Best diagnostic, coding, tuning — control

[JeremyJames]

Good day! I have a Windows laptop laying around that I do not use. I’d like to dedicate it to the M for the very best way to have full control over the car. I’d like to have full diagnostic visual, coding and tuning abilities.

What is the best software to run? I’ve heard of, DIS, NCS Expert, Ediabas, GT1, INPA, etc. Some of these could be the same, and/or related, I am just not familiar enough. That’s why I’m reaching out to inquire on the best set up. I have a 2003, if that is important to know. Do any programs have the ability to run and read multiple sensors at a time? I have a Ford diesel truck as well and my tuner allows me to monitor different sensors at once, i.e. transmission temp, exhaust gas temp, injection pressure, boost, etc

With that being said, are there any specifics that a laptop should have for RAM, HD space, etc?


Interested to hear your experience and input. Thank you!

[JeremyJames]

I figured I’d get plenty of support here on this for those that have figured it out but I guess I’ll be diving down this rabbit hole on my own! 😅

[eacmen]

Start with INPA and install others as needed.

[Cubieman]

https://www.bimmergeeks.net/

INPA/NCS
Download "standard tools" for free and follow install instructions, their cables are good stuff as well.

DIS from https://www.pss-autosoft.net/alt-order.php makes things a bit easier.

https://www.ecuworx.co.uk/downloads/

Great software and easy to use.

https://bimmersoftware.com/bmwlogger

Data logging

[JeremyJames]

Thank you. How do you learn the difference between all of these programs/softwares and their functions and capabilities? Are all listed above Genuine BMW or are some aftermarket alternatives that work better and/or just as good?

[Cubieman]

Thank you. How do you learn the difference between all of these programs/softwares and their functions and capabilities? Are all listed above Genuine BMW or are some aftermarket alternatives that work better and/or just as good?

Start poking around old threads in the coding section and get on Google to find out what programs have what capabilities. As recommended by Eac start with INPA, get yourself familiar with what cables work and getting connected to the car etc.
It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish with software. If you just want to pull codes I would get the free software available from ecuworx.co.uk as simple setup as your going to get.

[robgill]

I find this guys videos very helpful. You can run most of this software on just about any decent laptop with Windows 10. He also links out to the correct cables and software downloads.

Agree with above the easiest place to start is INPA. INPA allows all the needed diagnostics/maintenance like sensor monitoring, ABS bleed, VANOS test, reset adaptation etc.. DIS is similar but a HUGE hassle to get setup and not really needed.

For coding the fastest route is to use the Carly app. If you want to go deeper you can setup NCS Expert.

[JeremyJames]

You guys are awesome! Thank you very much! I am wiping the this laptop clean right now and dedicating specific to the M. I appreciate y’all’s input!

[Cubieman]

I find this guys videos very helpful. You can run most of this software on just about any decent laptop with Windows 10. He also links out to the correct cables and software downloads.

Agree with above the easiest place to start is INPA. INPA allows all the needed diagnostics/maintenance like sensor monitoring, ABS bleed, VANOS test, reset adaptation etc.. DIS is similar but a HUGE hassle to get setup and not really needed.

For coding the fastest route is to use the Carly app. If you want to go deeper you can setup NCS Expert.

On side note, I never knew one could view MPH and RPM on the digital display, kind of a neat deal. That guys got some interesting stuff.

https://youtu.be/pK6XvIIhR-0

[Cubieman]

You guys are awesome! Thank you very much! I am wiping the this laptop clean right now and dedicating specific to the M. I appreciate y’all’s input!

Good luck man, I started from scratch and it was very confusing but you will be fine. I wouldn't even mess with DIS unless you find its a must have for you, I am just a nerd and loved getting all of this software. ISTA I still haven't run.

If you do want to run DIS sometime I would choose a 64bit OS, 32bit OS limits how much memory the computer can actually use. That being said I am running DIS on Windows 7 32bit and its fine.
DIS is run on a virtual machine, so you are running DIS on its native OS (Unix) via a virtual machine within Windows, so that takes more resources than say simply running INPA which will run straight off of Windows.

[JeremyJames]

Cubie, I appreciate your input. From one geek to another haha. Pretty excited to hack into the M brains!

How did you decide which cable(s) you needed?

[Cubieman]

Cubie, I appreciate your input. From one geek to another haha. Pretty excited to hack into the M brains!

How did you decide which cable(s) you needed?

You need a "K+DCAN" cable, you can get a Kline cable but you won't be able to do much more than pull strictly engine codes, Kline (to my knowledge) will ONLY pull engine information, you can't read/write on the Light Control Module for example if you wanted to code (With NCS) Euro Hazard blink pattern etc.

I bought the Bimmergeeks pro cable, they have an expert version, but I decided the Pro was just fine.
But any K+DCAN should be ok, they will have a button or switch on them.

That bimmergeeks standard tools is a good place to start, you'll get INPA/NCS and some other programs with install instructions, not to say the same can't be found other places but I was pretty green and it was still easy to get INPA up and going.

[eacmen]

You need a "K+DCAN" cable, you can get a Kline cable but you won't be able to do much more than pull strictly engine codes, Kline (to my knowledge) will ONLY pull engine information, you can't read/write on the Light Control Module for example if you wanted to code (With NCS) Euro Hazard blink pattern etc.

I bought the Bimmergeeks pro cable, they have an expert version, but I decided the Pro was just fine.
But any K+DCAN should be ok, they will have a button or switch on them.

That bimmergeeks standard tools is a good place to start, you'll get INPA/NCS and some other programs with install instructions, not to say the same can't be found other places but I was pretty green and it was still easy to get INPA up and going.

Make sure you get a k+dcan with the little switch on it that lets you short pins 7+8. Otherwise you have to solder them.

Some cars require this pin shorted, some don’t. So some cables come with a switch.

[JeremyJames]

Cubie & eacmen y’all are the real deal and I appreciate you saving me the time and troubles! I’ll keep you posted on how it works out.

[JeremyJames]

Where do you guys pick up most of your coding?

I am not sure if what I am looking for exists, but my wife likes to rip the M occasionally. Everytime she takes it I feel as if I have to remind her to not exceed 3k RPMs until EOT are at running temps.

What Id like to do is control the redline to read 4k until operating temp is reached. Is this possible?