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Thread: REVIEW: BMW CarSoft v6.5

  1. #1
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    Exclamation REVIEW: BMW CarSoft v6.5 Diagnostic Tool

    ***BMW CarSoft v6.5 for SALE***

    Hello, everybody.
    As I promised here is my REVIEW of BMW Carsoft v6.5 and I am doing this as a simple BF member, not as a supplier. I've heard good and bad feedback about this kit and here is my opinion.
    CarSoft is not a strong and difficult diagnostic tool, it is actually very simple and doesn't really do THAT much, BUT... from my point of view, it's a perfect tool for a simple BMW owner! Not everyone wants to modify their chips and DME modules, for those who want to do that I would suggest spending more than $150 and getting GT1 ($4000-$5000).
    So here are main functions of MENU in CarSoft v6.5:

    Perform Diagnosis->Total Diagnose does all the tests listed below at once.


    There is nothing to explain here actually Erases the error messages in the module.


    Here you would find some interesting stuff to diagnose, morelikely, LIVE DATA stuff.
    Live DME - Digital Petrol Engine Control Unit:




    Live DDE - Digital Diesel Engine Control Unit:
    twice more sensors and readings than DME.

    Live EGS - Automatic Gear Box Control Unit:



    Everything looks nice and promising, but... Not all of those functions are available for all BMWs. The newer BMW you have the more satisfaction you get from the diagnose. I have OBDI and I couldn't enjoy LIVE DATA and some other modules. Although CarSoft INFO page says:


    So I call to my supplier and ask what's the story with the modules I can't get into ("Module does not respond!") and they say some of the modules are not installed in early BMWs.
    OBDII BMWs have almost all the modules installed so all the diagnosis functions should work well.
    OBDI BMWs... I read a lot and finally have a rough idea that only 1/3 of the functions work with OBDI BMWs:
    DME/DDE module:
    Petrol Engines - all engine types from 1988 until July 2004.
    Aditional features:
    LIVE DATA only for OBDII.
    ADAPTATION only for OBDII.
    EWS Synchronization only for OBDII.
    E30 / E31 / E32 / E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46 / E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    Diesel Engines - all engine types from 1988 until July 2004
    Additional features:
    LIVE DATA from 1998 until July 2004.
    EDU Coding from 1998 until July 2004.
    ADAPTATION only for OBDII.
    EWS Synchronization only for OBDII (when an EWS system is built-in).
    E30 / E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46 / E53 / E60 / E65 / E66
    ABS/ASC - Brake & Traction - all brake and traction systems from 1988 until July 2004.
    E30 / E31 / E32/ E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46/ E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    AIRBAG - all airbag systems from 1988 until July 2004.
    Aditional features only for OBDII:
    ECU coding.
    E30 / E31 / E32/ E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46/ E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    HKL - Air Conditioning - all airco system from 1988 until July 2004.
    E30 / E31 / E32/ E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46/ E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    BC/MID - Board Computer/Multi Information Display
    E30 / E31 / E32 / E34 / E36
    IC - Instrument Cluster - from 1991 until July 2004.
    Additional features only for OBDII (except E60 / E63 / E65 / E66):
    change mileage/kilometers indication,
    change time indication 24/12 hours scale,
    change language indication into 9 different languages,
    change temperature indication Celsius/Fafrenheit.
    E30 / E31 / E32/ E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46/ E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    DWA - Alarm System
    E30 / E31 / E32 / E34 / E36
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66
    LCM/CCM - All Light & Check Control Modules
    Additional features:
    reading original mileage/kilometers,
    reading original chassis (VIN) numer.
    E36 / E38 / E39 / E46 / E53
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    ZKE/ZVM - Central Body Electronics - all body systems from 1988 until July 2004.
    Additional features:
    complete activation,
    ECU coding only for OBDII (Auto-Lock after more than 20KM/H, Selective Door Opening).
    E30 / E31 / E32/ E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46/ E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    EGS - Automatic Gear Box Control Unit - all gearbox systems from 1988 until July 2004.
    Additional features only for OBDII:
    Live Data,
    Adaptation.
    E30 / E31 / E32/ E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46/ E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    EWS - Immobilize System - all immobilize systems from 1995 until July 2004.
    Additional features only for OBDII:
    Synchronization with Engine Managements.
    E34 / E36 / E38 / E39 / E46 / E53
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    CVM - Cabrio Soft Top - all soft top systems from 1995 until July 2004.
    E36 / E46 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    SIM-CGM - Safety Getaway Module - all safety getaway systems from 1995 until July 2004.
    E60 / E63 / E65 /E66
    CAS - Car Access System - all car access systems from 2000 until July 2004.
    Additional features:
    Under Voltage Reset.
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66
    CGM - Central Getaway Module - all central getaway systems from 1995 until July 2004.
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66
    SIM - Safety and Information Module - all safety and information systems from 1995 until July 2004.
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66
    RLS - Rain and Light Sensor - all rain and light sensors from 2000 until July 2004.
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66
    PDC - Park Distance Control - all park distance systems from 1995 until July 2004.
    E38 / E39 / E46 / E53
    E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8
    Service Interval - all service interval systems from 1988 untill 2004.
    Including:
    service light reset from 1988 until July 2004,
    service management from 1988 until July 2004,
    reading days since last service,
    reading fuel consumption since last service,
    programing of next service/inspection.
    E30 / E31 / E32 / E34 / E36 / E38 / E39
    E46 / E53 / E60 / E63 / E65 / E66 / Z1 / Z3 / Z4 / Z8

