[4doorbmwpower]

So. I spoke with one of my friends about how to figure out our TCU issue. He is extremely smart but i am not sure if we are missing something in our TCU. he offered to build the following part and help us figure out whats going on, anyone smart on our platform feel free to chime in as i am only trying to help.

"Here's a way to improve it at least. I can build a cable jumper in between the TCU and the tranny running each pin to a datalogger, and drive while logging for a while. Should (after a period of time) be able to correlate what voltage changes happened when. Build a piggy back box to be able to supplement the voltage from the TCU. Boom increased clamping pressure, could move shift points, whatever. You need something that can datalog multiple inputs. You'll need a wiring diagram. A male plug that matches and a female that matches the connector where you jump in."

He cant promise this will fix everything but would at least get the data collection on the right foot. Is there some type of encryption thats beyond our sophistication level or is it blocked somehow? this seems like a valid stab in the dark at the correct problem if you ask me.

[OPe92]

Subscribed

[Dmacc]

Interesting approach. I'm curious to see how this will pan out.

[4doorbmwpower]

just need to speak to some of the smarter guys on here to chime in. maybe someone knows why this has not happened yet.

[Cloud9blue]

Try the JB4 forum (N54####.com), I would be surprised if those guys can't help on this.

[ferocity02]

How does the Alpina flash work? Maybe you could talk to the guy(s) who did it and get their feedback.

I am quite surprised that the Alpina flash is the only one available for the auto trans. Someone could make a lot of money unlocking the TCU logic and offering custom TCU tunes.

[07tundra]

Not only is there a software problem but also hardware. I can't remember if it's 3rd or 4th gear that is lacking clutches.

[4doorbmwpower]

well we can do a Level10 build but apparently the vehicle doesnt adapt to the new beefier parts so it essentially needs to "learn" how to use the new hardware or its of no use. without enough clamp pressure you will slip with a built tranny or not. So if we had the software then the hardware will surely follow.

[07tundra]

Originally Posted by 4doorbmwpower

well we can do a Level10 build but apparently the vehicle doesnt adapt to the new beefier parts so it essentially needs to "learn" how to use the new hardware or its of no use. without enough clamp pressure you will slip with a built tranny or not. So if we had the software then the hardware will surely follow.

Well all this sounds awesome! I wish your friend can do this!

[bradsm87]

The TCU and valve body are one piece I believe (TCU is part of the transmission itself)

[_shim]

Subscribed. Curious to see where this goes.

[v1nc86]

Subscribed me 2!

[4doorbmwpower]

Originally Posted by bradsm87

The TCU and valve body are one piece I believe (TCU is part of the transmission itself)

anyone know how alpina does the flash? like where are the pins that they connect to IOT achieve this. That will help this process. We are talking with ZF also, it seems the whole subject is shrouded in mystery.. weird.

[135Pats]

FWIW Terry's LVL10 hardware build has held 5862 power so far as I know. That car isn't making hugenormous power but that could suggest that a hardware build can have some type of positive effect even without TCU control.

What i'm curious to is whether the valvebody work is what has helped in Terry's case. That's pretty straightforward stuff LVL10 is doing, just shimming the VB for more clamp pressure. That's a relatively cheap and palatable option.

[4doorbmwpower]

135Pats; you always know what to say to cheer me up lol. I was under the assumption that Terrys Lv10 Build DID NOT work out so well. Okay thats good news, however didnt Shivs completely shit the bed? i could be wrong. I have emailed Alpina for more information on the flash and how it is done to better understand everything. Also for those who are subbed to my thread on my upgraded tranny pan. It has been collecting cobwebs, i just wanted you to know i havent forgot. Its impossible to get fab companies to help me out when i am 8000 miles away.. they dont take me seriously until i show up with a tranny pan at their door and say BUILD THIS NOW! so when i get home i will continue to pursue that goal. I have an extra tranny pan to map with CAD and then ill go from there.

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by 4doorbmwpower

135Pats; you always know what to say to cheer me up lol. I was under the assumption that Terrys Lv10 Build DID NOT work out so well. Okay thats good news, however didnt Shivs completely shit the bed? i could be wrong. I have emailed Alpina for more information on the flash and how it is done to better understand everything. Also for those who are subbed to my thread on my upgraded tranny pan. It has been collecting cobwebs, i just wanted you to know i havent forgot. Its impossible to get fab companies to help me out when i am 8000 miles away.. they dont take me seriously until i show up with a tranny pan at their door and say BUILD THIS NOW! so when i get home i will continue to pursue that goal. I have an extra tranny pan to map with CAD and then ill go from there.

I'd confirm that with Terry, i'm just going off what he reported a few months back and there haven't been any updates since. Gotta pop into a meeting i'll digest your post when i get out lol

[Zombie1]

dont let this thread die! we need this fixed! I'd gladly pay w.e the amount a tuner would charge to fix this. Someone do it pwease you'll make a killing.

[4doorbmwpower]

Zombie. we are working on it.. like i said R&D is slow because i am deployed. but we are trying.. i want it for myself so i will certainly offer it if we can crack it.

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by Zombie1

dont let this thread die! we need this fixed! I'd gladly pay w.e the amount a tuner would charge to fix this. Someone do it pwease you'll make a killing.

I hate to be a downer because we're all in the same boat...but when you really take a step back and consider what has to happen in order to get read/write ability. It's so gnarly. We know very, very little about the TCU. What little we do know is that it would be near impossible to brute force, so there has to be some type of exploit. That requires someone with time, finances, and extremely strong knowledge of XCP/ASAM based control systems.

[Zombie1]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

I hate to be a downer because we're all in the same boat...but when you really take a step back and consider what has to happen in order to get read/write ability. It's so gnarly. We know very, very little about the TCU. What little we do know is that it would be near impossible to brute force, so there has to be some type of exploit. That requires someone with time, finances, and extremely strong knowledge of XCP/ASAM based control systems.

yeah I hear ya man. I just would like someone to take the plunge because it would just take this already great platforum to new heights.

[rismo]

I have been in close contact with Alpina, no way they provide info and it is actually not required. They have the singing key from BMW to develope own code and the TCU will accept it as it has been signed correct.
Flashing process itself can be done with the tools on the internet to write FW into ecu's and so the TCU.

[4doorbmwpower]

i wont get too in the weeds about it because honestly right now were experimenting and if we do find out i dont exactly want everyone to know about how we did it right away. That being said talking to BMW or Alpina is like talking to a wall... however, (pause for effect) i will leave you with this...

... its a good thing neither of them make our transmission huh

dont get your hopes up sky high.. but i am going to pursue this, i would love it and i know the community would also. This and my tranny pan combined would be two steps in the door to a new AT build. mix this with a lv10 and we got ourself a 1000hp accepting tranny...