Control Nightmare - Building a Rotary BMW i8: EP 5

[@sLim88CPC]

This channel is one of those main things I still like youtube, you can always have find like this, where size of the channel doesn't corresponds with the overall level presented. This is world class stuff and I love how you explain everything throughly. It blows my mind to think what this project will become at the end. Fantastic job!

[@cskinner89]

Really hopeful that your plan comes together to retain the hybrid drive system. The instant torque availability will make the rotary swap so much cooler.

[@dgodsall83]

Watch out, @BadObsession, there's a new ultra-technical, radically under-subscribed, dork-tacular automotive channel on the scene, and this dude's not stopping or tea!

[@nathanaeljonesmyfsd]

Finally, someone doing something cool with an i8! Tavarish should've consulted with you on his P1, haha. This is the most exciting project I've seen since I discovered Project Binky

[@fayfarrells1233]

Your channel will become famous, keep doing what you're doing.

[@LouiLocke]

How someone can unite all of those different skillsets in one Person is beyond me 😅. Also : for the algorithm! 🖖

[@Kasi01]

I was wondering how you’d manage this. Putting the work in to make the hybrid functional is gonna make for such a cool end result.

[@shanemurrish6821]

I’m a car nut that can turn a wrench, but this level of competency is next-level. Can’t wait to see this project to the finish

[@yenihesap4090]

Amazing project. We are looking forward to seeing it . Warm greetings from Istanbul 🇹🇷

[@GarageItYourself]

This is the kinda stuff my nerd brain loves!!! So nice finding a channel that does far more indepth, modern automotive projects rather than just shoving an LS into whatever vehicle!!! Brilliant 😊

[@tallerdefab]

Great project !! I can't wait for the result.

[@joel8230]

Holy Moly! I love the technical details about everything!

[@piotrek4000]

Bro. This is on a whole 'nother level. I'm trying to keep up, but... All I can say is let's get those apex seals into orbit!!!

[@WhathefrenchTV]

Electrical Engineering student here. I thought I naively could contribute to your project, but it seems you've got the electrical side of things really figured out. Really nice project! I know it's going to be a lot of work, but I just love the whole idea behind it. I don't know why, but hybrids seem to be kind of abandoned by car enthusiasts, and that sucks. With clean air regulations and everything, I really think hybrids are the way to go for sports cars. I wish I had enough money to do something similar. Wishing you the best of luck all the way from France!

[@CouchBuilt]

I think it’s a matter of a slightly different set of skills to modify and work with the hybrid stuff. Luckily, with the amazing amount of information out there it’s attainable to anyone. I’ve come to realize there’s almost nothing completely new these days. It’s all built upon pieces that have already been done and it’s just a matter of learning the pieces. Hybrid is definitely the way. Full electric has some uses, but hybrid offers the best of both.

[@DerekYoungdby]

Best project car on the Internet! Decidedly modern hotrodding. Looking forward to more and thanks for sharing.

[@JimmyJamesMarquees]

Sickest youtube build ever! Hope I will ever reach this level of custom car building. First to finish the efi conversion on my car though 😅

[@CouchBuilt]

Just keep trying new stuff!

[@gafrers]

Absolutely awesome and complex. Hope all works out and Plan A is a go.

[@notreallyhere1136]

I don’t understand half the things you were talking about but I like cars and think this is interesting. Now want to see where this goes. Good luck

[@corey_nz]

This is fascinating. Some of it is a little over my head as I've never had to work with can or any sort of bus (all my vehicles are too old) but you've explained it all in a way that makes sense. One thing, the music is making it a little hard to hear you clearly though 🙂

[@CouchBuilt]

Audio is tough. Trying to learn the right balance as we go.

[@corey_nz]

@@CouchBuilt I appreciate the work you put into making these videos, keep it up

[@aestheticoutlaws5259]

Regarding the pinheader - I work at Bosch and we're currently developing a 216 pin one. So be on the lookout for that. If I don't forget, I'll try to find out what ECU is gonna end up using it, so you can eventually use it yourself

[@CouchBuilt]

Thanks for the heads up. That would be a nice one to have in the toolbox to choose from.

[@user-ci4cj5eq4x]

Heck yes I've been waiting forever on this

[@jdmimportlogistics]

Fantastic content once again would like to see you tear apart a Mazda MX-30 and explain how everything works haha.

[@johanocop]

Hi Jon I'm a big fan of your builds and videos. Why did you move away from MaxxECU pro to EMU? I saw a 3D model of it on one of your first videos. I am a bit puzzled about your decision. MaxxECU has more freedom to build custom functions internally, where you are more locked to the built-in strategies in the EMU system. And I would expect you will appreciate all the usable flexibility as you can get your hands on, with a build like this. I look forward to you coming videos 👍👍

[@CouchBuilt]

This video is actually out of order and I’ll cover that in another episode, but the EMU is half the size of the Maxx and supports all that I need. The PRO series software suite is vastly different than their EMU Black series, and is highly configurable with user defined tables and modifier variables. I’m also a fan of the way the EMU PRO software presents data and error checking. Interestingly, it took me a fraction of the time to set up a mock startup file with the DSG control on this than the Maxx software. I will say the place where Maxx has this beat is sensor and DBW throttle drop down configuration.

