Frequently asked questions

Cloning means transferring the complete data content of an ECU (engine control unit, transmission control unit etc.) onto an identical replacement unit. The replacement unit receives all vehicle-specific data: VIN coding, immobiliser binding, adaptation values and calibrations. The vehicle recognises the cloned ECU as the original — without any re-learning procedure.

In most cases the ECU alone is enough. We work with the MagicMotorsport Flex directly on a workbench setup (BENCH/BOOT/BDM mode) — meaning: you ship us only the component, we clone it and ship it back. You save the trip, the workshop appointment and the standstill of your vehicle. You can find a list of clonable ECUs at /klonbar-pruefen/.

Remove the ECU, disconnect all connectors (do not cut them — unlock and unplug). Wrap it in anti-static film (alternative: cling film + bubble wrap). The box should have at least double cushioning. Ship it insured via DHL or UPS. On request we provide a shipping label that you print out and stick onto your box. Do not let anything float loose in the box — the connector pins are sensitive.

After arrival of the ECU: 2 to 4 working days. Arrival day + diagnosis day + cloning day + return shipping day. For simple 1:1 clones it is often back with you on the third working day. For service clones with immobiliser handling it can take one day longer. If it is urgent, let us know — we can prioritise the order.

The price depends on the ECU type, the complexity and the cloning method. Following your inquiry we check feasibility based on the ECU labelling and quote a binding fixed price — before you ship anything. Return shipping and the written report are included. If, exceptionally, cloning does not work, you only pay the diagnosis hour.

SCN coding (at the authorised dealer with XENTRY/ODIS/ISTA) requires an ECU capable of communicating. If the original is completely defective, has no power or the VIN data is unreadable, cloning is the only option. Cloning is also independent of the brand dealership and usually involves less effort. With Mercedes EIS/EZS, BMW CAS or VW DSG mechatronics, cloning is often the most economical solution.

Currently 518 models are 1:1 clonable in our database. Bosch EDC17/MED17/MEV17 (Mercedes/VAG), Siemens MSV/MSD (BMW), Continental Simos (VW), ZF 6HP/8HP (transmissions), Mercedes EIS/EZS (ignition lock modules), BMW CAS/FRM, VW DSG mechatronics (DQ200/DQ250/DQ381) and many more. Full list: /klonbar/. Quick check with labelling input: /klonbar-pruefen/.

In most cases yes — that is the main advantage of cloning over an uncoded new part. The cloned ECU already knows all vehicle-specific parameters. For some systems (e.g. DSG mechatronics after cloning) we still recommend an adaptation procedure after installation, in order to ensure optimal shifting behaviour.

For immobiliser-relevant units (e.g. Mercedes EIS/EZS, BMW CAS/FRM, VW Immo4/5) we carry over the key data set and the vehicle VIN during cloning. The vehicle recognises the cloned unit as legitimate, and your original key keeps working. For some generations (e.g. Immo5 from 2008 onwards) the procedures are more complex — we tell you about this specifically in advance.

All of it. VIN, adaptation values, mileage (legal only for your own vehicle), DPF ash load, lambda adaptations, transmission shift points, seat comfort profiles, key bindings. This is the decisive difference compared with replacing the unit with a new one — with cloning, no values are lost, the vehicle drives after installation just as it did before the defect.

If the official Magic Motorsport list shows 'NO SOLUTION' or the diagnosis reveals damaged memory chips, we check repair alternatives: defective MOSFETs, crystals, relays or cold solder joints can often be replaced without losing the data set. If even that is not possible, we only charge the diagnosis hour and return the ECU to you.

You receive a PDF with: an arrival photo, documented cloning method (BENCH/BOOT/BDM/OBD), original-value read-out, write operation onto the donor unit, verification checksum, performed immobiliser procedure (if relevant), warranty date. You can reference this document any time you have follow-up questions.

12-month functional warranty on the cloned ECU. Should it fail within this period, we will clone the data onto a new donor unit at no charge. Condition: no water-ingress damage, no voltage spikes caused by a defective alternator. For repair cases (defective components replaced) the warranty applies to the replaced components.

Advance payment by bank transfer or card. You pay as soon as we have confirmed feasibility — before you ship the unit. This way you do not run the risk of the unit sitting somewhere and the order ultimately not taking place. For business customers, payment by invoice with 14-day terms is available on request.

Yes — cloning your own vehicle's ECU for your own use is entirely legal. It is a repair measure serving the preservation of the vehicle. We clone exclusively for the vehicle owner and only for the purpose of repair. Not permitted is cloning aimed at manipulating immobilisers in order to conceal theft — we categorically refuse such orders.

Send us a photo of the labelling via WhatsApp. Every ECU has a manufacturer number on it (e.g. Bosch 0281020XXX) and usually a software designation as well (e.g. EDC17C46). We identify the ECU and immediately tell you whether we can clone it. Do not try to guess yourself — a photo is more reliable than any assumption.

Often yes. In BENCH or BOOT mode we clone directly at the microcontroller, without the ECU needing to be capable of communication. Even after water ingress or a burnt-out voltage regulator, the memory chip is usually intact and readable. In BDM mode we reach data that is no longer accessible via OBD or XENTRY. Send the unit in even if the authorised dealer has declared it 'irreparable'.

We synchronise the official Magic Motorsport database automatically every Sunday. Currently 800 ECU/TCU models are in our database, 518 of them released for 1:1 cloning. New models certified by Magic Motorsport appear automatically with us within 7 days. If your model is not on the list today: it may already be tomorrow — just send us an inquiry.