    I spent half a day playing around with it and another half a day typing it on PC

    Conclusion: I don't see any other better diagnostic products on the market at the moment for $120 I paid. I can do more than just reseting the lights and reading the codes. I wish I would've bought post '95 OBDII BMW
    From my point of view, it was worth spending $120.
    Last edited by DJ Genius; 07-01-2009 at 01:35 PM.

  2. #2
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    And now let's take a look how it worked on my car - BMW 05/1994 325i Coupe M50B25 EURO left hand drive.
    I bought BMW CarSoft v6.5 compatible kit from China for 120USD including the shipping to Ireland. Here is what I got:



    And here is what was included in the kit:
    BMW 6.5 Interface Unit
    BMW OBDI 20 Pin Cable
    BMW OBDII 16 Pin Cable
    RS-232 Serial (COM) cable.
    BMW CarSoft v6.5 software


    I couldn't get to borrow a laptop from my friend (bastard), so I managed to hook up my old "little" PC and do some testing:


    I am a young lad, quick learner and good with PCs, so Carsoft looked simple (especially the interface on the laptop). First of all I read the manual very well and found small IMPORTANT tips:
    1. 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.
    Here is how the Serial Port RS-232 looks on the PC/Laptop:


    Here is how PCA RS-232 card looks like:


    2. How to avoid a message "MODULE DOES NOT RESPOND!", like (Ignition - 2nd position, lights ON, battery >12):


    Doing that activated my DME module, but my battery was still <12V:


    So because of this or simply because I couldn't get into those modules on OBDI car (???) the results are as follow:


    I ran a single test on each module I had errors on:
    ZKE/ZVM - Central Body Electronics


    This error was because there is a short in my system and I know about it. It is either my 18 OBC (there 4 wires in a white plug not used, I might just remove them) or an iluminated shift knob (the light doesn't work anymore, I need to find a short in there).

    Next error was on AIRBAG module:


    I know this very well As you can see from the 4th pic, my steering wheel is without an AIRBAG and the sensor is doing it's job. But AIRBAG LIGHT DELETE MOD is on it's way and I won't be getting that cluster light and message anymore.

    I also got some errors on ABS/ASC module, I know I have no ASC so the problem was with ABS system. I remembered I had ABS light for awhile just after reinstalling both trailing arms (replaced differential subframe bushings and had all rear taken apart), so I erased the error message and cluster ABS light came on. Turned the ignition off and on, light went off, retested the ABS module and it was OK. Basically it showed me an old error message that I knew about.

