Laptop interface.

[SaxPest]

I've had a scout about on ebay but thats the only place I could find anything resembling what I'm after! I'm trying to find one of those kits that you can plug your car into your laptop and BRAVO! Instant diagnostic read outs. Not only does it look cool but it would be really interesting to see what makes the car tick.

Is anyone running anything like this? Do you know where I can get one? What are they called??

Any help appreciated!

[DJ Genius]

Yes, thay are called BMW Carsoft 6.5 diagnostic tool. It works on OBDI and OBDII if you have two plugs (16 and 20 pins). It is a kit and everything is included in there. The price is about $110-$120 on eBay.
I have a manufacturing company supplying my brother in law with those kits and I am dealing with them, but have never tried that product. My brother in law says it's good and customers are happy. So I ordered one kit for myself to test it out, BMW Carsoft 6.5. But threre is a new product - BMW Carsoft ultimate, but it is more expensive and without interface box, just cables. But I haven't seen it yet on the market.
I've talked to admin and he gave me a permision to do a group buy. But first I want to test that kit myself, I don't want to do a group buy for a shitty product, I have a lot of respect for BF members, they helped me a lot and I will try to get a 20% discount on those kits.

[m2pc]

I plan to do the same once I get my repair work (blown HG) out of the way... I plan to install a CarPC w/7" touchscreen in the dash and link it to the OBDII connector. I have a friend with a CarPC in his Toyota Supra with a similar setup... it's really cool to be able to do a run and get a graph of RPMs vs. time to see how your car shifts, etc.

[pwlorraine]

Can you get the same information as you get from the OBC? ie can I get rid of my OBC if I use this?

Peter

[JUS2K]

Count me in on a group buy if it checks out okay, DJ Genius. Thanks!

[DJ Genius]

Can you get the same information as you get from the OBC? ie can I get rid of my OBC if I use this?
Peter
Yes, here are Main Functions
Digital total test: It gives you a complete idea of the overall condition of the car
Digital single test: It gives you detailed information about the appropriate control unit. Stored errors will be shown in a written report. This report has a short info-text which help you to eliminate the error.
Special functions for some models: Including service interval reset, component activation, live data, LCM reading, sync. EWS and ECU, adaptation values, and coding.
On OBDII cars you can run Carsoft LIVE and see everything in real time.
All BMW Vehicle Types from 1988 to 2005
- READ AND ERASE Error codes of various systems like DME, ABS, AIRBAGS, EGS, etc
- RESET Service indicator light
- RESET Adaptation values of DME and EGS (Automatic Transmission)
- PROGRAM features like auto-doors lock on driving, selective locking
- READ live data from DME / DDE / EGS
- SYNCHRONIZE EWS and DME in case of a malfunction
- WORKS on E30/E31/E32/E34, E36/E39/E38/Z-3/Z-8, E46/E53 series

Count me in on a group buy if it checks out okay, DJ Genius. Thanks!

Alright, mate. I will let you all know how it works out for me.

[Sel The Don]

I'll be interested to purchase one of these if they're any good, let me know of the outcome!

[downeaster1]

That would be amazing! I am looking for something just like that!

[m2pc]

Are these USB or Serial (RS-232) interface?

[Sel The Don]

Hmm, I thought Carsoft 6.5 uses an RS232 I/O?

[m2pc]

I assume this software is Windows only? Does anyone know of a good Linux port of something like this? I may or may not run Windows on my CarPC.

[kirbykirbykirby]

IT is windows only.

There is no "True" Linux alternative. I'd suggest running windows on your car pc..since you would not be getting far in it.

Carsoft is also not a good representation for a car pc, something like autoegenity would be most likley the better choice for OBD2+. OBD1 cars may be stuck.

[DJ Genius]

Are these USB or Serial (RS-232) interface?
Yes, it is a RS232 (COM) connection. But I am trying to find out if it's possible to connect it trought USB/COM adapter. That's the only downside of this kit, cause new laptops don't have bloody old type RS232 (COM) socket anymore.

[Sel The Don]

No, but buying an old laptop is going to cost you sod all, mate.
I have Carsoft 6.5 now after a little searching if you use torrents. I've got it running on my PC but I have no leads to test it with! ARGH!

[m2pc]

Actually my work got me a new laptop (Dell Latitude D830) and to my shock there was a 9-pin RS-232 port on the back... then again my other machine (An HP laptop) has no legacy connectors at all on it.

[Sel The Don]

I assume this software is Windows only? Does anyone know of a good Linux port of something like this? I may or may not run Windows on my CarPC.

There's an older version of Carsoft for DOS based systems.

[DJ Genius]

No, but buying an old laptop is going to cost you sod all, mate.
I have Carsoft 6.5 now after a little searching if you use torrents. I've got it running on my PC but I have no leads to test it with! ARGH!

I've done the same :) I saw how many features are in there and got inspired :D
Old laptop - cheap, but who does want an old laptop? I'm buying a BEAST - DELL M1730:evil2

[kirbykirbykirby]

Dell D610, get one.

