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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
Starman
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Starman » Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:51 pm

Marcoose wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:47 pm Starman, MHD say that when you remove and restore the OEM map, that no traces of third party maps are left behind. Does Dinan have that option?

I think you’re in Portland, and it would be overkill to drive to San Francisco just for that, but the trusted indy down the street works on this kind of problems. Look up Ottowerks on 80 Welsh St. If you cannot get through, we’ll exchange his contact info via PM. He might be able to help you on the phone. If it wasn’t for bloody Covid, you could even stay with us while your ride is being fixed.

FYI, MHD gave zero problems.
I got out and tested yesterday driving around the 'coov. I can confirm that just about every time I punch it and the turbo spools up hard, it sputters and pops up the check engine light and wobbles for about 5 minutes barely able to accelerate until it clears on its own and drives normal if I drive it normal. It happened all 3 times I tried it. I called up Dinan and got my tool unlocked again and Im going to flash the BMW firmware back on and see how it goes. Ill probably ask for a refund, not sure if I want to try another flash.
2013 Z4 35i "M sport"
Roadsters: 2006 Honda S2000, 2001 Honda S2000, 2000 Honda S2000, 1995 Honda del Sol DOHC VTEC, 1993 Honda del Sol Si

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R.E92
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by R.E92 » Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:37 pm

Starman wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:49 pm
R.E92 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:33 pm Misfire probably happening because of the tune. The normal causes are weak plugs or coils, warranty won't help you there, they are maintenance items and probably won't cause a misfire on the stock tune until they are really neglected.

I personally wouldn't run any tune without having a proper data log from the car giving me information about the fuel, boost, trims and cylinder noise.

A dyno chart or scan for error codes doesn't really let you know much.
My Z4 is a 2013 with 35K miles on it, would you suggest replacing the plugs or coils yet?
Plugs and coils are consumables. I think recommended service interval for plugs is 30k anyway so they are due a change. I change mine every 15k just because they are cheap and it takes 10min.

Your misfire will go away when you go back to the stock tune just because the boost is lower but eventually it'll misfire on the stock tune as things degrade further.

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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Starman » Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:21 pm

R.E92 wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:37 pm
Starman wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:49 pm
R.E92 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:33 pm Misfire probably happening because of the tune. The normal causes are weak plugs or coils, warranty won't help you there, they are maintenance items and probably won't cause a misfire on the stock tune until they are really neglected.

I personally wouldn't run any tune without having a proper data log from the car giving me information about the fuel, boost, trims and cylinder noise.

A dyno chart or scan for error codes doesn't really let you know much.
My Z4 is a 2013 with 35K miles on it, would you suggest replacing the plugs or coils yet?
Plugs and coils are consumables. I think recommended service interval for plugs is 30k anyway so they are due a change. I change mine every 15k just because they are cheap and it takes 10min.

Your misfire will go away when you go back to the stock tune just because the boost is lower but eventually it'll misfire on the stock tune as things degrade further.
Well, I put the stock firmware back on and beat the crap outta it for 30 minutes with absolutely no problems.

I have no idea if they did the plugs or coils, I bought it at 34K and I would bet they didn't. What would that run at a shop (not dealer) that can do them and if easy (how much?), you have any good resource that I can look at do DIY. Id prefer DIY to start learning the car.
2013 Z4 35i "M sport"
Roadsters: 2006 Honda S2000, 2001 Honda S2000, 2000 Honda S2000, 1995 Honda del Sol DOHC VTEC, 1993 Honda del Sol Si

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R.E92
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by R.E92 » Mon Jul 19, 2021 7:35 pm

Starman wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:21 pm
R.E92 wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:37 pm
Starman wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 4:49 pm

My Z4 is a 2013 with 35K miles on it, would you suggest replacing the plugs or coils yet?
Plugs and coils are consumables. I think recommended service interval for plugs is 30k anyway so they are due a change. I change mine every 15k just because they are cheap and it takes 10min.

Your misfire will go away when you go back to the stock tune just because the boost is lower but eventually it'll misfire on the stock tune as things degrade further.
Well, I put the stock firmware back on and beat the crap outta it for 30 minutes with absolutely no problems.

I have no idea if they did the plugs or coils, I bought it at 34K and I would bet they didn't. What would that run at a shop (not dealer) that can do them and if easy (how much?), you have any good resource that I can look at do DIY. Id prefer DIY to start learning the car.
Plugs are a nice DIY and really easy on the Z4. A specialist should charge 30min for the change, it's just the parts price they might sting you on.

