MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel Controller
The complete solution for the MHD FlexFuel system – BMW E, F, and G series, and Toyota Supra A90/A91
The MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel controller enables genuine FlexFuel functionality in MHD-tuned BMW and Toyota Supra vehicles. The system measures the actual ethanol content of the fuel and transmits this data via the CAN bus to the car's Engine Control Unit (DME).
When FlexFuel functionality is enabled in the appropriate engine map, the car's engine control can adapt its settings according to the ethanol content of the fuel in the tank. You no longer need to select a separate E30, E50, or E85 map based on the fuel currently in the tank.
One system – varying ethanol contents – automatic adjustment.
According to MHD, the FlexFuel function can automatically adjust engine operation based on the ethanol content reported by the ECA. However, FlexFuel requires a suitable engine map; simply installing the ECA hardware will not make a standard map FlexFuel-compatible.
What is CAN ECA?
ECA (Ethanol Content Analyzer) measures the ethanol content of fuel using an ethanol sensor.
The MHD CAN ECA controller converts the sensor's measurement data into a format understood by the DME via the CAN bus and transmits the information to the engine control.
This allows MHD to utilize real-time information about the ethanol content of the fuel in the tank.
What is FlexFuel?
FlexFuel refers to a system where engine control automatically adapts to the ethanol content of the fuel.
For example, the tank could contain:
- standard 98-octane gasoline
- E10 fuel
- an E30 blend
- an E50 blend
- E85 fuel
- or a blend in between
The ECA measures the ethanol content, and FlexFuel-compatible MHD tuning uses this information to modify engine settings.
No more guesswork after refueling
In a traditional fixed ethanol map, engine control settings are designed for a specific fuel blend. If the ethanol content in the tank deviates significantly from what is assumed, the map may no longer be optimal.
With the FlexFuel system, the ethanol content is measured directly from the fuel, allowing compatible MHD tuning to automatically account for the change.
Benefits of the MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel Controller
✓ Real-time ethanol content measurement
The system transmits the actual ethanol content to the engine control.
✓ CAN bus integration
Data is transmitted to the car's DME via the CAN bus without a separate analog gauge display.
✓ True FlexFuel functionality
With compatible MHD FlexFuel tuning, engine control adapts to the fuel's ethanol content.
✓ Different fuel blends in the same car
You can use varying ethanol contents without needing to know precisely what blend is in the tank.
✓ Suitable for street and more powerful builds
FlexFuel is especially beneficial in cars that use a variable mix of pump gasoline and ethanol-containing fuels.
✓ Native MHD FlexFuel support
MHD supports FlexFuel functionality and the CAN bus-based ECA solution. The ethanol content obtained via the CAN bus can also be viewed in MHD monitoring.
Compatibility
The MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel system can be used with MHD FlexFuel-supported BMW and Toyota Supra configurations.
BMW E-series
E-series BMWs with N54 engines
MHD supports FlexFuel functionality in N54 engines. MHD for N54 also offers a separate FlexFuel license, and FlexFuel operation requires compatible FlexFuel hardware.
Typical compatible models include, for example:
- BMW 135i
- BMW 335i / 335xi
- BMW 535i / 535xi
- BMW 335is
- BMW Z4 35i / 35is
- BMW 1M
- BMW X6 35i
Compatibility is always determined by the engine, DME version, and the MHD tuning used.
BMW F-series
The MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel solution can be used in supported F-series BMWs, including those with N55 and S55 engines, as well as certain B58 configurations.
MHD indicates FlexFuel support for the following F-series groups, among others:
- F22
- F25
- F30/F31/F32/F33/F36
- F10/F11
- F40
- F80/F82/F83
- F-series models with B58 engines
According to MHD, a separate P&P installation solution is available for F-series N55/S55 FlexFuel for automatic transmission/DCT cars. An open-wire option is also available for manual transmission cars.
BMW G-series
The MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel is compatible with G-series BMW models covered by MHD FlexFuel support.
Supported engine families include:
Examples of compatible models:
- BMW G20 / G21
- BMW G22 / G23 / G26
- BMW G30 / G31
- BMW G32
- BMW G01 / G02
- BMW G05
- BMW G06
- BMW G07
- BMW G80 M3
- BMW G82 M4
- BMW X3 M
- BMW X4 M
Note! If you have a hybrid model 545e, 745e, X5 45e, or your car has a manual transmission, select the Open Wire flexfuel kit.
Toyota Supra A90 / A91
The system is also suitable for Toyota GR Supra A90/A91 models with MHD supported engines.
MHD B58 support covers the Toyota Supra MKV, and MHD's current B58 product page lists the Supra A90 as supported from 2019 onwards.
Important Note on FlexFuel Tuning
The ECA controller alone does not make a car FlexFuel.
The car must have MHD FlexFuel-compatible tuning. According to MHD, FlexFuel can be added to a compatible custom tune or, in certain configurations, to MHD OTS tuning as a FlexFuel function.
Engine tuning must always be done according to the fuel used and the car's configuration.
Incorrect tuning combined with high ethanol content can cause engine malfunctions and, in the worst case, engine damage.
If you are unsure about your car's compatibility, please confirm before ordering:
- the exact car model and year
- engine type
- transmission type
- DME software version
- current MHD tuning
- whether the car already has FlexFuel-compatible custom tune / OTS tuning
Plug & Play Installation
The MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel solution is designed for the easiest possible installation.
In a solution based on a compatible P&P wiring harness, wires do not need to be cut or soldered. The MHD FlexFuel Kit is designed for plug-and-play installation, and the kit can include the necessary connectors as well as fuel lines and fittings.
This allows the system to be installed cleanly without permanent modifications to the car's original wiring harness.
Why use a FlexFuel system?
FlexFuel is an excellent solution for powerful BMW and Supra builds that use both pump gasoline and ethanol-containing fuels.
Ethanol offers a high octane rating and good knock resistance, but its concentration can vary significantly. Thanks to the FlexFuel system, engine control receives information about the actual ethanol content, and the driver does not have to estimate the blend based solely on refueling amounts.
Refuel, drive, and let the system handle ethanol content considerations – provided that the MHD tuning is built for FlexFuel operation.
Package includes
- MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel Controller
- Ethanol content sensor
- Plug & Play wiring harness depending on the application
- Necessary connectors
- Fuel system connectors and hoses according to the selected configuration
- Components required for installation
Important notes before ordering
Always check your vehicle's exact compatibility before ordering.
MHD FlexFuel hardware and installation methods vary by engine, body style, and transmission. For example, the solutions used in N54, N55, S55, B58, and S58 engines are not entirely identical to each other. MHD's own FlexFuel Kit documentation distinguishes between P&P solutions for different engine and body models.
If you are unsure about compatibility, please contact us before ordering. We can check the correct FlexFuel solution based on the car's model, engine, and transmission.
Summary
The MHD CAN ECA FlexFuel controller is the right choice when you want a genuine, CAN bus-integrated FlexFuel system for your MHD-tuned BMW or Toyota Supra A90/A91.
- ✓ Real-time ethanol content measurement
- ✓ CAN bus integration with DME
- ✓ MHD FlexFuel compatibility
- ✓ Suitable for E, F, and G-series BMW models and Toyota Supra A90/A91 models in supported configurations
- ✓ Plug & Play solution available depending on the application
- ✓ No need to guess the ethanol content of the fuel in the tank
- ✓ Enables automatic adjustment adaptation with FlexFuel-compatible MHD tuning
Note: FlexFuel functionality always requires compatible MHD tuning. Installing the hardware without appropriate FlexFuel tune is not sufficient for safe system operation.