[23109VC]

I have a 2018 M550i.

On our vehicles there are two main two new options - well there are many different brands to choose from from my research it appears one option is to flash the ECU with an upload or device that actually writes new code into the car directly or I could install a piggyback system which would be a small box with the wiring harness is that attaches to the vehicle at approximately two different locations.

My first question is for those of you who've installed the piggyback system like race chip or dinan - how difficult are they to install and uninstall to essentially put the car back to stock before routine service at the dealer. I have heard some people say it takes over an hour and when I called one of the manufactures they told me that once you've done it a couple of times it's super simple and could be done in literally 10 minutes. If it's actually a 10 minute process to put this thing in the car and take it out I would be tempted however if it's going to take me an hour or two every time I want to unplug and go in for an oil change I honestly don't think it'll be worth the hassle.

So for those of you who have a piggyback system if you had to take it out and get back to stock how long does it take to remove it and is it the same process in reverse to put it back in?

My other option is to consider a flash however it sounds like that makes more changes to the ECU and there's no way to hide that from the dealer should I encounter engine problems??

[G30540SE2017]

It doesn’t seem that hard, which ones are you looking at? I’m contemplating BMS JB4

[FlyingWombat24]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

I have a 2018 M550i.

On our vehicles there are two main two new options - well there are many different brands to choose from from my research it appears one option is to flash the ECU with an upload or device that actually writes new code into the car directly or I could install a piggyback system which would be a small box with the wiring harness is that attaches to the vehicle at approximately two different locations.

My first question is for those of you who've installed the piggyback system like race chip or dinan - how difficult are they to install and uninstall to essentially put the car back to stock before routine service at the dealer. I have heard some people say it takes over an hour and when I called one of the manufactures they told me that once you've done it a couple of times it's super simple and could be done in literally 10 minutes. If it's actually a 10 minute process to put this thing in the car and take it out I would be tempted however if it's going to take me an hour or two every time I want to unplug and go in for an oil change I honestly don't think it'll be worth the hassle.

So for those of you who have a piggyback system if you had to take it out and get back to stock how long does it take to remove it and is it the same process in reverse to put it back in?

My other option is to consider a flash however it sounds like that makes more changes to the ECU and there's no way to hide that from the dealer should I encounter engine problems??

in a similar situation my self
Apparently the new updates that bmw installs at the dealerships prevents ecu reflashing such as BootMod 3.

so piggyback may be the only way to go :/

[ZulaM5]

It depends on how good you are with working on cars. Could be an hour, could be three.

Also depends what brand you're using.

[Ron1n]

Originally Posted by FlyingWombat24

in a similar situation my self
Apparently the new updates that bmw installs at the dealerships prevents ecu reflashing such as BootMod 3.

so piggyback may be the only way to go :/

This is true, but there are shops that can unlock your ECU if you have an update that actually does lock yours. I had it done last Friday on my '18, allowing me to use BM3 with no issues.

[mgorman87]

I have JB4. Took me like 30 minutes. Not hard at all.

To remove, it's probably two minute job to swap back in the stock connector. I don't think you would have to pull the whole thing. Just put stock back to stock and remove the piggyback

[RonronEG]

Originally Posted by Ron1n

This is true, but there are shops that can unlock your ECU if you have an update that actually does lock yours. I had it done last Friday on my '18, allowing me to use BM3 with no issues.

I thought it was only ID7 cars that got DME locked with the new update. You are 100% sure yours was locked? What istep are you on?

[Ron1n]

Not that the iDrive version matters, but yes, confirmed 100% that I was ECU locked post purchase (did happen to buy the car used).

[RonronEG]

Originally Posted by Ron1n

Not that the iDrive version matters, but yes, confirmed 100% that I was ECU locked post purchase (did happen to buy the car used).

Was basing it off this:

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1753810

[Ron1n]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

Was basing it off this:

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1753810

Yeah, that info is wrong. Pre-2020s can be ECU locked due to recent updates, as well.

[23109VC]

Originally Posted by Ron1n

Yeah, that info is wrong. Pre-2020s can be ECU locked due to recent updates, as well.

From what I've read recently - ANY tune - flash or piggyback - will get detected by dealer and flag car and void powertrain warranty - so given that i have 4 more years of CPO coverage - tuning would wipe out m
Coverage. I want more power but not badly enough to lose my warranty...