Diagnostic cables and software

Sun Oct 19, 2014 12:23 pm

Now i'm no expert in this but we have to move on with the times and having this sort of stuff for the keeno DIY'er is a must now for anything from the e36 onwards

Check this link

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bmw_diagnostics/m.html

Is this on the right track? I've got an old laptop sorted.

I think i'd need a cable for the older round 20 pin stuff e36,e34 and another for OBD2 stuff like the e46, e60

Anyone used this the stuff in the link? It seems to have everything you'd want to do covered.

I've read about INPA alot which i don't understand?

Sun Oct 19, 2014 1:31 pm

For E34, E36 you can use a USB OBD2 cable to scan some modules, but for the other modules you need a ADS serial cable.

This the one I bought but I have not go round to setting it up yet.

http://openlabs.co/store/Tiny-ADS-Inter ... -connector

For your E46 you can use a USB OBD2 cable with a 20pin adaptor if it does not have a OBD2 port under the dashboard.

You can buy the cable and download the software on-line for free. You really only need INPA for reading and clearing codes.

Sun Oct 19, 2014 5:40 pm

Once someone learns how to set it up, can they tell me? I got the software but I'm fucked if I can get it to work!!!!

Sun Oct 19, 2014 7:53 pm

B7 wrote:Once someone learns how to set it up, can they tell me? I got the software but I'm ****** if I can get it to work!!!!

Get your kids to show you Trev

Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:00 pm

Jesus325iTouring wrote:
B7 wrote:Once someone learns how to set it up, can they tell me? I got the software but I'm ****** if I can get it to work!!!!
Get your kids to show you Trev

I might have more luck to be honest!

Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:25 pm

To get mine to work I had to install "VMware Player"

Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:46 pm

Once I get the older ADS setup working, I will show you at Surrey rolling road Simon.

Trevor, what cable have you got?

Mon Oct 20, 2014 1:01 pm

I have both the old round and the later OBD2 cables and about 5 or 6 discs!

I got bored with it to be honest. I bore easily with PC's and laptops. To the point I throw them across the room. They don't tend to work too well after that.

Mon Oct 20, 2014 1:37 pm

I will upload a 1 click install of INPA when I get home.

Tue Oct 21, 2014 1:09 am

That software looks all you'd ever need though no? I want something more than fault code reading and getting the airbag light off.

That stuff on ebay will let you do all sorts like live data reading, encode new modules. It also comes with the TIS, INPA, etk, wiring diagrams. I'm going to give it punt

Tue Oct 21, 2014 1:36 am

I've got a copy of GT1, INPA and a how to guide on my computer somewhere.

Ps you can make these cables with a cheapo VAG cable and solder some pins together. Then use an OBD 2 to 1 adaptor.

Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:53 pm

I don't think the one you linked to on ebay will work on an e34.
That cable looks like a cheap KKL type that would only work on newer stuff.

The cable is about £5 worth and the software collection, though extensive, is all readily pirated.

As Blitz said you need an ADS interface like he linked to.
These were £100 or so when I last looked into it a couple of years ago!

Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:57 pm

ADS interface I bought for mine was nowhere near £100! Can't remember the exact figure, but I'm sure it wasn't more than £20.

Tue Oct 21, 2014 10:43 pm

So really maybe just buy the software, i'm sure it will work on an e34 , but i'd need a 20 pin connector, theres a guy on the 5 forum who sell the cables Jimmy.

Can't you buy an OBD2 lead and buy an adaptor that fits to the older cars with 20 pin round plugs? That would do me for the cars i've got.

Tue Oct 21, 2014 10:44 pm

Simon13 wrote:the software will work on an e34 , but i'd need a 20 pin connector, theres a guy on the 5 forum who sell the cables.

Jimmys your man by all accounts. I've not spoken to him but I need to really.

Tue Oct 21, 2014 10:53 pm

Simon13 wrote:So really maybe just buy the software, i'm sure it will work on an e34 , but i'd need a 20 pin connector, theres a guy on the 5 forum who sell the cables Jimmy.

Can't you buy an OBD2 lead and buy an adaptor that fits to the older cars with 20 pin round plugs? That would do me for the cars i've got.

It will only read some modules. You can clear air bag lights with that but anything more you need ADS.

You need a proper ADS cable and a old laptop with a serial port.

I bought this one.

http://openlabs.co/store/Tiny-ADS-Inter ... -connector

Wed Oct 22, 2014 8:28 pm

SOOOOOOOOOOOO, youre saying the 20 pin adaptors won't allow full function of the diagnostics ya?

Can you get a laptop that has a USB and serial port?! Then finally it will all work then..........

ADS as in auto diagnostic system?

Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:42 pm

I got INPA working on the E36. I can access any every module now.

Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:47 pm

Simon13 wrote:SOOOOOOOOOOOO, youre saying the 20 pin adaptors won't allow full function of the diagnostics ya?

Can you get a laptop that has a USB and serial port?! Then finally it will all work then..........

ADS as in auto diagnostic system?

You need ADS cable and an old laptop with a serial port for full access to your E36 and E34. I bought an old Dell with a serial port and USB ports.

Thu Oct 23, 2014 12:53 am

Ok, is that program you have any good on an e46 or newer?

Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:10 am

This guy on ebay will sell all the correct software, 2 leads for 2007 onwards cars and card built before, plus a 20 pin adaptor for £80

BMW DIS V57, SSS V32 & TIS V8 Software set
USB DCAN Lead (2007 - 2010)
USB EDIABAS Lead (2000 - 2006)
20-16 pin OBD Adapter (1996 - 2000)

Thats whats on offer? so some of you think the leads are sh 1t and you can dowload all the software online?

Mo why won't the adaptor lead not allow full interface with the e36,e34 models?

Is INPA a diagnostic programe then or a fault code reader with some live data abilities? Can it recode modules to the new stuff?

I'm finding this all very hard and conflicting info everywhere as per normal when your reading up on stuff.

WTF is ADS?!

Thu Oct 23, 2014 10:00 pm

ADS is the name for the interface BMW used before it was all sort of standardised in the late 90's.

Basically even though the 20 pin connectors are the same from early 80s ish onwards, the communication protocols are not and the usb type leads won't work with E30, E34, E36.

If you want to diagnose your '34, you need ADS.

You can diagnose approx 99-06 stuff with one of these wires modified as detailed here.

This link may (or may not!) help explain the different interfaces.

Sat Oct 25, 2014 8:36 am

I see dinky, i mentioned to the guy on ebay about this and he said by all means source the correct 20 pin ADS cable and he will offer the support to get his software working with it for full diganostics.

#i think i'm finally getting my head around this. It would be nice to have a laptop that has a serial port and USB and then with the right leads and software i can do a large range of Bm's that find their way onto my drive!