[uncleslow]

I had the full 335i Powerkit fitted to my 2008 E90 335i AT last year.

Because the car had the 'old' ECU I had no choice but to fit the complete kit, incl. the new MSD81 ECU.

I have now changed to a E92 2008 335i - same engine, etc.

Dealer agreed to move the Powerkit, but now say it's not possible... Apparently the ECU is car specific and cannot be programmed to suit my new car. And my old car can't be retro fitted (re-united) with it's old original ECU.

Anyone with ideas or suggestions???

What a waste of money...

[Bimmer This]

Isn't it just a couple components with a calibration software? Can't BMW just apply the calibration your new VIN?

[imperium2000]

That makes no sense.
I'd suggest you contact the guys at Tischer. They're more well informed about this than most dealers ever will be.

[cstavaru]

The dealer is right, I think. When you install the Power Kit, the first software is matched to your VIN. They cannot flash the Power Kit software onto any ECU without paying to BMW first.

Your only chance is to have the dealer write an "escalation" support question to BMW headquarters about the situation. They respond very fast, and they may agree to delete the old VIN from the database and allow the dealer to flash the software onto the new VIN's ECU.e

There is another problem too: the reversal is pretty time consuming and also some things cannot be completely undone unless you replace some grilles on the front bumper, and the driver's side wheel well. Both are cut during the Power Kit installation.

Also, you need new airducts for the coupe as the ones from the sedan do not work.

To be honest, there is so much trouble and labor cost to unmount the kit that you would be better off including some of it's price onto your old car's selling price and install a new kit on your new car.

[shifterboy45]

Originally Posted by uncleslow

I had the full 335i Powerkit fitted to my 2008 E90 335i AT last year.

Because the car had the 'old' ECU I had no choice but to fit the complete kit, incl. the new MSD81 ECU.

I have now changed to a E92 2008 335i - same engine, etc.

Dealer agreed to move the Powerkit, but now say it's not possible... Apparently the ECU is car specific and cannot be programmed to suit my new car. And my old car can't be retro fitted (re-united) with it's old original ECU.

Anyone with ideas or suggestions???

What a waste of money...

it VIN Specific....

but trying working with the dealer to get a new enabling code for the current car. current power kits are now sold non VIN specific -- only the enabling code is required. At least that the way it goes for BMW North America

[stressdoc]

Important issue for BMW Performance to get ironed out. Customers need to know when they purchase the performance kit if it is transferable.

[shifterboy45]

i would think its (PPK) being VIN specific, it would be a clear cut issue.. it stays with the car. in the case of PPK installation someone should consider doing one of two things,

1. sell the kit on the car w/ value added -- either private party or dealer to make up the difference in price.

2. Not installl the kit unless you are in the mood to keep the car for a while.

how do you take into account the car being sold is modified, and will need to be restored to "stock-like" condition before it can be sold again --?? minor tirm parts and a relay, but there you have the issue with the labor, reprogramming the cars (complete) and issuing a disclosure of previous modification(s)..

its a hard decision, but one thats not too ambiguous...

its a wash either way..

[uncleslow]

confirmed that PK is VIN specific, and you can't change the codes as certain items (mainly security, mileage, log, etc) is fixed on the ECU. No dealer can change those items apparently. Must come from BMW HO - that's why the software comes on a CD with your VIN.

Another problem is that BMW updated their national register, thus the old car is now known to the system as a 335i PK - important for future service, etc!

So - yes, it is not going to be easy to transfer PK, and they cannot for obvoius reasons remove extra cooler, fan etc on a PK car.

Looks like a discounted new PK is only option..?

Bugger.

[FrankiE90]

if the dealer agreed to move it....


\ bmw acknowledges your 335 w/ the flash. shouldn't your bimmer
officially be valued more than stock?
Have the dealer adjust that number
or get you a new Powerkit for your current bimmer.
only seems fair -

if not bitch at BMW to clarify non bolt on performance upgrades.
maybe BMW needs to badge their powerkit.