ESS SMG Software post 2003 (Review)

RedM3/4 · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 08:41:51 PM

Read-only means you can read what's in there, and since there have been several SMG code updates, write capability by BMW dealers is certainly there. And I'd think at least partially there must be a way to read the version of SMG firmware in the SMG ecu, lest versioning mayhem ensue.

I'm not suggesting BMW can or can't tell if an SMG tune is in there, just looking for some clarification, as your explanation isn't fitting the term you used of "read-only". Think about it, if this were true, like if it were ROM versus EPROM or other reprogrammable device, ESS couldn't write their tune to it either.

ADS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obioban

The SMG computer is read only, so there's no way for BMW to know you have this

They do have ECU software, separately. I'm running it, and running a GB on it.

**Obioban** · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 08:50:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedM3/4

Read-only means you can read what's in there, and since there have been several SMG code updates, write capability by BMW dealers is certainly there. And I'd think at least partially there must be a way to read the version of SMG firmware in the SMG ecu, lest versioning mayhem ensue.

I'm not suggesting BMW can or can't tell if an SMG tune is in there, just looking for some clarification, as your explanation isn't fitting the term you used of "read-only". Think about it, if this were true, like if it were ROM versus EPROM or other reprogrammable device, ESS couldn't write their tune to it either.

ADS

Sorry, I meant "write only". Post edited!

Brain fail

BMW can't read what's on it!

forbiddenbeat · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 08:52:30 PM

To clarify, the SMG software adds rev-matching? As in, no need to blip the throttle manually?

Mr.G3 · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 09:15:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forbiddenbeat

To clarify, the SMG software adds rev-matching? As in, no need to blip the throttle manually?

lol- wheres the fun if you don't have to blip a little either- if it were me, I would even insist in heel and toeing even with an SMG- never drove one, but it should make a difference...maybe its me being anachronistic or something, but I rather do the work (or participate in it) rather than the car doing everything for me...

///M Dream · Thu, Dec-10-2009, 02:56:23 AM

Well i got to drive the car a bit more today and really try out every aspect. I decided to test out the Launch control on the car and all i can say is wow. It was awesome just seeing the engine just rev up to 3800, and the car just waiting to take off. I let off the shift lever and the it literally just took off. It was looking for traction at the beginning so i had to feather it a bit. Then ripping through first gear then shift into second and then chirp! The whole time during the launch the car just kept me back in my seat. It was incredible. Writing this makes me want to go out and drive some more! I have never enjoyed my car as much as i do at this moment.

MVF4Rrider · Thu, Dec-10-2009, 03:26:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obioban

The SMG computer is write only, so there's no way for BMW to know you have this

They do have ECU software, separately. I'm running it, and running a GB on it.

I would be getting both right now but I'm deploying to Afghanistan, so I'll do it when I get back in August. Unfortunately I'll miss the GB.

johnhk79 · Thu, Dec-10-2009, 06:15:04 AM

great review. added to my list of things to do!

///M Dream · Thu, Dec-10-2009, 06:42:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnhk79

great review. added to my list of things to do!

You wont regret it man. Great product

uniqueM3 · Thu, Dec-10-2009, 08:16:34 AM

So if I'm running a powerchips software, that means I can't do this software for my smg. I really want it now after reading your post. Which was very convincing by the way.

Gibbon's beard · Thu, Dec-10-2009, 10:04:18 AM

i wannna say i brokered this thing through posts and a call to Roman....but i may be wrong, in any event, this made my week....i am ****ing stoked....will DEF be doing this mod before 2010!

Thu, Dec-10-2009, 02:56:23 AM	#35
///M Dream Four Rings Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,299 Reputation: 0 Location: Phoenix	Well i got to drive the car a bit more today and really try out every aspect. I decided to test out the Launch control on the car and all i can say is wow. It was awesome just seeing the engine just rev up to 3800, and the car just waiting to take off. I let off the shift lever and the it literally just took off. It was looking for traction at the beginning so i had to feather it a bit. Then ripping through first gear then shift into second and then chirp! The whole time during the launch the car just kept me back in my seat. It was incredible. Writing this makes me want to go out and drive some more! I have never enjoyed my car as much as i do at this moment. __________________ 2010 Audi S4- Garage Queen 2000 Audi S4- Daily Driver 2008 BMW M3- Sold 2005 BMW M3- Sold Last edited by ///M Dream; Thu, Dec-10-2009 at 03:01:34 AM.

Thu, Dec-10-2009, 10:04:18 AM	#40
Gibbon's beard 88 Mike Join Date: Feb 2008 Age: 32 Posts: 139 Reputation: 0	i wannna say i brokered this thing through posts and a call to Roman....but i may be wrong, in any event, this made my week....i am ****ing stoked....will DEF be doing this mod before 2010! __________________ 06' ZCP w/ SMG Jet black/cinammon AgencyPower 321 SS Headers, NO cats, Eisenmann Ti Section 1,Supersprint NON-Res sect. 2 X-pipe, RE El diablo Muffler v. 2, RE Power Pulleys, AFE Stg 2 w/ cust. heatsoak solution, RPI Scoops, Braille 21lb Race Batt., Dinan Rear Tower Brace, Dinan Monoball RTABs, RE Sport Camber Arms, Ground control Swaybars(f&r), GC Street/School Coilover System(545/600 lb/in), Michelin PS2 235/265r19s, RE 15mm/10mm "window" Spacers, ESS NA Software Tune w/ CAT delete, Koala Motorsports 3.91 Polished Diff w/ custom clutches and play taken out on short side, Redline 75-90w diff fluid, ACPT Carbon Fiber d-shaft, Okada Projects Plasma Ignition Coils, Denso Iridium plugs, GC FCAB's (Derlin Street Version), Axiss Ultimate Pads F&R, Stop-Tech braided SS lines, Motul 600 fluid, BavAuto caliper guide pin upgrade f&r plus too many LEDs and too much Carbon Fiber inside and out.

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Wed, Dec-09-2009, 08:52:30 PM	#33
forbiddenbeat Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 314 Reputation: 0	To clarify, the SMG software adds rev-matching? As in, no need to blip the throttle manually?

Thu, Dec-10-2009, 06:15:04 AM	#37
johnhk79 einpresstiefe Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 12,524 Reputation: 0 Location: northern california	great review. added to my list of things to do!

Thu, Dec-10-2009, 08:16:34 AM	#39
uniqueM3 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 223 In the garage: '04 FORD SVT LIGHTNING '00 HONDA CIVIC '04 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: el monte	So if I'm running a powerchips software, that means I can't do this software for my smg. I really want it now after reading your post. Which was very convincing by the way.