FRM3 Resurrection Thread

minim · 08-14-2016, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

Contact your local dealership and provide the service advisor the last 7 of your vin and advise the warranty bulletin.

Could anyone that does this please ask for a copy of the service bulletin/recall? Would be nice to have that as I suspect dealers in Norway will refuse this immediately anyways ^^

Alex@Alpine · 08-14-2016, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

Contact your local dealership and provide the service advisor the last 7 of your vin and advise the warranty bulletin.

Could anyone that does this please ask for a copy of the service bulletin/recall? Would be nice to have that as I suspect dealers in Norway will refuse this immediately anyways ^^

This US only from my understanding. The warranty was not extended world wide.

minim · 08-14-2016, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

This US only from my understanding. The warranty was not extended world wide.

That's odd when to problem is obviously everywhere

Will see what BMW has to say about this tomorrow ^^

Mik325tds · 08-14-2016, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minim

When I search for parts for this vehicle it shows me 61359390491. Could it be that there is one newer or is it 90 for without AHL and 91 with AHL like with some of the other FRM modules?

Good question. I don't know what the newest one is. Mine has AHL and ISTA-P selected the 490 instead of the 491 for SW update. When I still had an E92 Pflash on my FRM, ISTA-P always wanted the FRM replaced instead of reflashing, so I used WinKFP to write the SW on it. I think both of them worked.

Mik325tds · 08-14-2016, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

Contact your local dealership and provide the service advisor the last 7 of your vin and advise the warranty bulletin.

Interesting. Good to know. I was wondering how long it would take for BMW to finally convince Lear that they have a SW-bug there.

Alex@Alpine · 08-14-2016, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

This US only from my understanding. The warranty was not extended world wide.

That's odd when to problem is obviously everywhere

Will see what BMW has to say about this tomorrow ^^

That is not true. Various lawsuits in different regions cause different outcomes. For example in the US the turbo warranty on the n54s was extended to 8 years 80K miles. Also our standard warranty is 4 years 50K miles vs some other parts of the world where the warranty is 2 years unlimited miles.

minim · 08-14-2016, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

That is not true. Various lawsuits in different regions cause different outcomes. For example in the US the turbo warranty on the n54s was extended to 8 years 80K miles. Also our standard warranty is 4 years 50K miles vs some other parts of the world where the warranty is 2 years unlimited miles.

I guess you are right. Will tip him about this anyways so he can check with the dealer if the FMR could be covered..

We have a 5year/125k miles warranty here. This car had 126k miles and 5 years and a couple of months now that the high pressure diesel pump and FMR module failed in the same month. Was horrible timing to break down on ^^

minim · 08-14-2016, 03:42 PM

Is there any trusted source to buy the xprog 5.6 from. Is it worth it to buy genuine or should I go with China? I see that a version 5.55 was suggested on page 3, is that the way to go? I guess this can be used for other stuff down the road as well since I got 2x BMW myself so I should just get one ^^

minim · 08-17-2016, 01:11 PM

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-S...05180864.html?

will this one do the trick?

Edit, updated link with one from a seller with better rep. and $5 cheaper. It's not the cheapest but I need DHL shipping so then it's not bad.

Edit2, I just read on some other forum that it's best to get the versions without dongle.. I ordered this one so I guess I have to wait and see if I can cancel my order and order a v5.55 with no dongle option..

Sensible_ · 08-17-2016, 04:37 PM

I think it will be ok. It's a bit hit and miss with Chinese clones but generally they are fine for simple functions such as this.

minim · 08-17-2016, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

I think it will be ok. It's a bit hit and miss with Chinese clones but generally they are fine for simple functions such as this.

Thank you. I actually canceled that one after reading the part about it working better without the dongle. Will try to find a 5.55 without dongle if those guys let me cancel this order and refund me. Don't want to brick my mcu because of some annoying dongle that doesn't work properly

betacris · 08-18-2016, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

Contact your local dealership and provide the service advisor the last 7 of your vin and advise the warranty bulletin.

Buddy took his car into dealership. FRM was replaced under extended warranty. Thanks for the info !!

Alex@Alpine · 08-18-2016, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by betacris

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Alpine

Contact your local dealership and provide the service advisor the last 7 of your vin and advise the warranty bulletin.

Buddy took his car into dealership. FRM was replaced under extended warranty. Thanks for the info !!

