E70 FRM3 Flashing Problems - Please Help

[X5 Savage]

Greetings Forum,

This is my first post and it one I made with great concern as I think I bricked a brand new FRM3 module and don't know what to do.

Following a poorly done battery replacement and my limited knowledge about how delicate BMWs are about batteries and voltages (first time owner) it resulted on my FRM getting fried. Immediately after the battery was replaced the lights went off inside the car and dash, head and taillights turned on, and got a message indicating that I had a lighting issue. I did plug a OBDII scanner and noticed that the FRM module was not longer providing error codes, which previously had a couple due to a faulty driver door lock actuator and main window/mirror switch.

I did in-depth research regarding the FRM and problem that I was experiencing and discussed with my BMW dealer lead technician about it and we both concluded that most likely the FRM was fried. I did not leave the car at the dealer as I was quoted $1500 for the replacement and coding of the FRM, plus indicated that there was a high probability that other modules would failed during coding as they have to run a complete software upgrade which normally just damage the whole thing. In good faith the BMW dealer lead technician told me that the new FRM could be individually programmed to match existing configuration and this could be done by specialized BMW garages.

I bought the new FRM, replace the door lock actuator, and window master switch, and did tons of research on how to replace and program a new FRM.
Installed everything, got the K+DCAM cable (one-stop-electronics), downloaded Inpa/NCExpert&Dummy/Coding Tools/WinKFP, got the trickle charger, and also update the SP-DATEN to ensure that I cover all the bases for programming.

Following installation of the new FRM I was able to turn on and off the headlight with the switch and the dash lights came on again. However the windows did not rolled down, the door locks did not open or close, and cabin lights did not turn on.

I connected the computer and open Inpa, and found the FRM module and all looked OK. I then proceeded to flash the FRM using WinKFP and this when all went wrong. After using comfort mode, indicating that I wanted to flash FRM3, included the car VIN, I ran the ZBProg, and after the initial quick flash (which I presume is erasing the existing firmware in the module) it started to flash the module and by 5% repeated shims started to sound and I got error conde 7054 indicating that WinKFP could not communicate with the module and process stopped. Following this my headlights and taillights turn on and got the same messages as before that I got lighting issues. I then open Inpa and try to check on the FRM module and got the message that it could not communicate with it. Checked on the main data and notice that all the information of the module was damage and no longer had the part number as it did before.

I am afraid that I have bricked the new FRM, and other post in different forums suggest that FRM coding should be done with ISPA-P and a ICOM cable.

Any suggestions and inside are appreciated, as I do not know what to do and see a great loss ahead as if I continue down this rabbit whole I will end up spending more to fix this issue that what I paid for the car.

[ard]

If you did extensive research, you should know that a BMW dealer is the last place to get advice on FIXING an FRM. They replace it, they dont fix them.


It is possible to open, unlock, fix, a bricked FRM. Perhaps not in Dubai, you may need to send it. BMW dealers dont do this. They arent taught this. The dont KNOW this.



Having said this, I am not a coding expert. There is a good coding forum on Bimmerfest. check that out. You might also google FRM repair and find someplace close(r) to you? I also seem to recall a few youtubes where people open the FRM, lift legs on ICs, reset stuff.... worth a look? You probably have the old one you can experiment on!


GL

[X5 Savage]

Thanks GL for your feedback, and you entirely right abput BMW dealers, they are not instructed in how to resolve this issues. I did further research in the area and I was able to find a small repair shop that was able to help me out. I took both FRMs and found out the program of the original FRM coding got corrupted due to battery change, however it was not bricked. The new one the coding was erased during the failed flashing as I expected and lost everything but it was not bricked either. He was able to repair and retrieve the coding from the old FRM, and flash the coding from the old FRM into the new one. Now everything is working and I end up having an extra FRM. I definately went over my head, but it is a lessoned learned and as bonus a found a good garage to give me some help when need it.

[ard]

Originally Posted by X5 Savage

Thanks GL for your feedback, and you entirely right abput BMW dealers, they are not instructed in how to resolve this issues. I did further research in the area and I was able to find a small repair shop that was able to help me out. I took both FRMs and found out the program of the original FRM coding got corrupted due to battery change, however it was not bricked. The new one the coding was erased during the failed flashing as I expected and lost everything but it was not bricked either. He was able to repair and retrieve the coding from the old FRM, and flash the coding from the old FRM into the new one. Now everything is working and I end up having an extra FRM. I definately went over my head, but it is a lessoned learned and as bonus a found a good garage to give me some help when need it.

Excellent! Well done.


Oh, "GL" is Good Luck.

[Greggo]

Excellent result!

This made my day to hear it all worked out.