anyone bother with "carsoft"?

[liam012]

Is this a useful thing to have - do any of you guys use it?
http://www.carsoftinternational.com/product.htm

[TheDutch]

I recently built myself a Carsoft 3.x interface, worked fine but the software is only really good for reading fault codes. I don't know if the newer versions offer any more on the older ECUs as found on E30s.

[Martinaston]

I've been after one (on and off) for about a year now, the original quote i got was over a grand just for a cd and three feet of cable. mmmmm bargain.
I think i'll treat myself to a cheapie off ebay at some point.

Liam, i doubt the old ecu hold's any new tricks without replacing the eprom chip

Dutch, do you know where you can by the diagnostic plugs if i want to make my own leads ?

[TheDutch]

I didn't bother with a proper plug, I just simply stuck the four wires straight into the connector. It's only for a few minutes so I didn't see the need for a more elegant solution.

All I was after was the any fault codes and the 3.x version is fine for that.

If you fancy a bit of DIY try this translated guide : http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... f%26sa%3DN

another interface schematic here : http://www.dinplug.com/stuff/carsoft-interface(1).gif

The software can be easily obtained on the filesharing networks, but there are some irritating issues. Let me know if you fancy a crack at it I'll help you out.

Neil

[A1BMW325iSport]

i could do with something like this to sort out the airbag light on my dads e34

[smithy318i]

Ver 3.4 is available on Limewire.

[tourerti]

Ive been told to tell you Carsoft is very poor and you will be better off with DiaSoft, this is quality equipment and wont damage the car in any way unlike the copy.
The original carsoft is dongled to stop people copying it but when they do with the likes of the cheaper Ԛ£150 pound units on ebay they are not made from the same components and can freeze, and if this happens whilst your reading then the car will not start again untill you replace the ecu.
DiaSoft is availible from time to time on ebay for around Ԛ£100 - Ԛ£300.

[TheDutch]

Have you been told to tell us this by the people that sell DiaSoft by any chance? The day CarSoft destroys my ECU is the day I can download a new dustbin and a quarter-pounder with cheese; I had no trouble getting my fault codes with the 3.4 version. No, it's not the latest, but perfectly good for the comparitively unsophisticated E30 ECUs, and considering I spent less on it than buying a penny sweet I can't really complain.

[tourerti]

Diasoft supply bmw and dont sell to the public so no sales pitch, the carsoft is not rated in the high end bmw world of diagnostics, just check out the top indies around and ask them of there thoughts on carsoft, you will laugh at the answer.