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.
Up until bootmod3 came into existence there were two popular ways of tuning the BMW F series, using a piggyback device to add boost and sending your ECU (DME) out for a one time flash to a tuner of your choice. With the piggyback the end user has partial control over the boost the car is running but no direct control over any other engine parameters such as ignition timing, lambda targets, fuel pressure targets, torque/load targetting, throttle mapping, valve timing and duration, 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 end user wanted to customize their tune for different modifications, octane levels, go bigger turbos, 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!
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. Users can change their tunes through the OBD port at will using the mobile apps taking about a minute 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?
bootmod3 is the first custom 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 download the latest OBD Agent hardware device firmware click here.
Can I use bootmod3 with more than one car?
bootmod3 license applies to 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. NOTE: Prior appointment scheduling is required. Cost of unlock and DME labor for removal/reinstall is to be inquired with the shop you're interested in getting the unlock done with.
DME is unlocked, got the car back, I have the license activation key and original 4MB factory file from the car, mobile app is downloaded and installed, what's next?
Log in and follow the prompts to configure your vehicle in the app. It should be fairly straightforward but if any questions at all drop us a line.
How do I get a tune to flash on my car?
bootmod3 comes with one OTS tune/map for your car's modifications and octane from us. Additional OTS maps if needed can be provided as a separate item, pricing indicated on our website.
Any DYNO numbers?
S55 (M3 / M4):
Stage 1 93 octane: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1297004
Stage 1 93 octane, comparison with JB4 on pump gas: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1328339
Stage 2 93 octane: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1320220
Stage 2 93 on car 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
N55 EWG (235i / 435i / 535i / M2):
M2 (N55 EWG) FBO + Pure Stage 2 on pump 93 octane: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1344711
435i Stock turbo + meth (world record N55): http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1336322
M235i, Stock turbo, pump gas, stock intercooler, just downpipe+intake: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1331464
435i FBO+Meth on stock turbo: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...php?p=21017588
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.
How do I datalog?
Using 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 JB4?
bootmod3 reprograms the vehicle's factory engine control unit (DME) and in some cases other modules such as the transmission control unit (EGS/TCU). JB4 is a piggyback device that works in tandem with the DME to offer additional features.
Can I tune my own car with bootmod3?
Custom tuning interface for the end user is coming out soon.
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 ;)