Does anyone know if FEMTO is still the only one that can unlock a 2020+ DME? I have a 2020 JCW with a build date of 07/19 and I read that all Minis with a build date after 06/19 must be sent to FEMTO in Finland to have their DMEs unlocked. Is this still the case? I sure hope not, because I really want my car tuned, but $3000 just for the unlock is ridiculous!

 

That is what i have been told. I would check with Lou at Prototype R

 

Hi @dannieh42 I don't know if you saw but I replied to your post in the JCW section. I will post it below just in case 😃

This was something I briefly looked into a while ago and never received a straightforward answer so I stopped looking.

Contact KIES Motorsports they’re based in New Jersey and recently posted videos on their YouTube channel about BMW DME unlocking and the process.

https://www.kiesmotorsports.com

Hopefully you find a solution at a reasonable price 😃

Have a great day -Rich

 

Rich, I saw your post and thought I responded, but I guess I did not. The Kies video was what lead me down the rabbit hole where I found the actual dates for what could be unlocked and what could not. I've been down this rabbit hole several times, because finding good information on the subject is very difficult.
Every time I start researching this subject it gets me upset all over again. I bought my car, with the intention from day 1 of getting it tuned, only to later find out it was built 1 month too late.

 

Hi @dannieh42 Cool, your reply never got posted but no big deal.

- Contacted KIES and was told a FEMTO unlock would be needed for models 06/2020+
- - First step would be to remove the DME and check the production date on the module because it "might" have an earlier date than 06/2020 which would result in a bench unlock.

The prices are a little too high for me 😅

-Rich

 

When I was doing my "research" I misread the date for the Femto unlock. The date is 06/20, some how I read that and my brain translated it to 06/19. My car was built in 07/19 so I can have it unlocked with no problem. Turns out I should learn to read before I post. LOL

 

Just got my mar 21 ECU JCW cloned by Moddedmini!

 

How do you like it so far?

 

Well, I got the cloned ECU in correctly. We got the car fired up, running smoothly but no HVAC. Turned out I bent one of the pins on the BDC. He is fixing the pin for me. As for the service, I m very happy with the assistance and turnaround time. This is a project car not DD, I am taking my sweet time working on several things when I have time but will def report back after the BDC is back.

 

That sucks about the bent pin, but it is nice to hear that they are taking care of you.

 

Well today is the day. Finally got some time to work with Abel to go through diagnostics. About 30 mins later, the car is up and running. All and all extremely happy with Modded Mini, Kale and Abel came through and helped me with my own mistake of bending the pin on the BDC.
Other than that, it was nice and smooth. Highly recommended for post 2020+ owners!