He launched the cracked Autocom software—version 2015.2, icons jagged, font mismatched. He clicked “Diagnostics,” then “Engine Control Unit.”

On the fourth night, rain hammered the tin roof of his garage. The BMW sat on jack stands, gutted. His ancient Dell Latitude ran Windows 7 Ultimate—the last good OS, he swore. He held his breath and began the ritual.

Marcus clicked .