New and cheaper: BMW and Mini ECUs finally unlocked

Autotuner now offers an official solution for unlocking post-2020 BMW and Mini ECUs, long considered inaccessible.

This process, based on several years of research and development, finally makes it possible to bypass the protection of Bosch MDG1 / DDE8 / DME8 ECUs.

The ECU still has to be physically dismantled and shipped, but unlocking is now carried out by Autotuner, a recognised European service provider, rather than by Femto in Finland.

The result is

• significantly lower unlocking costs,
• shorter downtime.

This new feature concerns the ECUs in particular:

• MD1CP032, MD1CS001, MG1CS024, MG1CS201

  → For engines: 16d / 18d / 20d / 25d / 30d / 40d / 50d and 1.5 T, 16i,18i, 20i, 20e, 30i, 30e, 40i and 45e

• MG1CS049

  → for BMW M3, M4, X3M, X4M (S58 engine).

• MG1CS201

  → for models M5, M6, X5M, X6M, 50i.

to mark this new release, Shiftech is offering an exceptional promotional offer valid until 31 October 2025* (excluding Shiftech Réunion and Marrakech).

This offer includes unlocking, reprogramming and shipping, at much lower prices.

Estimated downtime: 3 to 5 working days

Depending on the software version, you may still need to use Femto, at an additional cost. Contact your Shiftech centre to find out if this applies to you.

*Offer cannot be combined with other current promotions or promotional codes.

Once the ECU has been unlocked, your BMW can benefit from full engine mapping optimisation, carried out on a power bench.

Shiftech engineers develop tailor-made calibrations for each vehicle, enabling :

• an increase in torque and power within the manufacturer's tolerances,
• improved response to acceleration,
• a reduction in fuel consumption under normal driving conditions.

In addition, FlexFuel E85 reprogramming is now possible on compatible petrol versions, allowing the use of ethanol, SP petrol or a mixture of the two.

• Recognised expertise in engine reprogrammingsince 2008.
• Development on a power bench for reliable, measured results.
• Technical partnership with Autotuner, guaranteeing an intervention in line with the latest Bosch technologies.
• Worldwide network of certified centres.

Thanks to this development, owners of post-2020 BMWs and Minis finally have access to high-performance, safe engine optimisation at a lower cost.

Why is my BMW ECU blocked?

Since June 2020, BMW has been equipping its vehicles with Bosch ECUs that are protected against software modification, preventing any direct reprogramming.

Which models are affected?

Most BMW and Mini petrol or diesel models produced since 06/2020: 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, X1, X3, X5, Mini Cooper, etc.

How long does it take to unlock?

Approximately 3 to 5 working days, including unlocking and complete reprogramming. This time may be extended depending on the complexity of the service chosen.

Is it compatible with E85 conversion?

Yes, unlocking allows you to carry out FlexFuel reprogramming to run on ethanol. Depending on the engine, you can also take the E85 Flex+ course, which combines power optimisation with E85 conversion.

Are older BMWs (before 2020) affected?

No, these models do not have the Bosch MDG1 lock and are already compatible with conventional reprogramming.

What guarantees does Shiftech offer?

All reprogramming is bench-tested, tailor-made and reversible on request.