I read somewhere in the numerous threads on this board how to compute the unlock code using the VIN number on the car. Anyone know the key?

This will unlock the ECU. What is the purpose of this unlocking?

 

Update.....add last 5 of vin together to obtain code.

 

OK....got the number, now what's it good for???????????

 

D.D. I've been waiting for that response myself!

 

I was wondering if anyone here had that adventurous spirit and would go off on their own on a voyage of discovery. If you want to wait, I will eventually check to see if in fact the computation of the unlock code works on the F56 and will see what is beyond that gate.

 

OK, finally got around to testing the unlock code and it does work. It opens about another 21 menu items. Probably all are individual test of the different systems. Eventually, I will take the time to work each of the menu items and see what they do. I will report back my findings.

 

you are doing the Lord's Work yardstick

 

I'm guessing that the secret menus are used for such things as the Mini JCW Tune, which is a warrantied item. It's probably also used for other vendors' tunes, which have the potential to void your warranty. I never came across an R56 thread about this, so it's maybe uncharted territory. I'd be careful about changing anything. There seem to be dealers that embrace a culture of "it's the customer's fault" when something goes wrong under warranty. Seeing that the customer went into the service menu won't help that one bit lol.

 

OK, got into it today and experimented. There are about 25 options, all are used for testing systems on the car and reading the sensor outputs. With a good shop manual, you could do your own diagnostic work.

 

in other words there is nothing useful in there unless you're having trouble with your vehicle. I kinda figured from all the older version videos on youtube that its just a diagnostic tool. Thanks for taking the leap though. I messed with it myself, but didn't go very far.

 

Hmm, even after successfully(?) unlocking, my F55 non-S only shows Tank, Temperature, BC0 and Correction in addition to 1-4 and 10 that are there before unlocking. Tank (6 on old BMWs) was useful on my E46 which have crappy fuel senders, and I've used Temp in the past to diagnose stuck open thermostats.