Accessport
User Guide BMW

N54 BMW

N55 BMW

Product Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of the Accessport handheld programmer. The Accessport is the industry leading OEM ECU flashing, managing and monitoring assistant. Unlock power hidden within the ECU by replacing conservative factory settings with more aggressive calibrations. The result is impressive gains in torque and horsepower while maintaining a high degree of safety. The Accessport can:

• Reprogram the factory engine control unit (DME) with improved tuning parameters through the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) port.
• Monitor and log vehicle sensor data using on-screen digital gauges.
• Read and clear engine diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
• Measure 0-60mph, and ¼ mile times.
  
  
  

In-Box Contents

Accessport Installation

Mounting Options

A universal 'sticky' mount is included with the Accessport. For the best results, we recommend installing the mount vertically, and preparing the mounting surface with the included alcohol wipe. 

• NOTE: It's important to note that not all surfaces provide a strong adhesive bond. 
• NOTE: The Accessport cradle is compatible with "Dual T" style mounts.

Pre-Installation

The Accessport comes with the most up-to-date software and map files available at the time of shipment. However, it is possible that updated software and/or map files have been made available since the time of shipment. Therefore, the recommended procedure is to connect the Accessport to the AP Manager software and download the latest firmware for the target vehicle. Please visit www.cobbtuning.com/apmanager to download AP Manager and to find a link for the AP Manager manual. 

If you have issues transferring maps or updating the Accessport while using USB 3.0 ports, please try using a USB 2.0 hub adapter. 

NOTE: The Accessport is preloaded with a default set of maps for all cars that it supports. This may include but is not limited to Stage1, Stage2, Stage3 (all octanes), Anti-theft, Economy, and Valet. If you would like to view all maps available you can visit the BMW Tab in the Maps section of our website.

Screen Capture

Screenshots can be captured by holding down the [CANCEL] button for two seconds. Any stored screen captures can be retrieved by using Accessport Manager.

Customizable Startup Screen Setup

To change the Accessport's startup screen see tutorial here.

First Installation

1. You will need the Accessport and OBD-II Cable to perform the installation.  Make sure the car is still in the off position.
   
   
2. Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port.  The location may vary depending on the exact model of vehicle.
   
   
   
   
3. Plug the OBD-II cable into the port in the dash of the vehicle.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Connect the small end of the OBD-II cable to the port in the bottom of the Accessport by pressing down on each of the two tabs to release the locks, then let go after firmly pressing the end of the cable into the receptacle on the Accessport.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Make sure the clasp on the OBD-II cable firmly engages with the port.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Turn the key to the ON position but do not start the vehicle.  Turn off all in-car electronics (AC/heater fans/headlights/stereo, etc.) and make sure all doors are shut.  For keyless cars, make sure your feet are free from all pedals and press the start button one time.
   
   
   
   
   The Engine Should Not Be Running!
   
   
7. Select "Install" from the Accessport menu by pressing the "OK" button in order to proceed with installation.
   
   
   
   
   

Vehicle Identification

The Accessport will attempt to automatically determine the target vehicle for installation. Verify that the identified vehicle is correct and press [OK] to confirm.

If an error occurs:

Please refer to the Troubleshooting Section.

What Is A Map?

The Accessport reprograms the factory tuning parameters inside the engine control unit (ECU) using map files, which contain specially written instructions for the Accessport to follow during the reprogramming process. A map file can contain information for any number of different modifications or enhancements to a vehicle, ranging from a race map for heavily modified vehicles, to an economy map for a stock vehicle. Through the use of the Accessport and different map files the ECU can be reprogrammed to accommodate virtually any vehicle configuration.

Map Selection

After the Accessport identifies the vehicle, it will present a list of maps. Maps that are not intended for the identified vehicle are displayed in gray. The Accessport will reprogram the ECU with the calibration data from the map selected for installation. This will become the base data for the ECU. To ensure the best performance, select the map that most closely matches the modification level of the vehicle.

If you are unsure about which map applies to your modification level, please see the Calibration Map Notes for BMW Vehicles and their requirements for the modifications that will best fit your vehicle.

Select a map and press [OK] to proceed with the installation. If you wish to see a longer description for the highlighted map, press and hold the [OK] button on the desired map.

Install Accessport Programming

The Accessport will automatically proceed with installation to the vehicle.  At this point the Accessport reprograms the vehicle's ECU with new program data and calibration parameters from the installation map file.

Installation Complete

Follow all on-screen prompts on the Accessport to complete the installation process. The Accessport is now fully installed and ready for use and the vehicle's ECU and TCM, if applicable, are now programmed with new calibration data. The Accessport does not need to be plugged into the vehicle for the calibration to be in effect. You can disconnect the Accessport at this time or leave it plugged in to use any of the many features outlined below.

Please note that the Accessport is designed to work with only one vehicle at a time. Once the Accessport is installed, it cannot be used with another vehicle until it is uninstalled from the original vehicle.

Accessport Features & Functionality

When you first select the Gauges function, you will be prompted to select an initial gauge layout. This layout can be changed at any time from the Change Gauge Layout menu.

