Julie BMW | IMMO OFF & ESL/ELV | Emulator

The Julie BMW IMMO OFF & ESL/ELV emulator is an electronic module designed to simulate and replace the immobilizer function and the electronic steering column lock in BMW brand vehicles. This emulator is used for diagnostic purposes, enabling the analysis of the interaction between the ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the IMMO system without the presence of a functional original key or a defective ESL/ELV mechanism. The product emulates signals normally processed by systems such as CAS or FEM, which is essential for testing the engine control unit on the bench or bridging a defective component.

Compatibility extends across various BMW models equipped with CAS2, CAS3, CAS3+, and CAS4 systems, as well as specific configurations with the FEM module. The Julie BMW IMMO OFF & ESL/ELV emulator is intended solely for diagnostic and testing use in a professional workshop environment. Permanently disabling the IMMO system may have legal restrictions and affect vehicle security; therefore, the application must be carried out with the necessary technical knowledge and in accordance with applicable regulations.

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Applications and functionalities:

The Julie BMW IMMO OFF & ESL/ELV Emulator is developed for specific diagnostic, testing, and repair procedures of the immobilizer system (IMMO) and the electronic steering column lock (ESL/ELV) in BMW vehicles. The emulator offers the following Package Contents:

• Diagnosis and deactivation of the immobilizer (IMMO OFF): The emulator is used to test or operate the engine control unit (ECU) when the original immobilizer is defective or unavailable. This allows starting the engine without authorization from the CAS module on models with CAS2, CAS3, and CAS3+ systems.
• Replacement of the electronic steering column lock (ESL/ELV): The module functions as a replacement for a defective or mechanically jammed ESL/ELV module. This resolves a common cause of starting problems in various BMW models, including the E-Series (E81, E87, E90, E60) and F-Series vehicles with a FEM module.
• Bench testing of systems: Enables testing the ECU and the CAS/FEM module outside the vehicle by simulating the necessary signals from the steering column lock. This simplifies diagnosing complex electronic issues.
• Signal simulation and fault isolation: Generates the specific communication signals expected by the CAS or FEM module. By bypassing a potentially defective component (such as the ESL/ELV), the emulator helps technicians determine the cause of a starting problem.
• Diagnostic bypass: The module allows completing the starting procedure even when the original steering column lock is defective, enabling further vehicle diagnosis.

This emulator is intended exclusively for use by professionals in a workshop environment for diagnostic and repair purposes. Permanently deactivating the immobilizer system (IMMO OFF) may have consequences for vehicle security and car insurance coverage.

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Supported vehicle brands and applications:

The Julie BMW Emulator is designed for use in various BMW vehicles. The module supports both CAN-bus and K-line communication and allows different combinations for engine and transmission swaps or ECU replacement.

 

1. BMW F-series and E-series (except BMW X3 E83)

Suitable for projects where the engine and/or EGS transmission (8HP) is replaced.

Supported configurations:

• Engine + EGS swap
• Engine swap only
• EGS swap only

Conditions:

• The donor vehicle must be equipped with an EWS4, CAS, or FEM module.
• The ISN code in the ECU must consist of 16 bytes.
• The ISN code in the EGS must consist of 16 bytes (optional, depending on the project).
• The procedure does not work if the receiving vehicle itself has an EWS4, CAS, or FEM module.

Examples of supported models: BMW F20, BMW F30, BMW F48, BMW E70, BMW E71, BMW E90.

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2. BMW E-series with EWS4, CAS, or FEM module (16-byte ISN)

The emulator can start the vehicle after replacing a damaged ECU.

Procedure:

• Read the 16-byte ISN code from the replacement ECU and write it to the Julie 24C02 EEPROM memory.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an EGS (8HP automatic transmission) or it is replaced, also write the 16-byte EGS ISN code into the ECU memory.

Examples of supported models: BMW E83, BMW E90, BMW E91, BMW E92, BMW E93.

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3. ECU function check after Immo OFF (with Immo Bypass software)

After performing an Immo OFF procedure via Immo Bypass software, the emulator can be used to verify that the change has been correctly applied before installing the ECU in the vehicle.

Example of supported ECU:

• Siemens MS42

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4. BMW with EWS II and EWS III (3.2) immobilizer systems

Supports older BMW models with classic EWS systems.

Examples of supported models:

• BMW 3 Series: E30, E36
• BMW 5 Series: E34, E39
• BMW 7 Series: E38
• BMW Z3

Examples of supported ECUs: Bosch 0 261 203 075, 0 261 203 447, 0 261 203 474, 0 261 203 484, 0 261 203 590, 0 261 203 660, 0 261 203 661, 0 261 203 667, 0 261 204 173, 0 986 262 540, Siemens DME MS41.0, Siemens DME MSS50.

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5. BMW ESL/ELV Signal Replacement

The emulator can be used to replace the steering lock or locking signal (ESL/ELV) in vehicles with a 4-pin ESL connector.

Examples of supported models:

• BMW 1 Series: E81, E82, E84, E87, E88
• BMW 3 Series: E90, E91, E92, E93
• BMW 5 Series: E60, E61
• BMW 6 Series: E63, E64
• Mini: R55, R56

Important:

• Only works if the ESL connector has no +12V power supply.
• It is necessary to reset the error counter in the CAS module.

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Package Contents:

• 1x Julie BMW | IMMO OFF & ESL/ELV | Emulator