Having successfully cloned an EWS onto a used module (and added some new keys) I thought I'd have a go at doing the same with a DME.
If you have to replace either unit this results in an eye-watering bill if you go the traditional route by using the dealership. Thousands not hundreds. Both modules sit at the heart of the car's security system and are designed to be very difficult to replace.
The reality is the necessary programming kit can be acquired cheaply so a DIY approach is possible, if you are prepared to spend a huge amount of time learning how. I spent about 60 hours getting my head round the EWS. The DME is effectively a bolt on to that knowledge so fortunately I've only spent about 10 hours on that so far.
The DME seems to require a different approach to the EWS. With the EWS you download the memory from the old unit and upload it onto a new unit. It doesn't work in the same way as for example with an ABS module where you can just download the details from the DME. I'm not too sure what happens if the old EWS is fried! All mine are backed up now anyway.
The DME requires the ISN (security keys) to be zeroed. And the VIN to be entered in. On fitting, the EWS recognises its chum's amnesia and supplies the data to the DME which writes it away. That bit is more like an ABS code but the difference is the ABS module doesn't have to be reset, the DME does. That process is more commonly referred to as virginisation.
I'm pretty certain I know what cable, software and procedure I need to do to make this happen. But if anyone has done this before it would be helpful to compare notes before I waste a load of time and possibly brick a DME into the bargain.
It seems one has to sign-up to the Z3 magic circle to be in receipt of this knowledge. So understood if you would prefer to discuss over a PM.
Anyhow, if I can get my head round this I plan to sell virginised DMEs for £75 or less, so not just cheaper than BMW but also compared with the ECU specialists who want £200+ for the service alone. You can pay £50+ for a used DME on ebay that is only fit to be used as a doorstop without virginisation (or EWS delete but that's a different story).
There aren't too many things that can kill a Z3. But stuffed up DMEs and EWSs are high on the list (if relatively rare) because of the traditional costs involved. So hopefully this project will help save a few cars
If you have to replace either unit this results in an eye-watering bill if you go the traditional route by using the dealership. Thousands not hundreds. Both modules sit at the heart of the car's security system and are designed to be very difficult to replace.
The reality is the necessary programming kit can be acquired cheaply so a DIY approach is possible, if you are prepared to spend a huge amount of time learning how. I spent about 60 hours getting my head round the EWS. The DME is effectively a bolt on to that knowledge so fortunately I've only spent about 10 hours on that so far.
The DME seems to require a different approach to the EWS. With the EWS you download the memory from the old unit and upload it onto a new unit. It doesn't work in the same way as for example with an ABS module where you can just download the details from the DME. I'm not too sure what happens if the old EWS is fried! All mine are backed up now anyway.
The DME requires the ISN (security keys) to be zeroed. And the VIN to be entered in. On fitting, the EWS recognises its chum's amnesia and supplies the data to the DME which writes it away. That bit is more like an ABS code but the difference is the ABS module doesn't have to be reset, the DME does. That process is more commonly referred to as virginisation.
I'm pretty certain I know what cable, software and procedure I need to do to make this happen. But if anyone has done this before it would be helpful to compare notes before I waste a load of time and possibly brick a DME into the bargain.
It seems one has to sign-up to the Z3 magic circle to be in receipt of this knowledge. So understood if you would prefer to discuss over a PM.
Anyhow, if I can get my head round this I plan to sell virginised DMEs for £75 or less, so not just cheaper than BMW but also compared with the ECU specialists who want £200+ for the service alone. You can pay £50+ for a used DME on ebay that is only fit to be used as a doorstop without virginisation (or EWS delete but that's a different story).
There aren't too many things that can kill a Z3. But stuffed up DMEs and EWSs are high on the list (if relatively rare) because of the traditional costs involved. So hopefully this project will help save a few cars
