[imyourmaster]

A lot has been written and speculated on the G87 forum regarding the DME LCI and CS/CSL flash options. This thread is not a review. It is also not a comparison with Bootmod or piggy-back modules (although it has been stated that piggy-backs such as Racechip GTS Black can be used in conjunction with the LCI DME Flash without issues). It is also not a warranty debate.

The aim is to clarify and find answers relating to these flashes on the 2023 and 2024 G87 M2 vehicles specifically (because certain architecture like EDC and xDrive for example, is not identical, shared or present across all M model series). I am not sure whether these flashes can be performed on 2025 year models.

A quick search will result in a number of well respected companies and individual members on Bimmerpost who can perform these flashes either as a package or a la carte. Evolve Automotive A shout out to kubax86 who took excellent care of me, @Alex@Alpine and Defined Coding spring to mind. They have been very helpful in answering questions. From my personal experience, I have learned that questions relating to these flashes do not always result in the same answers...it depends on who you ask.

I am hoping the companies and individuals who perform these flashes will chime in and be available to answer questions not addressed here, in order to give anyone interested in these flashes a better understanding of these mods.

One vendor explained it this way: "So the CS/CSL flashes are cross compatible against both EGS gearboxes and traction control settings. We don't adjust the xDrive modes or RWD modes and just allow the software settings and characteristics to adjust the Gearbox, Steering, Traction Control and Differential modules. You can choose between a mix of both on either vehicles and because the CSL EDC has different hardware in the G82 unfortunately and therefore not possible."

Another vendor said: "If the car is a daily driver, we would recommend going for CS gearbox software as we found the CSL to be quite aggressive. The EDC coding is now not a problem and runs fine. Initially the G87 was unhappy when coded with the EDC, but all sorted now."

The following gives an overview of what some the flashes will accomplish according to most sources:

DME LCI Flash - Will flash your 2023/2024 M2 DME to newer 2025 LCI version which will bump power and torque (20hp + 50Nm)

CSL/CS Transmission Flash - Responsive gear changes with a refined feel in Sport and Sport+ modes. It also enhances exhaust burble characteristics, delivering the distinctive sound of the CS/CSL

CSL/CS Electronic Power Steering - Stiffened feel to steering for improved control and handling with more advanced power assist.

CSL/CS Traction Control - More slip in MDM before power is cut/reduced and allows improved traction control setting and drift characteristics.

Take aways:

- They are quite inexpensive compared to other mods.

- These flashes can be done remotely by means of a Widows based laptop, Teamviewer software and an OBD cable adapter.

- For all flashes, LCI DME excluded, the CSL is said to be more aggressive compared to the CS flash. Daily drivers tend to opt for the CS.

- These flashes will be erased via dealer and OTA software updates. To avoid this, turn off automatic software updates in iDrive and also be sure your dealer will be compliant.

- The DME LCI Flash can be performed on 6MT & ZF8 equipped vehicles. It has been stated that this flash utilizes OEM software and that it will be erased (as is the case with all the flashes) in case of dealer or OTA software updates. The question begs, if it is OEM software, how did it get "leaked" into the aftermarket?

- The Gearbox/Transmission Flash
It has been stated that the transmission flash has a much bigger effect on the performance of the ZF8 transmission compared to the 6MT. I am not certain what effect it has on the 6MT, if any at all.

- The Suspension/EDC Flash
This flash serves no purpose if EDC is going to be coded out when installing aftermarket coil-over suspension which does not obtain the factory EDC.
Certain G87 chassis and suspension components (Front Hubs, Engine Mounts,Transmission Mount, Anti Roll Bars, Rear Control Arms etc.) are different compared to those used in the M4 CSL. I assume the suspension software for the M4 CSL is very specific to that vehicles particular suspension components and geometry. I am not sure how the CSL suspension/EDC software will translate over to the G87. I will personally opt out of this flash. Food for thought can be found here:

[Crazyotter]

Originally Posted by imyourmaster

A lot has been written and speculated on the G87 forum regarding the DME LCI and CS/CSL flash options. This thread is not a review. It is also not a comparison with Bootmod or piggy-back modules (although it has been stated that piggy-backs such as Racechip GTS Black can be used in conjunction with the LCI DME Flash without issues). It is also not a warranty debate.

The aim is to clarify and find answers relating to these flashes on the 2023 and 2024 G87 M2 vehicles specifically (because certain architecture like EDC and xDrive for example, is not identical, shared or present across all M model series). I am not sure whether these flashes can be performed on 2025 year models.

A quick search will result in a number of well respected companies and individual members on Bimmerpost who can perform these flashes either as a package or a la carte. Evolve Automotive A shout out to kubax86 who took excellent care of me, @Alex@Alpine and Defined Coding spring to mind. They have been very helpful in answering questions. From my personal experience, I have learned that questions relating to these flashes do not always result in the same answers...it depends on who you ask.

I am hoping the companies and individuals who perform these flashes will chime in and be available to answer questions not addressed here, in order to give anyone interested in these flashes a better understanding of these mods.

One vendor explained it this way: "So the CS/CSL flashes are cross compatible against both EGS gearboxes and traction control [...]

Nice post. I was under the impression that the only difference between the CS and CSL was AWD and RWD