What is DBF1, in 10 seconds

DBF1 is a VAG/Porsche ECU & TCU flashing + diagnostics app that uses Ethernet/ENET for fast, reliable OBD flashing. It supports Bosch MGD1 ECUs (gas & diesel) and ZF 8-speed ALx52 TCUs on MLBevo-era cars (e.g., B9 S4, C8 RS6/RS7/RSQ8, Cayenne, Panamera, Urus, etc.). Initial ECU flash can take ~1 minute; repeat flashes ~10 sec; TCU flashes ~10 sec. 

Step 1 — Download & install DBF1

• Download DBF1 from the official site: Download DBF1. (From deadbeefflash.com → “Download DBF1”)
• Install and launch DBF1 on your Windows machine.
• (Optional) Add DBF1 to your antivirus/firewall “allowed” list.

Tip: DBF1 includes a free diagnostics mode that can read module names, fault codes, coding, flash counters, versions, odometer, battery status, and readiness (it scans ~30 modules in seconds). Use this first to verify connectivity. 

Step 2 — Connect the car

• Ignition ON, engine OFF. Lights and MMI on, engine not running.
• Plug the ENET cable into the OBD port and your laptop’s Ethernet (or USB-Ethernet) port.
• Put a battery charger on the car if available. Not necessary if the battery is known good.

Step 3 — Verify support & ID the vehicle

• Open DBF1 → run the free diagnostics.
• DBF1 will confirm if your ECU/TCU is or is not supported and whether a flasher/logger entitlement can be sold for your exact VIN. (It’s priced per individual car.) 
• If your car has SFD2/UNECE gateway or a locked ECU, DBF1 will tell you and the pricing may be halved or reduced while other tools/services are used; you’ll also see notes for ZF8 TCU H06 hardware (TCU flash may be free even if you later swap mechatronic to H05). 

If DBF1 shows supported:  Purchase a licanse for your ECU and/or TCU, Press save stock bin and proceed to Step 4 and message PME Tuning with your stock bin for the ecu or tcu.

Step 4 — Purchase your tune (from PME Tuning)

• PME Tuning will confirm the vehicle support & pricing and arrange your ECU/TCU tune via DBF1.
• DBF1 supports tuner-supplied files; tuners may encrypt/VIN-lock files. An original/stock file is supplied and you can always flash back to stock. 
• What we need from you:
• The stock binary files for your ECU or TCU 
• Your goals (e.g., stage, fuel (E, 91/93).
• Any mods (intake, downpipes, turbos, flex-fuel hardware, etc.).

Step 5 — Back up stock files (recommended)

DBF1 allows you to download and save your stock ECU/TCU files after entitlements are active. Keep these somewhere safe. (See DBF1’s “Download stock ECU/TCU files” video.) YouTube

Step 6 — Flashing your tune

• Ignition ON, engine OFF. Charger connected. Doors closed, lights off, blower/fans off.
• Ethernet wired connection (preferred). Close other OBD apps (OBD11, VCDS, etc.).
• In DBF1, select the ECU (or TCU) flash operation, click "custom" and choose the file/option PME provided.
• Start the flash and do not:
• open doors,
• touch the start button,
• wiggle the OBD/ENET cable, or
• let the laptop sleep.
• DBF1 will write the file. 
• When prompted, cycle ignition as instructed by DBF1.

Step 7 — Post-flash checks

• Use DBF1 to clear DTCs and re-scan.
• Start the engine and verify stable idle, no warnings.
• Take a short test drive (light throttle first), verify shifting (if TCU flashed), then progressively load.
• If logging was requested, DBF1 can log to CSV and you can email logs back to PME for review. 

Troubleshooting & Notes

• Car goes to sleep: keep a charger on, avoid long pauses between steps, and don’t open the door during the flash if not requested.
• No connection: confirm ENET shows as a network adapter in Windows; disable Wi-Fi for the first flash; try a different USB-Ethernet dongle if needed.
• Gateway/lock message: DBF1 will tell you if SFD2/UNECE or ECU lock applies and what to do next (pricing adjustments shown in-app). 
• Platform coverage: DBF1 targets Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Seat, Skoda, VW & Porsche with Ethernet (MLBevo-era). It does not flash Continental ECUs (e.g., Mk8 Golf) or DSG/PDK currently (diagnostics still works on many). 

Safety checklist (read before you flash)

• Laptop on AC power or 80%+ battery; sleep disabled.
• Smart charger on vehicle (recommended).
• Wired ENET connection for the first flash.
• Ignition ON, engine OFF.
• Do not disturb the vehicle or cable until DBF1 says done.

How PME Tuning supports you

• We verify support and advise whether ECU/TCU can be flashed on your car.
• We provide the tune file(s) tailored to your mods/fuel and guide you through first flash live if needed.
• We can review logs and offer revisions where applicable.

*We highly suggest watching all videos supplied by DBF1 HERE*