Cobb AccessPORT ECU Flash Tuner

audiohigh · 02-09-2011, 01:18 PM

Does anyone know if you install this but uninstall it before going to BMW for service if they will be able to discover that you've tampered with the software? I'm going back and forth on whether or not I want something easier like this or the JB4.

shemeld_135 · 02-09-2011, 01:27 PM

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...&postcount=266

audiohigh · 02-09-2011, 01:32 PM

Nice ... thanks. I usually like to hear from fellow customers instead of the company though. If anyone has any experience with Cobb it would be helpful for me before I call them.

roo97ss · 02-09-2011, 09:33 PM

yes we've had nearly a month to eval it now. it will take time to prove that no one can see it, but so far it looks promising that it will be hidden. i'm banking on it.

psalm40 · 02-09-2011, 10:09 PM

I find it hard to believe that the flash would be undetectable. In the GT-R (my only experience with COBB), you could tell it has been flashed simply due to the fact that the computer stored the increased boost pressure history. You couldn't get that kind of increased boost without tampering with the ECU. There also usually some evidence that the ECU programing had been "re-set" recently, even if it was flashed back to stock settings. BUT, the GT-R has a fairly strict "black box" recording, which the 1 may not have.

BTW, back to the OP, I see you have an N54. I am also interested in a ECU tune (JB vs. COBB) but need it for the N55. Keep us up to date with your findings/decisions.

roo97ss · 02-09-2011, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psalm40

I find it hard to believe that the flash would be undetectable. In the GT-R (my only experience with COBB), you could tell it has been flashed simply due to the fact that the computer stored the increased boost pressure history. You couldn't get that kind of increased boost without tampering with the ECU. There also usually some evidence that the ECU programing had been "re-set" recently, even if it was flashed back to stock settings. BUT, the GT-R has a fairly strict "black box" recording, which the 1 may not have.

BTW, back to the OP, I see you have an N54. I am also interested in a ECU tune (JB vs. COBB) but need it for the N55. Keep us up to date with your findings/decisions.

the recent re-set will be there. don't think the 1 has the black box effect of the gtr which will have the increased boost.

psalm40 · 02-09-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roo97ss

the recent re-set will be there. don't think the 1 has the black box effect of the gtr which will have the increased boost.

Couldn't the dealership use the "recent re-set" information as "proof" of tampering with the ECU? Just playing devil's advocate. I've spent the last 1/2 hour reading the "official COBB thread". Interesting information, I'm very interested to see the N55 version!

My135 · 02-10-2011, 10:57 AM

If BMW update the software, is that true that COBB must send you a new ROM which match the new software while piggy back system (JB3/4) will continuous to work with the new software, right?

mosx · 02-10-2011, 11:05 AM

If your engine explodes, more than likely BMW is going to investigate and figure out what happened. If you have an injector go out or something, they'll do a quick code scan and replace it.

I'm tired of see'ing these threads where people want to add 100 whp to their car but still expect BMW to warranty it. I know this is a tuners forum, but I can't believe the number of threads on here that encourage people to screw over BMW on warranty claims. You gotta pay to play guys.

escobar929 · 02-10-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psalm40

Couldn't the dealership use the "recent re-set" information as "proof" of tampering with the ECU? Just playing devil's advocate. I've spent the last 1/2 hour reading the "official COBB thread". Interesting information, I'm very interested to see the N55 version!

i dont think so, if your battery dies, everything will be reset so they cant use that as a basis for tampering w/ the ECU

My135 · 02-10-2011, 02:38 PM

Well, initiatly the new ROM update is free, but what happened if Cobb started charging an update fee or they went out of business? This won't be a problem with Jb3/4, but not something you should not worry about using COBB.

Rawhide · 02-10-2011, 03:03 PM

I find it hard to believe there isn't at least a time stamp on when it was last updated.

I also agree with mosx, if you're going to do it then accept and be prepared for the consequences or just don't do it at all.

ESC OFF · 02-10-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Well, initiatly the new ROM update is free, but what happened if Cobb started charging an update fee or they went out of business? This won't be a problem with Jb3/4, but not something you should not worry about using COBB.

To each his own.....

machewbacca · 02-10-2011, 05:42 PM

i've installed/uninstalled the cobb ap unit, had the car in for service, (hpfp recall) and had no issues. as far as i know, cobb has stated in writing that future maps will be free.

Rawhide · 02-10-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxnix

Don't you think the reinstall of the OEM ROM would reflect this? There is no reason this data cannot be overwritten.

I don't have a clue how BMW stores it's data.

But as a software developer I can tell you that Date Created and Date Modified fields are standard practice for all data entities. Could those fields be overwritten? Yes. Could the application's data be stored in such a way that it wouldn't (or couldn't) be? Absolutely.

Rawhide · 02-11-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxnix

You mean hardware wise? And not be observable? I don't think so, but I have no expertise.

Oh yes it can be done. I've had enough experience with IT security to guarantee that. Granted with more traditional applications and not vehicle hardware, but these are industry-wide practices and I'm sure the developers at BMW are well aware of them.

The question to ask is: Is it being done by BMW in this particular case? I don't know.

But going back to the original point, if they point blank ask if the vehicle has been tuned and you tell them no, you're basically trying to defraud BMW for repairs. Hidden time stamps or not, that's the real issue here.

BBBluey · 02-11-2011, 07:32 PM

Tunes have been going on for yrs.

Has anyone heard/seen BMW ever selling a used/CPO/lease return car with full disclosure of previous owner having a tune on the car so it no longer has a warranty on it?

