www.vf-engineering.com BMW E36 (‘96-’98 incl. ‘99 M3) US MODELS
PAGE 3 of 28 P/N: VFM28/38/40-01
© 2006 VF Engineering
All rights reserved
Rev 1.10.25.06
ECU MODIFICATION REQUIRED
**Please print out the ECU return form (see next page) and include in the package along with your ECU!
This kit requires ECU modification known as “flashing” which is electronic overwriting of the original engine
management software with new software designed for to work in conjunction with your system, and has been
included in the price of your supercharger upgrade. This requires the ECU to be shipped directly to VF-Engineering
for a serial flash of the VF supercharger software. The ECU modification can usually be turned around in 2-3
working days in most cases plus transit time. Any delay does not constitute grounds for product return. ECUs sent
in without the “ECU Return Form” will not be processed.
If you have a performance chip pre-installed you should return it to stock by having the ECU re-flashed at your
BMW dealership prior to sending the ECU. If you do not do this, VF-Engineering flash the ECU to stock for a
charge (1 unit of labor) – there is a risk of locking the ECU when performing this stock “bench” flash because the
ECU is not connected to the car. VF-Engineering is not responsible for losses or costs incurred when ECU’s are
locked.
VF Engineering is not responsible for engine or ECU damage due to an improperly installed or mishandled
ECU
DEALER SERVICE / RETURN TO STOCK
At some point you may take your supercharged car to your dealership for service. The supercharger software does
not interfere with the OBD1/2 engine diagnostics system and remains fully serviceable.
If you wish to return your vehicle back to stock, simply reinstall your OEM EPROM into your DME (for OBD1).
OBD2 ECUs can be returned to stock condition by flashing them at the dealership or using certain aftermarket tools
or contact VF-Engineering who can flash most ECUs to stock.
or full performance and continued reliability, please heed the following recommendations:
Use only premium grade fuel rated at 91 octane or higher (R+M/2)
The compression ratio of the vehicle must be unaltered prior to the installation of this kit
If your engine has been modified in any way, please contact VF Engineering prior to the installation
of this product
Upon completion of installation of product verify and or seek professional verification of safe
engine operation eg AFR mixture at full throttle, ignition correction, belt alignment, engine cooling
etc.
Always listen for detonation (pinging) and discontinue hard use (full throttle) until problem is
resolved
Perform an oil filter and change upon completion of this installation and prior to the initial test
drive. All subsequent oil changes should be at no later than 3,000 miles and high quality synthetic
motor oil used. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTEND THE OIL CHANGE INTERVAL REGARDLESS OF
OIL MANUFACTURERS CLAIMS AS DAMGE TO THE SUPERCHAGRER MAY OCCUR
Before beginning installation, replace all spark plugs that are older than 1 year or 10,000 miles with
original heat range plugs as specified by the manufacturer and make sure stock timing settings are
set. DO NOT USE PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS UNLESS THEY ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON YOUR
VEHICLE. CHANGE SPARK PLUGS EVERY 15,000-MILES AND SPARK PLUG WIRES AT LEAST
EVERY 50,000-MILES.
