Which BMW software is ideal for your needs can be difficult to determine with so many options available. This guide will assist you in reducing your options by identifying the typical BMW software that DIYers primarily employ.
The Electronic Diagnosis and Information protocol created by BMW is known as BMW EDIABAS. BMW-specific coding and diagnostic software packages must be able to interact with EDIABAS in order to connect to the car.
Factory-Level Software Suites (Suggested for knowledgeable or experienced users):
The BMW INPA is a diagnostic interpreter program created by the manufacturer that connects to your vehicle using EDIABAS. Because there isn’t a user-friendly manual that explains how to use it in detail, it’s a thorough and potent tool best suited for experienced users.
Programming software called the BMW WinKFP was created at the manufacturer and is used to write, edit, or flash vehicle modules.
The BMW NCS Expert is coding software created by BMW at the factory level for customizing features and options for vehicles.
The swiss army knife of BMW software is the BMW Tool32. It resembles how the Windows DOS command box appears to operate. You can use it to read the fault memory of certain control units, apply specific operations to the control units, or reset the service. BMW coding is another usage for it.
Software Suites for Dealers (User-Friendly Tools):
An older version of dealer-level BMW diagnostic software is called the BMW DIS. This program, which made use of the GT1 system, was created in 1994 for BMW dealers. In order to do diagnostics, programming, coding, display live data, read modules, and read faults, the E39 dealer uses DISv44. The most recent update to the original DIS coding and diagnostic software is called DISplus.
Currently, all Exx and Fxx vehicles are diagnosed at the dealer level using the BMW ISTA/D, also known as RHEINGOLD. It is intended to take the place of the previous DIS diagnostic software.
Another modern dealer-level diagnostic tool is the BMW ISTA/P, which took the position of the earlier SSS Progman programming tool.
You can obtain remote coding assistance for a flat price here: https://bit.ly/RemoteCodingAssistance if you need help with your BMW code and programming.
In This Article...
mechauto
Hello, everybody. I’ve been a member of this site for a while, but up until now I haven’t had anything to say.
I wanted to write this review in case there were any other people out there who were considering buying the BMW DIS, INPA, SSS software but were unsure about whether they would be able to install it themselves or weren’t sure where to get it. I seriously spent two to three weeks researching this and debating whether to just buy a different scan tool or aftermarket software that was simpler to use but lacked DIS and INPA’s features. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, hopefully this will be helpful.
After seeking and considering options for several weeks, I ultimately decided to buy the DIS/INPA/SSS software from pss-autosoft.net, essentially by picking a random retailer’s website. Naturally, I made an effort to locate sites that appeared trustworthy and provided useful information about their offerings, but they were still somewhat random.
One disclaimer: I haven’t utilized the SSS or Progam programs yet, so I can’t speak to how they work. Although I did open them and they did so, I did not connect them to my car.
BMW DIS Program
Anyone with experience with BMW DIS software? I spent an hour and a half getting it to work on VMware. Since my desktop computer is speedier, I ran a practice run on it until DIS was completely installed. On my netbook, it is currently completing up. The setup for the interface into which the obd2 will be inserted was one thing the installation manual left out. It can work because I’ve watched a video of this software being set up on the exact same netbook. Has anyone ever utilized DIS?
The issue is connectivity even if it is installed and running on my netbook in VMware. I think I’m lacking some kind of simulation of what the dealer has, a large yellow object known as a diagnostic head.
The first one might just be the one. I’m beginning to understand the precise workings of this software. I basically simply need to replicate the diagnostic head because DIS is already operating, which can be done using the software in that link.
This passage was quite helpful:
“BMW’s diagnostic protocol (language) is called EDIABAS, and INPA is an interpreter application that interacts with EDIABAS to provide diagnostic information. Simply put, DIS is a streamlined framework for EDIABAS communication with your vehicle. For DIS to use it to transmit and receive commands to your automobile, you must first install INPA/EDIABAS on your computer.”
I think I’ve got it running very well. I used that technique with the customized “easydis,” and it essentially completed many of the tasks I had previously completed manually. This is a “quick test” done from the diagnostic menu that I was able to complete after getting the communications to function and simulating the diagnostic head:
! Something with a checkmark next to it means it’s in working order, while an x denotes a problem. Before I actually meddle with DIS, I still have a lot of homework to complete on how to use it.
Exactly. I’m already working on a fix to have it solely pick up the transmission and DME. I think it’s because the cable can’t distinguish between the battery and the ignition. As I awaited their approval, I posted on the initial topic. It might be as simple as joining two pins on my cable with solder. It must be communicating with the vehicle because else I would not have been able to complete the quick scan.
What is the purpose of BMW INPA?
You’ve probably heard of INPA if you’ve ever tried modifying your BMW’s features. Advanced users frequently utilize the BMW software INPA for troubleshooting or coding.
