From what this says starting in 2004 all ECU's have to be flashable

http://www.etools.org/files/public/All_about_J2534.htm

If so lets hope it has the same plugs so 00-03 models can upgrade.

 

y windows? The new BMW 7 series has a big problem with the Windows CE ECU crashing constantly on many vehicles.

I think they shoulda picked a more stable backbone.

But the concept is really a sweet one. People can tune their cars using that device. No real need for a AEM or e-Manage i guess.

 

The ECU itself is not running windows, the article states that the EPA is mandating the scan tool side of things must run on a Windows machine. Also, aftermarket ECUs can offer more capabilities than a stock ECU, such as extra I/O, among other things.

Here's the gist of it all:

What is SAE J2534?
SAE J2534 is the

 

Some more reading

http://cascade.epa.gov/RightSite/getconten...&DMW_FORMAT=pdf

 

Well, it COULD be 2005...

"Any OEM who cannot comply with SAE J2534 in model year 2004 may request one year additional lead time from the Administrator."

I'd like to spend some more time with the docs and see exactly what the specs are and what it will/won't allow, but I need to spend my free time on the footwell lights <sigh>. It allows the companies to retrofit 1996-2003 vehicles with the pass-through, but I don't see many vehicles having that done.