Which software and what interface??

[jcrail]

I have done alot of research and cannot find a straight answer. This is unrealistic. I'm very familiar with vagcom and obd2 scanners but there's alot of grey matter when it comes to bmw. What is the cheapest option for software to access all modules? I have a 740i E38 with the 20pin round connector under the hood. I understand I have to use an interface for the 20 pin to gain access to all modules.But have people had luck with a Kline USB cable and 20pin connector together or a 20pin directly into a DB9 serial port? Don't know which is more reliable. Then there's the software, INPA seems like a complete nightmare to get going. Is there any other software to buy to use with the 3rd party cables and interfaces? What about complete kits with 20pin that come with them? How about the carsoft scanners with the 20 pin adapters? Don't know what option to use.If anyone can help it would be much appreciated. Please point me in the right direction.

[David Mc]

The bottom line is that if your car has a round BMW 20pin diagnostic port under the hood and pin 15 of that port is populated and has voltage, an ADS interface will be required in order to access and code all available modules without issues. An ADS interface works best with a computer with a true serial port. A modified VAGCOM KKL interface with emulated ignition signal will also provide similar access, however where coding procedures require toggling of the ignition signal, there will be an issue due to the inablility of these interfaces to detect a true ignition signal. If the 20 pin diagnostic port of your car does not have pin 15 populated, interface options would be an EDIABAS compatible OBD2 interface, Switchable ADS/OBD interface (running in OBD mode), VAGCOM interface with ignition signal detection or K+DCAN interface running in KCAN mode. As far as INPA being a nightmare to get going - really??? The software is free, developed by BMW for their own use, fast and accurate, which ticks all the boxes for me at least.

[jcrail]

Thanks for the informative reply.I never installed or attempted to use INPA. Just want to make sure I get the right cable or interface and software that's the most reliable. Inpa in particular is a bit hairy for me to research.Not having the best of luck. But thanks for the info it's pretty specific. Will attempt to get a 20 pin cable with db9 connector for a direct serial connection and use inpa.

[328 Power 04]

If I remember correctly, your year 2000 car will access all modules when using a USB cable (INPA K+DCAN, or VAG KKL with FTDI chip) and the 20-pin OBD adapter. That makes it easy, and you can use USB. My Z3 roadster is like that. It has a 20-pin port, but there is no L-line, so no serial port or ADS interface is needed; USB is enough.

About INPA... This is a very powerful program, but it's honestly not intended for end-users (hence the look of it), as it is a BMW development program. They STILL use it for development to this day. Why is it so good? Because for them it is extremely customizable and fast. You do have to tinker with it to learn how to use it. But it's 100% reliable as long as you understand what all the settings do.

[jcrail]

Man at this point I have no idea what I'm going to do. I thought after 2000 the 7 series was the only exception for keeping the 20pin ads port for diagnosis for full access. And the rest of the BMW line just used the OBD slot for full access. I was told direct serial connection is the only way to do it with minimal issues. Plus finding a older laptop with serial port is not easy. And if you do people are asking ridiculous amounts of money for them. Im really sick and tired of dumping cash in this money pit of a car. Just don't want to buy a bunch of adapters just to find myself with a load of errors.

[328 Power 04]

Take a picture of the 20-pin port, or tell us which pins are populated.

- - - Updated - - -

Went to the garage and looked at my 08/1999 (model year 2000) Z3 roadster, and it has pin 15 populated in the 20-pin port. This is the L-Line. However I am able to reach all modules just fine with a cheap USB VAGKKL cable. No ADS needed on that car. Chances are high that your car will be the same.
Try this http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...xperimentation including the cables linked, and the software.

[jcrail]

Ya

[jcrail]

One more time

ForumRunner_20161109_105338.png

[David Mc]

Whatever you do, don't take a high resolution photo of the diagnostic port - that would make life far too easy. If you look closely at the port, each pin is individually identified with its pin number and looking at your configuration it appears that your car has 11 pins of the 20 pin port populated, namely Pin 1 (TD Engine), Pin 2 (TXD2 Diagnostic data link), Pin 4 (Terminal R -Voltage hot in accessory, run and start position), Pin 7 (Service interval reset), Pin 12 (Generator charge indicator), Pin 14 (Terminal 30, voltage hot at all times), Pin 15 (RXD- L data line), Pin 16 (Terminal 15S - Ignition switch voltage in run and start position), Pin 17 (TXD2 - K data line), Pin 19 (terminal 31 - Ground) and Pin 20 (TXD - K data line).
Diagnostic wiring on 7 series cars generally lags behind the 3 and 5 series cars, so unless you are lucky and a modified VAGCOM KKL interface with an emulated ignition signal reads this car, you will need an ADS interface for full diagnostic access.

[cmyachtie]

Man at this point I have no idea what I'm going to do. I thought after 2000 the 7 series was the only exception for keeping the 20pin ads port for diagnosis for full access. And the rest of the BMW line just used the OBD slot for full access. I was told direct serial connection is the only way to do it with minimal issues. Plus finding a older laptop with serial port is not easy. And if you do people are asking ridiculous amounts of money for them. Im really sick and tired of dumping cash in this money pit of a car. Just don't want to buy a bunch of adapters just to find myself with a load of errors.

i just last year picked up a used laptop wit XP Professional for $75. Just dedicated for doing my car.
just search your local Craigslist or kijiji or whatever, if you want more security/warranty try the refurbs at Office Depot etc.
and may have to pay twice that.

[NolliM3]

You should try eBay as well...I got one (Dell -D531) for $21 plus shipping for a $41 total.

[Austingreen]

Yeah, also got one BMW INPA/Ediabas OBD & ADS Interface from uobdii.com for $19 free shipping in total.

[328 Power 04]

Yeah, also got one BMW INPA/Ediabas OBD & ADS Interface from uobdii.com for $19 free shipping in total.

Good luck with that one.

[gerosean]

What did you end up doing I am just going through the same thing? Did you go with INPA ?

[steven georgia]

nice obdII cable $4.99 ebay
but software is vw-aud, any advice? win 10

[E36mode]

I am really interested in using one of the diagnosis programs but I am extremely new to this kind of thing. I have a 1998 328is and could really use some help in which software and cable set up I should use. My purpose for the software is mainly diagnostic and to turn of the airbag light. That kind of thing. In the future I might need coding but only if I need to replace a module or part type of thing. Any help you can give me would REALLY help. Thanks in advance guys...

[Cassio Toledo]

Hello friends
I'm installing an e46 (m52tub25) 2002 engine in a 1974 E12.
I bought the injection harness and it's ready to install.
My question is: How can I get an OBDII diagnostics port?
Can I pick up the CAN BUS + and - direct from the MS42 module?
Thanks for any help.