Runs Carsoft, GT1, SSSxpe, INPA.

[m2pc]

Has anyone tried one of those USB -> RS-232 converters on the Carsoft system?

[Sel The Don]

I've done the same :) I saw how many features are in there and got inspired :D
Old laptop - cheap, but who does want an old laptop? I'm buying a BEAST - DELL M1730:evil2

I have a nice Panasonic CF 18 mk4, so I'm going to look into the possibility of using that. If that don't work I have a crappy old Toshiba to just run carsoft.

[kirbykirbykirby]

Has anyone tried one of those USB -> RS-232 converters on the Carsoft system?


Works only if you get a specific adapter w/ a chipset.

It's tons better to use a PCMCIA>Rs-232 instead of USB>Rs-232, as that won't work as nicely ask me how I know.

[orthm]

Keep us updated on how it works... I could be interested in the group buy if it looks like this works well.

Has any one tried to hook this up to a non BMW OBDII car. Just curious if would still give general ODBII codes for other vehicles.

[joako]

Dell D610, get one.

Runs Carsoft, GT1, SSSxpe, INPA.

Where can I get an interface for GT1? All I find are laptops with the software and the interface well I already have a laptop and the software.

[LuvMy328is]

That's awesome! I didn't realize you could turn features on/off and reset adaptation!!! Keep us up to date on the GB
~Phil

[TunedBimmer]

I'm in for the group buy too! Keep us posted!

[Daved]

Towed to our diagnostics forum.

[drtweak1992325i]

wooo put me on the list! I want one!!!

[SaxPest]

Wow, major responses! Didn't realise how many people were dabbling with this kinda stuff. Thank you all for the input. Definitely keep us updated with the group buy situation!

[vagman]

hi am new to the forum ,but i just want to say about laptop solutions like carsoft 6.1 6.5 , inpa etc.ihave used all i run a diagnostic service& have many big contacts for equipment ,there are all kinds of alternatives to run cs6.1 with cheap kkl interface .if you have any questions just ask

[eleet]

Carsoft is crap, but if you really want to spend money on garbage, I have TWO carsoft interfaces and cable sets. They can ship immediately.

Everyone I have seen selling stolen Carsoft with cloned interface is misrepresenting it.

You will be pissed off that you wasted your money when you see GT1 and INPA... and these are being sent around for free on the internet.

Even the live data is worthless. PCMSCAN with ELM interface can get it too and in addition it can log it and make calculations. And every other OBDII datalogging tool... this is nothing special. How about live data from your climate control unit?

[vagman]

eleet iam rolling around the floor at your answer & your right iam merely just being nice as it has been mentioned in the thread,i use inpa my self & am a bit of a pro when it comes to tech side of things& ecu repairing & electronic pcb repair,itotally agree with you 'but however if a beemer owner who wants to take up a bit of space on his laptop & not being able to afford the tools we use then ithink its ok for them to start there & get the hang of it.we all started somewhere & ido honestly say start of with a simple kkl or kl or what interface they may want to use with the package that is offered by companys.i personally have thousands of pounds worth of diagnostic equipment & am just building up after a robbery & had to turn back to cs 'arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !'but it did help,using an oscillor scope& meter gets me around allot for what i have to do but when it comes to coding & calibrating 'well you know the answer to that.if it wasnt down to friends sending me stuff& having a whip round to help me out iwould be in the gutter because the crackheads who had robbed me most probably sold my shit for a stupid hit.iam still building back up & i had to leave my garage & work from home as i couldnt afford to pay the rent as not having the toolage i had to vet out my work to rivals.its a good job inever got shut of my carsoft just like you still have 2 'as there might be a need oneday ''god forbidding '' anything like that should happen to you.ican only advise people who are total newbies were to buy & what to avoid cheap alternatives & thats what i do as a moderator on another carforum .iam the same were shit going for free gets lashed out on the net but its there & we cant stop it.its things like that that pee you off when the game is hard enough with out mugs being educated. back on topic .gt1& inpa is the buisness

[DJ Genius]

Oki doki, it seems we have some serious techs here :)
Alright, guys, so tell us/"newbies" what is the advantage of having GT1 and spending that amount of money on it? There are just couple of us wanting to remap chips and do stuff like this, mostly we just want to have a rough idea about our car diagnosis, reset Air bags, check inspection and oil lights.
I believe GT1 is a powerfull diagnostic tool, but it also cost $4000-$5000!!!!!!!!! I repeat - $4000-$5000! I paid $5000 for my bimmer!!!
But all we want in here is a next step leaving Peake Scan tool behind, oh and it's cheaper step than Peake Scan tool. And when I need to remap my chip I will come to you, vagman :D

[vagman]

post it to me& iwill be more than happy to help you out fella,but you do have a point about the price& you shouldnt knock the simple stuff also which i have said if i didnt have the interfaces still iwould have been donald ducked & left in the gutter.we all have to start somewhere but ihave to admit iwouldnt have worked my way up to better things if it wasnt for the simpler progs& hardware . very good point also

