How Detectable Is A Remap?

[carlos50]

Hi all

Am considering a remap for my 2009 X6 35d, one that can be uploaded via the ECU and taken off again the same way. Will BMW still be able to detect that its been mapped when reading the key during service etc even if the map has been removed and original programme put back on or is it invisible once removed and only visible if loaded into the car?

I have BMW warranty and am uneasy about risking it but would love more performance.

Thanks

Carl

[pvr]

In this months issue of straight six, BMW is stating that currently they can detect any update, so I think that pretty much answers your question.

[carlos50]

Thanks pvr, i thought so and even a tech at my local dealer said be careful when i asked him about it but the seller of the map suggested i could remove it and it wouldnt be detectable.

I wont go any further with the purchase 

[Finglonga]

I will let you know in a couple of months . . . . 

[X5Sport]

The rumour is that the chip in the ECU has some kind of counter in it which increments 1 digit every time a map is added - Jason would know for sure.

The Dealer can allegedly read the counter setting and compare it against what they expect it to be according to some kind of log.  All rumours and I have never seen it actuall confirmed written anywhere, although maybe the article says something.  Will have to give it a read when mine turns up.... :-\

There were indications that BMW had done something clever when the 40d first appeared and there is a discussion in the 'performance' thread here on the forum, back in 2011.

[Finglonga]

Well a bit earlier than the service that is due . . . Someone bumped the wife's car last week (and drove off!) and it has been in a dealer for repair. Just had a phone call to say the new steering rack needs re coding and the ECU flagged up that it has been tampered with. He knew straight away it had been re mapped and as it is out of warranty now was just ringing to say that the map will be lost when he codes the rack to the vehicle.

[carlos50]

I decided against the map. Cant be chewed with local stealer giving me problems come warranty time, its one of the main reasons i bought through the main agent network so it would be foolish to void it through my own doing.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.