In this post, we are going to discuss the Bosch MG1 and MD1 ECU, which was introduced back in 2016. This type of ECU controls both petrol and diesel engines, fitted to a wide variety of vehicles. Including the Ford Fiesta ST MK8, Audi S4, RS4 and more. (Keep reading for a full list)
Ford has used the same ECU, why is Revo Software available for those models and not VAG models?
The simple answer is security, Ford didn’t include it to the extent that Volkswagen Audi group did, and this is what is holding everything and everyone up. Maybe Ford is more understanding of their customers choice to modify their vehicles?
Most importantly, tuning the car is possible (more on where we’re at with that below), but installing Revo ECU Software safely is the challenge; frustrating, but not uncommon. Similarly, the same thing happened when the Mk7 Golf was first launched in 2012. For instance, it took a few years before anything was released but was well worth the wait in the end, especially considering that you can now install a Revo Performance and Power pack and be running 500HP reliably.
What ECU is in my vehicle?
Currently, the MG1 and MD1 ECU’s are installed in VWAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) vehicles with the engines listed in the table below. As Revo products are available globally, there are some other variants with differing power outputs depending on the region and country you’re in. It gives you a good idea if you’re looking to buy a car to tune (or already own one).
And if you’re not confused enough, some earlier models and engines were fitted with the earlier Bosch MED17 ECU before switching to MG1. If you have one of these, the good news is there might already be Revo Software available for you. You can check this by visiting a Revo Authorised Dealer who can check.
| Engine | Engine Version | Engine Variant / Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 TFSI | EA211 EVO | 130HP (DACA) / 150HP (DADA) |
| 2.0 TFSI | EA888 | 190HP (DKTC) / 230HP (DKTA) |
| 3.0T V6 | EA839 | Audi S4 / S5 / SQ5 |
| 2.9T | EA839 | Audi RS4 / RS5 |
| 3.0 TDI | EA897 EVO2 | 231HP (45 TDI) / 286HP (50 TDI) |
| 3.0 TDI | EA897 EVO2 | 357HP (Audi S4 TDI / S6 TDI / S7 TDI) |
Tuning the MG1 & MD1 ECU
The Revo calibration team have been working relentlessly since the release of this Bosch ECU type back in 2016. The great news is that significant progress has been made on our in-house development S4, and we’ve been making great progress on tuning. We’re continuing to work on this, and the other engine variants. We’ll keep you up to date with any further progress at the bottom of this post. Exciting times!
There’s a lot more than just tuning to consider.
There’s a lot more than just tuning to consider. What use is awesome Software if we can’t install it on your car safely? When most other tuning companies use similar if not the same software installation tools, we only use Revo Flash X. Just in case the name doesn’t give it away, this is our own delivery tool.
Communicating reliably and safely with the ECU is just as important as the tuned file being installed. That means installation done properly; not ripping out your ECU and shoving some probes into it on a bench – we’d rather leave that to our development team.
To install Revo ECU Software, we have to make big changes to Revo Flash X, but what’s that?
Revo Authorised Dealers do much more than just install ECU Software. They health-check your vehicle before installation, and data-log it afterwards to ensure everything is working as it should. That’s why we’ll never ask you to send us your ECU.
When it comes to installing Revo performance ECU software files however, we’ve made this as simple as possible. Revo Authorised Dealers use Revo delivery tools so that accessing the ECU is done safely and reliably. This is where Revo Flash X and Revo Portal come in – the ultimate installation tools.
Revo MD1 & MG1 ECU Software will only be available when we can safely deliver the software.
Revo Flash X and Revo Portal are Authorised Dealer only tools, that allow access to Revo’s full library of performance ECU files, support materials, data logging information and the ability to install Software primarily via the OBDII port. Developing our own delivery system ensures that we can support dealers and customers quickly and effectively. The Revo technical support team can see detailed information on the installation process live, anywhere in the world.
To install Revo performance ECU files on to the Bosch MG1 and MD1 ECU, we have to make changes to Revo Flash X to support it. We’re about to release an update for our Dealer network to add this functionality ahead of the release of the new performance ECU Software.
It’s not just Revo that would need to make these changes either. Other major tools would need to be updated too. Utilising our own tooling ensures we know the process is safe and won’t cause any damage to your ECU. We can extensively test our system in-house before making it available to our dealers. Therefore, not having to rely on a third-party tool means we don’t have to trust another companies definition of safe. (We have pretty high standards) Revo Authorised Dealer tools offer far superior access to the ECU, reliability and security but are not publicly available.
Global testing continues
We have multiple Bosch MG1 Equipped vehicles in our fleet and have been working with B9 S4 3.0T for some time. At present we don’t want to tease you with timescales. Rest assured we are continuing to work on this, and we will keep you posted with more details as we progress through our global development programme.
Where can I keep up to date?
This is a live blog post so we’ll add any major updates from our calibration team at the bottom of this post. Oh, and here’s a little teaser of some Performance Pack hardware we have lined up for the S4. You’re welcome.
Live Updates
Check back soon.
