4.9 · 250+ reviews
★ 4.9 on Google · 250+ 5-star reviews · 10,000+ vehicles tuned · 14+ years experience · In-house 4WD dyno · 0% finance available·Buy now, pay later with Klarna · BMW & VAG specialists · Warrington · ★ 4.9 on Google · 250+ 5-star reviews · 10,000+ vehicles tuned · 14+ years experience · In-house 4WD dyno · 0% finance available·Buy now, pay later with Klarna · BMW & VAG specialists · Warrington ·
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Free DVLA Check · No Details Needed

Is your BMW's
ECU LOCKED?

BMW and Audi models built from around June 2020 leave the factory with an encrypted ECU. Most tuners can't touch them. Enter your registration and we'll tell you in seconds, and if it is locked, we unlock it here, the same day.

GB

We only read the public DVLA record. Nothing is stored and we don't need your contact details.

Why a locked ECU matters

Where you take itCan they tune it?Your car
Most local remappersNo, can't unlock itTurned away
Send-away specialistsYes, once posted offGone 3–4 days
DC Remapping UKYes, unlocked in-houseSame day, drive away

We're one of very few workshops in the North West doing this on site rather than posting ECUs away. That's the whole reason a locked car isn't a problem here.

Common questions

How do I know if my BMW has a locked ECU?
Build date and registration date aren't the same thing, so "it's a 2020" doesn't settle it. The check above reads the DVLA record for your exact car and tells you straight away. If it lands in the March–August 2020 window we'll say so rather than guess, that's the period where the build cutoff falls.
Can a locked ECU still be remapped?
Yes. It has to be unlocked first, which is why a lot of places either turn these cars away or post the ECU off for the best part of a week. We do it here, so your car is unlocked, mapped and back with you the same day.
How much does unlocking cost?
On a BMW it’s £100 inc VAT added to your tuning booking, or £200 on its own if you’re having the car tuned elsewhere. It’s done in-house on our own bench the same day, and it no longer makes your appointment any longer — we don’t send BMW ECUs away, because the bench unlock is quicker and cheaper. The exact total for your car is shown before you pay anything.
Is there any risk to my ECU?
It's delicate work and we'd rather be straight with you about it. Our success rate is 100% to date, and in the rare case an ECU ever didn't survive, we supply and code a replacement unit of equivalent specification at our cost. You're covered either way, that's written into our booking terms.
My car isn't a BMW or Audi, is it locked?
The June 2020 rule is a BMW and Audi thing. Other makes generally aren't affected, though a handful of newer VAG models are. Run the check anyway and it'll tell you, or ask us and we'll confirm.
Book Your Tune More on ECU unlocking See your car's tuning figures