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BMW Coding & Diagnostics
As many of you know at this stage I have been fine tuning my coding & diagnostics skills over the past few years. I've bought many different kits & cables in that time. You'll find reviews that I have written on these cables on various sites but I'm not going to re-hash that because there is no point.
The reason there is no point is because there is only one solution I recommend right now, that is the solution being offered by BMTechnic in the UK.
http://www.cable-shack.co.uk/
What is Cable-Shack?
Well it is really just a neatly packaged bundle of software & diagnostic cable containing
- DIS v57
- INPA (with a modified version to maximise English content)
- NCS Expert (Coding)
- TIS (How To guides)
- Progman (don't install)
- Tool 32
- NFS
- WinFKP
Why Cable Shack & not EBay Cable?
You might say "sure all of that software is out there & freely available" why should I pay Cable Shack?
Here's some very good reasons:
- The difference with Cable Shack is the install solution that they have developed. It takes all the headache from the install. What is normally a mire of potential pitfalls becomes a one click install. Many of you have contacted me in the past (& still are) about issues you have had installing non-Cable Shack solutions so the install problem is a biggie
- Up to date Daten files. Updating the Daten files in your INPA/NCS Expert is vital if you are using the kit on newer cars (not F Series). Having older Daten files prevent you doing certain jobs. Cable Shack has the latest Daten files available always as part of their package. The updating process is another tricky task you can avoid by going with Cable Shack.
- Quality of the interface cable. Cable Shack are essentially rebranding a Chinese cable. However they are ensuring that the firmware on the cable is correct & testing each & every cable before shipping them to you. The EBay sellers are not doing this, in fact most sellers don't know how to use the cable they are selling
Which cable to get?
Cable Shack offer a number of different cables suitable for E-Series models, they have a simple to follow selection guide.
If you want to do diagnostics on an e36 then Cable Shack don't offer a cable suitable. However you can use their software package with an ADS type interface which can be bought elsewhere. You do need to change some software setting but I'm sure Chris would provide you with a macro to automate those changes. Just remember that in order to do e36 diagnostics your laptop must have a real serial port or specific PCMCIA to serial cards. A USB to Serial converter will not do, the data will not pass correctly through a USB-Serial adapter.
More detail will be added to this thread & you can ask specific questions on install here in this thread, not just for the Cable Shack solution.
If you have now moved on to an F Series Car then the diagnostics & coding game has moved on. The software & cables covered above are not suitable. The good news is that the Cable is cheaper and less complex, you need an E-Net Cable.
For diagnostics the solution out there is Rheingold. This is basically ISID and sometimes referred to as ISTA/P.
This is similar to the current system used by the dealer network. For F-Series cars you use this software with the E-Net Cable. However you can also use Rheingold with E-Series cars, but you need to adjust the configuration and also use a K+D CAN cable.
For coding F-Series cars you need to download the E-Sys software & use the E-Net Cable. It is similar in concept to NCS Expert albeit through a different software package.
EDIT: I updated this thread as BMTechic were taken down since it was originally written. I also added some info for F-Series cars.
Note that for E-Series cars www.bcables.com is an alternative to Cable shack.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
I received my cables and software form BMTechnic today
http://91.189.70.139/car/BMTechnic-cables.jpg
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BMW Coding & Diagnostics
How would you rate bmcables.co.uk equivalent kit?
It is cheaper iirc and seems to be the same simple installation.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by John_D
How would you rate bmcables.co.uk equivalent kit?
It is cheaper iirc and seems to be the same simple installation.
That kit gets good reviews from the guys over on bmw5.co.uk, of of the users over there "Jimmy" is the guy behind the cables. I don't know if he keeps the Daten files up to date but I did see that he has come up with an install GUI. The software is the same & the cable is very similar too.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
How hard is to load up o bought. Something on eBay a while. Back. It was looking to be loaded up on VM ware or something I hadn't a clue and through it in the bin if I buy this what's different
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
how much are these kits lads?
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by nigzcurran
how much are these kits lads?
The kit price depends on whether you want 20 pin round adapter cable and if you want USB memory stick or internet download for the software.
The prices start at £46.99 and go up to £67.99 excluding shipping.
They are currently out of stock until 15th of August.
http://91.189.70.139/eve/2013-08-14_104808.png
http://91.189.70.139/eve/2013-08-14_104830.png
http://91.189.70.139/eve/2013-08-14_104903.png
http://91.189.70.139/eve/2013-08-14_104915.png
http://bmtechnic.co.uk/bmw-diagnosti...2-pro-edition/
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BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Okey doke cheers for that
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BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Estimated 15th August. They were expecting stock on Monday but pushed it back and could be pushed back again. I've been checking every day since last week :)
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
so ye can install it onto a modern laptop via usb and then its good to go? we have the old assed laptop with the serial port on it and its fierce slow but handy to have
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
The guy made a nice installer and it is a breeze to install this. I wish I had that when I started coding, never heard of this until a few months ago. Been here a while though.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Stock pushed back to 17th August :(
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
I had purchased a cable on its own and downloaded the needed software from the internet and had some help from a forum member (Thanks Mark!). But I really like the idea of the easy install process on past experience/headaches, although it was not as bad as some people seem to find it. I will be rebuilding the laptop soon and like the idea of a quick install, don't want to reimage from backup.
Sadly BMTechnic does not just sell the installer even though I had a cable that works 100%, so it means I would need to buy the package.
I am just curious how does BMTechnic prevent their software from being shared once purchased?
Also how do they keep the daten files up to date?
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by eddiem74
I had purchased a cable on its own and downloaded the needed software from the internet and had some help from a forum member (Thanks Mark!). But I really like the idea of the easy install process on past experience/headaches, although it was not as bad as some people seem to find it. I will be rebuilding the laptop soon and like the idea of a quick install, don't want to reimage from backup.
Sadly BMTechnic does not just sell the installer even though I had a cable that works 100%, so it means I would need to buy the package.
I am just curious how does BMTechnic prevent their software from being shared once purchased?
Also how do they keep the daten files up to date?
When you purchase the package you get an e-mail with a licence key that activates the installer.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Seems BMTechnic has ceased trading based on some chatter on other forums. :(
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Re: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Bmw probably on there case ,afaik I know what there doing was illegal they could probably end up facing legal action
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Gone the same way as SpaghettiCoder I'd say, pity. Www.bmwcables.co.uk seems to be still up & running, they also have a simplified install interface.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by rebel.ranter
Gone the same way as SpaghettiCoder I'd say, pity. Www.bmwcables.co.uk seems to be still up & running, they also have a simplified install interface.
I only just ordered last Monday and opted for software download, so lucky I done the download as the links don't work now. Cable arrived also on Wednesday.
Sure hope the install, etc... runs smoothly now. :huh:
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by rebel.ranter
Gone the same way as SpaghettiCoder I'd say, pity. Www.bmwcables.co.uk seems to be still up & running, they also have a simplified install interface.
I have seen the bmw cables one, pretty crap compared to bmtechnic one. The installer is fine but the daten are way out.
There is anotherone from Romania too, same idea as bmtechnic. I have no experience on this one
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Found those guys too if that's any good to anyone.
I have no experience with them though
http://www.cable-shack.co.uk/programs.php
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by GERMANIKS
I have seen the bmw cables one, pretty crap compared to bmtechnic one. The installer is fine but the daten are way out.
What this does this mean (for the user) ?
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavyC2
Quote:
Originally Posted by GERMANIKS
I have seen the bmw cables one, pretty crap compared to bmtechnic one. The installer is fine but the daten are way out.
What this does this mean (for the user) ?
That means the daten files provided were very old so in essence you could not code/diagnose recent cars. The customer I have seen a few months back just bought this kit from them and even INPA was not working. It was running but there was no car you could select from the main interface. It was just so messy and not fully working. Back at the time I advised him to buy the BMTechnic one.
I don't know maybe they improved it since...