[@HenkFueltank]

Man, this project getting more impressive by the minute! You should have at least 10x the subscribers with content like this. Where did you get the Nürvana t-shirt from btw?

[@CouchBuilt]

Thanks! Shirt came from Blipshift.

[@steven44799]

interested to see what controllers/processors you end up using to translate/communicate between all these different systems. being able to torque fill with the EV motor while the turbo is spooling up will make it feel so much more responsive than it would otherwise be with only the 13B, but i can also appreciate that theres going to be so much time that will go into reverse engineering all the signals/messages to make the car happy.

[@CouchBuilt]

I generally use STM32 stuff. There’s a few that have the required 3 CAN busses and LIN just uses a UART.

[@Golf7to7.5]

This is going to be sick 😳

[@3toedSloth75]

Would be really fun to see this thing at Sevenstock. Maybe not ready this year, but the next?

[@beforebefore]

I find your videos way too enjoyable... you speak EV, EE, ME, CAN, LIN, Flexray (I have an i3)... as well as 13B (had two Turbo II FC's) ... and everything else that makes for INTERESTING discussions (I'm a EE/ME)! I think your t-shirt should say Nerdvana though! Now I just need to go login to each of my Google accounts and upvote this video x 4.... NERD-ON!!

[@RiverCA]

Thanks for posting these videos. This is some of the best content on youtube right now, next to @PeterBjorck

[@excelsuryaprabaswara8071]

I hope you can done this project maybe even upgrade the electric motor and battery to it would be epic

[@reycaballero2462]

This is Commander Data level of engineering involved into trying to get this space ship of a car back on the road.

[@travisfabel8040]

Option D: dumping the OEM firmware, reverse compiling it on guidra, And then modifying it so that the actual firmware does what you want it to do. This requires specific technical knowledge that most people don't have but.... It not only gets rid of a lot of middleware complexity, but gives you the final result you're after. You probably won't take it to the full extent of having the original ECU run the new rotary, but you could have it accept the communication (or lack of communication) that it receives and still stays in the proper modes. That said, as much as I am into tech and Evie's and everything else what I really really really want is a carbon fiber tubbed, modern airbag and such equipped so I feel okay putting my kid in it car but smack in a manual transmission and big power engine. Rotary is cool because it fits. If there was an easy way to redo the back half like there are with McLaren tubs I would already be specing out how to fit a V12 back there. Lol

[@CouchBuilt]

That’s a pretty cool idea and something to explore at some point. Everything I’m doing on this car is reversible and modular so it would be easy to try down the road.

[@StormTheBeach]

I might have source code for this ecm.. If you tell me specific model number/ processor/info, I might be able to help. I probably have a function sheet for the ecm also.. Decompiling in ghidra wouldn't be too hard, just time consuming to patch the software. You can force certain modes with the arbitration tables, or remove the ones you don't want active.

[@CouchBuilt]

@@StormTheBeach Anything you might have that would help advance this would be awesome. This one uses a MEVD17.2.3 that runs on an Infineon TC1798, Bosch PN 0261S15742. I have a couple A2L's for software versions 000014A9_212_010_001, 00001449_222_010_001, 00003744_012_010_001, & 00003744_022_010_001, but lack the matching P-Flash and D-Flash to have a fully correlated definition file. The software I pulled from the factory installed DME is 00004123_049_010_001, with a SN readout of 410004061480a1as3408001011000000, HW ID readout of 029722872018000001c0830001c08400. If by some incredible stroke of luck there was a definition file for this SW version that would simplify this by a significant factor. Shoot me a line at [e-mail] if you might have a lead.

[@theo10008]

I love this build. This is a master engineer at work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 But please put in an oem steering wheel, it doesn't fit the aesthetic at all imo. Maybe go for an oem m3 g82 wheel? Should have more buttons that you can map with a custom pcb i guess

[@CouchBuilt]

The smaller wheel improves the steering response feel too much to go back. Any of the OE stuff provides too much leverage on an overly light system. When I move cars in and out of my driveway, I let my 4yo son sit on my lap and steer. He can do the stock i8 100% on his own. My e92 daily or the i8 with this wheel needs a little help for anything requiring a rapid angle adjustment.

[@thehansepeter]

I honestly didn't anticipate the electric complexity going into your build. Hopefully you can make the hybrid system work!

[@Aperture.Motorsports]

This build is next level! I've been kicking around the idea of the uses for the i-8 generator / alternator. And I was wondering what your thoughts are on a standalone controller for the unit. Im thinking about using it as a +75 torque push-to-pass system for one of my upcoming projects

[@CouchBuilt]

That’s actually a pretty good plan. These things seem easy to mount and shouldn’t be too hard to get an inverter to run it. This is definitely a good one for the Open Inverter stuff.

