Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: 2001 E39 540i ME7.2 ECU bricked - wake me from this nightmare

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Denton, TX
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    Ferrari 308, MR2s, E39

    2001 E39 540i ME7.2 ECU bricked - wake me from this nightmare

    Hi. I've got a 2001 E39. I tried to flash a tune with a Galletto 1260 cable and apparently the ECU bricked. When I turn the key on I can hear the throttle body clicking and the car will not start or even crank over.

    The tuner told me it is the fault of the Galletto 1260 cable. I downloaded the stock file first, and I was able to reflash the stock file using the cable. So I thought the cable worked. So I proceeded with the tune flash. I didn't get any errors, just a message at the end to turn the ignition off for 10 seconds, etc. Then no start and just a clicking throttle body. I had a charger hooked up and a good battery, but maybe voltage was still the issue...anyway ECU is bricked.

    So I opened it up and got to boot mode by grounding pin 24. We tried for an hour using a borrowed K+DCAN cable and WINKFP to reflash a ZUSB file. No luck.

    So I just read that the file is stored on a 29F400BB chip that is actually on the back side of the ECU. I used a heat gun and carefully removed it. I have a chip burner and adapter that will read/program these.

    So right now my plan is to use my chip reader to get the full 512kb file off the eeprom. Then use a HEX editor to find the starting and ending addresses of the damaged 64kb file, replace it with the original 64kb data, program it, resolder it, reassemble the ecu and move on.

    If anyone happens to have a virgin 512kb file they can set up for my VIN number WBADN63421GM71786 please, please please send it to me.

    Thanks and wish me luck,

    Aaron
    Last edited by ATSAaron; 03-05-2019 at 07:25 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    12,459
    My Cars
    36 Cylinders
    What software version is your ecu on, to possibly match the tune file?
    I have a few in my collection.
    Boot mode should have worked.

    It sounds like the tune file has problems, but it's too soon to tell.
    Last edited by 328 Power 04; 03-06-2019 at 10:15 AM.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Castle Rock CO
    Posts
    264
    My Cars
    1990 325is, 1998 740i
    I have some stock files that are full 512kb dumps you could flash to your DME
    is it just the 4.4 motor in it?

    Also IDK what flashing tool you are using
    I use JmGarage with great success all the time

    Where did you obtain your tune from if you don't mind me asking? MOST tuners keep a 512kb original version file handy (or maybe I am a paranoid data hoarder I know I pretend to know about tuning LOL :shrug: )

    In any event shoot me a DM I could probably lend you some kind of file you can get flashed

    https://drive.google.com/open?id=1j2...JSIPKNhAPym5fr

    This is the flashing software I like to use
    Its no muss no fuss get the job done type of app

    Also to virginize a donor DME I have instructions how to do that sounds like you're not scared of a hex editor and I can instruct you on how to alter the VIN on your donor DME so that you can "adapt" it via known softwares and then align your ISN with your EWS module
    Last edited by zarboz; 03-08-2019 at 11:43 AM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Denton, TX
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    Ferrari 308, MR2s, E39
    Zarboz - I will contact you, just a bunch of stuff going on and this 540i isn't my daily driver, or at least it doesn't have to be.

    The current update is that I bought a replacement ecu and we flashed a new ZUSB on it with the WINKPF. I think we are past the immobilizer problems as the car cranks over now, but will not start.....

    20 minutes later, YES we have a DME to EWS syncronization issue. Does anyone know how to solve that?

    Aaron

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Castle Rock CO
    Posts
    264
    My Cars
    1990 325is, 1998 740i
    Quote Originally Posted by ATSAaron View Post
    Zarboz - I will contact you, just a bunch of stuff going on and this 540i isn't my daily driver, or at least it doesn't have to be.

    The current update is that I bought a replacement ecu and we flashed a new ZUSB on it with the WINKPF. I think we are past the immobilizer problems as the car cranks over now, but will not start.....

    20 minutes later, YES we have a DME to EWS syncronization issue. Does anyone know how to solve that?

    Aaron
    Yes Shoot me a PM

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Denton, TX
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    Ferrari 308, MR2s, E39
    Fixed!! Thanks Zarboz!

    Aaron

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Castle Rock CO
    Posts
    264
    My Cars
    1990 325is, 1998 740i
    I uploaded a patch method to my github that folks can use to virginize their DME and some instructions

    definitely a more advanced user thing

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Albany NY
    Posts
    220
    My Cars
    90' 325i w/ S52 Stage 1
    Hey guys, looking for info on virginizing the DME as well. experienced with flashing and swapping DME's but first time using ME7.2
    E30 S52 S/C | E39 M5 SC | E70 X5d | E36 | E82 | Highline Motorsports Group LLC

Similar Threads

  1. E39 2001 e39 540i cheap NJ
    By mifesto in forum Whole Parts Cars
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-12-2014, 10:04 PM
  2. E39 2001 E39 540i/6 Sport
    By Vonziper in forum 5 series & 6 series
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-31-2010, 06:25 PM
  3. E39 FS: 2001 E39 540i SPORT
    By 2001 E39 540i in forum 5 series & 6 series
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 05-17-2010, 10:39 PM
  4. Will Eibach Pro Springs fit on my 2001 e39 540i?
    By cnicdrv in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 06-22-2006, 03:19 PM
  5. 2001 e39 (540i) contemplation purchase
    By cweeks in forum 1988 - 1996 (E34)
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 02-29-2004, 07:33 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •