Read this all the way through as it talks about multiple programs that can be switched on and off without changing ECU's!

On another forum, it came to my attention that there is a lot of misinformation being spread about the chiptuning on our cars. With the release of several programs due out in the next few months, you the consumer needs to know whats going on in order to make the right decision.

If you knew anything about chipping methods before (B5, B6), forget about them. None of the methods of the past (Chip Socketing, EEPROM Programming) work now, EXCEPT for OBDII Programming. In the past, you were able to remove the socketed EEPROM and flash it using a programmer. Not the case anymore. You CANNOT remove the EEPROM anymore... here's why.

The ME9 ECU uses the Motorola MPC555 - 565 Chipset. "This generation of Motorola processors contain 448KB - 1MB Flash memory. That memory cannot be read and programmed with an eprom programmer." So, the old methods won't work with this.

There are three methods in use for tuning our ECUs, Only two of which are TRUE programming methods.

The first of the three methods of programming, isn't really programming at all. One such tuner that begins with O and ends in .T is using Adaptation channels to "tune" the car via OBDII port. This is nothing but messing with some numbers via VAG-COM really, calling it programming, and selling it to unsuspecting poor souls that don't know any better. Stay away from anything that uses this so called programming method as its not even a half-*** program. More of a 1/4 to 1/8th of an *** program

The first REAL method and probably the most common up to now is BDM programming. This is a backdoor method of programming since it bybasses some checksums that are used to check the validity of the flash. Currently Neuspeed and MTM use BDM programming. To program via BDM, you must first open the ECU chastity belt (dead giveaway to your dealer), and then open the ECU. The ECUs now have a fairly wide band of gled security glue on one side of them that is also a dead giveaway to anyone that the ECU has been opened. The BDM programmer is then plugged directly to the board inside your ECU and then flashed.

In the photo below, note the security glue to the right side of the ECU (Greyish White Substance).



The downside to this is that you have now opened up your ECU, effectivly voiding the warranty on your ECU and could very well void the warranty on the whole powertrain. It is VERY visible that the ECU has been tampered with, and will be obvious to your dealer. You also risk breaking the ECU when trying to open it due to the security glue on the board. The chances of someone making switchable programming for BDM is slim to none since the checksums are purchased from German companies called EVC and CSW. No programming is really done on the code side by the "tuner", only tweaks to the performance side of things.

The last and best method of programming is through the OBDII port, which is what APR is doing. ME9 architecture uses RSA encryption and is very difficult to break. ONLY ONE TUNER SO FAR IN THE WORLD HAS MANAGED TO BREAK THE ENCRYPTION AND SUCCESSFULLY FLASH CARS USING OBDII. APR was able to get into the ECU, extract the code, log data using their OWN in-house engineering programs, and develop software more or less from the ground up. This allowed APR to have full control over the programming, as well as incorporate things such as security lockout, multiple programs, fault code erasing, and trial programming.

The beauty of OBDII programming is that it never even requires you to open your hood. This is all done from within the cabin of your car, and nothing at all under the hood is touched. Multiple programs allow you to switch between Stock Modes, 91 octane, 93 octane, and 100/104 octane programs with the flip of your cruise control stalk. Security lockout will keep prying eyes from flipping between your programs to see what else lies beneath. Lock it in stock mode and no one will know the wiser.

In this day and age, there is no reason you should have to open your ECU to chip your car. If MTM is in bed with Audi like they say they are, why haven't they figured out OBDII programming? Think about the pros and cons of each method and product before you make your decision. Remember that NO chip company on the planet for your Audi is going to guarantee you that it won't void your warranty. There are always risks you take by upgrading your car in any way, shape or form. Just remember you have to pay to play and know the risks before you do anything.

The point of this post is not to say one company is better than the other, but provide you with enough information to make an educated decision down the road. That said, happy motoring, and enjoy your 2.0T equipped car. I know I do...especially now that its chipped