Amazing. Really happy it helped someone out.

minim · 08-23-2016, 11:10 AM

When flashing in circuit with the Xprog do you guys power the module in any way or can the Xprog power the chip? And a tiny question regarding CAS. I see someone that thought their CAS was briked on a earlier page here due to a misunderstanding. It was then written "copy VO from CAS to FRM (just get in CAS and FA_WRITE on NFRM)". How am I 100% sure I'm not writing anything to CAS while doing this? I've never flashed before so I just want to be 100% sure I don't brick my friends CAS module while trying to help out with the FRM module ^^

f00dstamps · 08-23-2016, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minim

When flashing in circuit with the Xprog do you guys power the module in any way or can the Xprog power the chip? And a tiny question regarding CAS. I see someone that thought their CAS was briked on a earlier page here due to a misunderstanding. It was then written "copy VO from CAS to FRM (just get in CAS and FA_WRITE on NFRM)". How am I 100% sure I'm not writing anything to CAS while doing this? I've never flashed before so I just want to be 100% sure I don't brick my friends CAS module while trying to help out with the FRM module ^^

The XPROG powers the chip.

minim · 08-24-2016, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f00dstamps

The XPROG powers the chip.

Thanks

Just got a message from DHL about out for delivere so guess I will be playing with it soon.. Not to worried with the xprog/frm tbh since that's "bricked" anyways but this CAS thing I don't want to mess up.

minim · 08-25-2016, 07:25 AM

Got the Xprog and I installed it with installing adobe, using the .reg file to mod the register and then I moved the xprog into C: drive and plugged in the module. I manually selected the win xp32bit drivers and it installed 2x drivers.

Then I opened Xprog and selected com11 and tried to do a read of a Atmel AT93C66 Serial EEprom like all the vidoes (without sound ofc..) is doing as I assumed it's reading a test ecu or smt inside the xprog. It failed and said bad conenction on pin XXXX. Is my assumption wrong so that I actually have to conenct this AT93C66 to the xprog to do the test? If so I'll just test it with the MCU but I didn't want him to drive all the way to my place just to find out that I didn't have a working install of Xprog..

Edit:
Connected the xprog and it worked at first try to read out p-data. EEPROM was corrupt so it didn't read out. Used a FRM .bin file from the first post and flashed EEPROM and p-data, did a readout and used beyond compare to compare the readout with the file I flashed and it was identical. Installed it in the car and had a few error messages but it lighted up and things started working again. I went into winkfp hit update zusb, input the VIN and flashed. Opened NCsexpert in expert mode, opened CAS to get vo/vin and hit "back" button to select NFRM and executed sg_codieren to code it with vo/vin. No errors and everything worked afterwards

Sensible_ · 08-26-2016, 03:27 PM

Glad you managed to recover your FRM

minim · 08-26-2016, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

Glad you managed to recover your FRM

It was actually not even mine but when software plays up like that I just couldn't give up and thanks to your awesome guide it was a walk in the park

I did a lot of overthinking before I started.. It wasn't that complicated at all when all the bits and peaces was around and I could mess with the software/car at the same time as reading the guide.

Good stuff. Can I ask how you came up with the idea to do this and where you got the first good flash dumps? I never thought about flashing the MCU directly before I stumbled upon this thread.

lalaura · 10-07-2016, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dumitru.o

xprog 5.55 china

thanks

i used xprog from http://www.obd2express.co.uk/wholesa...-box-2374.html

helped with tips here, especially @ minim, i recovered the frm also

a good topic

m3driver999 · 10-12-2016, 11:01 PM

Hello Fellow Web-browsers.

Last week my cluster and lighting items went haywire during cranking.
Scanned w/ Carly = FRM module failure code.

While reading thread I emailed Alex of Alpine, he replied that there is a SI B.
Which I then found his post while continuing to read.

lights on all the time, no remote, no windows, no cluster.
Typed in VIN into bmw-rp.com = VIN is covered, so far so good.
Next step, venture to dealer...fingers crossed..

Scanned with Carly =
$A3B4 CAN signal fault light system
$A3C1 FRMFA failure
$4A6E, $4A5E - Zyl 1,2 control (cyls 1,2 glowplug controller)

Took car to dealer, along with backup information of the FRM extended warranty, and I reported 3 issues - - Increased battery discharge warning after sitting - sometimes 2 days or 10 days - randomly over last few months; cluster/light issue; and new coude found

So, question, did module issue have a random draw which decayed battery; and then module finally failed; and voltage spikes during cranking where electric go haywire also affected glowplug controller.

