ESS TUNE and restoring factory program

kav · 03-01-2016, 12:42 PM

I have been running the ESS tune for 4 years or so.

I was recently told I would not pass out local emissions testing (done using plug in OBD type test) because it showed I was running a EU specs.

I tried reinstalling my factory tune but the car will not restart after doing this. I've tried a few times and ensured it was done with a battery tender on. Oddly the temperature gauge is pegged at 300 and it tries to start but won't turn over. If I put the ESS tune back it starts right up and works.

Any thoughts?

inTgr8r · 03-01-2016, 12:51 PM

Told by whom?

Testing now is for readiness compliance only.
Unless you had the O2 turned off completely there should be no issue with the "tune"

kav · 03-01-2016, 01:17 PM

The techs said they actually linked with a person at MOT who determined it was not compliant due to EU settings. They said this was done in rare cases.

EU cars don't have the primary cats so I don't know if this would somehow appear to them.

I wasn't able to reply my factory program so I applied the ESS North America tune.

I don't really know what they turn on/off in these different tunes.

Ian - are you running a tune? Did you get it through the emissions tests?

inTgr8r · 03-01-2016, 01:25 PM

I have an ESS tune (n.am)
I had no previous issue with testing.

I'm due this year, but now have headers..... We'll see how it goes.

Any feedback from ESS on restoring the OE tune?

kav · 03-01-2016, 01:50 PM

Maybe that is where the issue is.
AJ has always suggested running Euro tune over then NA tune.

Restoring the factory tune was straightforward but in my case it didn't work. I'm waiting for a reply from AJ.

Mirko · 03-01-2016, 02:20 PM

I don't see why an EU tune would cause issues, the secondary O2 sensors would still provide a reading even if they were assumed to be in the secondary cats, being a EU car.

My guess would be that the ESS EU tune turns off the secondary O2's which puts you in a non readiness state. Can he confirm that for you?

Wonder if your factory tune file got corrupted and as such the file doesn't load properly and causes your issue.

kav · 03-01-2016, 02:50 PM

I'm still waiting on reply from ESS.

If the factory tune is corrupted I think this could be a major issue? Unless I could load someone else's factory tune.

inTgr8r · 03-01-2016, 02:53 PM

AJ should have an OE

pokeybritches · 03-01-2016, 03:52 PM

Running an EU tune will cause OBD2 issues. I've run into that with my ESS supercharged Z4M, even when it had the stock exhaust installed.

Next month I'll be flashing US software and a basic tune to hopefully get me through emissions, and then back to the tuned file once I'm done.

I'm interested to hear what you find.

WickedNy · 03-02-2016, 06:46 AM

There's always somebody that knows somebody that will pass any car for an extra fee, i would've explored that avenue before removing the tune...well good luck to you, hope you can resolve your issue

Vanne · 03-02-2016, 07:10 AM

wow, lemme get this straight guys, when you guys go for your yearly rego check, they plug a device into your obd2 port and scan for O2 cat readiness??

wow, thats pretty involved.. i recon the guys doing the testing on my car (due this month) probably don't even know what an OBD2 port is

that and negating the fact i have absolutely zero pollution gear on my car. Which will bring its own set of issues when i take the car back to OZ when the time comes..

kav · 03-02-2016, 07:59 AM

Confirmed that EU tune will likely catch the attention of OBD emissions test.

"Yes, OEM US is a stock US Z4M file. It will pass if all hardware is OK.

OEM US is 100% stock.

EU file doesn't change anything from a functional standpoint, but it does not have same OBD2 reporting system as US file. "

pokeybritches · 03-02-2016, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WickedNy

There's always somebody that knows somebody that will pass any car for an extra fee, i would've explored that avenue before removing the tune...well good luck to you, hope you can resolve your issue

A visual test, maybe, but it isn't feasible with the way the OBD2 test is run. The operator scans the barcode on the door while pulling data from the OBD2 port. There isn't a way to get around the ECU providing your VIN via the OBD2 port. The operators are also monitored with cameras and a rover.

kav · 03-02-2016, 08:33 AM

When I asked ESS if I could run the US NA tune instead of the Euro tune:

"That defeats the purpose. The US spec one is a limed down version to meet US regulations. The EU one is the one the car was designed to use. "

WickedNy · 03-02-2016, 08:34 AM

I'm aware of how the system works, but I'm also aware of some places near me where they'll pass you for extra money, I only know this because I paid someone personally last year after my check engine light was on and would've failed has I brought it to anybody else. Paid 100 didn't ask questions, got my sticker, and adios. Impossible no, difficult yes

Caddyshk · 03-02-2016, 02:35 PM

In Ontario your OBDII is literally plugged directly into the MTO (Ministry of Transportation) after scanning your VIN. In addition all is on monitored camera. I'm told there's no way to cheat the system here. As Ian states; it's now my understanding the test just checks for O2 readiness and a CEL. I received a Not Ready fail in November because we cleared the codes within 4 miles of doing the test. Need to do some drive cycles and bring it back in this spring. We (Ian) and I believe our systems will pass. Fingers crossed.

kav · 03-03-2016, 05:10 PM

Passed after restoring tune to NA US OEM ESS file.

