New OBD Protocol for KESS3 and Powergate: What Is Bosch MD1CS001 (BMW/MINI)?

Short answer: Alientech has released a new protocol for KESS3 and Powergate that reads and writes the locked Bosch MD1CS001 ECU directly over the vehicle's OBD port. Previously, this locked ECU family required a bench removal for every session — now that step is needed only once.

What Does It Do?

• The Bosch MD1CS001 lock is opened once via the bench protocol; every read/write after that is done over OBD
• Removes the need for repeated engine bench removal
• Enables remote customer support and configuration management via Powergate
• Covers 1.5L and 2.0L diesel engines (B37, B47) from model year 2021 onward

Which Vehicles and Engines Are Covered?

The protocol targets two engine families: B37 (1.5L, 3-cylinder diesel) and B47 (2.0L, 4-cylinder diesel), widely used across the following BMW and MINI models from model year 2021 onward:

We recommend confirming the exact engine code and ECU type (whether it's an MD1CS001) via VIN or the engine label — the same body code can carry different engine/ECU combinations.

Bench to OBD: How the Workflow Changes Step by Step

Previously, every chip tuning, file read/write or fault-recovery job on this ECU family meant removing it from the car and connecting it to a bench. With the new protocol, the workflow becomes:

1. Step 1 — one-time bench unlock: The ECU is removed once and connected to KESS3 via the bench protocol; the protected memory is read and the lock is opened. This step is done only once.
2. Step 2 — everything after that over OBD: Once unlocked, the engine no longer needs to be removed. Reading the original file, writing chip tuning (performance) files, DPF/EGR/AdBlue-off files, or recovering a faulty/locked ECU are all done directly over the vehicle's OBD port.
3. Step 3 — remote support via Powergate: Shops using Powergate can connect over OBD and write files remotely even while the vehicle is at the customer's location; the technician doesn't need to be physically at the engine.

In practice, this means both shorter labor time and less wear risk on connectors/engine mounting points from repeated removal and reinstallation.

Why It Matters

Bench removal on locked ECU families costs both time and labor. This update moves everything after the initial unlock to OBD, speeding up shop workflow — a clear advantage for shops offering remote support via Powergate.

Required Activations

• KESS3: CAR OBD + BENCH/BOOT license with an active subscription
• Powergate: CAR BENCH/BOOT activation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which devices support this protocol?

Alientech KESS3 and Powergate. It is not supported on earlier-generation devices such as KESS V2.

Does this mean no bench work at all anymore?

No. The initial unlock is still done via bench; the new part is that every session after that — file reading, chip tuning writes, DPF/EGR/AdBlue-off, recovery — can be done over OBD.

What license do I need?

KESS3 requires a CAR OBD + BENCH/BOOT license with an active subscription; Powergate requires CAR BENCH/BOOT activation. Contact us to check your current license.

Which engines and models are covered?

B37 (1.5L) and B47 (2.0L) diesel engines from model year 2021 onward across BMW 1-6 Series, X1-X4 and MINI Cooper D/One D. We recommend a VIN check to confirm exact coverage.