    Still... I wasn't too happy about it. I was able to do just so little compared to OBDII cars. And for some reason I couldn't get these modules to work:
    BC/MID - Board Computer/Multi Information Display (upgraded to 18 button)
    IC - Instrument Cluster
    DWA - Alarm System (upgraded to aftermarket)
    LCM/CCM - Light & Check Control Modules

    All these modules should have been found and I am trying to find out what was wrong. The only dodgy thing was my battery. All that time it was 11.2V-11.4V and it was clearly said it needs to be more than 12V. I ordered a laptop with RS232 COM port today and will try to play with CarSoft more. I'll get my friend with OBDII BMW to come over and try to test the Carsoft with his car.
    I'll keep you posted.
    Last edited by DJ Genius; 11-21-2007 at 08:18 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    I really enjoyed reading that and am interested in seeing this in action on my OBDII car. I notice your location in Ireland, is the potential group buy going to be for North America?

    What type of port did you use from the PC? I may have missed that...

    Incredible writeup, until now I just ignored all the carsoft threads!!

    02/1996 BMW 328i - (324,869km/201,864mi)
    Purchased May 15, 2004 (101,210km / 62,888mi) Sold August 22, 2008 (324,869km / 201,864mi)

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by beskhu3epnm View Post
    I really enjoyed reading that and am interested in seeing this in action on my OBDII car. I notice your location in Ireland, is the potential group buy going to be for North America?

    What type of port did you use from the PC? I may have missed that...

    Incredible writeup, until now I just ignored all the carsoft threads!!
    Thanks a lot, mate. I am thinking to do group buys for North America and UK forums.
    Just want to see the response about the kit. I've already got a permision to run a group buy.

  5. #5
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    Very nice writeup, incredibly thorough A+

  6. #6
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    328I, 1999.
    GREAT JOB DJ.... cool... seems like I will be able to program stuff in my car.. at least to the extent I want to...

    Please let me know how much it will cost indipendently, and in group by... Does 120 covers hardware + Software both? Also, are we talking about USD here?

    Do you think I will be able to program security system lights etc with it too? (i have an OBD II).
    Thanks again .
    take care.
    umermariner

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    92 325is, 91 Previa ftw
    Great job. What live data can you get with the OBDI cars?
    -Curt

    stock CR 92 non-vanos 325 / first ever Holset HY35 powered BMW / custom tubular manifold & motor mount / stock DME tuning / tial 50mm bov / 46mm xspower w.g. / green top injectors / IC piping designed by myself (above subframe of course) / 12x28x3" IC / oil return into pan that seems to work / e21 tranny mounts / custom blow through MAF / koni sport kit / 18x8.5 mvr replica's / various leaks & body colours

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by umermariner View Post
    Please let me know how much it will cost indipendently, and in group by... Does 120 covers hardware + Software both? Also, are we talking about USD here?
    Do you think I will be able to program security system lights etc with it too? (i have an OBD II).
    1. I've edited my 2nd post and 120USD was for everything.
    Shipping to USA:
    1 kit - 25USD.
    10 kits - 70USD.
    2. I am not too sure about the alarm system, I couldn't test in on my OBDI, but I keep in mind when I'll be testing OBDII car.
    Quote Originally Posted by e36'n View Post
    Great job. What live data can you get with the OBDI cars?
    No LIVE DATA at all for OBDI and that's not CarSoft fault, it's BMW fault, cause they hadn't installed the modules that are needed for LIVE DATA And that would be the main difference between OBDI and OBDII cars.
    That's why I was still disappointed

  9. #9
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    328I, 1999.
    well.. if you find a group in usa... count me in.. but I definitely need a converter with the kit... RS232 converter.. Most of the new laptops do not have that RS 232 port...

