ESS DirectFlash ECU tuner

a_riddler · 01-13-2011, 01:27 PM

Was looking at the ESS ECU tune, and the new handheld tuner allows for up to 10 profiles plus stock.

My question is, aside from a race fuel profile, what to do with the other slots?

Here is the new product in case you haven't seen it:

http://www.esstuning.com/products/ES...Software-.html

johanness · 01-13-2011, 01:55 PM

Like any hand held, you can store different tunes for different applications (track day, 91oct, 93oct, etc) The nice thing about having a unit like this is that it plugs into your OBDII port and you can revert back to stock at any time (if you're headed back to the dealer for warranty work etc).
Plus, with this u can data-log your vehicle, send the values back to ESS and have them write a custom tune - specific to your vehicle. Great stuff
The only issue I'm having is whether I spend double the $ on this, or go with the AA tune which seems to have provided some pretty good #'s. Decisions, decisions

Thisisdudewhoru · 01-13-2011, 02:16 PM

Hell, you could get a
Stock
Valet (set rev limiter to 3500 or 4k)
E85
Racegas
Nitrous with and without racegas and for e85.
Economy tune
Even a dead tune to where the car can't even be started for security reasons.

whitejdm · 01-13-2011, 02:25 PM

This has swung the ball back into ESS tuning's court for me. I was worried about having to send out my DME to the US but this solution looks very good.

krnnerdboy · 01-13-2011, 03:10 PM

This would be a great option, only I don't think that a race gas vs 91 map would make any difference since the dme is self learning anyways or if it even exists. If this was the case I would be all over this b/c then you wouldn't have to wait for the dme to adapt to the different gasses.

Once ESS announces that there are different tunes and that they are willing to do custom mapping w/ pricing, it'll be a monopoly for ESS, otherwise this option is only good for those who want to

1) revert to stock tune for servicing/warranty
2) sell the tune after you sell the car

Beedub · 01-13-2011, 03:53 PM

Great idea and perfect for us S/C guys wanting maybe race tune for different fuels...

BUT GUYS be aware the bmw Ecu locks you out and effectively turns into a brick after a certain number of flashes ;-) it can be unlocked again but will need to be sent to ess or someone the can unlock it.... youve been warned ;-)

a_riddler · 01-13-2011, 04:31 PM

Not that I'm doubting you, but if true, that sure limits the value of the handheld tuner.

I see this handheld option as a big plus if we are able to swap tunes via download board, but since the tunes are VIN locked, I suspect that ESS is the only source of your mapping. If I have to pay $100 a pop for a new map, I'm not keen on paying $1k for the option to do that.

I want to buy this, but I'm having problem seeing where this fits.

Beedub · 01-13-2011, 04:57 PM

Their has to be a high number of flashes but the ECU will turn into a paper weight after a certain number of flashes, it will then need to be unlocked by ESS or someone similar... im not sure on the number of flashes but most normal people would not hit that number needed, but its 100% accurate..... This will not put me off the flash tuner at all, under normal use will cause no probs but maybe will for people swapping maps 5 times a day. Btw ive seen a Bricked bmw ECU by numerous flashes ;-)

a_riddler · 01-13-2011, 05:47 PM

Hmm, re-read the description and it seems the handheld is VIN locked, that implies that the maps are not. So the potential for swapping maps exists....

Interesting....

mfanatic325 · 01-13-2011, 08:22 PM

When I got my AA tune, everything was done via OBD2 port. I didn't even have to take my ECU box out. I heard that they were coming out with handheld units as well. Might be something to look forward/into

johanness · 01-13-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_riddler

Hmm, re-read the description and it seems the handheld is VIN locked, that implies that the maps are not. So the potential for swapping maps exists....

Interesting....

It has to be VIN-locked because it stores a back-up of your vehicle-specific stock tune, so that once you've loaded the 'canned' ones, you can revert to stock anytime. You cannot take the handheld from one car to another. ESS has already said that while canned maps are there, custom ones will be available in case you decide to dyno-tune or data-log.
It's the same thing as a Diablosport Trinity, Predator etc. They're the bomb.

sales@ESSTuning · 01-14-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beedub

Great idea and perfect for us S/C guys wanting maybe race tune for different fuels...

BUT GUYS be aware the bmw Ecu locks you out and effectively turns into a brick after a certain number of flashes ;-) it can be unlocked again but will need to be sent to ess or someone the can unlock it.... youve been warned ;-)

This is not a problem with our direct flash unit on the Z4M.

We can build tunes based on customer request such as velet mode, 100 octane race etc..

Z4Murder · 01-19-2011, 03:01 PM

so there is no removing of the ecu required? this is good for me not having a secoond vehicle to drive for the downtime

in the ess website description it explains how to ship the ecu back and forth but i imagaine that is just for the flash on the physical ecu, not the handheld?

sales@ESSTuning · 01-19-2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z4Murder

so there is no removing of the ecu required? this is good for me not having a secoond vehicle to drive for the downtime

in the ess website description it explains how to ship the ecu back and forth but i imagaine that is just for the flash on the physical ecu, not the handheld?

Correct

budman5201 · 01-19-2011, 11:56 PM

I talked with you about a week ago. Im the guy who lives in Chandler right down the street from your shop. I have a 2003 z4 3.0i. I was very interested in your supercharger, but I think i was going to save up till i could get the top of the line one.

Can i buy the handheld for the upgrade programming to my z4? and use the same one for when i buy the supercharger from you guys later?

Hey also I was also debating upgrading the intake manifold in the meantime(before the supercharger) to the higher flowing x3 one, and I know to fully utilize the horsepower you need a tune to go with it. Can you guys do this also for the x3 manifold?

Oh also, couldnt i just Buy the your manifold that you have instead? I am sure that one flows better than the x3 one. That way when i buy the rest of the system it would be almost plug and play.

thanks,
Chris

roo97ss · 01-24-2011, 07:31 AM

will this be vin locked forever, like say the shark tuner was; such that once i decide to sell my car, even if i uninstalled it; the unit would just be useless on another car?

Shipkiller · 01-24-2011, 08:18 AM

I would assume so.

That's the normal operating procedure for this type of hardware. I have had several tuning machines for various vehicles over the years they are all the same. The VIN is locked....

From a liability angle, let alone the profit side, I think that locking the VIN is the correct course.

lo-tek · 01-24-2011, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thisisdudewhoru

Hell, you could get a
Stock
Valet (set rev limiter to 3500 or 4k)
E85
Racegas
Nitrous with and without racegas and for e85.
Economy tune
Even a dead tune to where the car can't even be started for security reasons.

E85?

Shipkiller · 01-24-2011, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lo-tek

E85?

I assume he is talking about E85 ethanol gas, but putting E85 in a fuel system that is not designed for it would be real bad for the O-rings and gaskets in the long term.

sales@ESSTuning · 01-24-2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

I would assume so.

That's the normal operating procedure for this type of hardware. I have had several tuning machines for various vehicles over the years they are all the same. The VIN is locked....

From a liability angle, let alone the profit side, I think that locking the VIN is the correct course.

Correct it is VIN locked

roo97ss · 01-24-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rom3n

Correct it is VIN locked

ok, will hold on this and wait until i decide on SC or not before i spend a 1000...

i understand vin locking so you can't program like 10 cars but i would love to be able to either re sell when i move past it, or move it with me to my next car.

Reason i went Cobb for my 135 (it's been to the dealer so much, and i hate tearing the jb3 in and out of the computer) so the flash was the way to go. Plus when i sell this car and buy my next n54 (prob a 3 sedan) i can just reusus it.

RobMCoupe · 01-30-2011, 05:32 PM

How do new maps transfer from computer to handheld? The pciture looks like a serial or parellel port connector. Can't tell which type of connector from the picture.

It be nice to have a GB to bring the price down a bit.

