PCMflash - software complex designed for working with engine control units (ECU) and automatic transmissions (AT) of Volkswagen, Skoda, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan/Infiniti, Subaru, Honda/Acura, Hyundai/Kia, Renault, Toyota/Lexus, Citroen/Peugeot, and others.
Universal modules Continental SID208 PSA, Denso SH705x Bootloader, and BSL TriCore are available. It supports working with ADS adapter (version 1, not for all ECUs), as well as any J2534 compatible adapter, with the corresponding drivers and libraries. Tested with OpenPort 2.0, Mongoose JLR, MongoosePro JLR, Teradyne GNA600 (VCM 1), Mazda VCM 2, Scanmatic 2 PRO. The software is supplied on a modular basis and has a simple, concise interface. Guardant production key is used for protection against unauthorised use.
Authorization of the "hardware protection key" and PC is required to use the program. Authorization is done automatically via the Internet when performing the first operation with the ECU. The key can be used on multiple PCs if necessary.
Main features of PCMFlash:
- PCM module identification
- PCM module initialization
- Writing binary files (*.bin)
- Writing stock calibrations (*.vbf) to PCM and TCM
- Reading calibration/firmware from ECU
- Reading/erasing DTC errors
- PCM module reboot
- Resetting PCM adaptation settings
- Checksum verification/correction
- VID block transfer
- Battery status check
- VBF to BIN file conversion
The price of the electronic key is indicated, and the user can choose any of the available modules (any combination of modules).
Attention! The key is not sold without a module! You must add at least one module to your order. Orders without module will be cancelled. The money transfer fee may be lost.
In case of key loss, the modules cannot be recovered. It is necessary to purchase the key and modules again.
Important:
This function is available only on certain BMW engines and is NOT applicable to other vehicle brands.
The information below applies only to stock engines with factory ECU software and a standard exhaust system.
What This Parameter Actually Represents
This is NOT a direct measurement of fuel octane and is NOT a direct octane reading calculated by the ECU.
The value is an adaptation factor ranging from 0 to 1, where:
- 0 = no correction
- 1 = maximum correction
According to BMW’s internal definition:
Faktor adaptierte Kraftstoffqualität (0 = ROZ98 / 1.0 = ROZ91)
- 0 corresponds to 98 ROZ
- 1.0 corresponds to 91 ROZ
ROZ is the German equivalent of RON (Research Octane Number).
The device converts this multiplier into a more intuitive octane value for user convenience.
⚠️ The device does not measure anything itself.
It only displays the data provided by the engine control unit (ECU).
How the ECU Evaluates Fuel Quality
Each ECU has different calibration sensitivity:
- Sensitivity to the adaptation factor
- Sensitivity of the knock control system
Fuel quality is evaluated subjectively by the ECU, primarily based on:
- Knock ignition timing corrections
- Overall engine noise levels
BMW G-Series & LCI F-Series (B-Engines)
B38 / N63 / S63 / N74
These engines are highly sensitive to octane adaptation.
- During warm-up and cruising, the displayed octane may frequently drop to 95 or lower.
- This does NOT automatically indicate poor fuel quality.
- Under load, the value should increase.
⚠️ If the value continues to decrease under load, this may indicate a problem.
B46 / B48 / B58
These engines have low sensitivity.
- During cruising, octane will typically display maximum values even with mediocre fuel.
- Under load, the value will decrease if fuel quality is truly poor.
S58
Octane correction is virtually inactive.
- It will typically always show 98.
- If it drops below 98, fuel quality is genuinely very poor.
BMW F-Series (Pre-LCI) with N/S Engines
Most pre-LCI F-series ECUs do not calculate octane adaptation.
Do not expect this parameter to function.
S55
- Octane parameter not used by the system
- Display not supported
- However, display of the last 5 refueling quality events is supported
S63
- Octane parameter not used
- Display not supported
- Refueling quality display not supported
BMW E-Series
Octane parameter not available. Display not supported.
Important Notes About Tuned Vehicles
With modified hardware or custom tuning, behavior may vary significantly. Always consult your tuner regarding expected operation.
Key principles:
- If octane drops under load, it means fuel quality is worse than expected under those conditions.
- This does NOT automatically mean the fuel itself is bad.
Examples:
- If a tuner increases ignition timing and boost pressure, even good fuel may cause knock corrections, and the ECU may interpret it as poor fuel.
- Thin-walled or poorly mounted exhaust systems may create parasitic noise, which the ECU may interpret as engine knock, causing negative correction.
- Conversely, if knock sensitivity is reduced or octane correction is disabled in tuning, readings may appear ideal while actual engine safety is compromised.