Press the [Up] or [Down] button to bring up the header.  Then press the [Down] button to highlight the monitor you would like to interact with and press [OK].  You will then be presented with the following options.

Change Gauge Layout 

You have the ability to display between 1 – 6 gauges in different preset formats.  The formats are as follows: 

Change Units

Configure Shift Light

Press [OK] and using the [Up] and [Down] buttons, set the RPM to the level at which you would like the shift light flash.  Press [OK] to save the RPM you have selected.  By default, the shift light RPM is set above the stock redline.  This essentially disables the shift light since that RPM will not be reached.  You will need to lower the RPM to enable this feature.

Press [UP] to find the Setup option for the Shift Light.  In there you will find the following options:

Disable Shift Light – Disables the shift light function and removes the shift light from the gauges    screen.                 

     NOTE:  When you initiate a datalog, the shift light will reappear to notify you that you are logging.

Reset Shift Light – Resets the shift light to the default value. 

Configure Datalogging

This list allows the user to enable or disable parameters for logging. Only monitors with a green circle will be recorded while using the datalogging feature. There is a default log list that includes a group of monitors put together by our in-house tuners.  You can make changes to the log list by highlighting a monitor and pressing the [OK] button to activate/deactivate it for logging.  Pressing the [Cancel] button will save any changes you have made to the datalog list.  

Press [UP] to find the Setup option for Configure Datalog.  In there you will find the following options

Sort Monitors – Sort the monitor list alphabetically, then reverse-alphabetically 

Clear Monitors – Clear all monitors from the datalog list

Reset to Defaults – Restore the datalog list to the default list

NOTE:  You will be notified if you have exceeded the recommended amount of recorded monitors in one datalog.  If you receive this prompt, reduce the amount of monitors you are recording.  

NOTE:  The Accessport is only capable of datalogging while the ignition is turned to the ON position.  The Accessport will display an error message if it cannot communicate with the vehicle.

NOTE: Up to 10 log files can be stored on the Accessport. Use AP Manager to delete unneeded logs. If datalogging is started when there are already 10 log files on the Accessport, the log file with the lowest numerical value will be automatically overwritten.

NOTE: The 10 log files can be a combined length of 2+ hours long.

0-60 MPH

To record the 0-60 MPH performance, select this menu option and follow instructions. A time slip showing the performance results will be displayed at the end of the performance test.

¼ Mile

To record the ¼ Mile performance, select this menu option and follow instructions. A time slip showing the performance results will be displayed at the end of the performance test.

Press [UP] to find the Setup option for Performance where you will find the option to Change Units.

Troubleshooting

Read Codes

Use this function to read trouble codes from the engine computer.  Stored codes indicate a mechanical or electrical fault.  Use the up/down buttons to highlight a code and display a short description of the trouble code (if available).

Reset ECU

Use this function to reset all the trouble codes as well as any of the learned behavior stored in the DME

Clear Codes

Use this function to reset all the trouble codes stored in the DME but leave the learned values in memory.

Tune

Change Map

To change the active map on your DME, select this menu option and follow the instructions. The ignition must be turned to the “ON” position with the engine off during the Change Map operation. You will be prompted to select a pre-loaded map. The same warnings that apply to the installation process apply here as well (battery charge level, turn accessories off, etc.)

NOTE:  If you wish to see a longer description for the highlighted map, press and hold the [OK]
button on the desired map.

Restore OTS Map

Select this option to Restore COBB Off-The-Shelf Maps that have been deleted from the Accessport.

Show Current Map

To see the last map that was flashed to your car, select this menu option. You can press the [OK] button to see a detailed description of the map.

Accessport Troubleshooting 

Technical Support Contact Information

Environmental Information

Operating and Storage Temperatures

The Accessport is designed to be operated at temperatures between 32° and 95° F (0° and 35° C) and with a relative humidity below 90%. Using the Accessport outside of these recommendations may result in damage.

The Accessport is thermally protected and will not function if the temperature reaches extremely high levels. If the Accessport is not booting up correctly or the screen does not show everything correctly, turn the device off and move it to a cooler environment temporarily.

When storing the Accessport, do so in a place where temperature is always between 0° and 115° F (-18° and 46° C) and a relative humidity below 90%.

Never store your Accessport in an area that receives direct sunlight.

Do Not Get The Accessport Wet

Take care to prevent any liquids from coming in contact with the Accessport or any associated equipment.

If your Accessport or any associated equipment gets wet, professional repair may be required. In such cases, please contact Technical Support BEFORE attempting to the use the Accessport.

Handling and Storage

Your Accessport may be damaged by improper storage or handling. Be careful not to drop your Accessport or any associated parts.
Never store your Accessport in an area that experiences any noticeable levels of vibration, static electricity, heat shock, or excessive swings in relative humidity.

Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself

Never attempt to open your Accessport or any associated equipment. Doing so puts the components at risk of damage from, but not limited to, static shock. No user-serviceable parts are inside. At no time will ANY authorized representative of COBB Tuning, Inc. ask you to open or mechanically/electronically alter the Accessport.

Opening the Accessport will void any and all warranties for the device and its operation.