If you are in the USA then use FCP euro, they are really the best place to get parts from.

They have an ignition system service kit available here:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-ig ... 8647689ktx

You could just buy the plugs at $54 if you don't want to spend the extra on coils but if money isn't tight then just do the whole lot.

You would need this socket for the plugs, the normal 14mm sockets are too thick to get into the holes in the N54, just be aware that this is a 3/8 drive and most people only use 1/4 or 1/2 tools so you might need a converter:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/14mm-s ... n-cta-7654

Then you just need basic tools for the rest of the job. The Z4 35i engine is really easy to get to, just 3 hex bolts and an 8mm bolt I think.

If you have no tools at all then it would be worthwhile investing in a good starter set. I started with a Teng TM095 but you can use any similar kit:
https://www.tengtools.com/r/gb/en/Socke ... -Set-TM095

The DIY is quite simple, the lovely TVTara has a video on YouTube for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbtD1P1zxZI
You can skip to 1:30 as the Z4 has no cowl to remove.

I always torque my plugs in using a torque wrench to 23Nm but that's optional, most mechanics don't bother. The benefit of using a torque wrench is that you avoid the possibility of overtightening and also the idle can be smoother as you get a consistent grounding across all plugs.

Starman
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Starman » Mon Jul 19, 2021 8:43 pm

R.E92 wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 7:35 pm
Starman wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:21 pm
R.E92 wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:37 pm

Plugs and coils are consumables. I think recommended service interval for plugs is 30k anyway so they are due a change. I change mine every 15k just because they are cheap and it takes 10min.

Your misfire will go away when you go back to the stock tune just because the boost is lower but eventually it'll misfire on the stock tune as things degrade further.
Well, I put the stock firmware back on and beat the crap outta it for 30 minutes with absolutely no problems.

I have no idea if they did the plugs or coils, I bought it at 34K and I would bet they didn't. What would that run at a shop (not dealer) that can do them and if easy (how much?), you have any good resource that I can look at do DIY. Id prefer DIY to start learning the car.
Plugs are a nice DIY and really easy on the Z4. A specialist should charge 30min for the change, it's just the parts price they might sting you on.

If you are in the USA then use FCP euro, they are really the best place to get parts from.

They have an ignition system service kit available here:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-ig ... 8647689ktx

You could just buy the plugs at $54 if you don't want to spend the extra on coils but if money isn't tight then just do the whole lot.

You would need this socket for the plugs, the normal 14mm sockets are too thick to get into the holes in the N54, just be aware that this is a 3/8 drive and most people only use 1/4 or 1/2 tools so you might need a converter:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/14mm-s ... n-cta-7654

Then you just need basic tools for the rest of the job. The Z4 35i engine is really easy to get to, just 3 hex bolts and an 8mm bolt I think.

If you have no tools at all then it would be worthwhile investing in a good starter set. I started with a Teng TM095 but you can use any similar kit:
https://www.tengtools.com/r/gb/en/Socke ... -Set-TM095

The DIY is quite simple, the lovely TVTara has a video on YouTube for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbtD1P1zxZI
You can skip to 1:30 as the Z4 has no cowl to remove.

I always torque my plugs in using a torque wrench to 23Nm but that's optional, most mechanics don't bother. The benefit of using a torque wrench is that you avoid the possibility of overtightening and also the idle can be smoother as you get a consistent grounding across all plugs.
I was actually pretty shocked when you said plug replacement... really surprised BMW didn't have direct inject on these things.

I should be good with tools, have a full tool chest for work on other things around the property like the 25hp diesel in my Kubota tractor and zero turn.

Thanks for all the info, Ill get started on DIY.
2013 Z4 35i "M sport"
Roadsters: 2006 Honda S2000, 2001 Honda S2000, 2000 Honda S2000, 1995 Honda del Sol DOHC VTEC, 1993 Honda del Sol Si

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R.E92
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by R.E92 » Mon Jul 19, 2021 9:55 pm

Starman wrote: Mon Jul 19, 2021 8:43 pm I was actually pretty shocked when you said plug replacement... really surprised BMW didn't have direct inject on these things.

I should be good with tools, have a full tool chest for work on other things around the property like the 25hp diesel in my Kubota tractor and zero turn.

