Articles & Reviews

Introduction Tuning the BMW 5 Series (F10 sedan, F11 touring, F07 Gran Turismo, model years 2010–2017) requires knowing which engine and ECU the car has and how to access it (OBD, bench, or boot). This article is a practical, no-hype overview for people who actually flash and edit files. It covers the following Main engines used in the F10/F11/F07 platform. Which Bosch ECUs they use. How they are usually read or written. Typical tools. Stage logic Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3. Safe boost, torque, fueling ideas. Transmission tuning ZF 6HP, ZF 8HP, M-DCT. What to log to verify the tune. How to avoid bricking and why full backups matter. Assumption — you have at least basic experience with Tricore ECUs and BMW F series flashing. Engine...

Overview of the BMW E60 Model History The BMW E60 is the fifth-generation 5 Series, produced from 2003 through 2010. It replaced the beloved E39 model and introduced bold new styling and advanced electronics. The E60 was offered as a sedan (E60) and as a Touring wagon (E61). This generation marked a leap forward with features like the iDrive infotainment system, active safety technologies, and the first ever turbocharged petrol engine in a 5 Series. Over its life cycle, the E60 received a facelift (Life Cycle Impulse) in 2007 that updated its design and technology. In global markets, the E60 positioned BMW strongly in the executive car segment against rivals like the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. Key milestones included the introduction...

This is a practical, real-world guide to J2534 Pass-Thru: what it does, when it makes sense, how the workflow actually looks, what can go wrong, and how to choose a device. The 30-second definition J2534 (Pass-Thru) is a standardized interface between your computer and the vehicle. You run OEM or service software on a PC, and the J2534 device acts as the “bridge” that carries programming/diagnostic traffic between the PC and the modules over the car’s network. Key idea: the J2534 device is not “the tuner.” It’s the transport layer. The actual programming logic is performed by the software you use (often OEM tools). Why J2534 matters in the real world A lot of people buy an OBD scanner and assume it’s enough for everything. In...

The BMW E90 3 Series platform (model years roughly 2005–2013) is beloved by enthusiasts for its blend of performance, handling, and tuning potential. This fifth-generation 3 Series includes the E90 sedan, E91 Touring (wagon), E92 coupe, and E93 convertible. It was marketed as a compact executive car in Europe and as an entry-level luxury sport sedan in North America, with region-specific model and engine offerings. From efficient four-cylinder models to the high-performance M3 V8, the E90 generation offers a wide range of variants across Europe, North America, and Asia. This comprehensive article covers a full model overview (with body styles and production years), a complete list of all engines (petrol, diesel, naturally aspirated...

Overview of E65, E66, E67, and E68 Models The BMW 7 Series generation introduced in 2001 (for the 2002 model year) is internally known by the chassis codes E65/E66. This generation was a major leap in technology and design for BMW’s flagship sedan. The E65 refers to the standard wheelbase version, while E66 denotes the long-wheelbase variant (often badged with “Li” for “long” – indicating extra rear legroom). In addition, BMW produced two special variants – the E67 High Security 7 Series (an armored version designed for VIP protection) and the E68 Hydrogen 7 (a limited-production model that ran on hydrogen fuel). All models were built from 2001 until 2008, replacing the previous E38 generation and eventually being succeeded by the F01...

Model Overview: F01, F02, F03, and F04 Variants The BMW F01/F02 generation represents the fifth-generation 7 Series, produced from 2008 to 2015 (model years 2009–2015). This platform introduced several variants to cater to different markets and needs: F01: Standard wheelbase sedan (the base configuration). F02: Long wheelbase sedan (extended rear legroom, designated “Li” models). The F02 was especially popular in markets like China, North America, and Middle Eastern countries where luxury buyers prefer chauffeured long-wheelbase models. F03: High Security edition (armored sedan based on the long wheelbase). These 750Li and 760Li High Security models featured ballistic protection for special clients and government use. They were...