[MerlinPurple]

Gents,

I thought I'd share a quick vid on a solution I've been working on for the past few months...

Note that I have one hand on the camera, other on steering wheel and no one else in the car (no buttons other than start pressed)

It's taken a lot of effort to get this far, nearly there just need to iron out some things and then I'll explain all in detail soon.

Hope you like!

[PiK]

Share the magic

[///M²]

Originally Posted by MerlinPurple

Gents,

I thought I'd share a quick vid on a solution I've been working on for the past few months...

Pretty cool!! Please explain the process, coding involved?

[MerlinPurple]

Sure thing!

Well, first off this isn't a coding option - it's hardware.

This coding option remains illusive and has been searched for by a lot of BMW F series owners over the years.

Given the "importance" of such a flag (coding switch) you'd expect it to be discovered by now...if it exists.

Don't get me wrong, it would be possible to enter sport mode by default if the engineers at BMW exposed such a flag to do so.



The 'Enable Eco-Pro as default' flag

While it's true this 'eco' flag exists, it does so for a good reason. BMW 'Efficient Dynamics' models use this flag to maximise their environmental ratings.

It likely makes sense at the factory to have such a flag available when configuring the car as an ED model.

Furthermore, you would expect a similar 'sport default' option to be found near this flag location, but it hasn't.

The reasoning for the lack of such a flag is unclear and when combined with the lack of M memory buttons (on the M2) makes it frustrating.

So I decided to do something about it...



Hardware Solution

I work as a software engineer by trade.

I have built an external module with a microprocessor that interfaces with the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM).

The ICM is responsible for configuring various systems in the car to match the intended profile (eg, comfort, sport etc).

It's packed full of sensors, a crucial part in any modern BMW.

The ICM uses a range of technologies for communication, including FlexRay.


Using my own custom firmware, when you start the car the external module instructs the ICM to set the desired mode (eg. SPORT).

Note that the ICM maintains full control and authority at all times over it's subsystems.

The module will not override it, it only makes requests.



Possible Configurations

Default Drive to SPORT: TESTED - OK
Default Drive to SPORT+: TESTED - OK

Default DSC to MDM: NOT TESTED Edit: 03-04-17: TESTED - OK
Default DSC to OFF: NOT TESTED Edit: 03-04-17: TESTED - OK

I intend to make the module configurable so that you can set custom drive and DSC modes. I will be testing the DSC defaults shortly.



Installation

No one likes tapping/splicing into their OEM wires. I've spent many hours trying to come up with a streamlined clean install.

The setup includes a custom made harness that sits in-line between the drive mode switch panel and the OEM cable. This is the most convenient route to the ICM.

Any taps will be taken from the custom harness. This also means un-installation is a breeze since you just remove the custom harness.

The module, once placed in an enclosure will likely sit inside the armrest and use the 5V USB for power.

I see no reason why the install could not be done in under 20 minutes.


Developments

I need to test the DSC modes and then downsize my prototype to fit into a smaller enclosure. Later if there is enough community interest we could look at a mini-group buy to build some units.

I shall continue to update you all with pictures and videos as development progresses.

Thanks for reading

[Dabozo]

Maybe its because my M2 is not a DD but is it really that big of an inconvenience to press a button every time we get into the car?

[MerlinPurple]

Originally Posted by Dabozo

Maybe its because my M2 is not a DD but is it really that big of an inconvenience to press a button every time we get into the car?

I know what you mean, this isn't for everyone.

Definitely aimed at the daily driver in mind - many prefer the throttle response of sport mode for their daily driving.

Coming from an E46 M3 (with sport memory coded) it feels like a step backward to have to configure the car to your liking each and every time you get into the car if you use it everyday.

[David1]

Originally Posted by Dabozo

Maybe its because my M2 is not a DD but is it really that big of an inconvenience to press a button every time we get into the car?

Yup, but its still cool.

[AngryBaby]

Subscribed. Let us know how things go, Merlin.

[SeanWRT]

With DCT better comfort as default because you will want to keep rpm low at cold start by early shift.

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

With DCT better comfort as default because you will want to keep rpm low at cold start by early shift.

Exactly. Would be good if your Sport or Sport + choice kicked in automatically when oil temp was optimal.

[Almaretto]

Any vehicles with BDC_Body can remember shutdown mode. Great you found hardware solution for those that also want option.

[MerlinPurple]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

With DCT better comfort as default because you will want to keep rpm low at cold start by early shift.

Originally Posted by zenmaster

Exactly. Would be good if your Sport or Sport + choice kicked in automatically when oil temp was optimal.

Well yes you would want to keep the revs low on a cold start - It's habit for me to manual shift when I'm in sport. This is from my E46M days when I had sport on by default and 'always' used manual mode because SMG Auto was awful.

Having sport mode kick in when oil temp is optimal is a nice idea but flawed. Oil temp would require a tap into the CAN or OBD2 port - my main goal is to keep this project simple with minimum wiring. Besides, to have a car shift into sport automatically would be dangerous if you were already in motion (bend, drive thru etc).

Originally Posted by Almaretto

Any vehicles with BDC_Body can remember shutdown mode. Great you found hardware solution for those that also want option.

Thanks Almaretto, I have read many of your posts over at bimmerfest and 2addicts, very helpful!

So I did some research earlier today on the BDC_Body module. If my understanding is correct it can remember ECO, COMFORT and SPORT modes?