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
I found the Romanian one I came across before.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-Diagnostic-cable-INPA-Ediabas-DIS-SSS-GT1-/330606867879
They all look the same
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Hi lads , i have a question about key fobs , i have a e60 525d 04 reg , my diamond type key fob has a problem with the unlock button , and i got a e60 lci key fob , could i code the fob from lci to nonlci ? Just need it to open the doors and lock them , they have the same frequency , thanks
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by GERMANIKS
I found the Romanian one I came across before.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-Diagnostic-cable-INPA-Ediabas-DIS-SSS-GT1-/330606867879
They all look the same
This works. Just reset airbag / seatbelt lights with INPA.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
With the highly rated bmtechnic cables gone.Can anybody recommend a set up as straight forward as there's or is it just pot luck. I am no computer genius and the simple one step install sounded almost foolproof.Failing recommendations advise on what to avoid appreciated.I know this flagged as important, would it be possible to get this thread updated with next best option. Thanks ;).ps my query is for.a facelift e39 but any good system should also be mentioned for newer/older cars.
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Re: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
http://bmwcables.moonfruit.com/k-line-usb-data-cable/4557452662
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Thanks Gar I take it theses are the ones to get ,and not the ones to avoid.
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Re: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
:D sorry I should have put more detail in afaik these are the ones to get the guy that linked them owned bmcables and someone posted the same question earlier on bmw5 and he gave them that link shoot him an email its on the website I linked hes a decent lad will look after any questions/concerns you have
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Thanks, I will be.getting one of these before Christmass, and if I can manage the setup it would be a safe bet for anyone, I will let ye all know how I get on :D:idea::huh::@and back to :D
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
I see their site isn't working now, is there somewhere else I can pick up a cable and software for an 08 1 series?
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Just bumping this as im looking to get stuff for my car, i had a look at link provided and it seems like its still active are the cables and software from that site still a recommended purchase if not does anyone know of anywhere that sells em.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Hi, have a look at this crowd:
http://cable-shack.co.uk
They should have a cable, etc. to meet your needs.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by rebel.ranter
Hi, have a look at this crowd:
http://cable-shack.co.uk
They should have a cable, etc. to meet your needs.
Thank you sir ill have a look, cheers.
Edit; I just had a look and im not too sure which one i need my car is 323 e46. Does the cable come with software???? I just want to be sure what im buying.
Thanks.
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
just to let fols know the bm technic software still works but there are 2 problems with getting it to work firstly
1 the installer will not start without an activation code and in turn is then activated online
2 the software was setup to download the vmware app from bmtechnics own site and will not work as their site is gone
now heres the solutions
1 their is a chap who has setup servers to give u an activatiuon code and a software patch and activate for u for a small fee
2 theirs also a diy on the forums to allow u to change the vmware glitch which allows u to get dis up and running
#i can confirm all this works as i lost my activation when i updated windows etc.but u do need a copy of the original bm technic software which i have on a usb stick
and it now works so easy now i have it working in tandem with ncs dummy
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BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaycab
just to let fols know the bm technic software still works but there are 2 problems with getting it to work firstly
1 the installer will not start without an activation code and in turn is then activated online
2 the software was setup to download the vmware app from bmtechnics own site and will not work as their site is gone
now heres the solutions
1 their is a chap who has setup servers to give u an activatiuon code and a software patch and activate for u for a small fee
2 theirs also a diy on the forums to allow u to change the vmware glitch which allows u to get dis up and running
#i can confirm all this works as i lost my activation when i updated windows etc.but u do need a copy of the original bm technic software which i have on a usb stick
and it now works so easy now i have it working in tandem with ncs dummy
Grand job donkey balls, you can sort mine out so as I've to reinstall it again
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RE: BMW Coding & Diagnostics
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaycab
just to let fols know the bm technic software still works but there are 2 problems with getting it to work firstly
1 the installer will not start without an activation code and in turn is then activated online
2 the software was setup to download the vmware app from bmtechnics own site and will not work as their site is gone
now heres the solutions
1 their is a chap who has setup servers to give u an activatiuon code and a software patch and activate for u for a small fee
2 theirs also a diy on the forums to allow u to change the vmware glitch which allows u to get dis up and running
#i can confirm all this works as i lost my activation when i updated windows etc.but u do need a copy of the original bm technic software which i have on a usb stick
and it now works so easy now i have it working in tandem with ncs dummy
Why would you pay for activation codes? All this stuff is available for free on the web.
You just need to install bmw standard tools and update the daten files.
Bm technic like all other packaged products came with messed up daten files anyway so you still had to update them manually.
Plenty of other vendors for uk and romania that sell the package without any code too.