I'm not in this thread to see who's pee pee is longer. I'm just relaying information I saw in a E70 technician's training manual for which I have no reason to doubt. This was from 2006 before diesel was in the mix so I have no reason to believe that there is not a DMT specifically for diesels that replaces the DME. However, I only see information for a DME for which I quoted.

Below is my interpretation so I may be wrong but I do know a thing or two about computers, software development and encryption. That was why I even remembered something about a secret key and why it had to be programmed at the factory.

For those who reading this thread not knowing what a DME is, I would consider the "Digital Motor Electronics" unit to be the main computer (ECU) of the car even though the E70 is packed with a whole host of electronic wizardry with dedicated modules for many things that I won't even begin to list (point to anything in the engine bay or under the car and it's somehow connected to the DME). One of those things is the CAS. The "Car Access Module" is the control unit for the central locking system. It also is connected to the electronic vehicle immobilizer unit, electronic transmission control module, dynamic stability control module, the DME, comfort access, diversity module (think your remote control), advanced crash safety management, the brake light switch, the hood contact switch and the start/stop button. The DME to CAS communication occurs through the use of encrypted code and hence why they both have the private key.

Given the proper programmer, I could program a DME in my basement but a tech at a dealer will not have the car's private key and it cannot be read from either of the modules that contain it. The factory will have this recorded but it is a closely guarded secret because I assume that with this private key (random number) and associated VIN information along with the proper programmer, someone of ill intentions can take their pick of any BMW they want. Cars do share components so I don't think this is E70 specific.

That said, the DME does have fault memory that can be read but I don't think BMWNA would read it at the factory however but it could be sent to Germany where some of these module engineers may look at it. Like any software, there are "use cases" that they could not have possibly imagined and if it is happening to more than one car, it may be more than a slight concern given the optics of what is happening at Toyota.

In any case, I think it's good that this get the proper eyes on it to ensure that it doesn't happen again to anyone's car.

Hope this helps.