Based in Helsinki, Finland, FEMTO offers the world's only DME unlock service for BMW models built after 06/2020. Once your DME is unlocked, you'll be able to help your car reach its full potential using tuning platforms such as bootmod3, MHD Tuning, MG Flasher and more.
From June-2020 onwards, BMW, MINI and Toyota GR Supra models equipped with Bosch MG1 DMEs were manufactured with a revised bootloader that prevented traditional OBD flash tuning. This locked down ECU architecture meant that no tuning platform could be used until the DME was professionally unlocked. FEMTO, based in Finland, remains the global leader in MG1 unlock solutions, offering a reliable mail-in service that enables full OBD-based flashing and programming once the unlock is complete.
Once your Bosch MG1 DME has been unlocked by FEMTO, your vehicle becomes fully compatible with all major tuning platforms including bootmod3, MHD, MG Flasher, EcuTek and more — enabling complete flexibility in how you tune and customise your vehicle.
For older BMW models built before June-2020 that require traditional MEVD17, our in-house DME unlock service can be found here.
UPDATED INFORMATION AS OF DECEMBER 2025
As of December 2025, there are now two unlock methods available from FEMTO giving you complete control over how you tune, flash, and maintain your BMW. Whether you want the simplicity of OBD flashing or the permanence of a true bench backdoor, FEMTO has you covered.
OBD UNLOCK | THE ORIGINAL METHOD
The OBD Unlock is FEMTO’s original and most widely used method of enabling full ECU read and write access through the vehicle’s diagnostic port. It allows tuners to flash the ECU quickly and conveniently without removing the DME from the car. During the unlock process, FEMTO also installs support for the advanced tuning features used by platforms such as bootmod3, MHD, and MG Flasher, including capabilities like anti-lag, flex-fuel operation, map switching, and other platform-specific enhancements. These features must be added during the initial unlock and cannot be applied later through OBD alone.
This unlock method is not permanent. A BMW dealer software update or an Over-The-Air (OTA) update will relock the ECU and remove OBD flashing access. If this occurs, the DME will need to be returned to FEMTO to be unlocked again before any tuning software can be reinstalled. All vehicles processed by FEMTO prior to December 2025 were unlocked using this OBD method, making it the most common unlock type found in earlier production and tuning cycles.
For many owners, one of the key advantages of the OBD Unlock is how easy it makes the process of returning the vehicle to completely stock configuration if they choose to do so in the future. Because the unlock is reversible through a dealer update, customers who value the option to revert their car back to factory software without leaving any trace often prefer this method. It allows enthusiasts to enjoy tuning while maintaining the reassurance that they can restore the car to original condition whenever they wish.
FULL BENCH UNLOCK | A PERMANENT BACKDOOR
The Full Bench Unlock is a true permanent unlock performed directly on the ECU outside of the vehicle. Once FEMTO activates this backdoor, it cannot be closed or overwritten, even by BMW dealer software updates or Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. This makes it an entirely future-proof solution for anyone who wants guaranteed, long-term access to their DME. The unlock is compatible with every form of bench-capable hardware, from high-end professional tools to affordable personal bench flashing equipment, and it places no restrictions or vendor-specific limitations on how you use it. It also works seamlessly with all OBD flashing platforms such as bootmod3, MHD, MG Flasher and EcuTek, allowing owners to continue using their preferred tuning ecosystem without compromise.
The major advantage of the Full Bench Unlock is the security it provides. Even if a dealer or OTA update removes your OBD unlock, the bench backdoor remains active, ensuring that tuning access is never truly lost. You will still need to have an OBD unlock performed again if you want to restore OBD flashing, but this can now be done locally by any workshop equipped for OBD unlocking instead of sending the ECU back to FEMTO. The permanent bench access acts as a safety net, ensuring you always have a reliable way back into the DME, regardless of what updates the vehicle receives in the future.
The process is simple: you send FEMTO your ECU once, and they permanently activate the bench backdoor. After that single visit, your ECU is fully protected against future software changes, giving you complete confidence that you will always be able to access, modify, and restore your tune whenever you choose. For anyone who values long-term security, maximum flexibility, and absolute independence from dealer software behavior, the Bench Unlock is the ultimate solution.
WHY DO I NEED A FEMTO DME UNLOCK?
From June-2020 onward, all BMW, MINI, and Toyota Supra models equipped with MG1 DMEs received an updated bootloader that blocked traditional OBD-based flash tuning methods. This change made it impossible to tune these vehicles using existing protocols, and the community continues to wait for a fully localised unlock solution. In the meantime, FEMTO provides a proven and reliable path forward. Their DME Unlock service enables full tuning and programming access, restoring the ability to flash your vehicle with platforms such as bootmod3, MHD, MG Flasher, EcuTek and more.
