My DCT conversion to M3 GWS/FLASH

Hpaula

Lurker
Feb 23, 2018
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335is
First of all, I'm going back through your thread and I'm learning some things now that I understand this better. I think I have the same color interior, I see your trim matches. What is the official color? Just the Schwarz (black)?

Also, In the original photo, you had an ashtray on your trim, and the one above you have the blank, is that piece swappable?

View attachment 9879

Yes ashtray is swappable i swap mine as well
595EF368-2AD4-49BF-A8FD-72687B7FD892.jpeg
A72BCD33-DAFA-400B-897B-4FA9CB4E96D4.jpeg
 
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doublespaces

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Oct 18, 2016
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Is the split arm rest even worth doing? For manual trans guys, I suppose it can be useful but I don't really rest my arm there too often.
 

lphudson

New Member
Jun 29, 2018
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Santiago, Chile.
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e82 135i DCT 2013 N55
Im willing to do the rear subframe swap of the m3 (3.15) to my 135i DCT, so witch OBD2-USB cable is the best or are basically all the same? and what software are you using to do the TCU recode-reflash.
I know that i have to buy the M3 Gear shift stick, the part that goes under it and the center console buttons , what else do you recommend to buy? do i really need to buy the M3 Kombi gauges also?

Thanks lots
 

Stokes

Sergeant
Jan 26, 2018
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Houston, TX
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2011 BMW 135i
Im willing to do the rear subframe swap of the m3 (3.15) to my 135i DCT, so witch OBD2-USB cable is the best or are basically all the same? and what software are you using to do the TCU recode-reflash.
I know that i have to buy the M3 Gear shift stick, the part that goes under it and the center console buttons , what else do you recommend to buy? do i really need to buy the M3 Kombi gauges also?

Thanks lots

Couple points to note:
  • The 135i interior is different than the 335is interior so a bit more modification required
  • Practice doing basic coding first - NCSExpert (something like fold mirrors on lock)
  • Practice updating with same software - WinKFP
  • M3 Kombi is nice because you get the larger gear display (only applies to 135i)
  • 2.81 & 3.08 gearing works
  • If you want to try it out before fully committing you can drop in a used 3.08 differential (<$200 ebay)
I'd wait until you have practice with the coding side. Try adding the BMW performance DME flash first. That's a simple task, but exercises your understanding of using the coding software.
 

saca135i

New Member
Aug 1, 2017
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135i
For those of you who have tried this swap in a e82, do the shift settings and larger gear display on the e82 cluster with the proper coding?
 

Stokes

Sergeant
Jan 26, 2018
267
166
0
Houston, TX
Ride
2011 BMW 135i
For those of you who have tried this swap in a e82, do the shift settings and larger gear display on the e82 cluster with the proper coding?

No. The E82 center info display is different. Physically not like the e90. I went with the e90 M3 cluster because I found one for a good price. The regular e90 cluster is physically the same setup and will adjust to large display with coding.

I'll upload photos comparing the two.

If getting a cluster you'll want to reset the VIN and Odometer. Then it'll reload relevant info from the CAS and/or FRM as if it were new. Otherwise, tamper dot. And the e90 cluster requires reshaping with a dremel. Not a big task, but takes time.

On a relative point (gws swap)...
The leather from the M3 GWS will adapt to the E82 surrounding plate. I can upload photos as well.
 

houtan

Lieutenant
Nov 2, 2017
611
293
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135i N55 DCT; PS2
No. The E82 center info display is different. Physically not like the e90. I went with the e90 M3 cluster because I found one for a good price. The regular e90 cluster is physically the same setup and will adjust to large display with coding.

I'll upload photos comparing the two.

If getting a cluster you'll want to reset the VIN and Odometer. Then it'll reload relevant info from the CAS and/or FRM as if it were new. Otherwise, tamper dot. And the e90 cluster requires reshaping with a dremel. Not a big task, but takes time.

On a relative point (gws swap)...
The leather from the M3 GWS will adapt to the E82 surrounding plate. I can upload photos as well.

Are you running the stock 2.56 Dct diff?
 

imad

Specialist
Oct 4, 2019
94
64
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BMW e92
Doing a DCT swap directly to M3 GWS. Did you guys manage to incorporate the M button correctly?
 

amg6975

Sergeant
Oct 27, 2019
278
184
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2012 135, 2005 ZHP, 2009 fJCW
Hey everyone, I’m in the process of making a removable steering wheel for my 135 so I can put deeper fixed seats in. I’m working on eliminating the GWS and using the steering wheel for the whole thing. So far so good but now Im thinking I can just do the GTS flash and replicate the M3 GWS instead of the 135/335is.

I’ve Read this whole thread (great info so far) a couple times and I’m missing a couple things:

1) Does the shifting smooth out? @dyezak says it does and others say it doesn’t.
2) I kind of gathered that only D has the shifting issue? My custom wheel would put the trans directly into M so that wouldn’t be a concern at all.
3) If there are lasting issues, has anyone tried a 3.08 diff from a manual? Next winter’s plan for the car is to buy a salvaged M3 and swap the V8, cluster, and drivetrain so I’d rather avoid doing all that now. I might grab a cheap 3.08 if that would work though.
 

imad

Specialist
Oct 4, 2019
94
64
0
Ride
BMW e92
Hey everyone, I’m in the process of making a removable steering wheel for my 135 so I can put deeper fixed seats in. I’m working on eliminating the GWS and using the steering wheel for the whole thing. So far so good but now Im thinking I can just do the GTS flash and replicate the M3 GWS instead of the 135/335is.

