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.
Supported Vehicle List
AP3-BMW-001
2008 - 2010 135i
2011 1M
2007 - 2010 335i
2007 - 2008 335xi
2009 - 2010 335i xDrive
2011 - 2013 335is
2008 - 2010 535i
2008 535xi
2009 - 2010 535xi
2009 - 2014 Z4i
2011 - 2014 Z4iS
AP3-BMW-002
2011 135i
- 2011 335i
- 2011 335xi
- 2011 X5 xDrive35i
- 2011 X6 xDrive35i
In-Box Contents
WARNING! |
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| Installation and use of the Accessport may void all or a portion of the vehicle manufacturer's standard warranty. There is no guarantee expressed or implied by COBB Tuning or any of its affiliates for the use of the Accessport. The user accepts all risks and responsibilities when using the Accessport. |
| WARNING! |
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| Use of the Accessport while operating a moving vehicle is strictly prohibited by law. COBB Tuning and its affiliates accept no responsibility for damages or injury caused by misuse of the Accessport. |
| WARNING! |
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| The Accessport may not be able to function if the vehicle's wiring has been modified. If problems occur while using the Accessport, please verify that all wiring to and from the ECU is correct and functional. |
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.
| IMPORTANT! |
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Before installing the Accessport on the vehicle, it is important to verify that the vehicle is adequately prepared for the installation process. Since the Accessport uses the vehicle’s battery for power and the ECU reprogramming process requires adequate battery power as well, it is critical to verify that the vehicle’s battery has a good charge. This can be done through the use of a battery charger/conditioner or by driving the vehicle for a period of time prior to installation to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. Furthermore, please ensure that all in-car electronic devices are turned off to reduce power draw on the battery. This includes car stereos, video screens, GPS units, radar detectors, interior and exterior lights, and any other electronic device that uses the car battery for power. |
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.
First Installation
- You will need the Accessport and OBD-II Cable to perform the installation. Make sure the car is still in the off position.
- Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port. The location may vary depending on the exact model of vehicle.
- Plug the OBD-II cable into the port in the dash of the vehicle.
- 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.
- Make sure the clasp on the OBD-II cable firmly engages with the port.
- 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! - 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 BMW Map Notes 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.
| WARNING! |
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If a previous installation of an Accessport is detected, you will be given the option to overwrite it with a new installation. Be aware that the previous installation will be permanently lost and unrecoverable. In the case of a previous install, a stock ECU program supplied on the Accessport will be used when you uninstall. |
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.
| WARNING! |
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| Do not disturb the Accessport and the OBD-II connector while installation is taking place. Failure to do so may result in incomplete ECU reprogramming which will render the vehicle inoperable. If an error occurs during the reflash, the Accessport will enter Recovery Mode and attempt to recover the reflash. |
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
Gauges
The Accessport can read sensor data from the factory ECU and display it as an on-screen gauge. This feature allows the Accessport to function as an auxiliary gauge displaying boost, RPM, temperature, or any number of other parameters available in the factory ECU.
The Accessport can also record sensor data from the factory ECU while you drive. With the ability to store multiple sessions, the Accessport can function as a complete engine datalogger and diagnostic tool. To begin datalogging, press the [OK] button while in the Gauges function. While the Accessport is recording a datalog, a single light blue light will scroll in the shift light. To view the results of your datalog sessions, simply connect the Accessport to your PC and retrieve the results using the AP Manager software. Data Log recordings are stored in a .csv (Comma Separated Values) format and are easily viewed using any spreadsheet application.
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 Monitor – Select the monitor that will be shown in the selected gauge
Note: While in the Change Monitor list, you can press [UP] to find a Sort Monitors option. This option will sort all monitors in reverse alphabetical order.
Reset Current Min/Max – Reset the minimum and maximum values of the selected gauge
Reset All Min/Max – Reset the minimum and maximum values of all gauges
Change Gauge Layout – Select a gauge layout from a single large gauge, to many small gauges
Change Units – Set the unit scheme
Configure Shift Light – Adjust the RPM of the Shift Light
Configure Datalogging – Select which monitors to datalog
Change Gauge Layout
You have the ability to display between 1 – 6 gauges in different preset formats. The formats are as follows:
One Gauge
- One large Digital Gauge w/ Bar Gauge
Two Gauges
- One large Digital Gauge
- One small Digital Gauge w/ Bar Gauge
Two Gauges
- One large Digital Gauge
- One small Digital Gauge w/ Bar Gauge
Four Gauges
- Two small Digital Gauges w/ Bar Gauges
- two small Digital Gauges
Five Gauges
- One small Digital Gauge w/ Bar Gauge
- four small Digital Gauges
Six Gauges
- Six small Digital Gauges