This guide is intended to walk you through the entire flashing preparation, flashing process and outline all necessary hardware requirements.
1. Presentation
JR Auto Performance Inc. is pleased to present you the MG Flasher App, which is the first in the world mobile application developed to provide OBD tuning capability of BMW F & G series equipped with Gen 1 & 2 B46, B48 and B58 engines.
MG Flasher has been prepared for Android and iOS users. The tuning process is simple; download MG Flasher, connect your peripheral (ENET Wi-Fi/cable adapter) and flash any of our OTS maps to meet your specific vehicle’s needs!
We were among the first in the world to unlock the MG1 ECUs with our own solution/core software. After sixteen months of hard work, research and development we were able to bring down flashing time to just 15 -20 seconds. This will enhance your flashing experience as well as provide a safer environment. We know that maintaining your warranty through software modification is a key deciding factor when considering a tune for your car. Rest assured, our JR Auto Performance software is designed to keep your CVN (Checksum Verification Number) and flash counter untouched. This means our software will be virtually invisible to dealer level diagnostic tools.
Between creating our flashing tool and extensively testing our performance software, on our in-house dyno, we had our work cut out for us. For starters we purchased a brand new F30 340i B58 with MPPSK which we used to develop our solution for programming. Day in and day out, tirelessly for over seven months we worked towards unlocking the SPC5777M MCU that runs the DME861. Our tester car had MPPSK software equipped on it to begin with. We decided to flash/downgrade our 340i with non MPPSK (stock non-performance software) and establish a baseline. From this stock (non-performance) flash we began our research and development. Analyzing and studying software documents along with a multitude of test runs and extensive data logging, on both the dyno and the road, enabled us to deliver an outstanding product.
Our facility is equipped with a V-Tech dynamometer, that provides very accurate and realistic graphs and numbers. For all our dyno runs the horsepower/torque values are at the crankshaft, the same way BMW rates their engines. More info and dyno graphs: www.MGFlasher.com.
MG Flasher offers many unique functions within the application, most of the features are listed below:
Flash various tunes
Read/Clear DTC codes
Reset various adaptation values like - mixture adaptation, VANOS, fuel system, Valvetronic Lift, increment wheel
additional options available with each OTS map: speed limiter removal, cold start removal (off road use only), disable catalyst (off road use only), kick down deactivation
Data logging & export (.csv file) - log real time data and plot them into graphs for troubleshooting and optimizing or monitor crucial parameters like boost pressure, timing etc.
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walk you through the entire flashing preparation, flashing process and outline all necessary hardware requirements.
1. Supported vehicles
MG Flasher is an application dedicated to bringing flashing/tuning options for BMW cars equipped with the Gen 1 & 2 B46/B48/B58 engines and will be continuously updated/developed.
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Please note that our MG Flasher will only work with the current list of supported vehicles developed by our team. The application will check support automatically during the initial connection to your car and our server database (more info in “Checking support via MG Flasher” section). Make sure to subscribe to our email newsletter on the main website or follow us on social media to stay up to date on supported vehicles.
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2. Required hardware
Android and iOS users
Android 7.1, iOS 10.0 or newer operating system
ENET Wi-Fi adapter or ENET cable – It is strongly recommended to use ENET Wi-Fi connection for its fast speed and to reduce the risk of cables disconnecting
Ethernet to USB adapter if using ENET cable
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MG Flasher’s ENET Wi-Fi Adapter
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3. MG Flasher licenses
The MG Flasher flashing license along with OTS maps are available for purchase from our web store; shop.MGFlasher.com. Without purchase, you may utilize our support confirmation system to see if your car is supported (more info in section 6.2.1 Checking support via MG Flasher). You will need a flashing license and an OTS map of your choice:
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For more details on this process, watch our instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-a7PkJs8Y4.
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4. Vehicle requirements and preparation for flashing:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BELOW IS VERY IMPORTANT
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4.1 Vehicle preparation
The following conditions must be fulfilled when flashing the ECU in the car and will facilitate a safe flashing environment with the least risk of failure.
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Ensure your car have a well charged battery and furthermore one that is in good condition. We ask that if you have any outstanding concerns with the charging system of your car that you rectify these concerns before proceeding any further with any flashing procedure. Connecting your car to battery charger is highly recommended especially during the first flash (flashing time 4 – 6 minutes). After the initial setup OTS map flashes will take 15 -30 seconds. and will not require charger, however, we still highly recommend it. The charger should be connected to the designated charging points in the engine bay which can be found in your BMW User Manual. The Flasher is intuitive in the sense that it knows when the car battery is low and once it detects a low battery condition it will abort/prevent a start of the flash procedure. It is very important to keep the car battery within optimal voltage during flashing; we are not responsible for any damage to the ECU during flashing if above requirements are not met.
Make sure to turn off the radio, headlights, interior lights, AC/heating, heated seats as these are all electrical components that draw power from the battery. If you have installed any aftermarket components make sure to turn them off or disconnect them, this includes any piggyback hardware such as a JB4, which cannot be run in tandem with our software anyways.
Fasten the driver’s seat belt into its’ buckle as this will prevent the ignition from shutting off during the flashing process if you were to intentionally or unintentionally open or close your door.
If equipped, disable/turn off the in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.
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4.2 MG Flasher application download
Make sure that you have the latest version of MG Flasher installed on your device (with storage permissions allowed on Android). If you have the latest version of Google Play/App Store and your account remains in good standing, go ahead and download MG Flasher for free. Please ensure your phone battery is adequately charged.
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5. Flashing procedure
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5.1 Hardware configuration
To ensure your hardware is properly configured follow the instructions in this section. The first thing you may notice on your Android screen is a notification of MG Flasher requesting permission to access your connected peripheral. You must accept these requests for MG Flasher to connect to your vehicle.
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Tap to enable Ethernet, click "Configure Ethernet device", select "Static IP" and enter the IP addresses above. Save.
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5.2 Hardware connections
Let’s review how to connect your newly purchased hardware to your smart device and BMW.
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Locate the OBD II port (in the driver’s footwell) and connect the Wi-Fi Adapter to the OBD II port.
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5.3 Connect to car and check for support via MG Flasher
Switch your device to Airplane mode and close any other running applications, as a phone call or any other application activity could interrupt the flashing procedure. For the initial flash procedure, connect vehicle to the charger as it will take 4 – 6 minutes. Each flashing procedure, after activation/unlock will take 15 -20 seconds and a car charger is not required.
Fasten the driver’s seat belt into its’ buckle as this will prevent the ignition from shutting off during the flashing process if you were to intentionally or unintentionally open or close your door.
Turn the ignition ON by pressing the START button twice without touching the brake.
Start MG Flasher, and after the splash screen click “Connect”. Shortly after a successful connection, the main screen will show up with your car’s information: model, VIN, engine and actual status of the ECU: inactive or active following with actual stage installed (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stock)
At this point all the information is saved to the configuration file on your device.
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5.3.1 Checking support via MG Flasher
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Click “CHECK SUPPORT” and MG Flasher will check if your car is supported by connecting to our server
database. After confirmation a new screen will appear with all the available OTS maps/stages.
In a situation where your car is not supported, or our database has no available OTS maps for your car’s software level you will get following information:
Your software has been identified! We will require 1-2 business days to update the database and customize your file request to your needs. Thank you for your patience, if the file is still not available for download after a few days please contact us at supportmgflasher.com
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5.3.2 Purchase flashing license and OTS maps
In order to flash any stages available for your car a flashing license must be purchased first. Click the “Redeem” button and follow the presented instructions (more information at “MG Flasher licenses”).
Once finished with your purchase the requested software is then downloaded from the server to your device. Now you are ready to unlock/flash your car!
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5.4 Activate/unlock the ECU flashing procedure
Following conditions must be fulfilled when flashing ECU in the car, it will help to avoid flashing failures
Ensure you have a well charged battery and furthermore one that is in good condition. We ask that if you have any outstanding concerns with the charging system of your car that you rectify these concerns before proceeding any further with any flashing procedure. Connecting your car to a battery charger is highly recommended especially during the first flash (flashing time 4 – 6 minutes). After the initial setup any next OTS Stage Flashing will take up 15 -20 seconds and will not require charger however still highly recommended. The charger should be connected to the designated charging points in the engine bay which can be found in your BMW User Manual. MG Flasher is intuitive in the sense that it knows when the car battery is low and once it detects a low battery condition it will abort/prevent a start of the flash procedure. It is very important to keep the car battery within optimal voltage during flashing; we are not responsible for any damage to the ECU during flashing if above requirements are not met.
Make sure to turn off the radio, headlights, interior lights, AC/heating, heated seats as these are all electrical components that draw power from the battery. This is extremely important for the first long flash. If you have installed any aftermarket components make sure to turn them off or disconnect them, this includes any piggyback hardware such as a JB4, which cannot be run in tandem with our software anyways.
Fasten the driver’s seat belt into its’ buckle as this will prevent the ignition from shutting off during the flashing process if you were to intentionally or accidently open or close your door
If equipped, ensure to disable/turn off the in-car Wi-Fi hotspot
Switch your device to Airplane mode and close any other running applications, as a phone call or any other application activity could interrupt the flashing procedure. For the initial flash procedure, connect vehicle to the charger as it will take time 4 – 6 minutes. Each flashing procedure, after activation/unlock will take 15 -20 seconds and a car charger is not required.
Turn ignition ON by pressing the START button twice without touching the brake.
Select “Activate” button – a warning screen will appear to remind you about all vehicle and hardware condition/prerequisites to be checked – if all met you may confirm by “Flash”
Activation flashing procedure will start, a progress bar will show you how far along the process is. During the procedure there will be error messages showing up on the car’s display and sounds from the dash which is normal.
Wait for the success message to appear then you may turn the ignition off, wait 15- 30 second, turn ignition ON and start the car. Congratulations, your ECU is unlocked!
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5.5 OTS map flashing procedure - after successful unlock (short flash 15 – 20 seconds)
Ensure all vehicle preparations have been fulfilled (see this section)
Turn ignition ON by pressing the START button twice without touching the brake
Select the Stage you wish to flash and click on the “Flash” option - you will be presented with the various tune options like exhaust burble, cold start removal, vehicle speed limit removal etc. Pick what you need and then hit “Flash”.
Wait for the success message to show up. Turn the ignition off, wait 15 - 30 second turn ignition ON and start the car. At this time, you can exit back to the main menu and disconnect the cable. Enjoy your new tune!!
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There will always be an original/stock flash available, it is automatically created with your license activation. You will be able to restore the ECU back to stock at any time using “Stock” button available from the Flashing screen – it is Stage 0, original factory software. ECU/Car remains activated/unlocked. Choose this option when you planning to visit service - flashing counter and CVN is kept the same (short flashing time of 15 – 20 seconds).
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5.6 MG Flasher app navigation
After startup MG Flasher will welcome you with the splash screen and will switch automatically to the screen with the “Connect” button. This is the Main screen. If you have already connected the hardware with your vehicle (see this section) you may click “Connect” to establish
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Side menu – menu is located on the top left, it gives access to User, Connect, My Cars, Logger, User Manual, FAQ, About and Exit.
User – Shows which user is logged in, and what licenses are available for redemption.
My Cars –it is a list of cars with active flashing license. Click on your activated car from the list to get to get all the information: VIN, engine, ECU status etc.
My Car - Main Screen menu with Flash button. Only accessible when connected to the car or under My Cars menu (top right) after car has activated license. Click on it to go to the Flashing screen.
Flashing – all available OTS maps, stock map, custom flash, activation, diagnostic, logger, purchases, are accessible here.
Diagnostic (see this section).
Logger (see this section).
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6. OTS maps
In this app section you will see OTS maps available for your vehicle. Offered OTS maps are prepared with different octane levels and tested on our dyno and street with extensive logging. More information on OTS maps, Flashing License, OTS map pack (see this section).