Now back to euro tune.

Mirko · 03-03-2016, 05:30 PM

That is great news!

Did they send you a new US file or were you able to restore your stock file?

kav · 03-03-2016, 06:08 PM

They didn't send me the new US file. I just had that from when I initially ordered.

It does worry me about the downloading of stock tune. I don't know if it matters for anything down the road. I also wonder if anyone has restored their factory tune successfully.

inTgr8r · 03-04-2016, 09:37 AM

Glad to hear that you got it sorted.

I'm curious.
Are you running headers or the stock manifold + the tune

kav · 03-04-2016, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Glad to hear that you got it sorted.

I'm curious.
Are you running headers or the stock manifold + the tune

I'm running the catless euro headers, ss poweloop and x pipe (that I bought from you years ago) and relocated secondary O2 sensors.

3002 tii · 03-05-2016, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WickedNy

There's always somebody that knows somebody that will pass any car for an extra fee, i would've explored that avenue before removing the tune...well good luck to you, hope you can resolve your issue

Paying off an OBD inspection would be hard if not impossible since it plugs into their state database and pulls your VIN. Older cars with visual inspection is another story.

03-01-2016, 12:42 PM	#1
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	ESS TUNE and restoring factory program I have been running the ESS tune for 4 years or so. I was recently told I would not pass out local emissions testing (done using plug in OBD type test) because it showed I was running a EU specs. I tried reinstalling my factory tune but the car will not restart after doing this. I've tried a few times and ensured it was done with a battery tender on. Oddly the temperature gauge is pegged at 300 and it tries to start but won't turn over. If I put the ESS tune back it starts right up and works. Any thoughts?
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03-01-2016, 12:51 PM	#2
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Told by whom? Testing now is for readiness compliance only. Unless you had the O2 turned off completely there should be no issue with the "tune" __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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03-01-2016, 01:17 PM	#3
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	The techs said they actually linked with a person at MOT who determined it was not compliant due to EU settings. They said this was done in rare cases. EU cars don't have the primary cats so I don't know if this would somehow appear to them. I wasn't able to reply my factory program so I applied the ESS North America tune. I don't really know what they turn on/off in these different tunes. Ian - are you running a tune? Did you get it through the emissions tests?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2016, 01:25 PM	#4
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	I have an ESS tune (n.am) I had no previous issue with testing. I'm due this year, but now have headers..... We'll see how it goes. Any feedback from ESS on restoring the OE tune? __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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03-01-2016, 01:50 PM	#5
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Maybe that is where the issue is. AJ has always suggested running Euro tune over then NA tune. Restoring the factory tune was straightforward but in my case it didn't work. I'm waiting for a reply from AJ.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2016, 02:20 PM	#6
Mirko Major 182 Rep 1,031 Posts Drives: E86 Z4M, E90 328i, E84 X1 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	I don't see why an EU tune would cause issues, the secondary O2 sensors would still provide a reading even if they were assumed to be in the secondary cats, being a EU car. My guess would be that the ESS EU tune turns off the secondary O2's which puts you in a non readiness state. Can he confirm that for you? Wonder if your factory tune file got corrupted and as such the file doesn't load properly and causes your issue. __________________ 08 M Coupe • Ceramic Black Fabspeed Headers • MCS 1WNR • Poly FCAB • Stoptech BBK • Vibra-Tech • Epic Tune • Apex EC7 • RPI Scoop • Eventuri • Stromung • Rogue X Pipe • Varis Diffuser • CF E92 GTS Wing • CF Roof
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03-01-2016, 02:50 PM	#7
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I'm still waiting on reply from ESS. If the factory tune is corrupted I think this could be a major issue? Unless I could load someone else's factory tune.
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03-01-2016, 02:53 PM	#8
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	AJ should have an OE __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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03-01-2016, 03:52 PM	#9
