KESS3 Added OBD Read/Write Support for Bosch MD1CS001 Locked ECU
Alientech KESS3 has introduced a new OBD protocol for Bosch MD1CS001 locked ECUs, expanding programming options for recent BMW and MINI diesel applications.
The new protocol allows KESS3 users to read and write Bosch MD1CS001 ECUs directly via the OBD diagnostic port after an initial BENCH unlock. This provides a faster and more convenient workflow for subsequent ECU tuning operations without requiring repeated BENCH access.
BENCH Unlock First, Then OBD Read/Write
The Bosch MD1CS001 ECU must first be unlocked in BENCH mode using the dedicated KESS3 protocol. Once the ECU has been successfully unlocked, technicians can continue with reading and writing through the vehicle’s OBD port.
This combined BENCH + OBD workflow offers several advantages:
- Initial BENCH unlock of the Bosch MD1CS001 locked ECU
- Direct OBD reading and writing after unlocking
- Faster and more convenient subsequent tuning operations
- No need to access the ECU in BENCH mode again for supported operations
- Support for extending programming services to end-users through Powergate
This makes the process more efficient for professional tuners and workshops that frequently work with compatible BMW and MINI diesel vehicles.
Bosch MD1CS001 Coverage for BMW and MINI
The new protocol focuses on Bosch MD1CS001 ECUs installed in recent diesel applications using the 1.5L B37 and 2.0L B47 engine families.
The supported production range starts from 2021, covering a wide selection of BMW and MINI models.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection | OBD |
| ECU | Bosch MD1CS001 |
| Production Year | 2021 onward |
| Brands | BMW, MINI |
| Engine Families | B37 1.5L / B47 2.0L |
| Initial Unlock | BENCH |
| Subsequent Read/Write | OBD |
Supported BMW Models
The new KESS3 OBD protocol covers a broad range of BMW applications, including:
- BMW 1 Series
- BMW 2 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW 4 Series
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW 6 Series
- BMW X1
- BMW X2
- BMW X3
- BMW X4
This wide vehicle coverage makes the protocol particularly useful for workshops and tuning professionals working with BMW diesel applications equipped with Bosch MD1CS001 ECUs.
Supported MINI Models
Compatible MINI applications include:
- MINI Cooper D
- MINI Cooper D Clubman
- MINI Cooper D Countryman
- MINI Cooper SD Clubman
- MINI Cooper SD Countryman
- MINI One D
- MINI One D Clubman
- MINI One D Countryman
KESS3 and Powergate Compatibility
The new Bosch MD1CS001 OBD protocol is available to KESS3 users with CAR OBD + BENCH/BOOT activation and an active subscription.
Powergate users can also access the protocol after the ECU has been unlocked with KESS3, provided that the relevant Powergate Manager has CAR BENCH/BOOT activation.
This integration allows professional tuners to unlock the ECU initially and then provide supported programming services to end-users through Powergate.
A More Efficient ECU Programming Workflow
The addition of OBD read/write support represents an important improvement for Bosch MD1CS001 locked ECUs. Instead of performing every operation in BENCH mode, technicians can unlock the ECU once and then use the diagnostic port for subsequent supported read/write operations.
For professional ECU tuning businesses, this can help save time, simplify the workflow, and improve service efficiency.
Alientech has also indicated that this is the first release in a series of developments dedicated to Bosch MD1CS001 ECUs, suggesting that additional applications and functions may be introduced in future updates.
With the new protocol, KESS3 now supports OBD read and write operations for Bosch MD1CS001 “Locked” ECUs found in selected BMW and MINI diesel models from 2021 onward.
The workflow is straightforward: unlock the ECU in BENCH mode first, then perform supported reading and writing directly via OBD. Combined with Powergate compatibility, this update provides a more flexible and efficient solution for professional ECU tuning and programming services.
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