Shadow codes

[M3_devil]

HI Guys

Can we discuss BMW shadow codes.

1. What is the capacity of the memory for shadow codes
2. If running sw, can bmw see the shadow codes that will be triggered by aftermarket sw
3. What type of codes will sw trigger besides O2 sensors
4. How do we get around the shadow codes so that BMW does not pick up that car had modifications on.

Thanks

 

[Twinz]

1. Not sure of memory size but all codes triggered are stored.
2. Yes, BMW can see the codes; your sw can't mask it.
3. All kinds. Tuner related; boost related; 02 sensor; limp modes; exhaust flap; etc...
4. Find a diagnostic tool that can delete it. Most tunes for the X35 can delete the codes as well.

The most important thing to remember is that you need to fix the problem that is causing the code, unless its a "nuisance" code that you expext to be triggered due to the mods on your car...then just delete as they occur.

 

[M3_devil]

What is the cost for cable and sw to do these things yourself

 

[Baracus]

1. Not sure of memory size but all codes triggered are stored.
2. Yes, BMW can see the codes; your sw can't mask it.
3. All kinds. Tuner related; boost related; 02 sensor; limp modes; exhaust flap; etc...
4. Find a diagnostic tool that can delete it. Most tunes for the X35 can delete the codes as well.

The most important thing to remember is that you need to fix the problem that is causing the code, unless its a "nuisance" code that you expext to be triggered due to the mods on your car...then just delete as they occur.

Read somewhere on one of the other forums that if BMW HQ's really want to do a serious investigation they can actually see the last 12 shadow codes, even if they have previously been cleared/"deleted" by the BT cable. That’s why with the Procede installation they ask you to disconnect the exhaust flap actuator, whatever code then eventually gets replaced with the benign exhaust flap actuator one in the ECU memory that only BMW HQ can see

 

[M3_devil]

Any further comments guys.

 

[George Smooth]

The only way you can delete the shadow codes is using a BMW INPA tool. The codes that are stored as Shadow are generally normal codes that are thrown but are kept in long term memory. You should not really be getting codes if your tune is correct. The reason they exist is that they show the fault occurred but is not present. This helps at a later stage for future diagnoses of a problem.
I have tried to clear some peoples cars with the BT Tool and then read them again with a INPA tool and a lot of codes where still present as well as codes that the BT did not recognize.
Its important to get the codes cleared as the dealers at the moment have gotten head office instructions to be very strict with vehicles that go in especially in light of after market parts.

 

[M3_devil]

will a piggy back system also creat tuner codes in the shadow memory or does the piggyback actually change the return fault signals which should go back to the ECU

 

[George Smooth]

will a piggy back system also creat tuner codes in the shadow memory or does the piggyback actually change the return fault signals which should go back to the ECU

Most the tuner codes are boost (torque) related, so if the car doesn't see the actual boost it lowers the chance of the fault occurring. The ECU calculates actual torque and this triggers faults such as 2d58 which is a tuner code that maximum torque has been passed.
Which codes are you getting?

 

[M3_devil]

Don't know, I'm just concerned after hearing of incident with new M3 where MP claim was rejected. Also MP was voided on vehicle.

Need to get some more info on the matter if I'm gonna be keeping my existing mods.

Will chat with sherwin to read my car to see what faults are in shadow memory as my car has to go into BMW for service and 1 or 2 faults that needs attention.

 

[George Smooth]

Don't know, I'm just concerned after hearing of incident with new M3 where MP claim was rejected. Also MP was voided on vehicle.

Need to get some more info on the matter if I'm gonna be keeping my existing mods.

Will chat with sherwin to read my car to see what faults are in shadow memory as my car has to go into BMW for service and 1 or 2 faults that needs attention.

Rather play it safe and read them. I see he charges to reflash the car. Would be great if you could take it in stock.

 

[Twinz]

This is not a BT vs another reader debate. The BT is a very powerful tool and the professional version is simply incredible and it sees what BMW can see. The point is, codes can be thrown irrespective of the tune you have or your level of modifications. When you run a tune or power mod your car, a reader is an indispensible tool. To be sure delete all codes before a service and if you really nervous remove all mods including the fanatics sticker on your window... I see your car is tuned by xcede. Let sherwin prep your car before a service and paying for a reflash is not too expensive...right?

 

[M3_devil]

Right on Twinz.

Like I mentioned just needed some more info on the matter. I know sherwin will sort it out for me.

Regards

 

[George Smooth]

This is not a BT vs another reader debate. The BT is a very powerful tool and the professional version is simply incredible and it sees what BMW can see.

Not wishing to be funny and not sure why this bothered you but please contact Scouse or Richard H who had their cars read with the BT tool and then with the BMW tool and there was stored info even after the BT Tool clear. I have the professional version too. End of the day since Devil asked its my responsibility to point this out.

 

[rick540]

I have a silly question you will all argue with but I'll ask it anyway.

Why would you mod your car when it's under motorplan, increase it's power output, hide it from BMW and then expect them to honor the Motorplan on the engine if it breaks?

That is exactly like me buying kellogs corn flakes, then I put arsenic in it myself, get poisoned and then expect the manufacurer to compensate me.

Mod the car, be honest and take the responsibility and Motorplan may not have to be so expensive to others.

 

[George Smooth]

I have a silly question you will all argue with but I'll ask it anyway.

Why would you mod your car when it's under motorplan, increase it's power output, hide it from BMW and then expect them to honor the Motorplan on the engine if it breaks?

That is exactly like me buying kellogs corn flakes, then I put arsenic in it myself, get poisoned and then expect the manufacurer to compensate me.

Mod the car, be honest and take the responsibility and Motorplan may not have to be so expensive to others.

I can break the car just as easily with mods or not. The majority of the times our cars are going in are for BMW recalls which means broken from the factory.
If I pop the engine then the story changes as I will not claim and build it stronger. To date my car has only been to the dealer once for a oil service in the three years of ownership.
In regard to motorplan being expensive my stock M5 had the whole vanos system replaced at a cost of R148,000 for what turned out to be a R850 starter motor pulley repair that was diagnosed by a non BMW technician.
My DSC ECU was replaced at a cost of R14,500 because of a misdiagnosis. The fault was the steering angle sensor that just had to be reprogrammed. That's why motorplan is expensive and not due to the odd few people that have their cars modded.

 

[M3_devil]

I fully agree with George. Reason why MP is so expensive is due to dealerships making a killing. They will have your car in and out of their workshops to diagnose a simple fault. In mean time they make a killing by ordereing parts through MP.

Only thing that broke on my car was a recall on Fuel Pump. Don't forsee any issues with my car, touch wood