01-13-2011, 01:27 PM	#1
a_riddler Bimmer Noob 30 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC;08 MBZ E350 4Matic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (6)	ESS DirectFlash ECU tuner Was looking at the ESS ECU tune, and the new handheld tuner allows for up to 10 profiles plus stock. My question is, aside from a race fuel profile, what to do with the other slots? Here is the new product in case you haven't seen it: http://www.esstuning.com/products/ES...Software-.html __________________ 08 Z4MC /// DKF Exhaust, Stoptech 6/4 BBK, TCK Coilovers, Strong-Strut, Apex EC-7's, APR Splitter/Wing, AFE Intake, Underdrive pulleys, AS SSK, Jaffster, UUC Tranny Mounts, Matte Grill, RPI Scoop, CF Badges
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01-13-2011, 01:55 PM	#2
johanness Banned 56 Rep 1,739 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Seattle, Vancouver iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M COUPE [7.00] 2012 BMW X1 xDrive 28i [9.00]	Like any hand held, you can store different tunes for different applications (track day, 91oct, 93oct, etc) The nice thing about having a unit like this is that it plugs into your OBDII port and you can revert back to stock at any time (if you're headed back to the dealer for warranty work etc). Plus, with this u can data-log your vehicle, send the values back to ESS and have them write a custom tune - specific to your vehicle. Great stuff The only issue I'm having is whether I spend double the $ on this, or go with the AA tune which seems to have provided some pretty good #'s. Decisions, decisions
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2011, 02:16 PM	#3
Thisisdudewhoru Captain 82 Rep 698 Posts Drives: 16 BSM 340i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: 423 iTrader: (1)	Hell, you could get a Stock Valet (set rev limiter to 3500 or 4k) E85 Racegas Nitrous with and without racegas and for e85. Economy tune Even a dead tune to where the car can't even be started for security reasons. __________________ '16 BSM 340i M Sport + Track Pack.:.M Perf Exhaust.:.Polished BBS RS-GT.:.JB4.:.BMS Intake.:.H&R Sport.:.
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01-13-2011, 02:25 PM	#4
whitejdm Private First Class 7 Rep 120 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	This has swung the ball back into ESS tuning's court for me. I was worried about having to send out my DME to the US but this solution looks very good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2011, 03:10 PM	#5
krnnerdboy Colonel 190 Rep 2,431 Posts Drives: v10 m6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: so cal iTrader: (10)	This would be a great option, only I don't think that a race gas vs 91 map would make any difference since the dme is self learning anyways or if it even exists. If this was the case I would be all over this b/c then you wouldn't have to wait for the dme to adapt to the different gasses. Once ESS announces that there are different tunes and that they are willing to do custom mapping w/ pricing, it'll be a monopoly for ESS, otherwise this option is only good for those who want to 1) revert to stock tune for servicing/warranty 2) sell the tune after you sell the car __________________ F80 m3, 997 gt3, 14 ram ctd, f15 x5, drz400sm Gone:z4m, boss 302, c6 z06, m6,z3m
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2011, 03:53 PM	#6
Beedub Major General 423 Rep 5,327 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Great idea and perfect for us S/C guys wanting maybe race tune for different fuels... BUT GUYS be aware the bmw Ecu locks you out and effectively turns into a brick after a certain number of flashes ;-) it can be unlocked again but will need to be sent to ess or someone the can unlock it.... youve been warned ;-)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2011, 04:31 PM	#7
a_riddler Bimmer Noob 30 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC;08 MBZ E350 4Matic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (6)	Not that I'm doubting you, but if true, that sure limits the value of the handheld tuner. I see this handheld option as a big plus if we are able to swap tunes via download board, but since the tunes are VIN locked, I suspect that ESS is the only source of your mapping. If I have to pay $100 a pop for a new map, I'm not keen on paying $1k for the option to do that. I want to buy this, but I'm having problem seeing where this fits. __________________ 08 Z4MC /// DKF Exhaust, Stoptech 6/4 BBK, TCK Coilovers, Strong-Strut, Apex EC-7's, APR Splitter/Wing, AFE Intake, Underdrive pulleys, AS SSK, Jaffster, UUC Tranny Mounts, Matte Grill, RPI Scoop, CF Badges
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2011, 04:57 PM	#8