I’ve Read this whole thread (great info so far) a couple times and I’m missing a couple things:

1) Does the shifting smooth out? @dyezak says it does and others say it doesn’t.
2) I kind of gathered that only D has the shifting issue? My custom wheel would put the trans directly into M so that wouldn’t be a concern at all.
3) If there are lasting issues, has anyone tried a 3.08 diff from a manual? Next winter’s plan for the car is to buy a salvaged M3 and swap the V8, cluster, and drivetrain so I’d rather avoid doing all that now. I might grab a cheap 3.08 if that would work though.
Hi there. I've just converted from MT to GTS M3, and I am on 3.08. Well, it's still adapting, but I didn't notice any issues with this ratio. I could have cleared all adaptation, but I didn't feel like I had to. Both upshifting and downshifting are true beasts, honestly. I still have to try the sport modes, running just stock ina0s for now, still need to wireup the drivelogic button and do coding for DSC.
 

amg6975

Sergeant
Oct 27, 2019
278
184
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2012 135, 2005 ZHP, 2009 fJCW

Holy crap. That thread is riveting. My winter project is to deeply understand the CAN and how manipulate it with a custom steering wheel controller. I want to do away with the GWS and build it into the wheel. Should be able to relocate MDM button, power button, etc. May have to make an interface board to replace the GWS to connect the K CAN to the PT CAN, parking solenoid, etc.

I’m an Electrical Engineer and do a ton of embedded systems and digital communication work so if there are things I can help out with hit me up! I love the pioneering spirit here.

Yes, making a box to sit between the TCU and PT CAN to modify the requested RPM to the ECU would be pretty straight forward.
 

houtan

Lieutenant
Nov 2, 2017
611
293
0
Ride
135i N55 DCT; PS2
Holy crap. That thread is riveting. My winter project is to deeply understand the CAN and how manipulate it with a custom steering wheel controller. I want to do away with the GWS and build it into the wheel. Should be able to relocate MDM button, power button, etc. May have to make an interface board to replace the GWS to connect the K CAN to the PT CAN, parking solenoid, etc.

I’m an Electrical Engineer and do a ton of embedded systems and digital communication work so if there are things I can help out with hit me up! I love the pioneering spirit here.

Yes, making a box to sit between the TCU and PT CAN to modify the requested RPM to the ECU would be pretty straight forward.
Excuse my ignorance, I am not an electrical engineer. If I understand you correctly, you can implement something that would allow the m3 parts in the conversion thread and use our stock 2.56 diff? If so that would be awesome!!!!
 

doublespaces

Administrator
Oct 18, 2016
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2009 E93 335i
Holy crap. That thread is riveting. My winter project is to deeply understand the CAN and how manipulate it with a custom steering wheel controller. I want to do away with the GWS and build it into the wheel. Should be able to relocate MDM button, power button, etc. May have to make an interface board to replace the GWS to connect the K CAN to the PT CAN, parking solenoid, etc.

I’m an Electrical Engineer and do a ton of embedded systems and digital communication work so if there are things I can help out with hit me up! I love the pioneering spirit here.

Yes, making a box to sit between the TCU and PT CAN to modify the requested RPM to the ECU would be pretty straight forward.

I heard of another way to solve this problem, but perhaps this would be more preferable so long as the box is OEM fit/finish and wouldn't increase the latency too much.
 
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amg6975

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Oct 27, 2019
278
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2012 135, 2005 ZHP, 2009 fJCW
Excuse my ignorance, I am not an electrical engineer. If I understand you correctly, you can implement something that would allow the m3 parts in the conversion thread and use our stock 2.56 diff? If so that would be awesome!!!!

Yeah, pass all other CAN messages through unchanged, hijack and modify the RPM request messages. A custom board, ideally with OEM male and female connectors, and maybe 100 lines of code.

I heard of another way to solve this problem, but perhaps this would be more preferable so long as the box is OEM fit/finish and wouldn't increase the latency too much.

I definitely think the MHD map modification would be a far better solution but it could be done cleanly with a custom hardware solution. The latency wouldn’t be an issue, CAN is very slow compared to how fast the messages could be passed through or modified and retransmitted. We’re talking micro seconds.
 
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derekgates

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Feb 23, 2018
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2011 335is
Yeah, pass all other CAN messages through unchanged, hijack and modify the RPM request messages. A custom board, ideally with OEM male and female connectors, and maybe 100 lines of code.



I definitely think the MHD map modification would be a far better solution but it could be done cleanly with a custom hardware solution. The latency wouldn’t be an issue, CAN is very slow compared to how fast the messages could be passed through or modified and retransmitted. We’re talking micro seconds.


You certainly have my attention. I can help test or implement as my 335is is my garage car now. I am a software developer if that helps.


We ran into a ton of issues with the RPM. I have a M3 rear end/axles/driveshaft in my garage but haven't had a chance to get shaft adjusted. Being able to skip that process would be awesome! :)
 

doublespaces

Administrator
Oct 18, 2016
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I definitely think the MHD map modification would be a far better solution but it could be done cleanly with a custom hardware solution. The latency wouldn’t be an issue, CAN is very slow compared to how fast the messages could be passed through or modified and retransmitted. We’re talking micro seconds.

Actually, it is another hardware solution, but what you are proposing sounds better.