Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Poverty Built Tunes

Poverty Built sells BMW staged files and OTS map packs. Each product is built around supported engine, DME/software, hardware, fuel, stage, features, and flashing formats. It is not an open-ended custom-tuning service. If your car or goal does not fit a listed combination, use UNDSPTD. bespoke tuning.

How do I order the correct tune?

  1. Start with the actual engine and DME/ECU. Chassis, badge, and model year alone are not enough.
  2. Complete every Tune Configurator field accurately, including VIN, DME/software, transmission, current fuel, installed hardware, requested stage, features, and flashing format.
  3. Choose only a stage that matches the hardware and fuel currently on the car.
  4. If anything is uncertain, ask before ordering or flashing.

What is included with a Poverty Built tune?

You receive the staged file or OTS map pack that matches the listing and the selections submitted with the order. Support covers delivery questions and review of an active file-side problem in a correctly selected and correctly flashed Poverty Built stage file.

What is not included?

The OTS product does not include ongoing calibration changes, iterative datalog development, mechanical diagnosis, updates for later modifications, different fuels, swapped hardware, changed features, or requests for a different power goal. Those are new scope, not a fault in the delivered stage file. Use UNDSPTD. for non-standard or individualized calibration work.

What should I do if the stage file seems wrong?

Stop and send one complete support message to help@povertybuilt.com with your order number, the exact delivered file, chassis/year/VIN last 7, engine, DME/software ID, transmission, current mods and fuel, the exact behavior or error, fault codes, screenshots, and a matching log if requested. If we verify an active issue in the delivered Poverty Built file, we will correct that file-side issue. Do not keep flashing random files or change the setup while it is being reviewed.

What do stages mean on naturally aspirated tunes?

On supported naturally aspirated MS41, MS42, MS43, MS45, and other listed products, the stage describes the offered calibration level and driving character. Suggested modifications are recommendations unless the current product listing marks something as required. Configure the actual car first; select the stage second.

What do stages mean on turbo and diesel OTS products?

On N54, N55, M57, and other boosted products, the map must match the supported turbo, fuel, emissions-hardware status where lawful, sensors, fuel system, transmission, and other requirements shown on the current listing. Anything marked Required must already be installed and operating correctly.

How do I identify MS42, MS43, or MS45?

Use the DME label and a diagnostic identification. Engine, chassis, and model year are only supporting clues because production transitions, market differences, replacement modules, and swaps exist. Read BMW MS42 vs MS43 vs MS45: How to Identify Your ECU before ordering.

Do I need to provide a full ECU read?

Only when the product instructions or Poverty Built request one. Complete the Tune Configurator first. If a read or additional identification is needed for that DME/ROM, we will ask. Keeping your own verified stock backup is still good practice whenever your flashing tool supports it.

Which flashing tool should I use?

Always use the exact tool and FULL/PARTIAL method stated with the delivered file. Read the MS42/MS43 flashing guide and MS45 distinction.

How are tune files delivered?

Tune files are digital products delivered to the email address used at checkout. Complete digital tune orders are fulfilled within one business hour during business hours (9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET), once payment and all required configuration information are received. Orders placed outside business hours are processed when business hours resume. There is no physical shipment or tracking number. Check spam and promotions, then contact help@povertybuilt.com with your order number if a delivery email is missing. See the Shipping Policy.

Will tuning fix a mechanical problem?

No. Repair active faults, misfires, boost or vacuum leaks, fuel-pressure problems, cooling issues, ignition faults, unstable sensors, and transmission problems before flashing or logging. A calibration can expose or magnify an existing problem; it cannot repair one.

What are my flashing responsibilities?

You are responsible for accurate order information, a mechanically sound vehicle, compatible licensed software, the correct cable/interface, stable battery support, any required unlock, safe file handling, and following the supplied tool instructions. Do not flash when voltage or communication is unstable.

What is the refund policy for digital tunes?

Digital tuning files are non-returnable after delivery. A verified file-side issue is handled as support, not as an ongoing custom-development service. Eligibility before delivery, limited exchanges, physical-product returns, and mandatory legal rights are explained in the Refund Policy.

Do physical products ship differently?

Yes. Cables, valve covers, merchandise, and other physical products follow the preparation, carrier, tracking, customs, and return terms in the current Shipping Policy and Refund Policy. A shipping label can be created before carrier pickup; the carrier acceptance scan is what confirms transit.

Where can I compare products and prepare the car?

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