What is the most current E39 diagnostic software?

[Milo Bloom]

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping you'll afford me a bit of a newbie question here... I have recently taken a 1997 528i off my father's hands. I'm interested in getting diagnostic software for it... not just the OBDII emissions stuff, but the things I've read about that can give readings from throughout the car. However, the most recent threads I can find about this stuff are from 2013, and the most detailed one I've found is from 2009. Given how quickly computer-related stuff goes obsolete in general, I'm hesitant to buy those things based on the time that's passed.

The 2009 threads I found referenced Carsoft software... I've also seen reference to INPA and some other things, but again, all more than a couple years old.

I have no problem buying older technology because I do have some older laptops that would be perfect for dedicating to this, but if the newer software can actually do more things, I would opt for that.

Any guidance anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[sienayr]

There really isn't anything new per se since these cars are over a decade old and new software is not made or updated for such old cars, as least when it comes to INPA, EDIBAS, etc. This link may help. I recently purchased a K+D-CAN cable from Amazon, and I've only been able to read my transmission and engine modules on my '03 540i, even after soldering pins 7 and 8 together (if that means nothing to you, do some research on the topic). Seems it is hit and miss with the cables.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...en-for-testing

[JimLev]

Don't buy Autoengunity, it blows. It worked OK until I bought the new PowerTrain update 2 years ago.
Every update they do to it makes it harder and harder to connect and stay connected, at least for the E39.
I've called them many times and they say it's my car, which is bull. I know 2 other guys that have it, same issues.
I also have INPA, EDIBAS, etc, just have to find the time to learn how to use it.

[Cereal]

As far as most current... Couldn't tell ya

But if you are new and looking for something simple and effective... Look into bcables.com

Super simple install and does the trick.
I think they were based in England but ship surprisingly fast

[mxchris727]

V41 Daten Files for the GT1 suite.

[Milo Bloom]

Thanks everyone. I think I've determined that INPA 5.0.2 is the latest version still, so I've downloaded that. I have a OBDII cable coming from Amazon tomorrow and a 20-pin adapter coming Monday. Looking forward to messing with it.

[E39Only]

As far as most current... Couldn't tell ya

But if you are new and looking for something simple and effective... Look into bcables.com

Super simple install and does the trick.
I think they were based in England but ship surprisingly fast

+1

It was surprisingly simple for me- worked right away after the installation completed- INPA, GT1, SSS.

[philly98540]

That's what I bought too. Works good but I'm still learning how to use it.

[blackknight530i]

ISPI Next (ISTA-D (diagnostics) and ISTA-P (programming)). They can be made to work with an INPA cable and you get the full diagnostic solution that the dealerships use on even the latest computer (I run Windows 8.1 x64 on my laptop).

[Twistytee]

Sorry to bump an old thread. I’m used to running software on Audi but have never really had the need with an OBD1 bmw. Would now like to get something set-up for the 530i. I have an old laptop running 64 bit Win 7. Sadly the last of my XP machines bit the dust. Are the above software/cable combos still the best for diagnostics? How difficult is it to learn the software?