod3's custom tuning features:
Source: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1433680
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Here's a demo of the app in use with the OBD Agent WIFI hardware device, in this case showing the optional USB connectivity, courtesy of Paul Johnson, one of the bootmod3 tuners:
Widget Connector
Will this void my warranty?
As with any aftermarket hardware modification on the car or any tuning, there is a chance the dealer may refuse or void the drivetrain portion of your warranty. Many dealers are highly tolerant towards modifications and if you don't have one, find yourself a friendly Service Advisor ;)I'm moving on to a different car.
Can I re-sell or transfer my license?
Yes. Bootmod3 is the only BMW F series flash only flash solution where the license can be resold and/or transferred to a new VIN when/if you decide to move on for any reason. Having re-sale value is a great advantage to choosing bootmod3 for your tuning which is NOT available with any other flash tune.-
- License transfer is restricted to the original order purchase and buyer. Transferred licenses cannot be transferred more than once.
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- Any previously purchased OTS maps and custom tunes by the original buyer are not transferrable due to map data incompatibilities between cars.
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- To transfer a license you need to
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- have the original VIN flashed back to the Stock TuneAND DME RELOCKED using bootmod3 interface. Go to the vehicle menu, and click on 'Transfer My License' and follow the instructions.
FLASHING BACK TO STOCK AND LOCKING THE DME WITH ANY OTHER FLASH TOOLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
For instructions on this click here: bootmod3 License transfer