Bootmod3 hardware
Bootmod3 flashes your BMW over the OBD port. To do that you need the right bootmod3 WiFi adapter or a BMW ENET cable. Here is exactly what you need, how the options compare, and how to get connected.
The essentials
Bootmod3 is a flash tune, the calibration is written onto the car through the OBD port. Unlike some platforms there is no separate piggyback box wired into the engine bay, so the only hardware between you and the car is the adapter.
You connect, the app reads the car, then writes the map. The adapter is the link that makes all of that possible.
The full kit
A compatible vehicle
A supported BMW engine and model, for example N20, N55, S55, B48, B58, S58, N54 or S63.
A bootmod3 licence for that VIN
The licence unlocks the tune for your specific car. Adapter and licence are separate purchases.
A flash adapter
Either the bootmod3 WiFi adapter, or a quality BMW ENET cable on supported chassis.
A phone or laptop
The bootmod3 app on your phone for WiFi, or a laptop with the desktop flasher for ENET.
Not sure which engine code you have or whether your year is supported? Send us your reg and we will confirm before you buy anything. See bootmod3 by engine and bootmod3 by model.
Your options
There are two sensible ways to connect. Both flash the same maps, the difference is wireless versus wired and phone versus laptop.
Recommended for most
The official wireless OBD adapter built for the platform. Plugs into the OBD port, creates its own WiFi network, and the bootmod3 app connects to it from your phone. No laptop, no cables trailing across the cabin.
Wired option
A hard-wired Ethernet to OBD cable from a laptop to the car. On supported chassis this gives a direct connection some tuners prefer for flashing and coding work. Use a quality cable, not the cheapest one you can find.
A word on cheap dongles, generic OBD adapters are tempting on price but an unstable connection part way through a flash is the most common avoidable cause of a failed write. For a flash tune, connection stability matters more than saving a few pounds. If you are unsure what is compatible with your exact car, ask us first.
ENET vs WiFi
Both connect to the same OBD port and flash the same calibrations. The decision comes down to how you like to work and what your chassis supports.
For most owners the WiFi adapter is the obvious choice, everything happens on your phone. Choose ENET if you already work from a laptop or want a hard-wired link.
Pick WiFi if
You want to flash and log from your phone
You would rather not carry a laptop to the car
You want the simplest possible setup
Pick ENET if
You already run a laptop-based setup
You prefer a hard-wired connection for flashing
You also do BMW coding work that uses an ENET cable
Getting connected
Setup is straightforward once you know the order. Here is the short version for both connection types. If you get stuck at any step, message us and we will walk you through it.
WiFi adapter setup
Install the bootmod3 app
Download it to your phone and sign in to your bootmod3 account.
Plug the adapter into the OBD port
Ignition on. The adapter powers up and broadcasts its own WiFi network.
Join the adapter network
In your phone WiFi settings, connect to the adapter network using the name and password on the adapter or its card.
Open the app and connect
The app finds the car, reads the ECU and is ready to flash or log.
ENET cable setup
Connect the cable
Ethernet end into your laptop, OBD end into the car, ignition on.
Open the desktop flasher
Launch the bootmod3 desktop tool and let it detect the wired connection.
Confirm the link, then flash
Once the car is recognised, proceed with the flash or read your logs.
Tip, keep the battery healthy and the ignition on throughout, a stable supply and a stable connection are what keep a flash clean. For the tune itself, see bootmod3 Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Keep reading
The adapter is one piece of the picture. These pages cover the licence, pricing, what each stage gives you, and how MHD compares if you are weighing up platforms.
Comparing the two platforms end to end? See bootmod3 by model, MHD licence, MHD Stage 1 and Stage 2 and MHD by engine and model. Adapters and a few other bits live in the shop.
Common questions
A genuine bootmod3 WiFi adapter creates its own wireless network when plugged into the OBD port. The default network name and password are printed on the adapter itself or on the card in the box. You join that network from your phone, then the bootmod3 app talks to the car over it. If you have lost the details, the app walks you through reconnecting, and we can talk you through it on WhatsApp.
For wireless flashing we recommend the official bootmod3 WiFi adapter, as it is built and tested for the platform and avoids dropout issues. For wired flashing on supported chassis you use a quality BMW ENET cable. We do not recommend cheap generic OBD dongles for flashing, as an unstable link mid-flash is the main avoidable cause of a failed write.
Either can work depending on your chassis and how you prefer to connect. The bootmod3 WiFi adapter is the simplest for most people, you plug it in and connect from your phone with no laptop required. An ENET cable gives a hard-wired link from a laptop. We will confirm the right option for your exact engine and model when you enquire.
The adapter is hardware, so yes, it physically works on any compatible vehicle. Your bootmod3 licence, however, is tied to the vehicle it is purchased for. The adapter and the licence are separate things, the adapter connects you to the car and the licence unlocks the tune for that specific VIN.
It draws a small amount of power, so for day to day driving we suggest unplugging it once you have finished flashing or data logging. Leave it in if you are actively logging on track or during a tuning session, otherwise store it safely and plug it back in when you need it.
Not sure what you need?
Send your reg and engine and we will confirm the right adapter, the licence and the tune for your exact spec, no guesswork.