Thanks for all the info, Ill get started on DIY.
Direct injection still has plugs, BMW haven't got to compression ignition with petrol yet but I'm sure it'll come as the efficiency gains are huge.

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Marcoose
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Marcoose » Mon Jul 19, 2021 11:03 pm

BMW are putting little to no money in engine R&D. It’s all EV going forward. Job guarantee for me. :)
2016 35is, monoballs, camber plates, KWV3, PS4S, xHP, MHD, LFB pedal, flat bottom wheel, red indicators, black headlamps
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Starman
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Starman » Tue Jul 20, 2021 5:18 am

I purchased the plugs and coils, will arrive in a week, looks pretty simple to install. Maybe I'll try the Dinan flash again after, maybe it was a bad spark plug.
2013 Z4 35i "M sport"
Roadsters: 2006 Honda S2000, 2001 Honda S2000, 2000 Honda S2000, 1995 Honda del Sol DOHC VTEC, 1993 Honda del Sol Si

Starman
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Starman » Fri Jul 23, 2021 9:23 pm

I replaced the plugs and coil and shes purring like a cat. at 8 years old and 35K miles they were clearly original (coils had a date of 2012 on them). The existing plugs looked pretty scorched.

So what do you think, should I give the Dinan flash one more try now before asking for my refund?
2013 Z4 35i "M sport"
Roadsters: 2006 Honda S2000, 2001 Honda S2000, 2000 Honda S2000, 1995 Honda del Sol DOHC VTEC, 1993 Honda del Sol Si

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R.E92
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by R.E92 » Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:04 pm

I would get a refund and use MHD instead, the Dinan flash is old and you have no method of performing data logs of the engine.

Being able to record engine parameters is really useful when running an older BMW, saves all the guess work when it comes to fault finding.

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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Starman » Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:01 am

So far the Dinan flash has been running fine, I drove it twice pretty hard. I did get the engine light popped on once related to (trying to remember of the to of my head) something with the cats but I cleared it and it didnt pop back. But, no turbo sputtering and limp mode wobble.
2013 Z4 35i "M sport"
Roadsters: 2006 Honda S2000, 2001 Honda S2000, 2000 Honda S2000, 1995 Honda del Sol DOHC VTEC, 1993 Honda del Sol Si

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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by step_change » Wed Jul 28, 2021 10:56 am

Marcoose wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 5:45 pm Dunno about that. It implies no room for learning and discovery. Advancements, improvements, betterments don't come from being in the comfort zone.
Agree with your sentiment Marcoose. However, as I said, I'll personally leave it to others more learned in these matters to work that out and 100% acknowledge that I benefit from their knowledge and pioneering spirit. I think flashing the ECU on a car is a step too far for most folks to do on their own unless they are 100% familiar how to back out of the process if it goes tits up - as it can (and does).

I hope the OP is sorted now?
Gone :( : 2013 35is, Melbourne Red, DCT, Nav, Comfort pack
Gone: 2007 2.5is, Montego Blue, Auto, Nav

Starman
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Did Dinan just brick my ecu? Advice please

Post by Starman » Wed Jul 28, 2021 10:53 pm

step_change wrote: Wed Jul 28, 2021 10:56 am
Marcoose wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 5:45 pm Dunno about that. It implies no room for learning and discovery. Advancements, improvements, betterments don't come from being in the comfort zone.
Agree with your sentiment Marcoose. However, as I said, I'll personally leave it to others more learned in these matters to work that out and 100% acknowledge that I benefit from their knowledge and pioneering spirit. I think flashing the ECU on a car is a step too far for most folks to do on their own unless they are 100% familiar how to back out of the process if it goes tits up - as it can (and does).

I hope the OP is sorted now?
Its also quite a bit easier then some of the people here make it sound. The problem with the dinan software is that it looks like it was designed for Windows 95. Even still, I've flashed 500 Cisco blades in a 200 million dollar data center easier, with less issues and in less time then this craapy software. Flashing the cars ECU is simply plugging in an ODBI II connector, opening a program, logging in and pressing a few buttons to start it. Anybody should be able to do that. People want to think this takes a technical mind to figure out :)
2013 Z4 35i "M sport"
Roadsters: 2006 Honda S2000, 2001 Honda S2000, 2000 Honda S2000, 1995 Honda del Sol DOHC VTEC, 1993 Honda del Sol Si

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