Dealer wanted to write order as 3 separate issues, so then RO would write as 3 separate $174 diagnostic fees. I argued that they are potentially related, and therefore they should check all items under 1 fee.

Finally, RO is written for cluster/lights, and for MIL = cust declines diag.

36 hrs later, go to pick up car after getting email 'car complete'
And as expected, dealer was not able to start car. So, decided to not collect car, and keep loaner.

The frequency of needing a jump start went from 1 per 20 days; to now all the time after the FRM issue surfaced. Did the FRM finally sent the battery to its grave?

I am betting that all issues are inter-related; but having difficult time to convince dealer of that view.

BTW, called BMW customer relations, after dropping car at dealer (for $fee collection issue and the write-up of the work order - in light of that 2 years prior walked into other BMW dealer with SI B in-hand to get DDE updated for OBD issues - and left $174 poorer while paying for the diag fee with no update. 'Car doesn't need it'
BMW CR said to wait and allow dealer to give answer of estimate during call back. No call back - just the mail - 'car complete'

So this time decided to approve potential contribution of 1 x $174 fee.

Interestingly, while reading the notes on my file, this time the DDE was updated as they have to update all updatable modules when installing the new FRM. But contribution to the diagnostic was $0 as it is covered.

Next step, SVC MGR to call me in the a.m.

Any advice on how to proceed?

TIA

Thanks to this thread and all the valuable information.
Great resource to keep the 335d rolling along.

Sensible_ · 10-13-2016, 04:30 AM

I think it's fair to say dealers do not understand the technology used in these modules. Not their fault, as with the rest of the world, if something doesn't work just replace it rather than fix the problem.

They have massively overcomplicated your issues.

Without even seeing to car I would hazard a guess the battery / alternator is bad. The FRM3 is very sensitive to voltage fluctuation. Jump starting and FRM3 is common to lead to problems.

1. You should have the battery properly tested and replace it with a suitable AGM battery if not already.

Also interrogate power system for drains, grounds etc etc.

2. Glow plug controller fails all the time these cars. No big deal. Have the plugs and controller changed at the same time.

3. FRM3 needs simple repair as demonstrated by several people in this thread. Or replaced as per dealer.

With regards to your dealer. There was indeed a SIB for footwell module failure but I do not believe they are obliged to replace it free of charge.

