2.90 - Kess
When searching for "Kess 2.90," you will likely find two price categories: the genuine Alientech unit ($1,500+) and the clone/Chinese unit ($100-$200). The vast majority of online tutorials referencing 2.90 are aimed at clone users.
Why users buy clones with 2.90:
The risks:
Pro Tip: If using a clone, buy a "Power Supply Stabilizer" to sit between the tool and the ECU during boot mode.
Even with stable Kess 2.90 firmware, errors occur. Kess 2.90
Kess 2.90 is an incremental but worthwhile update that addresses real-world pain points for tuners: better stability, wider ECU coverage, and safer flashing routines. Whether you’re a pro shop or a serious hobbyist, installing 2.90 should make many ECU tuning jobs faster and more reliable.
As of 2025, Alientech (now Magicmotorsport) has superseded Kess V2 with: When searching for "Kess 2
However, Kess 2.90 remains legendary because:
| Use Case | How Kess 2.90 Helps | |----------|----------------------| | Stage 1/2 tuning | OBD read/write without opening ECU. | | ECU cloning (spare) | Read donor car, write to replacement ECU (identical HW). | | Immobilizer off | After file mod, Kess writes back. | | DPF/EGR removal software | Writes modified calibration (legal only for off-road). | | Speed limiter removal | Simple map edit, Kess reflashes. | The risks: