Flashing procedure

Owned by Damian
Last updated: Jan 17, 2022 by Szymon
9 min read

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.

Accept permission request to grant MG Flasher access to your peripheral.

 

ENET Wi-Fi Adapter

Plug the ENET Wi-Fi adapter into OBD port, open your device settings, find the appropriate Wi-Fi network and connect. On iOS, ensure you enable Flight Mode. Please note, that you must return to your local Wi-Fi or LTE/4G with internet connection to be able to check for support or download/buy new maps and then switch back to the ENET Wi-Fi connection once more for flashing. Your device may have the option to be connected to both the ECU via Wi-Fi and use Cellular Data for internet access if prompted with the follow screen:

Select "Use Cellular Data" for internet access in order to download maps

ENET Cable

Please note, that you must return to your local Wi-Fi or LTE/4G with internet connection to be able to check for support or download/buy new maps and then switch back to the ethernet connection once more for flashing.

NOTE: Prevent flashing failure from mechanical stress on the USB connection by leaving you device on a flat surface.

iOS users should ensure Flight Mode is enabled and Wi-Fi disabled. The device should be ready to use, if not, configure your device to use an Automatic IP under “Settings” -> “Ethernet”.

Android users must configure the ethernet adapter before first use. Under “Settings” -> “Connections” -> “More Connection Settings” -> “Ethernet” set the Static IP to 169.254.250.250. Also confirm the following; Netmask: 255.255.0.0, DNS Address: 0.0.0.0 and Default gateway: 0.0.0.0. You may also need to disable Wi-Fi when connected with ENET cable.

2. Hardware connections

Let’s review how to connect your newly purchased hardware to your smart device and BMW.

ENET Cable

Find the OBD II port (in the driver’s footwell) and plug in the ENET cable to the OBD II port. Connect the USB – Ethernet adapter to your device and the ENET cable to the adapter

 

ENET Wi-Fi Adapter

Locate the OBD II port (in the driver’s footwell) and connect the Wi-Fi Adapter to the OBD II port.

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)

3.1 Checking support via MG Flasher

 

  • Click CHECK SUPPORT and MG Flasher will check if your car is supported and if your car requires a bench unlock 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 2-3 business days to update the database and customize your file request to your needs. Thank you for your patience, please contact us at supportmgflasher.com for details.

  • In a situation where your car requires a Bench Unlock, you will be notified in the app. In this situation, your car has higher security software, and will require a bench unlock of your ECU. Please reference our dealer map to locate the nearest authorized dealer that is capable of providing an unlock, or you can use any third party shop that is able to provide the service. If your ECU was manufactured after July 2020, you will need to ship it to Femto in order to get their special unlock service. For further questions, please reach out to us at support@mgflaher.com

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!

4. Activate/unlock the ECU flashing procedure

  • 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. This process may vary for your vehicle, please search for instructions for your model on the web. Many vehicles will enter turn ignition ON by pressing (or press and hold for ~1 second) the START button once (or twice, even three times in rapid succession on G-series vehicles) without touching the brake (or clutch on manual vehicles). Hybrid models may require to hold the brake pedal, press START once (or twice, even three times in rapid succession on G-series vehicles), release brake and NOT touch gas pedal or gear box.

  • 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.

  • 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!

5. OTS map flashing procedure - after successful unlock (short flash 15 – 20 seconds)

5.1 Flashing stock – original software

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).

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 Connection Guide) you may click “Connect” to establish

communication with your car.

  • 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 Car diagnostics).

  • Logger (see https://mgflasher.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/MGFLASHER/pages/28835956).

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