08-14-2016, 03:42 PM	#96
minim New Member 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Is there any trusted source to buy the xprog 5.6 from. Is it worth it to buy genuine or should I go with China? I see that a version 5.55 was suggested on page 3, is that the way to go? I guess this can be used for other stuff down the road as well since I got 2x BMW myself so I should just get one ^^ Last edited by minim; 08-15-2016 at 01:39 PM..
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08-17-2016, 01:11 PM	#97
minim New Member 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-S...05180864.html? will this one do the trick? Edit, updated link with one from a seller with better rep. and $5 cheaper. It's not the cheapest but I need DHL shipping so then it's not bad. Edit2, I just read on some other forum that it's best to get the versions without dongle.. I ordered this one so I guess I have to wait and see if I can cancel my order and order a v5.55 with no dongle option.. Last edited by minim; 08-17-2016 at 04:01 PM..
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08-17-2016, 04:37 PM	#98
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,504 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	I think it will be ok. It's a bit hit and miss with Chinese clones but generally they are fine for simple functions such as this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-23-2016, 11:10 AM	#102
minim New Member 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	When flashing in circuit with the Xprog do you guys power the module in any way or can the Xprog power the chip? And a tiny question regarding CAS. I see someone that thought their CAS was briked on a earlier page here due to a misunderstanding. It was then written "copy VO from CAS to FRM (just get in CAS and FA_WRITE on NFRM)". How am I 100% sure I'm not writing anything to CAS while doing this? I've never flashed before so I just want to be 100% sure I don't brick my friends CAS module while trying to help out with the FRM module ^^ Last edited by minim; 08-23-2016 at 03:27 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-25-2016, 07:25 AM	#105
minim New Member 2 Rep 22 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Got the Xprog and I installed it with installing adobe, using the .reg file to mod the register and then I moved the xprog into C: drive and plugged in the module. I manually selected the win xp32bit drivers and it installed 2x drivers. Then I opened Xprog and selected com11 and tried to do a read of a Atmel AT93C66 Serial EEprom like all the vidoes (without sound ofc..) is doing as I assumed it's reading a test ecu or smt inside the xprog. It failed and said bad conenction on pin XXXX. Is my assumption wrong so that I actually have to conenct this AT93C66 to the xprog to do the test? If so I'll just test it with the MCU but I didn't want him to drive all the way to my place just to find out that I didn't have a working install of Xprog.. Edit: Connected the xprog and it worked at first try to read out p-data. EEPROM was corrupt so it didn't read out. Used a FRM .bin file from the first post and flashed EEPROM and p-data, did a readout and used beyond compare to compare the readout with the file I flashed and it was identical. Installed it in the car and had a few error messages but it lighted up and things started working again. I went into winkfp hit update zusb, input the VIN and flashed. Opened NCsexpert in expert mode, opened CAS to get vo/vin and hit "back" button to select NFRM and executed sg_codieren to code it with vo/vin. No errors and everything worked afterwards Last edited by minim; 08-25-2016 at 04:23 PM..
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08-26-2016, 03:27 PM	#106
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,504 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	Glad you managed to recover your FRM
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10-12-2016, 11:01 PM	#109
m3driver999 Private 10 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335d Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	FRM issues Hello Fellow Web-browsers. Last week my cluster and lighting items went haywire during cranking. Scanned w/ Carly = FRM module failure code. While reading thread I emailed Alex of Alpine, he replied that there is a SI B. Which I then found his post while continuing to read. lights on all the time, no remote, no windows, no cluster. Typed in VIN into bmw-rp.com = VIN is covered, so far so good. Next step, venture to dealer...fingers crossed.. Scanned with Carly = $A3B4 CAN signal fault light system $A3C1 FRMFA failure $4A6E, $4A5E - Zyl 1,2 control (cyls 1,2 glowplug controller) Took car to dealer, along with backup information of the FRM extended warranty, and I reported 3 issues - - Increased battery discharge warning after sitting - sometimes 2 days or 10 days - randomly over last few months; cluster/light issue; and new coude found So, question, did module issue have a random draw which decayed battery; and then module finally failed; and voltage spikes during cranking where electric go haywire also affected glowplug controller. Dealer wanted to write order as 3 separate issues, so then RO would write as 3 separate $174 diagnostic fees. I argued that they are potentially related, and therefore they should check all items under 1 fee. Finally, RO is written for cluster/lights, and for MIL = cust declines diag. 36 hrs later, go to pick up car after getting email 'car complete' And as expected, dealer was not able to start car. So, decided to not collect car, and keep loaner. The frequency of needing a jump start went from 1 per 20 days; to now all the time after the FRM issue surfaced. Did the FRM finally sent the battery to its grave? I am betting that all issues are inter-related; but having difficult time to convince dealer of that view. BTW, called BMW customer relations, after dropping car at dealer (for $fee collection issue and the write-up of the work order - in light of that 2 years prior walked into other BMW dealer with SI B in-hand to get DDE updated for OBD issues - and left $174 poorer while paying for the diag fee with no update. 'Car doesn't need it' BMW CR said to wait and allow dealer to give answer of estimate during call back. No call back - just the mail - 'car complete' So this time decided to approve potential contribution of 1 x $174 fee. Interestingly, while reading the notes on my file, this time the DDE was updated as they have to update all updatable modules when installing the new FRM. But contribution to the diagnostic was $0 as it is covered. Next step, SVC MGR to call me in the a.m. Any advice on how to proceed? TIA Thanks to this thread and all the valuable information. Great resource to keep the 335d rolling along.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-13-2016, 04:30 AM	#110
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,504 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	I think it's fair to say dealers do not understand the technology used in these modules. Not their fault, as with the rest of the world, if something doesn't work just replace it rather than fix the problem. They have massively overcomplicated your issues. Without even seeing to car I would hazard a guess the battery / alternator is bad. The FRM3 is very sensitive to voltage fluctuation. Jump starting and FRM3 is common to lead to problems. 1. You should have the battery properly tested and replace it with a suitable AGM battery if not already. Also interrogate power system for drains, grounds etc etc. 2. Glow plug controller fails all the time these cars. No big deal. Have the plugs and controller changed at the same time. 3. FRM3 needs simple repair as demonstrated by several people in this thread. Or replaced as per dealer. With regards to your dealer. There was indeed a SIB for footwell module failure but I do not believe they are obliged to replace it free of charge.
	Appreciate 0 Quote