Beedub Major General 423 Rep 5,327 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Their has to be a high number of flashes but the ECU will turn into a paper weight after a certain number of flashes, it will then need to be unlocked by ESS or someone similar... im not sure on the number of flashes but most normal people would not hit that number needed, but its 100% accurate..... This will not put me off the flash tuner at all, under normal use will cause no probs but maybe will for people swapping maps 5 times a day. Btw ive seen a Bricked bmw ECU by numerous flashes ;-)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2011, 05:47 PM	#9
a_riddler Bimmer Noob 30 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC;08 MBZ E350 4Matic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (6)	Hmm, re-read the description and it seems the handheld is VIN locked, that implies that the maps are not. So the potential for swapping maps exists.... Interesting.... __________________ 08 Z4MC /// DKF Exhaust, Stoptech 6/4 BBK, TCK Coilovers, Strong-Strut, Apex EC-7's, APR Splitter/Wing, AFE Intake, Underdrive pulleys, AS SSK, Jaffster, UUC Tranny Mounts, Matte Grill, RPI Scoop, CF Badges
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2011, 08:22 PM	#10
mfanatic325 ///M-fanatic 193 Rep 3,885 Posts Drives: '01 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cupertino, CA. iTrader: (23)	When I got my AA tune, everything was done via OBD2 port. I didn't even have to take my ECU box out. I heard that they were coming out with handheld units as well. Might be something to look forward/into
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-19-2011, 03:01 PM	#13
Z4Murder Major 28 Rep 1,110 Posts Drives: > speed limit Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Buffalo, NY iTrader: (1)	so there is no removing of the ecu required? this is good for me not having a secoond vehicle to drive for the downtime in the ess website description it explains how to ship the ecu back and forth but i imagaine that is just for the flash on the physical ecu, not the handheld? __________________ 2007 TiAg ///MCoupe * Dinan strut bars * ZHP knob * RPI scoop * Ultimate Pedals * RE Diablo * 3.91 TMS gears * Apex PS7 * Eventuri intake* Nitto NT05 * TMS pullies * Zeck CDV * RE tranny mounts * Tekarbon * Mstache 2 * '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi... No more snow for the M!
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01-19-2011, 11:56 PM	#15
budman5201 New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2003 z4 roadster 3.0 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: chandler, az iTrader: (0)	Handheld for 3.0i I talked with you about a week ago. Im the guy who lives in Chandler right down the street from your shop. I have a 2003 z4 3.0i. I was very interested in your supercharger, but I think i was going to save up till i could get the top of the line one. Can i buy the handheld for the upgrade programming to my z4? and use the same one for when i buy the supercharger from you guys later? Hey also I was also debating upgrading the intake manifold in the meantime(before the supercharger) to the higher flowing x3 one, and I know to fully utilize the horsepower you need a tune to go with it. Can you guys do this also for the x3 manifold? Oh also, couldnt i just Buy the your manifold that you have instead? I am sure that one flows better than the x3 one. That way when i buy the rest of the system it would be almost plug and play. thanks, Chris
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-24-2011, 07:31 AM	#16
roo97ss Captain 67 Rep 920 Posts Drives: M4, X6M, Tesla Plaid, MYP, Ram Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Delaware iTrader: (7)	will this be vin locked forever, like say the shark tuner was; such that once i decide to sell my car, even if i uninstalled it; the unit would just be useless on another car? __________________ 16 m4 vert, 18 X6M, 22 Tesla MYP, 21 Plaid, 17 Ram
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01-24-2011, 08:18 AM	#17
Shipkiller Colonel 187 Rep 2,138 Posts Drives: Me Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [8.33]	I would assume so. That's the normal operating procedure for this type of hardware. I have had several tuning machines for various vehicles over the years they are all the same. The VIN is locked.... From a liability angle, let alone the profit side, I think that locking the VIN is the correct course.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2011, 05:32 PM	#22
RobMCoupe Captain 60 Rep 932 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (6)	ESS DirectFlash ECU tuner How do new maps transfer from computer to handheld? The pciture looks like a serial or parellel port connector. Can't tell which type of connector from the picture. It be nice to have a GB to bring the price down a bit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

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