    Thanks
    umermariner

  10. #10
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    2000 BMW 323i Sedan E46
    did you buy it over the internet? if so, who did you buy it from? thanks.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by pedro05 View Post
    did you buy it over the internet? if so, who did you buy it from? thanks.
    As I told earlier I have a supplier in China and we buy 10 kits every couple of month for our shop in Lithuania. If I got more than 10 interested members I would be able to run a group buy on this forum, accept PayPal payments and ship the product to USA for less than eBay is offering, cause it would be coming straight from a manufacturing company with a little discount.

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    '05 330i ZHP, '04 325i
    I'm in!!! Let me know if/when you decide to do this.
    *** Former BMW master technician and custom tuner. Still maintain garage space at my house to work on customers' cars and can run full dealer-level diagnostics and programming for all model years through 2012 if you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. PM me.
    * Looking for a clean 2005-2006 M3, 6-speed manual, in Imola Red. PM me if you know of one for sale.

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    Same kid $99.00 on Ebay

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by CapeKo View Post
    Same kid $99.00 on Ebay
    What do you mean :O
    umermariner

  15. #15
    Join Date
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    Thanks for the review.

    Can you change that setting on the DWA subsystem to enable it by just turning the key on the lock? My car used to be like that until the mechanic reset the ZKE and I lost that feature, now I always need to use the remote control (built in the key).


    Quote Originally Posted by ClintonM3 View Post
    the Audi A4 is a tweaked, cosmetically enhanced, cross platform, put-together overnight VW.
    Quote Originally Posted by joeuser528e View Post
    Staggard setups are for cars that you park at show meets. They go well with 5 screens and 3 12"s.

  16. #16
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  17. #17
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    I am in for a group buy.

  18. #18
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by CapeKo View Post
    Same kid $99.00 on Ebay
    Yup, I found the one you mentioned, if anyone is interested:
    Clicly clicly
    It costs $98.88 + $29 (shipping) = $127.88, so PLEASE don't mislead the people, my friend. I bought a kit for $96 + $24(shipping) = $120. But I would get about 20% discount and the price would be $76 + $24(shipping) = $100

  19. #19
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    What is the solution to the PCA adapter?

  20. #20
    Join Date
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    2001 740il
    I just bought one on E-Bay havnt got to try it out yet because of the adapter/port issue.Its seems no one locally has one so Ill have to order one.Just looking at DJs gets me excited.I paid $150 from a guy in virgina got here in 2 days

  21. #21
    Join Date
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    1992 318i
    I bought an ebay kit and while it works OK, I'm a little less than impressed.
    I have a 96 328i and I am able to see the DME live data, the diagnostics aren't all that great.


    I have no idea what this error is. 14 I guess. Nothing I can find in the sparse documentation on the cd.


    EDIT:
    I was also told I would be able to set vehicle coding and set the Selective Locking, but it does nothing.

  22. #22
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    Here is a picture of the one I got on Monday.I guess they just about all the same I think.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  23. #23
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    Has anybody here running the system ever aligned the EWS successfully?

    I've read some threads where there were some issues in doing this, where the unit just kind of froze while attempting, or it said it wasn't responding.

    Also, are there any adapters that will fit any of these ports (LPT1 perhaps?)


    If I knew this could be done for sure, I'd purchase this unit ASAP. I will need a EWS re-align very shortly, have an airbag light that stays on after I replaced the faulty seatbelt tensioner, and various check engine lights that seem irrelevant (emissions) that I would like to monitor. I could really use this, but this would prevent me...

    02/1996 BMW 328i - (324,869km/201,864mi)
    Purchased May 15, 2004 (101,210km / 62,888mi) Sold August 22, 2008 (324,869km / 201,864mi)

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by beskhu3epnm View Post
    Also, are there any adapters that will fit any of these ports (LPT1 perhaps?)
    You can try USB to RS232 adapter, that's the only way out.
    http://search.ebay.com/search/search...ter&category0=

    Or buy a PCA RS-232 card as I mentioned in my previous posts and install it in your laptop.

  25. #25
    Join Date
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    '07 AM, '06 X5 4.8is
    I currently have a USB adapter. Works perfect for my digimoto software.

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