The MSD80 and MSD81 are used in the 6-cylinder engines of the E9x platform, which also includes the E8x 1-series.
Over time, BMW further developed the MSD80 into the MSD81. This was necessary because the MSD80 had several vulnerabilities. The two most well-known vulnerabilities are:
A) MOSFETS
Over time, the MOSFETS in the MSD80 will fail. This can lead to misfires (cylinder misfires). Don’t drive with this condition for too long (although that’s difficult), as there’s a real risk of engine damage.
B) Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The power modules of this ECU become defective, which can cause the car to exhibit all kinds of strange behavior.
Can the ECU just be replaced?
No, that’s not possible. After replacement, the ECU must be learned. This includes programming the immobilizer, injector data, and, of course, loading the correct software.
Luckily, we can help you with this. We’ve already replaced dozens of ECUs.
Enlist the help of Carware
Upgrade & Retrofit Possibilities
- Activate Apple CarPlay
- Retrofitting cruise control
- Installing an AUX connection
- Bluetooth audio / combox Retrofit
- CCC naar CIC Upgrade / Retrofit
- E9X M3 DCT gear ratio adjustment
- FRM3/LM2 Lighting Module Upgrade
- EWS write away E36 / E46 / E38 / E39
- MSD80 to MSD81 upgrade
- OEM software upgrade
- Steering Wheel Heating Retrofit
- Full software update BMW, Mini & Rolls Royce
- XHP gearbox optimization
- EDC Shock Absorbers Write Off
What are the steps to upgrade the MSD80 to the MSD81?
You can supply your own MSD81, or we can order one for you from our suppliers. We usually have several ECUs in stock.
The following parts are required:
- Old ECU: MSD80
- CAS module (belonging to your car) incl. one working key
- New ECU: MSD81 (optional, in consultation)
- If available: new CAS + one working key. It’s not strictly necessary to purchase a complete MSD81 + CAS starter kit, but in some cases it can speed up the process.
- Injector codes (readable on the injectors; you don’t need to send the injector codes if the MSD80 can still be read via OBD. You can, of course, also program the injector codes yourself.)
You can bring the necessary parts by appointment or send them by mail.
The new MSD81 is usually ready within one or two business days. After that, the ECU is plug and play!
References
What our customers say
Great service, even with urgency it was very fast, it could be fixed the same day, I am very happy with it, definitely recommended!!
Highly recommended to bring your BMW in if you need software updates or programming done! This guy knows what he's talking about and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you go home satisfied! Thanks for the experience. Regards, Dennis (speeddonors)
Very satisfied with Carware! My dashboard lights stopped working, and owner Jan quickly found the cause. He honestly suggested I could fix it myself to save money—and he was absolutely right. Friendly service (even offered a drink) and very knowledgeable. Absolutely recommended! You won't find service like this again! 5/5 ⭐️
Very satisfied with the work and the service. He keeps his appointments and delivers quality work. Jan is also a true specialist/expert and works very neatly. Highly recommended.
After replacing several parts on my BMW M140 with no success, the ECU turned out to be the culprit. After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware, where I received excellent service. Jan quickly diagnosed the problem correctly. He clearly explained the problem and the costs. Clear communication, no surprises, and expert service. Highly recommended for anyone with electronic problems with their BMW or MINI.
My car has been parked since July 7th due to a malfunction in the electronic steering lock on my BMW E90.
Last year, the entire steering column was replaced, but after a few months, the same problem arose. No one could solve it, but after a long search online, I found Jan, and after a clear explanation and a potential solution, I regained hope.
Jan remotely—how?—really got my car running again and immediately wrote down all the malfunctions and error messages.
Jan is a hero! It's a shame you can only give 5 stars and not 10, otherwise he would have definitely earned them!
Last year, the entire steering column was replaced, but after a few months, the same problem arose. No one could solve it, but after a long search online, I found Jan, and after a clear explanation and a potential solution, I regained hope.
Jan remotely—how?—really got my car running again and immediately wrote down all the malfunctions and error messages.
Jan is a hero! It's a shame you can only give 5 stars and not 10, otherwise he would have definitely earned them!
I had a problem with the ROC module for my BMW. Jan neatly fixed all the error codes and reinstalled the module. A fantastic solution, instead of having a new and expensive module replaced at the garage. Jan communicates quickly and honestly about the options and any risks. He also provides immediate clarity about the costs. In short, I understand why all the reviews here are 5 stars, and this one adds another 5 stars!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Jos, dank voor je leuke review en je lovende woorden. Daar doen we het voor! 🙂
The ECM of a 320 convertible was repaired and updated with new software. The car now drives smoothly and better than ever. Excellent service! Perfect! Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Dank voor je lovende woorden!
I have an old BMW Z3, and after winter storage, it wouldn't start.
Jan was able to come on-site within two days to scan the Z3, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible because the Z3 has an older system.
Luckily, Jan still had an old laptop with the correct software.
He quickly realized the AWS module was malfunctioning. He gave me tips on how to work around this and adjusted the ECU. And yes, it's running like a charm again.
Excellent, clear communication, good advice.
Simply a true professional.
We need more of them.
Jan was able to come on-site within two days to scan the Z3, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible because the Z3 has an older system.
Luckily, Jan still had an old laptop with the correct software.
He quickly realized the AWS module was malfunctioning. He gave me tips on how to work around this and adjusted the ECU. And yes, it's running like a charm again.
Excellent, clear communication, good advice.
Simply a true professional.
We need more of them.
Response from the owner 06:47 01 Sep 25
Joost, dank voor je leuke review. En veel rijplezier toegewenst in je Z3!
My frame broke.
He expertly repaired it for me.
Great service.
I was able to get an appointment within two hours and it was fixed within half an hour. Absolutely fantastic.
Highly recommended 👌👌
He expertly repaired it for me.
Great service.
I was able to get an appointment within two hours and it was fixed within half an hour. Absolutely fantastic.
Highly recommended 👌👌
Response from the owner 09:57 28 Jul 25
Dankjewel Cristian voor je review. En fijn dat je FRM het weer helemaal doet
We had Jan install original BMW cruise control in our BMW Z4. Everything was expertly installed and thoroughly tested. Jan works calmly and consistently. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 09:58 28 Jul 25
Ha Johan,Fijn dat je blij bent met de originele cruise control. Origineel blijft in onze ogen de mooiste oplossing voor je Z4.Hartelijke groet,Carware
After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware for an upgrade to the DCT gearbox in my BMW E92 M3, specifically the GTS software. After contacting them through the app, I was able to quickly schedule an appointment.
Once I arrived, Jan already heard me 🥳. He immediately grabbed the laptop to check everything for error codes, after which the software could be installed. Meanwhile, Jan changed my menu to Dutch (it was in English), completely free of charge 👌
After an hour, we were back on the road, and the shifting was so incredibly fast.
Thanks, Jan!
Once I arrived, Jan already heard me 🥳. He immediately grabbed the laptop to check everything for error codes, after which the software could be installed. Meanwhile, Jan changed my menu to Dutch (it was in English), completely free of charge 👌
After an hour, we were back on the road, and the shifting was so incredibly fast.
Thanks, Jan!
Response from the owner 09:59 28 Jul 25
Ha Piet,Het werken aan een E92 M3 is altijd extra leuk. Fijn dat je tevreden bent, en het mooie V8-geluid was inderdaad al van ver te herkennen ;-)Hartelijke groet,Carware
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