pokeybritches Colonel 479 Rep 2,782 Posts Drives: ESS/G-Power Z4M, VF Z4, 996tt Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M [10.00] 2006 BMW Z4M [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [9.00]	Running an EU tune will cause OBD2 issues. I've run into that with my ESS supercharged Z4M, even when it had the stock exhaust installed. Next month I'll be flashing US software and a basic tune to hopefully get me through emissions, and then back to the tuned file once I'm done. I'm interested to hear what you find. __________________ VF Engineering Z4 3.0i, ESS Z4M, G-Power Z4M, 996 Turbo
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03-02-2016, 06:46 AM	#10
WickedNy Get Some 225 Rep 759 Posts Drives: 07 Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island iTrader: (1) Garage List 07 z4 3.0si [0.00]	There's always somebody that knows somebody that will pass any car for an extra fee, i would've explored that avenue before removing the tune...well good luck to you, hope you can resolve your issue
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03-02-2016, 07:10 AM	#11
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	wow, lemme get this straight guys, when you guys go for your yearly rego check, they plug a device into your obd2 port and scan for O2 cat readiness?? wow, thats pretty involved.. i recon the guys doing the testing on my car (due this month) probably don't even know what an OBD2 port is that and negating the fact i have absolutely zero pollution gear on my car. Which will bring its own set of issues when i take the car back to OZ when the time comes.. __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
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03-02-2016, 07:59 AM	#12
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Confirmed that EU tune will likely catch the attention of OBD emissions test. "Yes, OEM US is a stock US Z4M file. It will pass if all hardware is OK. OEM US is 100% stock. EU file doesn't change anything from a functional standpoint, but it does not have same OBD2 reporting system as US file. "
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-02-2016, 08:33 AM	#14
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	When I asked ESS if I could run the US NA tune instead of the Euro tune: "That defeats the purpose. The US spec one is a limed down version to meet US regulations. The EU one is the one the car was designed to use. "
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-02-2016, 08:34 AM	#15
WickedNy Get Some 225 Rep 759 Posts Drives: 07 Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island iTrader: (1) Garage List 07 z4 3.0si [0.00]	I'm aware of how the system works, but I'm also aware of some places near me where they'll pass you for extra money, I only know this because I paid someone personally last year after my check engine light was on and would've failed has I brought it to anybody else. Paid 100 didn't ask questions, got my sticker, and adios. Impossible no, difficult yes
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-02-2016, 02:35 PM	#16
Caddyshk M = Midlife Crisis 65 Rep 2,006 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4MC Interlagos Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	In Ontario your OBDII is literally plugged directly into the MTO (Ministry of Transportation) after scanning your VIN. In addition all is on monitored camera. I'm told there's no way to cheat the system here. As Ian states; it's now my understanding the test just checks for O2 readiness and a CEL. I received a Not Ready fail in November because we cleared the codes within 4 miles of doing the test. Need to do some drive cycles and bring it back in this spring. We (Ian) and I believe our systems will pass. Fingers crossed. __________________ 2006 Z4MC - #LL93158 SS Race Cans, RE X Pipe, DKF Sec 1, Fabspeed Headers, OE STB, AS Shifter, Dave Z CDV, GC Coil Overs, Stoptech lines, Hawk DTC Pads, RE Clutch Stop, RE Transmission Mounts, Vibra-Technics Engine Mounts, Poly FCAB & RTAB, LeatherZ M Shift Boot, Tekarbon Rear Spoiler, CF Grills, Advan RS DGM
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03-03-2016, 05:10 PM	#17
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Passed after restoring tune to NA US OEM ESS file. Now back to euro tune.
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03-03-2016, 05:30 PM	#18
Mirko Major 182 Rep 1,031 Posts Drives: E86 Z4M, E90 328i, E84 X1 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	That is great news! Did they send you a new US file or were you able to restore your stock file? __________________ 08 M Coupe • Ceramic Black Fabspeed Headers • MCS 1WNR • Poly FCAB • Stoptech BBK • Vibra-Tech • Epic Tune • Apex EC7 • RPI Scoop • Eventuri • Stromung • Rogue X Pipe • Varis Diffuser • CF E92 GTS Wing • CF Roof
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03-03-2016, 06:08 PM	#19
kav Lieutenant 48 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	They didn't send me the new US file. I just had that from when I initially ordered. It does worry me about the downloading of stock tune. I don't know if it matters for anything down the road. I also wonder if anyone has restored their factory tune successfully.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-04-2016, 09:37 AM	#20
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Glad to hear that you got it sorted. I'm curious. Are you running headers or the stock manifold + the tune __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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