MG Flasher perform synchronization check when is connected to the internet. Once there is update available for any OTS map you will see notification on the screen, or you can check it manually. To get the update you will need to click on currently active/available stage “Flash” button and choose octane level. If there is an update available MG Flasher will download updated OTS map to your device. You will see notification and progress bar on the screen.
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6.1 OTS maps currently offered STAGE 1, STAGE 2
More information, including dyno diagrams, can be found on the website MG Flasher. E30 OTS maps are built into our latest OTS maps and accessed via the Switchable Maps custom code (minimum v5.1) feature available only for select vehicles.
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Option 1: Lifting the limiter in the transmission ECU which can be done for example with xHP Flashtool
Option 2: Bringing the car to our shop or another tuner for reprogramming of the transmission ECU limiters
Products offered are available for closed course competition use only
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7. Custom flash
Custom Flash option allows you to flash your vehicle with custom maps prepared by other tuners/users or if you prefer MG Flasher as your tuner source, we can deliver custom software per individual request.
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To switch back to stock map please follow instruction (see this section).
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8. Switchable maps On-The-Fly (our unique custom code)
Our custom code v5.1 allows to switch between OTS Octane, Ethanol blends map, new Stage 2.5 (HPFP upgrade required) without the need to reflash the vehicle! Through a simple combination of the Brake Pedal, Accelerator Pedal, Traction Control Button and the Driver Select Switch you can quickly select between mapping. Support is currently only for F-Series Gen 1 B58; support for B48 and G series will be available soon.
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• SPORT+ = Slot #4 (4000 RPM)
• SPORT or SPORT+ and 2 quick MSA presses = Slot #0 (0 RPM) (Default)
Important! when switching to Slot #0 (default) after rpm gauge switch to 0 RPM you must release gas pedal within 5 seconds , if you hold it for longer time the ecu will switch to Slot #4
In case your BMW does not have SPORT+ mode you will be limited to Slot #1, #2, #3 and reverting to Slot #0 is possible from SPORT mode by the same sequence - SPORT and 2 quick MSA presses
Within the 5 seconds of holding the Gas Pedal at W.O.T position (while still holding the Brake Pedal) you will notice the RPM on the dash will reflect the choice you have selected (ie. 3000 RPM = Slot #3).
4. Release the Brake and Gas Pedals fully to exit the selection process. RPM on the dash will return to actual engine RPM and the Check Engine Light will stop blinking. Now you can enjoy your newly selected map-set!
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9. Dynamic burble On-The-Fly (our unique custom code)
Existing users, please synchronize your app and update/flash new maps. Just before flashing you will be informed that the procedure will take approximately 3 – 4 minutes. This is a one-time flash that will not occur again unless new updates are released in this specific new code.
New Users will receive automatic activation when car/ECU is unlocked with the flashing license.
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The car must be running for this function to work.
The car must have been running for longer than 30s to begin selecting as described below.
The car must be above 50-degree coolant temperature for burbles to activate.
Drive Mode must be enabled; manual mode deactivates the selection process.
You must press the MSA button the required number of times within 2.5 seconds for it to be a valid selection.
The burble level adjusted by the Aggressiveness Slider during your last OTS map flash will be the default aggressiveness adjustment without any of the above-mentioned selections. This "default" mode will be activated each time when vehicle is started after sleep mode.
CEL will brink twice quickly when enabled and solid when default settings are restored.
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Level 1 - Switch to ECO Mode via the Driver Experience Switch and push the MSA button four times within 2.5 seconds. The Check Engine Light will blink twice as the confirmation. Then you must return to Sport Mode or Sport Mode+ to hear the changes. This level will be equivalent to the aggressiveness at 20%.
Level 2 - Switch to Comfort Mode via the Driver Experience Switch and push the MSA button four times within 2.5 seconds. The Check Engine Light will blink twice as the confirmation. Then you must return to Sport Mode or Sport Mode+ to hear the changes. This level will be equivalent to the aggressiveness at 40%.
Level 3 - Switch to Sport Mode via the Driver Experience Switch and push the MSA button four times within 2.5 seconds. The Check Engine Light will blink twice as the confirmation. The changes should be heard immediately, given that you are already in Sport Mode, where burbles are active. This level will be equivalent to the aggressiveness at 70%.
Burble OFF - Switch to Sport Mode+ via the Driver Experience Switch and push the MSA button four times within 2.5 seconds. The Check Engine Light will blink twice as the confirmation. Burbles will now be fully deactivated.
Default Mode – To switch back to your stock/default settings (aggressiveness level depends on your slider positions) in any Mode (ECU, Comfort, Sport, Sport+) and push the MSA button six times within 2.5 seconds. The Check Engine Light will blink solid as the confirmation.
NOTE: All Gen 2 “on-the-fly" options are in development, however, can be adjusted just before a reflash (15 -20 second when using ENET).
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10. Max Cooling On-The-Fly (our unique custom code)
Introducing MG Flasher’s latest feature: Max Cooling On-The-Fly. With a simple button combination sequence, you can enable the Max Cooling option without re-flashing the car!
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To enable Max Cooling On-The-Fly – Sport Mode+ or Sport Mode via the Driver Experience Switch and push the ESP button four times within 2.5 seconds. The Check Engine Light will blink twice as a confirmation.
To disable Max Cooling On-The-Fly – Sport Mode+ or Sport Mode via the Driver Experience Switch and push the ESP button four times within 2.5 seconds. The Check Engine Light will blink once as a confirmation.
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NOTE: All Gen 2 “on-the-fly" options are in development, however, can be adjusted just before a reflash (15 -20 second when using ENET).
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11. Diagnostic
This segment is dedicated for diagnosis, troubleshooting, reset adaption, restore coding, restore backup It contains following modules:
ECU info – all information regards ECU software and coding.
Read DTC – read all supported codes from the ECU with their description for troubleshooting.
Clear DTC.
Reset ECU.
Reset adaptation - select to reset various adaptations such as mixture adaptation, VANOS, fuel system, Valvetronic Lift and increment wheel.
Restore coding – when the original coding is lost or corrupted or during the flashing was not performed you can restore coding manually. Go to “ECU info” to check coding status. Check the last position on the list example CAFD.X.X.X.
Restore backup – flash/restore complete backup, uninstall MG Flasher and relock ECU. It will lock your ECU and increase flashing counter - flashing time 4 minutes.
Do not use this function unless allowed by our support!
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12. Logger
This section of MG Flasher allows you to log real time data and plot them into graphs for troubleshooting and optimizing. Logger is additional function available in MG Flasher. You can get Logger as additional product once Flashing license is already activated.
If you select logging from the main screen, you will be presented with an option to start/stop a log
Auto logging function – when you press “Auto ON” logger will automatically start logging while you press the accelerator pedal faster which and stop logging when the pedal will be released for longer than 2 seconds
Data settings - select add/remove the data that needs to be logged from available submenu list – default data is already preset with main parameters required by us if support needed.
After stopping the logging process, the logs will be stored under view log
Data will be saved to *.csv format and can be exported or share for viewing and analyzing in different software or applications – diagram plotting in MG Flasher App will be added with further updates soon.
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Please read the disclaimer on our website or the Terms and Conditions section of this document before using our product and be fully responsible while doing logs and exceeding allowed speed in your region.
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13. Troubleshooting
Unlock procedure failed, programming was not successful
Don’t panic, just retry the unlock/activate flashing procedure again. MG Flasher is designed to keep programming process of your ECU safe, it will perform proper programming steps and correct errors
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14. Terms and conditions
Access to MG Flasher and its use is governed by the terms and conditions set out below. JR Auto Performance Inc. reserves the right to make changes to the application and these Terms at any time. These Terms and Conditions can override terms and conditions included within application. By accessing this app and webpage, you agree that you have read and consent to be bound not only to this Agreement, but also to the Privacy Policy.
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