Bluefin ECU Device

[Primordial]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting a Bluefin ECU remap for my MKVI GTI.. Does anyone know if the latest version gets around the ECU counter increment issue?

Is anyone running a Bluefin remap on a MKVI GTI yet?

[niulf]

I'm trying to get that for my new GTI as well because the APR and REVO programs are too expensive in Australia. But recently I've heard VW added some security features on new cars engine management unit after Nov 2009. This new security feature makes loading the performance ECU program by Serial port impossible. I also heard that factory software update during the service life of the car may also make the Bluefin handset no longer functional. Here is the Bluefin dealer's link also mentioned this.

http://www.jkm.org.uk/performance/Misc/Misc_Performance_pictures/Superchips/BluefinInstructions/bluefin2010notice.gif

I sent email request to Superchips last night, still waiting for their reply.

[Guy_H]

APR Dealers have the new tool for the new cars:

(Thanks to USP motorsports for the pic) so the new ones can be done in house at your local APR dealers now.

[Primordial]

I'm trying to get that for my new GTI as well because the APR and REVO programs are too expensive in Australia. But recently I've heard VW added some security features on new cars engine management unit after Nov 2009. This new security feature makes loading the performance ECU program by Serial port impossible. I also heard that factory software update during the service life of the car may also make the Bluefin handset no longer functional. Here is the Bluefin dealer's link also mentioned this.

http://www.jkm.org.uk/performance/Misc/Misc_Performance_pictures/Superchips/BluefinInstructions/bluefin2010notice.gif

I sent email request to Superchips last night, still waiting for their reply.

Hmm.. thats a little concerning! At least they offer a 7 day money back guarantee.

But still, if they've disallowed serial port flashing on the newer ECU's, it cant be that long (if not already implemented!) that any new ECU flash from a dealership has this 'feature'. I doubt that its a hardware change, surely it's just a software change to disable flash updating via that interface.

Would kinda suck to buy the Bluefin and have it permanently wiped at the next major service!

[Corey_R]

You're not wrong about that!
At least with a company where you get the flashes done at a dealer they can keep updating their flashing software/hardware to get around any changes that VW make.

[Primordial]

APR Dealers have the new tool for the new cars:

(Thanks to USP motorsports for the pic) so the new ones can be done in house at your local APR dealers now.

So does this tricky new tool use a different method of accessing the ECU (ie. not through the usual diagnostic port)??

[Guy_H]

So does this tricky new tool use a different method of accessing the ECU (ie. not through the usual diagnostic port)??

Sure does!

[niulf]

I'm trying to get that for my new GTI as well because the APR and REVO programs are too expensive in Australia. But recently I've heard VW added some security features on new cars engine management unit after Nov 2009. This new security feature makes loading the performance ECU program by Serial port impossible. I also heard that factory software update during the service life of the car may also make the Bluefin handset no longer functional. Here is the Bluefin dealer's link also mentioned this.

http://www.jkm.org.uk/performance/Misc/Misc_Performance_pictures/Superchips/BluefinInstructions/bluefin2010notice.gif

I sent email request to Superchips last night, still waiting for their reply.

I got reply from Michael Alvey-Anderson, Senior Calibration Engineer of Superchips.

"Hi

We have only seen two instances of the 2.0Tsi engine with the latest
type Bosch ECU that we cannot modify with the bluefin, however these
have both been in Australia/New Zealand area. As such I'd be reluctant
to send you a bluefin. We can offer a solution for this type of ECU but
it means your local agent removing the ECU and re-programming off the
chassis. We are offering this latest hardware to our agents worldwide
and it's just a matter of them investing for these future cars. If you
can contact your local centre then they can advise further, thanks."

We are lucky, aren't we? According to his reply, both bad instances are from OZ/NZ.

[Guy_H]

We have seen many, many more than "two" incidents of it, and as the note says, it can be retro "fitted" by the dealership.

Thats why each & every APR dealer (now 15 of them) has to have the new equipment to continue to service existing customers as well as new ones.

Expensive gear, training & techniques.

[Jmac]

We have seen many, many more than "two" incidents of it, and as the note says, it can be retro "fitted" by the dealership.

Thats why each & every APR dealer (now 15 of them) has to have the new equipment to continue to service existing customers as well as new ones.

Expensive gear, training & techniques.

Hey Guy you are not wrong about expensive mate , gear is dear but what else can you do??? got to keep up. with Superchips its gone back from serial port back to BDM or in fact its called CDM now. More gear more expense.
I give it 18mnths and we will be back to serial again.
cheers
Jmac

[JohnA]

Not to start a new thread, thought i would post in here.

My car unfortunately also has the new encrypted ECU, so the bluefin did not work.
However i would like to take this opportunity to thank jmac for going out of his way to help me with my bluefin endevour.
He organised for the superchips rep to visit me at home to try install it, just to be sure if i had the encrypted ecu or not.

Hopefully they get around this issue, as i do not like the idea of having my ecu removed during warranty period.

[moonblade87]

Bluefin doesn't work?

APR it is then haha..

[Jmac]

They do work haha, sorry couldnt help that. There is some encrypted ones and some not. If they are encrypted you do realise APR will have to remove your ECU too
Jmac

[moonblade87]

hmmm.. i think mine will be encrypted.

so would i be right to say that the chip would work if they took the ecu out and fitted it? then would u still need to plug it in to the device port?

[Jmac]

Ok ill clarify it for you mate as it can get a bit clouded. they have scattered the encrypted ones so you might be lucky. Now if you were my customer i would do a read and send the file off. i would know within 30 mins if you had an encrypted one. If you do have an encrypted one the 1st stage is to have the ecu removed and the ECU processor flashed as the manufacturer has eliminated the boot function from your ecu. We do that on a jig same as most of the good companies do. You will have stage one tune then which most people settle with anyway. If you go next stage and fit bits and look for a stage 2 + tune then the processor is enabled to do the rest through the obd port. We can get round software no worries. The dealer can write over the top as they dont need the boot faciltiy, but we can flash your tune back on if they do for the win.
Just to add the ecu initial flash reqs on some ecus the boot and power wires to be soldered on. i can confirm as i have done it we( superchips) dont touch your ecu with solder or solder iron and can still flash the board
So as it is intrusive opening the ecu, there is no visible signs whatsoever that we have been there
Cheers
Jmac