do all ZHPs need the DME reflashed?

[tracerit]

Looking to pick one up,is this a question that I should be asking all owners if their DMEs have been reflashed?

[mimalmo]

Most of them won't have a clue what you're talking about.

[Katu]

Quick question, if my DME was flashed with the latest software, would dealer records show that? When a dealership ran my service history, this was never mentioned. I bought the car used, is there a easy way to check my version #?

[danewilson77]

Looking to pick one up,is this a question that I should be asking all owners if their DMEs have been reflashed?

I believe the latest software update was in 2008.


Quick question, if my DME was flashed with the latest software, would dealer records show that? When a dealership ran my service history, this was never mentioned. I bought the car used, is there a easy way to check my version #?

Yes. Dealer records would indicate the flash.

[johnrando]

I was told by the dealer that typically cars will not be re-flashed unless there is a specific reason/need to. I wouldn't worry about that as part of a car purchase, as most of our likely have not been, again unless specifically asked for/paid for. Generically that seems to be about $100 to do it, unless you have other service going on at the same time, then it's typically less.

[VA//M3]

Quick question, if my DME was flashed with the latest software, would dealer records show that? When a dealership ran my service history, this was never mentioned. I bought the car used, is there a easy way to check my version #?

INPA, would also tell you if the car has ever been flashed. If anyone is interested I can host the EDIABAS 6.4.3 files. Install, prep and this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-K-DCAN-D-CAN-CAN-INPA-Ediabas-USB-Interface-CA-/250839830539?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3a6738100b
is all it takes.

A DME can be reflashed 13 times. However, you can set a flag within WINKFP that will not count towards that counter but it will not change the programmed info either but it will still have the updated software, but only you would now--Not a big concern since dealerships don't have that capability. I am also assuming shark injectors and other tuners don't over write the programmed info.

[VA//M3]

I was told by the dealer that typically cars will not be re-flashed unless there is a specific reason/need to. I wouldn't worry about that as part of a car purchase, as most of our likely have not been, again unless specifically asked for/paid for. Generically that seems to be about $100 to do it, unless you have other service going on at the same time, then it's typically less.

I believe that all e46's should be updated regardless. Updates address throttle response issues, and alter VANOS and timing maps among other things for the better.

[johnrando]

I believe that all e46's should be updated regardless. Updates address throttle response issues, and alter VANOS and timing maps among other things for the better.

I am completely SHOCKED that the dealer would say something contrary to what "the street" says. :)

[danewilson77]

I am completely SHOCKED that the dealer would say something contrary to what "the street" says. :)

You crazy.

[VA//M3]

I am completely SHOCKED that the dealer would say something contrary to what "the street" says. :)

I can show proof.

;)

Let me have your car for an hour and we will let your car do the talking.

:thumbsup

[johnrando]

I can show proof.

;)

Let me have your car for an hour and we will let your car do the talking.

:thumbsup

No worries, thanks for the offer, but I was just joking. My car has an AA tune on it. Before I did that I had a (different) dealer run a check on my car just to make sure no update was needed.

[VA//M3]

No worries, thanks for the offer, but I was just joking. My car has an AA tune on it. Before I did that I had a (different) dealer run a check on my car just to make sure no update was needed.

Did they give you the software number or anything on paper or a screen as proof? I wouldn't just accept "yea, no update was needed". But that's just me.

[johnrando]

Did they give you the software number or anything on paper or a screen as proof? I wouldn't just accept "yea, no update was needed". But that's just me.

Certainly good points. They guy at this particular dealer I called was recommended as a few other people had their DMEs updated by him. I even asked him the cost to do it, so he knows I was willing to pay. So, while I didn't request #'s I felt he was reputable enough in that if he turned down a paying customer for something he's done before, I really didn't need it.

[VA//M3]

Certainly good points. They guy at this particular dealer I called was recommended as a few other people had their DMEs updated by him. I even asked him the cost to do it, so he knows I was willing to pay. So, while I didn't request #'s I felt he was reputable enough in that if he turned down a paying customer for something he's done before, I really didn't need it.

I don't mean to be a PITA.

But there is a difference between knowing how to update a DME and what the differences are between versions.

It has been shown and proven that 0pa files or HW# ( code that updates the actual software remains vastly unchanged (there are only 4 different versions IIRC) ) while the 0da files which are only about 60kb differ drastically through out versions and there are MANY of them.

When updating the DME you are actually updating two parts.

1) the software/HW#/assembly number .0pa
2) settings for the software (fuel maps, VANOS timing, rev limiter, etc)/ software version/0da.

Tuners only work with 60-64kb of data.

Example:

Below
What my car came with (never been updated)

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8822/stufff.png

After Euro3

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=375047&d=1301663263

Now, both numbers will change since it's a US to EURO example.

And below are the latest upgrade paths used by MS43 330's.

Euro Spec

;ZB-NR TYP-NR HW-NR IX SW-NR AM PIN S CS

7545670,7503718,7545150,A,7539692DA,0FFFFFFFFFD,13 4,1 3

US spec

;ZB-NR TYP-NR HW-NR IX SW-NR AM PIN S CS

7571613,0000000,7572342,A,7539729DA,0FFFFFFFFFD,13 4,1 W

[johnrando]

I certainly don't take this as being a PITA at all. I'd much rather have all the information to make an informed decision, so I appreciate your input.

EDIT: In re-reading your post, I'm not exactly sure what you recommend the course of action is. For example, how do you know what your version # is and if it needed updating, and what did you do for your car?

[VA//M3]

Here's a thread that can show you how once you get EDIABAS up and running

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1624296

The information is all over the place.

And this is the end result

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=21613122&postcount=11

[az3579]

For example, how do you know what your version # is and if it needed updating, and what did you do for your car?

What he's saying in a nutshell is that you need to set up the diagnostic computer to read this information.