Ancel, Creader, or something else to code ‘06 E85 Z3 3.0si?

[jacqueusi]

Hello. Back into the BMW fold with recently acquired ‘06 Z4. I’ve tried coding via laptop years ago and that didn’t work out well. Looking for as close to a Plug and Play solution as possible. Unfortunately Apple iOS solutions like Bimmercode and Bimmerlink do not support the E85 platform. I’m about one click away from ordering a Creader Launch X431 Elite based on feedback in another post, but wanted to do my Due Diligence before placing an order. Looking to code out Lighting error as I’m using LEDs, and key fob opening and closing of convertible top. Thanks in advance.

[328 Power 04]

The best option is Windows laptop, K-DCAN cable with a switch, and a good INPA pack for NCSExpert. Nothing really even comes close.

INPA and friends isn't so bad

[DaHose]

I agree that INPA and NCSExpert offer the best possible tool, but I work in IT for a living and am now the Director of IT for a community college. I have an INPA laptop, and never have been able to learn NCSExpert or WinKFP, nor have I been able to learn how to use many of the conding and technical troubleshooting functions. I simply do not have the time to invest into a new hobby of learning how to build and use a diagnostic tool. Below is a re-post of a response I put in another thread.

I need something simple to use, but effective that codes, analyzes and clears simple errors. I bought a scanner off of Amazon that is FRIGGIN GREAT!!!!! It's a Creader Elite 2023. Looks like the 2024 model is out now, and there is a new one with a landscape oriented screen. I like the portrait orientation, but maybe that landscape would read easier for longer descriptions. It connects to your home network WiFi and updates itself as well, so daten maintenance is a non-issue.

https://www.amazon.com/2022-Elite-LA...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

creaderscanner.jpg

The scanner works great on all my BMW family cars. We have a 2003 Mini Cooper, a 2005 Mini Cooper S, a 2006 530XI and a 2014 X1. I am confident it will work with all of the more modern models as well. So far I have used it to register a battery, clear a variety of codes, diagnose a VANOS problem AND cleared both ECU and transmission adaptations. Clearing transmission adaptations in my 2005 Mini Cooper S is something I have not been able to figure out with my INPA based scanner, but this thing did it no problem. I highly recommend this tool as a first step in building up diagnostic equipment for anyone who works on BMW/Mini cars. You might find it's the only diagnostic tool you will ever need.

José

[jacqueusi]

Thanks Jose. Nice to meet a fellow time constrained IT professional. It was in fact your creader post that inspired me to order one.

All the best!

[jacqueusi]

Jose. Any way to message you? I have a question about coding using Creader. It’s not going as hoped.