xHP Flashtool - Introduction
About xHP Flashtool
xHP Flashtool is the world's first and only complete tuning solution for your BMW with ZF6HP, ZF8HP or 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. xHP is the only tool that focuses entirely on getting the most out of your automatic transmission and is the world's leading solution for BMW vehicles. xHP puts the power to fully customize your automatic transmission in your hands. Connect your smartphone/tablet to your car and start customizing immediately, or choose from pre-defined OTS maps. Licenses and maps are available exclusively from ourhttps://www.xautomotive.com/.
Since the introduction of ZF 6HP transmissions in BMW vehicles in the early 2000s, they have remained a black box for tuners and enthusiasts worldwide. While the ZF units have been tuned in other vehicles for many years, BMW has used extensive encryption and signature mechanisms to prevent tuners and enthusiasts from doing so. While this is understandable from the manufacturer's point of view, it does not meet the needs of BMW enthusiasts worldwide. The ZF automatic transmissions have been used throughout the BMW range, from the 1-series hatchback to the mighty Alpina B5, which produces around 500bhp and 700Nm of torque. While the hardware remains largely the same for all applications and is mainly divided into just a few types, the software inside the control unit allows the transmission to be adapted to each vehicle and to mimic a wide range of driving styles. Smooth and comfortable in diesel applications, the same transmission in the Alpina B3/B5 comes with a much sportier touch and makes it hard to believe that they are from the same breed.
Optimizing your transmission is not just about going faster or having more power. Few people realize how much an automatic transmission contributes to the overall driving experience. From crawling in traffic to city driving to taking your car to the drag strip or racetrack, the TCU largely defines how your car feels. Just as everyone drives differently with a manual transmission, the maps in the TCU hold the secrets to tuning your automatic to your personal preferences and finally experiencing what BMW promised you in the glossy brochure:
Sheer driving pleasure!!
Overview
This wiki will guide you through flashing your TCU (Transmission Control Unit) with xHP. We've done everything possible to make this process easy, safe and smooth. However, tuning a vehicle and flashing ECUs in a car always requires attention to certain things and prerequisites. The following pages list the requirements and how to avoid problems before they occur.
The flash method used by xHP is 100% safe for your TCU! You won't be able to brick it.
Prerequisites
Use the correct hardware to safely flash your TCU and prepare your vehicle. Please make sure you don't have any mechanical problems with your gearbox. xHP won't fix bad mechanics. Never. If you're already experiencing jerky shifts, mis-shifts or bucking, your transmission probably needs to be serviced or repaired before you flash it.
Do not use xHP on gearboxes that are not in full working order.
xHP does not flash transmissions or transmission controllers outside the vehicle.
So called “Bench flashing”Operation is restricted to in-car use in supported BMW vehicles only.
Supported transmissions
xHP is designed to flash ZF6HP/ZF8HP and DCT (Dual Clutch) automatic transmissions in BMW vehicles. It won't connect to or work on other car brands or automatic transmissions.
The ZF6HP/ZF8HP were BMW's automatic transmissions of choice for almost their entire range from the early 2000s to the present day, while the DCT was mainly used in M cars.
Mapping a transmission is a tedious task and has to be done on the road, specific to a particular vehicle. That's why we can't support "all" BMWs in one go.
See here how to check for support for your car!
If it is not yet supported, it does not mean it never will be. Please like us on Facebook or Instagram for any updates on supported vehicles, or email us at support@xautomotive.com.
We'll be happy to add vehicles if there's enough customer demand!
Back to the Overview Page.