UNLOCK PROCESS OUTLINE (MAIL-IN)*
Purchase your prefered FEMTO DME Unlock method through our store. The price includes the unlock service and international shipping to and from SouthernBM. Local removal and shipping of your DME to us is not included.
If you are planning on using tuning platforms such as bootmod3, MHD or MG Flasher, we recommend purchasing your licence and setting up your account before removing your DME.
Remove the DME from your vehicle.
Send your DME to our Moorabbin facility for preparation and dispatch to FEMTO.
Wait 7-10 business days for your DME to be shipped to Finland, unlocked and returned to us.
Once received back, your DME will be tested and inspected by SouthernBM.
Your unlocked DME is then returned to you for reinstallation. Reinstall the DME and confirm all vehicle systems are functioning correctly.
Deactivate BMW remote software updates to prevent future relocking (OBD Unlock method only).
Flash your vehicle using your chosen tuning platform once installation is complete.
*An in-house DME removal service is also available to Melbourne customers for an additional cost. Please contact us for further information.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TUNING PLATFORM
A tuning license for bootmod3, MHD Tuning or MG Flasher is NOT included in the purchase price of the FEMTO DME Unlock. A bootmod3 tuning license can additionally be purchased here.
Advanced features from tuning platforms such as bootmod3, MHD and MG Flasher are installed as part of the original OBD Unlock process when the ECU is unlocked in its factory state. This ensures that functions like map switching, flex-fuel capability, anti-lag, live tuning enhancements and other custom code features are embedded directly into the ECU during the initial unlock. For vehicles that have undergone the Full Bench Unlock, these features are instead added later during the OBD flashing stage when you first program the car with your chosen tuning platform.
MODELS WITH REMOTE START
Models that already have Remote Start activated will retain the function at no cost. This option will not activate Remote Start on models that do not already have it.
BMW SOFTWARE UPDATES
For vehicles using the OBD Unlock, BMW Over-The-Air (OTA) remote software updates must be switched off to prevent the ECU from being accidentally relocked. If a dealer or OTA update removes the OBD unlock, the DME will require the same FEMTO unlocking procedure again, along with the associated cost.
For vehicles equipped with the Full Bench Unlock, dealer and OTA updates can still close OBD access, but the permanent bench backdoor remains active in the background. This means the ECU is never truly locked. If an update removes the OBD unlock on a bench-unlocked car, a local tuner or workshop can simply perform a fresh OBD unlock on-site using compatible tools — there is no need to send the DME back to FEMTO.
SHIPPING AND WAIT TIMES
Your DME is shipped to FEMTO securely via DHL Express, handled entirely by SouthernBM from the moment it arrives at our facility until it returns unlocked and ready for installation. By allowing us to manage the shipping process, you gain the confidence of full insurance coverage, professional handling, and the assurance that if anything goes wrong in transit, it is our responsibility — not yours. Once at FEMTO, the DME is unlocked and returned directly to our Moorabbin facility for inspection before being sent back to you. The typical turnaround time is approximately 7-10 business days, although international logistics or customs delays outside our control may occasionally extend this timeframe.
SouthernBM bares no responsibility for any DMEs that are improperly shipped to us and found to be damaged or faulty upon arrival.
DUAL DME MODELS
N63TU and S63TU V8 models have two DMEs that must be unlocked which incurs an additional cost. Please ensure you select the suitable unlock service for your vehicle at checkout and have both DMEs sent to us.
SUPPORTED MODELS
The FEMTO unlock is compatible with BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, Toyota Supra A9x, and INEOS Grenadier models equipped with B46, B47, B48, B57, B58, S58, N63TU, and S63TU engine.
Below is a list of many of the popular models currently supported. If you don't see your vehicle listed or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sean arranged a Quaife LSD for my 135i and I couldn't be happier. He advised multiple seals and bearings needed replacing unbeknownst to me so these were done as well. Now I have a more reliable car and one with tonnes more mechanical grip!
Nathan Mann
Google Review
I have used many mechanics over the years for the many different types of vehicles in our company fleet and southern BM is one of the very few workshops I can highly recommend. Andrew and his team are also really passionate about their work and it shows.
Archie Psallas
Google Review
Andrew Brien @ Southern BM has been helping me for years with my BMWs - he is extremely astute and has a refreshingly customer-first mentality. I trust him to do the best work and only the best!
Leo Ng
Google Review
The guys are great, definitely take your BMW there.
David Veeken
Google Review
I Bought my M Performance Brake Kit here and installed today. I got my oil changed. Love the service as always. I only bring my cars to this place eventhough I live in the north side of Melbourne.
Items marked GREEN or 'In Stock' are currently in stock at SouthernBM. Most orders are shipped within 1-2 business days. ‘Click & Collect’ orders are usually ready within 1-2 hours during normal trading hours.
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