I haven't.

audiohigh · 02-14-2011, 04:59 PM

Some of the posts here to my original question make me wonder if it really matters which one you get, Cobb or JB4. If the ECU records max boost, RPM, etc. that information most likely is not reset by undoing the Cobb software or clearing codes. So wouldn't BMW question this information regardless?

If this is really the case I'm on board with Cobb simply because I don't want to have to take apart the entire assembly above the ECU to remove or reinstall the JB4 when going in for service.

Simon_135i · 02-14-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiohigh

Some of the posts here to my original question make me wonder if it really matters which one you get, Cobb or JB4. If the ECU records max boost, RPM, etc. that information most likely is not reset by undoing the Cobb software or clearing codes. So wouldn't BMW question this information regardless?

If this is really the case I'm on board with Cobb simply because I don't want to have to take apart the entire assembly above the ECU to remove or reinstall the JB4 when going in for service.

Yup, just an extra $400! Time is $$$ =)

audiohigh · 02-14-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon_135i

Yup, just an extra $400! Time is $$$ =)

You know it although 400$ for a little extra time saver is nothing compared to the cost of the car and what I've done to it so far

Simon_135i · 02-17-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiohigh

You know it although 400$ for a little extra time saver is nothing compared to the cost of the car and what I've done to it so far

I say go for it! I will once i get my damn tax return refund!

02-09-2011, 01:18 PM	#1
audiohigh Private First Class 11 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	Cobb AccessPORT ECU Flash Tuner Does anyone know if you install this but uninstall it before going to BMW for service if they will be able to discover that you've tampered with the software? I'm going back and forth on whether or not I want something easier like this or the JB4.
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02-09-2011, 01:27 PM	#2
shemeld_135 Major 652 Rep 1,406 Posts Drives: 2020 SO - M2C Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: KOP, PA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2020 BMW M2C [0.00] 2016 BMW M2 [10.00]	http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...&postcount=266
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02-09-2011, 01:32 PM	#3
audiohigh Private First Class 11 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	Nice ... thanks. I usually like to hear from fellow customers instead of the company though. If anyone has any experience with Cobb it would be helpful for me before I call them.
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02-09-2011, 09:33 PM	#4
roo97ss Captain 67 Rep 920 Posts Drives: M4, X6M, Tesla Plaid, MYP, Ram Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Delaware iTrader: (7)	yes we've had nearly a month to eval it now. it will take time to prove that no one can see it, but so far it looks promising that it will be hidden. i'm banking on it. __________________ 16 m4 vert, 18 X6M, 22 Tesla MYP, 21 Plaid, 17 Ram
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02-09-2011, 10:09 PM	#5
psalm40 Jet Black 135cic 2 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 2011 135i convertible Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Western Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I find it hard to believe that the flash would be undetectable. In the GT-R (my only experience with COBB), you could tell it has been flashed simply due to the fact that the computer stored the increased boost pressure history. You couldn't get that kind of increased boost without tampering with the ECU. There also usually some evidence that the ECU programing had been "re-set" recently, even if it was flashed back to stock settings. BUT, the GT-R has a fairly strict "black box" recording, which the 1 may not have. BTW, back to the OP, I see you have an N54. I am also interested in a ECU tune (JB vs. COBB) but need it for the N55. Keep us up to date with your findings/decisions. __________________ 2011 Jet Black 135i Vert 2011 Diamond White GL450
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02-10-2011, 10:57 AM	#8
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	If BMW update the software, is that true that COBB must send you a new ROM which match the new software while piggy back system (JB3/4) will continuous to work with the new software, right? __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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02-10-2011, 11:05 AM	#9
mosx The mod bug has bitten. 22 Rep 565 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Texas iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	If your engine explodes, more than likely BMW is going to investigate and figure out what happened. If you have an injector go out or something, they'll do a quick code scan and replace it. I'm tired of see'ing these threads where people want to add 100 whp to their car but still expect BMW to warranty it. I know this is a tuners forum, but I can't believe the number of threads on here that encourage people to screw over BMW on warranty claims. You gotta pay to play guys.
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02-10-2011, 02:38 PM	#11
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Well, initiatly the new ROM update is free, but what happened if Cobb started charging an update fee or they went out of business? This won't be a problem with Jb3/4, but not something you should not worry about using COBB. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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02-10-2011, 03:03 PM	#12
Rawhide Captain 363 Rep 794 Posts Drives: 2022 M340ix Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA, KC iTrader: (0)	I find it hard to believe there isn't at least a time stamp on when it was last updated. I also agree with mosx, if you're going to do it then accept and be prepared for the consequences or just don't do it at all.
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02-10-2011, 05:42 PM	#14
machewbacca New Member 1 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Federal Way, WA iTrader: (2)	i've installed/uninstalled the cobb ap unit, had the car in for service, (hpfp recall) and had no issues. as far as i know, cobb has stated in writing that future maps will be free.
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02-11-2011, 07:32 PM	#17
BBBluey Major 77 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: very slow and courteous Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vandenberg Village, California iTrader: (7)	Tunes have been going on for yrs. Has anyone heard/seen BMW ever selling a used/CPO/lease return car with full disclosure of previous owner having a tune on the car so it no longer has a warranty on it? I haven't.
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02-14-2011, 04:59 PM	#18
audiohigh Private First Class 11 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	Some of the posts here to my original question make me wonder if it really matters which one you get, Cobb or JB4. If the ECU records max boost, RPM, etc. that information most likely is not reset by undoing the Cobb software or clearing codes. So wouldn't BMW question this information regardless? If this is really the case I'm on board with Cobb simply because I don't want to have to take apart the entire assembly above the ECU to remove or reinstall the JB4 when going in for service.
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