[umermariner]

Hello, its one of the best forums I have read so far... I was just thinking of buying a scantool.. I want to be able to see BMW specific engine codes, reset air bag, and program some basic features like security lights etc. Is it better to buy scan tool (its gona cost you over 200 USD anyway) or some interface like that. I already have a laptop (with USB ports, I do not think I have that other 232 port in my laptop, or any new laptops would have it). I will appreciate if you can provide us a complete detailed introduction/ guideline of these tools, or recommend us which tool and software would be better. I am pretty good with PCs, but just bought a BMW... want to learn as much as I can though... I have 1999 328I.
Thank you.

[vagman]

well inpa is a really good tool& pa soft 1.36 also carsoft interface is a good tool.ithink if you cant buy inpa you can easily get pasoft.pa soft 1.36 will do almost anythink & for 99 model of your vehicle iwould also for what you want carsof is ok.all depends on what you want to spend .how much do you want to spend

[umermariner]

How much will any of these cost... if I already have the laptop? I heard that carsoft software I can get for free (cracked), ill just need to buy hardware... (i do not know how much hardware cost as well)...
Also, the hardware is same for any of these software or different?
Thanks

[SaxPest]

So where would you look to get the leads to get the say a laptop hooked to the car? I have some shady friends who could probably source the software but I don't even know where to start looking for any of it. Especially you vagman, you're from the UK so you might know some local places?

[umermariner]

and I need places in USA :D...

[DJ Genius]

I've got my BMW Carsoft 6.5 diagnostic tool and I'll be making a different thread about it as a review when I get to borrow a laptop with COM port (hopefully on Saturday). So I will let you know how it works and what you can do with it.
Meanwhile, here is some info - I paid $120 with a shipping and transfer expenses ($20!!!, I hate WU). But I would get 20% dicount if I got 10 people to buy it. And here are some pics what's included in the kit:
16pin cable for OBDII cars
20pin cable for OBDI cars
RS232 cable for PC/Laptop
BMW Carsoft 6.5 compatible interface
and a small CD with CS 6.5...
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/djgenius10/DIYs/Carsoft/IMGP0003.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/djgenius10/DIYs/Carsoft/IMGP0005.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/djgenius10/DIYs/Carsoft/IMGP0007.jpg

[vagman]

contact me on messenger fellas& we can talk & i will put smille on ya faces& also i make interfaces & i think ihave a few spare kits lying around somewhere

[vagman]

dj,the install is a bit wierd so if you need help just ask fella

[DJ Genius]

dj,the install is a bit wierd so if you need help just ask fella
What do you mean weird? I've already installed the software, all I need is to hook up the car to the PC. There are many functions in there! I'll need to read the manual as well :D

[vagman]

withyou saying you need to borrow a latop on saturday itook it as you havent,but best of look operating it on saturday ,its not to brain taxing fella

[DJ Genius]

withyou saying you need to borrow a latop on saturday itook it as you havent,but best of look operating it on saturday ,its not to brain taxing fella
Yes, I haven't got a laptop, but I have a PC :) And I am not really into mood bringing my PC downstairs and putting it in my car :D So I'll wait and my friend will lend me a laptop on Saturday. I am going to buy one soon too, so no worries.

[e36'n]

Interested in seeing what you can access on the OBDI 325's. Keep us up-to-date please and thanks!

[woh]

I found a long list of Scan tools on the 'Scantool.net' web site. Click on Software>third party to see the list.

But before purchasing I'd like to know if anyone has actually used any of them.

[ProStreetDriver]

i hav a 94 740i with the 4L V8. is there a program that will run on my laptop that will tell my rpms? similar to wat m2pc wat talking about. and where would i get the cable for it too?

[Nkana]

A USB/COM adapter works with Carsoft 6.5 as long as you make sure that it is assigned to Com 1.

[DJ Genius]

A USB/COM adapter works with Carsoft 6.5 as long as you make sure that it is assigned to Com 1.
Have you tried it yourself? Cause here is what's written in CarSoft 6.5 README.TXT file:
Important: If your computer does not have a serial port, a PCMCIA serial card must be used.
A USB to Serial adaptor is not recommended and not supported in Carsoft.
A PCMCIA adaptor card is not included in Carsoft.
Please refer to the installation instructions that come with your PCMCIA Card.

[umermariner]

I still have not got my question answered completely :(... Can someone just tell me that "this" is the best and cheapest solution for my problem and go for it :D

[DJ Genius]

I still have not got my question answered completely :(... Can someone just tell me that "this" is the best and cheapest solution for my problem and go for it :D

I am working on my REVIEW thread at the moment, so you will be able to find your answer in there :)

[umermariner]

Thanks Man

[DJ Genius]

Here you go:
REVIEW: BMW CarSoft v6.5 (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=11269450#post11269450)