PCMtuner usage report: Successfully read BOSCH MEV17.2.1 on Bench

 This is a tutorial on how to read 2012 BMW 3 series ECU with PCMTUNER Tool on bench. Due to data loss, we should get ISN from EEPROM to repair CAS data. For other cases of ECU reading may follow the same way.

Procedure

Step1. Connect ECU to PCMTUNER

Start PCMTUNER software to search ECU model. (Users can send customer service ECU outside label to get corresponding specific model if in need).

In this case, it's BOSCH MEV17.2.1.

Check ECU Model & Connection Diagram

BENCH >> INSTRUCTION

Here we can check if the selected ECU model is correct.

And connect PCMTUNER to ECU according diagram.

*It should be noted that wire connection is based on instructions rather than colors.

Eg. 1a/1b represents ECU position; A1/A4 represents wire tag.

Record MCT No.

It's TC1796, in the connection instruction.

Step2. Read ECU

Go into "READ and WRITE" to select options;

ECU: MEDE17(TC1762/1766/1792/1796)EEPROM

Click "Read".

Would you like to use automatic power control (L-Line)? Yes.

Reading data successfully.

Save EEPROM data.

Now we can find out ISN in EEPROM to repair BMW data.

This is how to use PCMTUNER ECU Programmer to read BOSCH MEV17.2.1 on bench.

Read also:

PCMTUNER or CGDI FC200 ECU Programmer, Which to Buy?

What's wrong with PCMtuner VZ-Performance unable to log in?

 I can use PCM Tuner, but I can't access vz-performance and get the error prompt 'Wrong username or password'.

The solution offered by obdexpress.co.uk engineer:

Install pcmtuner software and finish registration first.

Then contact our customer service to activate your register email.

After activation, you will get one account to access https://support.vz-performance.com and https://www.tuner-box.com.

User Name= registered Email, Password= Software Serial Number

The serial number (password) can be found at the bottom left corner of PCMTuner 1.23 software.

Note: These two website account were different before. But from April 19th, 2022, activation only generates one user account.

• tuner-box account is for create ticket support tool user.
• Vzperofromance is for tuner support. It has VR file and many damaos there.

The factory will synchronize the serial number in the next update.
It will fix this bug. So users don't need to activate vz-performance separately.
Please do activation until the next software update is released.

For any problems, please feel free to contact our customer service(obdexpress.co.uk).

2022 PCMTuner 1.23 vs. ECUHELP ECU Bench Tool

 2022 ECU programmer comparison: PCMTuner 1.23 Magic Car Tool and ECUHELP ECU Bench Tool.

To sum up:

1.PCMTuner advantages:

• Support ECU reading via OBD
• Support gearbox reading and writing
• Support Pinout comewith

2.ECU Bench Tool advantages:

Support the following ECUs via Bench while pcmtuner doesn't support.

• Bosch MDG1 based on Motorola MPC5777 / Aurix TC2xx microprocessor
• Bosch EDC16 based on Motorola MPC5xx microprocessor.
• VAG MED9 based on Motorola MPC5xx microprocessor
• Price is cheaper

How to use PCMTuner and ECU Bench Tool?

1.PCMTuner

Connection diagram (via OBD/Bench/Boot)

 

Pcmtuner software download

PCMtuner software installation and use video:

https://youtu.be/GoWLWuZdxmw

Reference: V1.21 PCMtuner software installation guide

Please kindly notice:

The newest pcmtuner software is V1.2.3 now. It has fixed the register problem and displays the expiry date at the bottom right corner. Update the software directly in your pcmtuner ECU programmer.

Don't update pcmflash software!!!

2.ECU Bench Tool

Connection diagram (via Bench)

ECU Bench Tool software download

ECU Bench Tool software installation and use video:

https://youtu.be/KZVUlftG7Wc

Reference: ECU BENCH TOOL Software Free Download & Installation Guide

PCMTUNER or CGDI FC200 ECU Programmer, Which to Buy?

 2022 best ECU programmer: PCMTUNER or CGDI FC200, which one to buy? Both tools were well received since released. Which one is more recommended?

Obdexpress.co.uk engineer suggested:PCMTUNER is used to program gearbox & ECU more while CGDI FC200 works for BOSCH ECU more. It’s mainly depended on the supported ECU coverage. Both are professional ECU tools. Any questions welcome to contact online service for a check.

However, if you want to know more differences, move forward. Below is a comparison table to let you be clear at a glance.

PCMTUNER vs. CGFC200

Differences

PCMTuner supports to work on Bosch, Magneti Marelli, Continetial or Siemens while CG FC200 only supports Bosch and certain old Siemens.

PCMTuner supports paid virtual reading online while CG FC200 does not.

PCMTuner has its own tuner account for paid dpf, egr, adblue off and remap while CG FC200 does not.

PCMTuner supports to do checksum while CG FC200 is only workable online during subscription period.

CG FC200 has more protocols than PCMTuner.

CG FC200 support multi-languages while PCMTuner only supports English & Russian.

CG FC200 supports to read & modify BMW ISN, VIN while PCMTuner cannot.

PCMTuner is cheaper but cannot do BMW ECUs(EDC17xx, etc.)

Conclusion

For mainly doing ECU chip tuning or programming more ECUs, PCMTuner is recommended & good-value.

For reading & modifying BMW ISN or programming mostly Bosch ecus, CG FC200 is recommended.

Anyhow, it’s never wrong to choose according to needs. For more Car ECU Programmers, please visit www.obdexpress.co.uk