I'm struggling to understand which models have the BDC_Body module, the only model I keep seeing is the F15 (X5?) ... and some of those threads go as far back as 2014.

I could understand if the new 'G' generation were the only ones with BDC, but not sure why the F15 gets it and rest F2x, F8x, etc after 2014 do not?

Is it fair to say a modern BMW will either have 'FEM_BODY + REM_BODY OR BDC_BODY' ?

[MerlinPurple]

Well my first prototype (MCOM) is finished, here are some vids.


Here I test SPORT, SPORT+ and DSC MDM:

+ You'll see a large breadboard that houses components.
+ The prototype is being powered from the USB socket in the armrest.

Here I test DSC OFF

+ DSC OFF didn't work at first, I had some bugs in the code - no one is perfect
+ Managed to solve it, and was able to test it...

Debugging

+ Here I show debugging data coming through my macbook via usb serial.
+ About halfway through I'll switch on the ignition and you'll see more data come through.
+ Without this debugging tool I would be blind!

Going Forward

This was a fun project, I'd like to condense the prototype into into a small box that sits inside the armrest. This is what I'm currently focussing on now.


Thanks for reading!

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by MerlinPurple

Thanks Almaretto, I have read many of your posts over at bimmerfest and 2addicts, very helpful!

So I did some research earlier today on the BDC_Body module. If my understanding is correct it can remember ECO, COMFORT and SPORT modes?

I'm struggling to understand which models have the BDC_Body module, the only model I keep seeing is the F15 (X5?) ... and some of those threads go as far back as 2014.

I could understand if the new 'G' generation were the only ones with BDC, but not sure why the F15 gets it and rest F2x, F8x, etc after 2014 do not?

Is it fair to say a modern BMW will either have 'FEM_BODY + REM_BODY OR BDC_BODY' ?

BDC_BODY vehicles:

• CAFD_00017BE: X1 (F048), X5 & X6 (F15/F16/F85/F86), I3 & I8 (I001/I012)
  • This allows default driving mode (Choice of 8, but not all chassis support all like Sport or Edrive)
  • ICMQL (CAFD_000013D8) is only found in X5(M) & X6(M). Among other things, this ECU configures:
    • Supported Driving Modes
    • Remember Driving Mode (Choice of 4 = Mode 2, 4, 7, & 8) & Shutdown interval to remember
• CAFD_000017BC / CAFD_000017BD / CAFD_00001DF7 / CAFD_00001DF8: Gxx-series

F001 (F001/F002/F003/F004/F007/RR04/RR05/RR06) + F010 (F006/F010/F011/F012/F013/F018) + F025/F026: CAS (CAFD_0000000F) + FRM (CAFD_0000106D)

FEM_BODY + REM = F020/F3x/F8x.

Not sure what the new F090 M5 will take, but my guess would be BDC_Body.

I need to post update through 3.61.1, but here is CAFD_ID's PDF.

[jimmy9980]

Is there a way to code this ? I thought there was't ? talking about F87 M2

Originally Posted by Almaretto

BDC_BODY vehicles:

• CAFD_00017BE: X1 (F048), X5 & X6 (F15/F16/F85/F86), I3 & I8 (I001/I012)
  • This allows default driving mode (Choice of 8, but not all chassis support all like Sport or Edrive)
  • ICMQL (CAFD_000013D8) is only found in X5(M) & X6(M). Among other things, this ECU configures:
    • Supported Driving Modes
    • Remember Driving Mode (Choice of 4 = Mode 2, 4, 7, & 8) & Shutdown interval to remember
• CAFD_000017BC / CAFD_000017BD / CAFD_00001DF7 / CAFD_00001DF8: Gxx-series

F001 (F001/F002/F003/F004/F007/RR04/RR05/RR06) + F010 (F006/F010/F011/F012/F013/F018) + F025/F026: CAS (CAFD_0000000F) + FRM (CAFD_0000106D)

FEM_BODY + REM = F020/F3x/F8x.

Not sure what the new F090 M5 will take, but my guess would be BDC_Body.

I need to post update through 3.61.1, but here is CAFD_ID's PDF.

[Almaretto]

Originally Posted by jimmy9980

Is there a way to code this ? I thought there was't ? talking about F87 M2

If car does not have BDC_Body (which F087 does not), then options are Comfort or EcoPro.

[jimmy9980]

Originally Posted by Almaretto

If car does not have BDC_Body (which F087 does not), then options are Comfort or EcoPro.

Ok thats what I figured

[bmw_fascinated]

nice project, are there any updates?
What about a simple opto-coupler and 555 timers / cheap IC so that the electrical contact at the switch is closed for some milliseconds after the ignition is on for several seconds?

[bollinm]

Very interested in an update too.

Excellent work so far.

We appreciate you doing the R&D for this hardware fix.

[MagnusT]

How are things progressing on this? Nice addon for the car!!!

[whoismorggan]

Interested! Any progress?

[MagnusT]

Originally Posted by MerlinPurple

The setup includes a custom made harness that sits in-line between the drive mode switch panel and the OEM cable. This is the most convenient route to the ICM.

....

The module, once placed in an enclosure will likely sit inside the armrest and use the 5V USB for power.

I had a quick look at the drive mode panel and it looked like the switches were just connected straight to the cabling with no electronics whatsoever (par from pull up resistors). So it didn't look like there is any of the databuses available there. Now this is on my 2016 M2, I don't know if anything changed to the LCI or Comp.

Very interested to hear your feedback