A thorough tutorial on how to read your BMW’s fault codes and use all of its capabilities can be found on the BMW Doctor YouTube channel. View it in the following video:
INPA is a diagnostic interpreter application created by the manufacturer for connecting your BMW car to EDIABAS. For diagnosing and coding your BMW, use INPA, a strong and complete tool. It is connected to all of your BMW’s modes and systems. All of the BMW issue codes may be viewed, and it also offers live diagnostic data, test features, GUI pages, and many other things. Because there isn’t a user-friendly manual available that explains the steps to utilize INPA clearly, it is primarily used by advanced users.
Special thanks to BMW Doctor for providing this thorough manual. Please visit his channel here to subscribe for more useful videos.
Describe ISTA BMW.
All current dealer-level diagnostic software for BMW E Series and F Series vehicles is called BMW ISTA/D. It takes the place of the previous DIS diagnostic software version. All BMW models can be diagnosed using the ISTA/D software, however only BMW F-, I-, G-, and Mini/RR series vehicles can be programmed. For models in the E Series, programming is not supported.
How to utilize the ISTA/D diagnostic software on your BMW car is demonstrated in a video tutorial from BMW Doctor. View it in the video down below.
Rheingold, ISTA+, and ISTA D are all acronyms for the same standard. The BMW core application and data are included in a folder file called Rheingold, which is where the integrated service technical application, or ISTA, was created. Later, Rheingold changed its name to ISTA/D, where D stands for Diagnostics. The P in ISTA/P, on the other hand, stands for programming.
Like ISTA/P, ISTA/D also needs the ICOM interface to accomplish the following:
- ICOM A: the primary interface.
- ICOM B: functions as an adaptor for multimedia programming in E series models.
- Older BMW cars that use the circular 20-pin diagnostic plug can use ICOM C as an adaptor.
- ICOM D: functions as a BMW motorbike adapter
BMW divided the ISTA/D application into two categories: programming and diagnostics. Applying it is as follows:
In order to diagnose:
- updating software
- Troubleshooting
- Informational manual for upkeep and repair
- Identification and control of vehicles.
in programming
- software update
- Retrofits and Conversions
- Changing the Control Unit
A special thanks to Reclaimer from the Bimmerfest forum for creating a beginner’s tutorial to BMW ISTA+ and to BMW Doctor for the fantastic video guide.
Describe the BMW coding tool.
BMW iDrive coding, in its simplest form, entails modifying your car’s software in order to unlock new functions or modify how existing ones function. Most of the time, such capabilities are already included into your iDrive by BMW; all that needs to be done is for coding to enable them. iDrive is already built to accommodate a rear view camera in cars that come equipped with one from the factory, therefore activating a retrofit kit merely involves unlocking those software capabilities. One example of such code is to activate an aftermarket backup camera.
What is an expert BMW NCS?
Using the NCS Dummy’s assistance, coding your BMW with NCS Expert will be easier and more convenient. Here is a detailed instruction manual on how to accomplish it.
The NCS Expert is a piece of software that enables users to speak with any module on the BMW CAN network directly. It has the ability to read module configuration codes and write new configurations.
Through a trace file, the NCS Expert downloads ECU parameters into the computer. To make changes to the ECU of the vehicle, update this trace file and upload it again. These trace files are often edited by hand using a simple text editor. On the other side, working with NCS Expert is much simpler while using the NCS Dummy. It assists users in avoiding the labor-intensive procedure of manually altering trace files. Editing the trace files is made simple and secure by the NCS Dummy. Additionally, users of the NCS Dummy can construct and disassemble NCS Expert data files to employ specific functions that aren’t possible with the original NCS Expert installation.
Many thanks to Evan Goyuk for creating this fantastic video tutorial. More of his videos can be seen here.
How are BMW diagnostics performed?
Whether you want to perform a complete ECUs diagnostic or only use the BMW cluster service menu to quickly reset data like the engine oil level or brake fluid level depends on your preferences.
Leave it to the BimmerTech experts if it’s the first one. That is, unless you are an expert at reading code lists from your control unit tree.
With the latter, you shouldn’t have any issues because there are no OBD plugs or additional devices needed to reset your BMW cluster service menu. Each series has an own way of doing things, but it all comes down to a few clicks on your odometer button in the end.
The G-Series menu for resetting your BMW service looks like this:
- Enter your vehicle and lock all the doors.
- Start the ignition, but leave the engine off.
- In a fast sequence, press the start/stop button three times.
- When the Service menu displays, continue to hold down the odometer reset button on the dash.
- Press and hold the odometer reset button to reset it.
- Press the button once more once the “Reset?” prompt appears.
Your service information, including the next scheduled general service date and the engine oil and brake fluid levels, is now being deleted.