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1. Is there more risk with detection for a warranty (aftermarket) in being able to detect this after its flashed back to stock obviously... or is the risk about the same as having a JB4 alone and removing?
Answer: Not sure on this one.
2. Can you hard brick the DME or ECU whatever u guys call it the for the car?
Answer: I imagine this is always a possibility, but I think the risk is low if the proper hardware is used and caution is taken to ensure you have proper battery power in car and flashing device.
3. Does the JB4 backend flash reprogram something in the JB4 or the DME?
Answer: it flashes the DME the same as Cobb does. But requires setting changes in the JB4 to allow pass through, setting 4/2 on steering wheel controls with Backend Flash. Only Flash while jb4 is set to map zero.
4. Am I limited to running strictly like E30 with a backend flash like if I go on a trip and cannot find E85 gas stations in that area or will that mess things up?
Answer: for e30-40 you can run the pump or race Backend Flash. If you will go between e30 and straight 93 pump gas, you may want to try the pump Flash first and log and if all looks good move to the race Flash and log, if it's good you should be fine if not revert back to the pump Flash when running straight 93. Either of those will be fine with low mixes e40 and under most likely but logging should always be done to verify and only make one pass before reviewing to minimize hurting something on a bad combination.
In a pinch, you will be fine normal driving either of those flashes while in a trip with straight 93. You could also simply switch to map 1 or stock if you are concerned about it while on a trip without e85 access.
An e85 Backend Flash should only be used with access to e40 and up mixes as it requires the fueling scalers to keep trims more centered and allow for more movement with higher ethanol content.
5. How long does it take to flash and do you recommend a battery charger connected to it because I think my charger shuts off once the battery is fully charged at 10 amp charge? Current sitting voltage is 12.1V (not running).
Answer: Highly recommend battery charger. Even if it's only set on 2amps. Flash is dependent on your DME, my 2007 took 18 minutes the first time and under 2 minutes for all Flash changes after that (no charger required after first flash.)
6. Are there maps for a car running E30-E40 with just a DCI and JB4?
Answer: any map will work if the logs look good. Going a little at a time is the recommended method. Start with the pump Flash and work your way from map1 through map 5 logging each one and getting advice in your logs. The car will let you know if it's happy or not with the variables like octane, boost and timing. If everything looks good, you can go the next step. Keep good records of your ethanol content and mixes and know what content the stations are supplying for consistent tune results.
In this heat, multiple gear pulls will yield very high IATs so what is OK for a 3rd gear logging pull may not be so great on a 1-4 gear pull where the stock intercooler heat soaks and IAT's sky rocket. This should be logged until you find a solid combination of fuel mix, back end Flash and map setting. Methanol injection adds a much more repeatable result as it doesn't heat soak and will offer more stable IATs.
7. If the DME was hard bricked is there a possible way they can tell how it happened and the warranty not covering it and could I put a used DME/ECU in my car as I see them on ebay for 175 ish.
Answer: my guess is they would know something was up that caused it to fail. I always assume anything in doing will ultimately be detectable if someone looks hard enough for the evidence. In this respect, its good to know your tech and service manager to better understand their standpoint in these matters. Some are not as stringent as others. Warranty work is paid by BMW so most of the time unless it's glaringly obvious to someone they turn a blind eye. But know going in that moods change and its always a crap shoot. That's the risk of modding a car under warranty. Perhaps it's best to have a candid conversation to find what the line is with your dealership if it's a major concern for you.
Hope that helpsl!
Chris
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