The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the brain behind your vehicle’s performance, managing everything from fuel injection to transmission shifts. For Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) vehicles—including Audi, VW, Skoda, and Seat—ECU software unlocks a treasure trove of tuning potential. This guide breaks down key ECU file categories, their applications, and how they empower enthusiasts and technicians alike.
1. Transmission Control: Mastering the DSG
VAG’s Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) is renowned for its speed and efficiency. Here’s a look at the software files that keep these transmissions running smoothly:
- DQ200: Controls 7-speed DSG transmissions, common in compact models like the VW Golf.
- DQ250: Manages 6-speed DSGs, often found in high-torque vehicles like the Audi S3.
- OLS Files: Used with tuning tools (e.g., DSG TEMIC DQ200 DSG7 0002E300041H.ols). “TEMIC” refers to the manufacturer of DSG control units, and these files allow gearbox remapping for faster shifts or improved durability.
2. Engine Control: Power at Your Fingertips
From turbocharged petrol engines to efficient diesels, VAG’s ECU ecosystem is vast. Key categories include:
Bosch ECUs
- MED17.5.x: Powers newer models like the Seat Leon, with files (e.g.,
MED17.5.20) enabling performance tweaks. - ME7.x: Found in iconic 1.8T engines (e.g., Audi TT 225CV), these files (
ME7.5_06A032AC.hex) allow turbo boost adjustments and rev limit increases. - EDC15/16/17: Diesel-focused ECUs. EDC15V files suit older TDIs, while EDC17 manages modern common-rail engines.
Siemens ECUs
- SIMOS: Used in petrol engines, with files like
SIMOS8.2for the Audi A3 2.0T. - PPD: Controls “Pumpe-Düse” diesel injectors in models like the VW Passat TDI.
Specialized Files
- Audi A3/TT: Generation-specific files (e.g.,
Audi_A3_8P1.8T_180HP.ols+dam) for fine-tuning. - VR6 & M3.8/M5: Older petrol engines, ideal for restoring or upgrading classics.
3. ECU File Types: What Do They Mean?
Understanding file extensions is critical for effective tuning:
- .ols: Tuning project files for tools like OLS.
- .dam/.damo: Contain ECU maps (fueling, timing) for precise adjustments.
- .hex/.bin: Raw firmware (hexadecimal or binary) for flashing.
- .a2l: Calibration data for diagnostics.
- .ori: Original files—always keep backups!
- .fkt: Feature files to enable/disable ECU functions.
Practical Applications
- Performance Tuning: Increase horsepower, torque, or throttle response by modifying maps in .dam files.
- Diagnostics: Decode fault codes or analyze sensor data with .a2l and .csv files.
- Restoration: Source original .ori files to revert modified ECUs to factory settings.
Key Considerations
- Compatibility: Ensure files match your ECU hardware (e.g., MED17.5.1 ≠ MED17.5.20).
- Legality: Check local regulations—some modifications may violate emissions laws.
- Risks: Incorrect flashing can brick your ECU. Always work with backups!
VAG ECU software opens doors to unparalleled customization, whether you’re chasing track-day performance or refining daily drivability. By understanding DSG files, engine control modules, and file types, you’re equipped to make informed decisions—safely and effectively.
This is our curated ECU file collections that you can purchase and unlock your VAG vehicle’s hidden potential.
| Category | Subcategory | Vehicle/ECU Details | File Name(s) | File Extension(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAG DSG | DQ200 | DSG TEMIC DQ200 DSG7 | DSG TEMIC DQ200 DSG7 0002E300041H.ols | .ols |
| VAG DSG | DQ250 | DSG TEMIC DQ250 DSG6 | DSG TEMIC DQ250 DSG6 02E300011CP.ols | .ols |
| VAG GROUP | 1.4TSI 120cv - MED17.5.20 | Seat Leon 1.4TSI 120cv | Seat Leon 1.4Tsi 120cv - MED17.5.20.ols | .ols |
| VAG GROUP | 1.8 TFSI - MED17.5.1 | VAG 1.8 TFSI | VAG_1.8TFSI_MED17.5.1.ols | .ols |
| VAG GROUP | Audi A3 110kwbj2000 | Audi A3 110kW (2000) | B21DZ04g.dam, B21DZ04g.hex, B21DZ04g.sgm, B21DZ04o.hex | .dam, .hex, .sgm |
| VAG GROUP | Audi Seat Golf 132kw Eu34 | Audi Seat Golf 132kW (2003), Audi TT 132kW | 2C2SFGB3.HEX, 2C2TFGB4.HEX, 24C2.zip, BITX24c25r.FKT, X24c25r.a2l, etc. | .hex, .zip, .fkt, .a2l |
| VAG GROUP | Audi TT 180HP | Audi TT 1.8T 180PS (6-speed Auto) | Audi 1.8T 180PS 6Gang-Automatik 61206439_8N0906018BD.ols, AudiTT1.8t(420).dam | .ols, .dam |
| VAG GROUP | AudiTT18T(420) | Audi TT 1.8T (420) | AudiTT1.8t(420).dam | .dam |
| VAG GROUP | AudiTT225CV | Audi TT 225CV, A3 1.8T | TT_225.dam, TT_225.ORI, A3 1.8T.ols, vag_m38_150PS_18T.ols | .dam, .ori, .ols |
| VAG GROUP | BOSCH EDC15 | Various TDI (1.9, 2.5, 110HP, 115HP, 130HP) | VAG_EDC15.dam, F41BM000.DAM, F41BM000.DBF, 0281010744.ols, etc. | .dam, .dbf, .ols, .ori |
| VAG GROUP | BOSCH M3.8 | VW Golf3 2.9 VR6, Audi A3 1.8T | vag vr6_m381.dam, vag 1.8t plcc44 0261 204 806.dam, 8D0907558E.HEX, etc. | .dam, .ols, .hex |
| VAG GROUP | BOSCH M5 | Audi A4 1.8T | A4-18ME5.ols | .ols |
| VAG GROUP | Bosch ME7 | Audi/VW 1.8T, Beetle Turbo | 9RPG6710.a2l, 9RPG6710.hex, Beetle Turbo.dam, TT_225.dam | .a2l, .hex, .dam |
| VAG GROUP | Bosch ME7.1 | Audi RS4, S4, TT 225, Allroad 2.7, Golf4 1.8T | A19L700.DAM, W23G622.HEX, Audi_RS4_2.7T_ME 7.1.ols, TT225.ols, etc. | .dam, .hex, .ols, .bin |
| VAG GROUP | Bosch ME7.1.1 | Audi RS6, Allroad 2.7, 3.2 V6 | Audi-allroad2.7T-4Z7907551R-ME7.1.1.ols, A25an.dam | .ols, .dam |
| VAG GROUP | Bosch MED9, MED9.1, MED9.5 | Various VAG models | (Files listed under respective ECU types) | .ols, .dam |
| VAG GROUP | Siemens PPD, SIMOS | Various VAG models | VW Siemenshex+a2l, (other SIMOS files) | .hex, .a2l |
| VAG GROUP | VAG V6 32 R32, VR62 | VW R32, VR6 | (Files listed under respective models) | .dam, .hex |