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XHP Flashtool rewrites the BMW ZF automatic's transmission control unit rather than the engine ECU. It shortens shift times, raises the gearbox torque limit so the box will hold a remapped engine, moves the shift points and, on the boxes that support it, adds launch control. It covers the ZF 6HP and 8HP automatics fitted across most petrol and diesel BMWs, and it is usually the reason a Stage 1 or Stage 2 car keeps its drivability instead of running into a gearbox limiter.
BMW GEARBOX
TUNING
We’re seeing more and more enquiries daily for the XHP Flashtool gearbox tunes. This groundbreaking piece of software really unlocks all the BMW ZF and DCT automatic gearboxes, allowing for faster shift times, more power & better response. In this case study we’re going to look at the benefits, and the install process.
What can the XHP Gearbox Tune do?
We offer three stages of tune for the ZF gearboxes and DCT gearboxes, all set up slightly differently to suit different styles of driving;
Stage 1 TCU Tune
- Optimised D Shiftpoints to facilitate sporty, yet economy style driving
- Optimised Shift Strategy for up/downhill driving
- Optimised Warmup Behaviour
- Optimised Torque Converter Lockup in 1st/2nd/3rd gear
- Adapted Torque Limits for Tuned engines
- Kickdown delete in Manual Mode
- Gear Display in Dash in D/S/M Modes
Stage 2 TCU Tune
- Optimised D & S Shiftpoints for better acceleration in part and full throttle situations
- Approx. 25% faster upshifts in D/S/M modes
- Faster paddle response time
- Optimised Torque Converter Lockup in 1st/2nd/3rd gear Optimised Warmup Behaviour
- Further increases in Torque Limits for tuned engines
- Kickdown delete in D and Manual modes
- Gear Display in Dash in D/S/M Modes
Stage 3 TCU Tune
- Optimised D & S Shiftpoints for better acceleration in part and full throttle situations
- Approx. 25% faster upshifts in D/S modes
- Approx. 50% faster upshifts in M mode
- Rev Matched downshifting (Throttle – Blip)
- True manual mode (no forced upshift at limiter)
- Instant paddle response time
- Optimized Torque Converter Lockup in 1st/2nd/3rd gear
- Optimized Warmup Behaviour
- Torque Limits set to 1000 Nm (737 ftlb)
- Kickdown delete in D/S/M
- Gear Display in Dash in D/S/M Modes
The most popular upgrade is the Stage 3 setup. These BMWs are developing big power now, and unlocking the gearbox full potential is only available with this tune.
So how do you actually install the tune?
We start off by connecting the car up to a battery stabiliser. This is very important as the TCU is sensitive to voltage drops when programming – a voltage drop can cause failure of the TCU unit, and leave the car undriveable. We then hook up the Autel in diagnostic mode, just to check the car out for any existing faults or problems with the gearbox, assuming it passes okay then we’re all ready to program. It’s skipping these simple measures that cause a lot of issues for the DIY installers!
We then hook the Autel diagnostics unit up in programming mode, connect to the car with the XHP software, and unlock the TCU for programming. At this point the car is then able to accept any of the OTS maps, or the JFA Custom maps depending on customers preference.
With the correct map selected, we then begin the programming process. Start to finish, this takes around 30mins to do including all checks, so can be done whilst you wait.
What else can I do to make the gearbox better?
A common request is that we reprogram the paddles on older modules, to make them behave like a traditional setup…whilst we don’t have a software solution for this, we are able to do a quick mod on the paddles as pictured. We remove & rewired the paddles, then send them off for a wrap in a colour of your choice with then + and – logos etched into them. With the paddle mod completed pulling the left paddle makes the car downshift, and pulling the right makes it upshift. As standard pulling either paddle will make it upshift, and you have to press the thumb part to downshift!
Is it really worth it though?
Yes, 100%. If you’ve had your engine tuned, you need the gearbox software done – we’ve never had a single customer give anything but 5* feedback on these gearbox tunes, and if you search around a bit on the web you’ll find much the same wherever you look. It really is a game changing mod for these cars.
Also worth a look if you run a plug-in hybrid: BMW plug-in hybrid tuning.
Coming soon…
Motorsport-exclusive components are explicitly designed for track use. While they can be installed on any vehicle, it’s important to note that using such parts renders the vehicle unsuitable for road use and may result in MOT failure.
No! Our remaps are designed specifically to improve the performance of your vehicle whilst remaining within the tolerances of your vehicles’ components.
Sadly, in attempt to achieve ‘big numbers’ some other companies over tune engines, placing excessive stress on the engine, transmission, cooling systems, etc, leading to reduced life span and reliability of the vehicle. We pride ourselves in producing reliable remaps which do not over stress your vehicle but still produce impressive results.
In any case where a customer is dissatisfied with any ecu remap software supplied, within thirty days of the supply date, the customer can request their money back. In order for any refund to be processed, the customer must present their vehicle to our workshop and allow our technicians to restore the vehicle to its original state. On successful completion JF Automotive will refund the cost of the remap to the customer.
No refund can be granted unless the vehicle is returned to the original state by JF Automotive. The 30-day money back guarantee only applies to stage 1 remaps and does not apply to other services like pops and bangs, parts or dyno sessions.
If another modification is purchased alongside a tuning file, which relies on a remap to operate, only the cost of the file is covered by this guarantee. We reserve the right to withdraw this 30 day money back guarantee.
Absolutely. We offer this service free of charge if the vehicle is brought back to us. We’ll be very surprised if that’s what you want after taking one of our remap products, however in the case of lease cars some customers prefer to put the car back to standard before returning the car. You might want it back to standard if you are visiting a dealer for warranty or service work, again we will do this for free. Should you lose your tuning files due to dealer actions or parts failure we will be happy to re-install the map onto your car free of charge where possible.
No problem, simply bring the vehicle back in and we will take a fresh read of your ECU and write you a new map file free of charge. We offer this as part of our lifetime software support.
Whilst the remap is undetectable to dealer equipment, you should notify your insurance company of any modification to your vehicle. Many insurance companies do not penalise you for upgrades of this nature, particularly if you’re tuning for increased economy however a failure to disclose modifications may invalidate your policy. You may wish to enquire with your insurer if the modification will affect your policy prior to choosing one of our services.
We get asked, “Why do some tuners charge as little as £150?” There are a few factors as to why we do not offer remapping for £100-£200!
We supply custom written files for each vehicle that we remap that take in to account condition, milage and customer request of each vehicle. Our services are fully insured with a 30-day money back guarantee and lifetime support for the tuning software supplied. We constantly invest in the most up to date tuning and diagnostic equipment and software and we offer a quality service to all our customers.
Overall our custom supplied tuning software is of the highest standard that we know of, so if you want the best of the best, choose JF Automotive.
Questions we get asked
What does XHP actually change?
The transmission control unit, not the engine. Shift speed, shift point mapping, torque limits, clutch pressures and, on the boxes that support it, launch control. The engine map is a separate job and a separate file.
Do I need it if I have already had a remap?
Not always, but a remapped car makes more torque than the gearbox was calibrated for, so the box protects itself by softening shifts or pulling back pressure. Raising the limit is what stops that. Above Stage 1 it stops being optional.
Which BMW gearboxes does it cover?
The ZF 6HP and 8HP automatics fitted across most petrol and diesel BMWs from roughly 2007 onwards. The DCT dual clutch boxes in some M cars are a different system and need a different tool.
Can it be put back to standard?
Yes. The original transmission file is read and stored before anything is written, so the box can be returned to how it left the factory.
