Diagnostic tools/software

[sclass]

Fellas,

What is this interface/diagnostic that's often spoken of on the forum (OBD/ADS I think)? What do I need for it to work and how and where can I get it for my E39?

Please explain it to me like a 2 year old:dunno:!!!!

 

[zaleonardz]

sclass,

You do not need an ADS compatible cable for the E39, you only need an OBDII cable (on board diagnostics). You can get them off of ebay for like 400 to 800. ADS is a communication protocol for the older BMW's, such as my E34.

THe E39 will be perfect with just an OBD Cable. By the way you have the 20 pin round connector in your car, and not the 16 pin.

Go and do some research on what you find, else give me a PM for some more details,

 

[P1000]

He has the 16 pin OBD connector in the compartment by your right knee. A VAG-COM cable will also work perfectly, better than in a VAG car. You can get them for R300-450. Then you just need to "source" the 327mb software.

 

[sclass]

Thanks guys,

I'll google to get some more info (I can hear someone screaming in the background that I should've done that in the first place!).:hammerhead:

Cheers!

 

[zaleonardz]

Not at all man.

I just dont like discussing the topic on open forum, as the software that I have no knowledge about and do not use at all is copyrighted materials...

And as such, I do not like discussing them at all

 

[sclass]

Understood!:thumb:

Just googled a little, but I'm not clear; do I only need the OBDII connector (do I have a 16 or 20 pin?) to interface to a laptop, or do I need to load dedicated software?:thinker:

 

[zaleonardz]

The E39 is a 20 pin connector...

You will need software of some kind, I will PM you some details

 

[P1000]

The E39 is a 20 pin connector...

You will need software of some kind, I will PM you some details

But I have A LCI E39, just like sclass and I use the OBD connector that has only 16 pins? And it is most definitely not round, nor is it in the engine compartment...

 

[zaleonardz]

Clutchy's E39 540 is round and the engine bay... or am I loosing my mind here ?

Interesting.... Clutchy, where is ur plug... I mean ur cars OBD, I am sure its in the bay ?

 

[P1000]

clutchy has a pre-LCI. That should be the reason... But its simple to check, just feel if there is a cap in the compartment by your right knee (at the top of compartment) you can also have a look there, but it is not so comfortable.

 

[sclass]

Ok I'll check that out when I get home.

Please PM me that software info, thanks:thumb:!!

 

[sclass]

Ok found it!

Zaleonard I have a 16 pin connector. It's in the cockpit under the dash where P1000 said...but I had to scrounge other forums to find it. There's a little lid/cover under the dashboard with OBD inscribed on it, just pull it open and voila, 16 pin connector! Had they not mentioned that it had the abbreviation would've never found, plus I also needed a torch to see...

So, are we on then Zaleonardz?

 

[@ri]

Can you use NCS Expert with an OBD II cable?

If so I wanna reprogram my E88 to enable 'Comfort Closing' as they call it, where I can close windows and roof with the keyfob, as its currently disabled for some reason..

How easy would it be?

 

[clutchplate]

think it might be better to do that with a DIS/CIP or SSS cause NCS is kinda expert mode, plus, seemed like last time I was fiddling with it, doesn't have a list of coding options.. but might just have needed to copy it from DIS..

you can do it with either of them I guess. but easier with DIS/SSS

 

[zaleonardz]

DIS wont do it clutchy, does not have the functionality. But SSS does... I am working on that one...

sclass, I will let ya know dude, I am currently busy with cable swapping with Rick. I may have another OBDII USB, but we would have to test, I dont want to give you something thats not going to work.

Oh wait, I am not working on SSS or DIS, whats that.

@RI, if your under motorplan, why not ask BMW to do it, sure a friendly service manager would gladly assist you

 

[@ri]

Thx clutchy and zaleo

So could I use SSS with a cable that I buy?

@RI, if your under motorplan, why not ask BMW to do it, sure a friendly service manager would gladly assist you

I was told by someone on the 1addicts forum that the BMW guys wont be able to do it? Is that true? (sounds like bollocks to me). He said only an AutoLogic place would be able to do it for you (and they would need assistance from the UK), or you can do it with NCS Expert (which I have no idea how to use and is risky apparently)

Thanks

 

[zaleonardz]

NCS expert is dangerous, you can turn your car into a serious paperweight.

You can use SSS with a generic OBDII cable yes, just a word of warning, its not that easy to get running though. SSS is genuine BMW software, and as such its not designed for the consumer in mind

 

[brukutu]

www.scantool.net
That should be all you need to know got one of their tools, works really well.

 

[clutchplate]

hmm, I used NCS Expert to recode and re-program my E39 after my manual conversion.
I'll try get the coding files from dis to work with it again and see if it has coding options for the E88..

will let you know

 

[@ri]

hmm, I used NCS Expert to recode and re-program my E39 after my manual conversion.
I'll try get the coding files from dis to work with it again and see if it has coding options for the E88..

will let you know

thanks mate! i saw you lurking around on the digital kaos forums was like hey! i know that guy!