[@GotMilkRS13]

What power goal do you aim for? Will it Outperform the Standard drivetrain? I Love this project

[@CouchBuilt]

The rotary with this turbo should be capable of an easy 450whp on pump gas and closer to 600 on good fuel. Then add another 100+ of ev power on top. Stock is 370 total.

[@GotMilkRS13]

@@CouchBuilt I’m excited to see the finished product.

[@Henningberge]

I was thinking about your lack of space for additional controls. Would replacing the AirCon controls with a smaller layout, free up enough space for new controls? For example moving all existing controls to the left, and stacking them, instead of the current layout of 1 row. From the pictures it looks possible, though I might be mixing up the radio and aircon controls, but the same would apply for the radio controls.

[@GHIDRAuto]

phenomenal content! curious, would the ability to alter parameters within the EV inverter be a solution? and if so do you have a tool or way of getting the firmware? I am considering getting into RE'ing EV's. you clearly know a tremendous amount about EV's, and I am already spending the time Learning RE.

[@CouchBuilt]

Thanks! I recently subbed to your channel as well The Ghidra stuff is intriguing and I just installed the software. The EV stuff uses Infineon TC1797, so I assume Bosch did the heavy lifting on the EME and REME controllers. I would have to assume that there should be similar access to dump the P-Flash and D-Flash over CAN, just as with the ICE units. Getting into these units is definitely on my LONG to-do list. The i3/i8 inverters use an 800amp Infineon IGBT pack. They are probably severely limiting power to keep heat down and reliability up. Ideally Id like to ID some of these temperature or current limiters and bump them up a bit. Thats a problem for future me.

[@travisfabel8040]

Do you have a part number for this connector by the way? It looks like it might be a really good fit for something else I'm looking at doing... Which is also an intermediate board between an engine that doesn't belong where it now resides, and a modern car.

[@CouchBuilt]

There’s a screenshot in the video with the header and mating connector numbers.

[@martynclinton8092]

Wow - as a locksmith dealing with eeprom data mcu and ecu stuff The idea of a intermediate ecu between flexray and can-bus is a nightmare! Where as i can turn ad-blue and egr off in the ecu - your shitting down the major flats and dtc so its just functioning its vitals like rom and e-steering Thats like a dr putting a patient into a coma whilst you deliver its unborn baby 😂😅😂 😮

[@CouchBuilt]

This is way beyond just shutting off a few DTCs, it’s preventing replicating the entire flexray bus which the hybrid system needs to function. Even comma.ai has only been able to do a basic single component proof of concept flexray manipulation 4 years ago, with no further progress.

[@kinanalhawat6753]

Speeduino incoming?

[@CouchBuilt]

Nope. Neat platform, but offers me nothing for this build.

[@mwinner101]

Maybe just put all the controls in the touchscreen on top of the dash. Then you can add as many buttons as you’d like.

[@CouchBuilt]

It’s not a touchscreen, nor can you reach it with the seatbelt inertia reel locked up from driving in anger

[@quavohuncho6156]

This is the first i8 engine swap right?

[@CouchBuilt]

For a privately built, road going car, I believe so. Alpina built one car with a B48 4cyl but there’s little to no info on it. There’s also a hill climb race car with 4, yes 4 BMW s1000rr motors built by Edlinger. That’s obviously a full on race car. I haven’t seen any details on it actually racing though.

[@KurtAndresKA]

Good tshirt 😂

[@pulex73]

Hey dude, I really would like to understand the content. But the music distracts me totally. Any chance to make audio only versions?

[@CouchBuilt]

Still figuring out what works. Most of my stuff has had background music, but this is the first time I used synthwave. Interesting that it has only come up here so far.

[@pulex73]

@@CouchBuilt honestly i like your talking. so won't need the music. don't know how the ohters see it.

[@scotty305]

​@@CouchBuilt I like the synthwave background music, and I'm really impressed by the production level of this video. I understand most of the electrical and controls concepts being discussed, so that might make my background different than most other people watching. I've had standalone ECUs on my RX7 for 15+ years now, it's not making much more power than stock but fortunately zero apex seals launched so far. If you can keep other fragile turbo engines alive you can keep a rotary alive, especially if using the failsafes available in today's standalone ECUs to avoid running too lean or too hot or too much boost.

[@simmonsdavon]

Who else is watching because they’re planning doing something with an i8😅

[@CouchBuilt]

I’ve got another video panned talking other motor swaps if you don’t care about the hybrid stuff and only want a relatively affordable carbon chassis car with doors that go up.

[@martynclinton8092]

Wow - as a locksmith dealing with eeprom data mcu and ecu stuff The idea of a intermediate ecu between flexray and can-bus is a nightmare! Where as i can turn ad-blue and egr off in the ecu - your shitting down the major flats and dtc so its just functioning its vitals like rom and e-steering Thats like a dr putting a patient into a coma whilst you deliver its unborn baby 😂😅😂 😮