[atmosphericM]

Hello and thank you for viewing my thread!

I have finally reformatted my notebook computer with Windows 10 and am ready to start tackling the next phase of my BMW project - coding, error code reading, retrofits, etc. I am a pretty tech-savvy person and actually do some IT work for a living, so hopefully this will be a fairly pain-free process. That said, I've created this thread because as I've posted and lurked here on E90Post for the last year or so, I've seen so many different coding threads and, to be honest, I haven't been able to keep straight which software does what, etc.

So, please and a big thank you!!, hold my hand here for me a little while I understand the coding idea related to the E9x chassis. And please bear with me if I ask super simple questions.

First of all.. what are my software options and what do I need? I plan on purchasing a cable from Bimmergeeks. This cable will let me do anything and everything, correct? Well, outside of virginizing a cluster's ROM.

What I would like to be able to do is...
1. Read and Clear ECU Error Codes
2. Read and Clear ECU Error 'Shadow Codes' (is that a thing?)
3. Flash the ECU/DME
4. Code various modules throughout the car related to lighting, the gauge cluster, retrofits, etc.

What software do I need to download and install in order to do all of this?

I've seen NCSExpert, BMW Standard Tools, INPA etc. etc. Some say that we can get away with just one software package, some say different. I'm a bit confused and really appreciate your help as I get all of this through my head lol.

Thanks!
-aM

P.S. As I wrap my head around this process, I plan on keeping this thread active and will use it as a place to post my success or questions related to various coding projects.

[atmosphericM]

*reserved*

Programs and Their Functions:

INPA - Diagnostics, Deep-Level Data Acquisition/Reading (German/Factory Based)
ISTA - Diagnostics, Data Acquisition ?, Troubleshooting Guides, Diagrams/Schematics, Part Numbers (US/Dealership Based)
ISTA D - Diagnostics?
ISTA P - Programming?
NCS Expert - Coding Individual Modules
Tool32 - ?
WinKFP - ?

What I want to accomplish:

Disable Key in Ignition Door Chime
Disable Fog-Light Bulb Check (Delete Fogs)
-"Exterior Light Check"?
Open/Close Windows/Sunroof w/ Key-Fob
Enable Digital Speed (Velocity) Display
Disable Seat-Belt Chime
Turn On Parking Lights w/FOB Unlock
-"Welcome Lights"?
--I think this might already be active.. I don't use the "Auto" setting on the headlight switch so I need to investigate.
Enable One-Touch-Up Windows w/Door Open
One-Touch Turn Signals Set To 5 from 3
Disable Seat-Belt Handover

Links and Info:

Worksheet List of Coding Options
Ultimate Carly for BMW Coding List

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

You can install INPA, NCS Expert, Tool32 and WinKFP using my thread here. This should take care of 99.9% of the things you'll need.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1204192

There is also ISTA, but it's a touch more complicated to get installed/working.

[atmosphericM]

Thanks! And what exactly does ISTA do, that the others cannot? Perhaps I should ask like this...

What do each of these programs do, exactly?

-INPA
-ISTA
-NCS Expert
-Tool32
-WinKFP

TIA!

[ctuna]

Ista is what BMW used in its dealerships for the life of the e90.
If offers complete diagnostic, guided troubleshooting and is
like a shop manual on your computer with full mechanical and electrical
diagrams part no's. Also its all in English and its safer to use .

It does not allow coding or programming of individual modules though.
(at least if didn't the last time I looked)

-INPA diagnostics
-ISTA see above more sophisticated diags and support.
-NCSexpert programming or coding individual modules
-Tool32 programming or coding at a more basic level
no software checks just runs the subroutines
Also allows resetting things at a more basic level.
-WinKFP programming or updating individual modules.
Some of the coding or updating overlaps between some of these.

Ista D is for diags
Ista P is for programming the whole car in one operation.

http://blog.obdii365.com/2017/11/16/...nstallation/#1

good idea to get the Inpa suite working first.
these programs where originally developed as engineering
tools.
Best to read the following links some of my explanations
may be fuzzy or wrong.

diagnostic manual ista/inpa
https://bimmerprofs.com/diagnostics-inpa-part-1/
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...xo19teM9vkTF-C
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7x8H3pN8h1fMuF

[atmosphericM]

Great! Thanks ctuna for that description!

So are you saying that NCS Expert, Tool32, and WinKFP are mostly different because they have access to code/program different modules from each other? Or are they just different ways to do the same thing?

Also, ISTA = ISTA P + ISTA D? Or are the three all different programs (ISTA, ISTA D, ISTA P)?

[ctuna]

NCS Expert, Tool32, and WinKFP

Yes they are coding tools or programmings tools which call on the edibas programs
and manipulate them in different ways at different levels.

Coding = change a small parameter on one module
Programming = changing the VO vehicle order
and making it part of the car when replacing a module or
updating it or adding an option.
There are a bunch of other terms that describe hardware
and software reversions that I haven't memorized that
are useful when you do this stuff.

Ista is general term we use most of the time when we are talking about ista d the diagnostic program
ista p is a separate program used for programming or
updating the whole car . You need an Icom cable and
a big power supply to do this safely.
There is now ista + which covers the e90 the newer cars that
came after is it's major difference.

Ista has a huge database connected to it that has
all the shop manual stuff , guided troubleshooting,
diagrams and schematics as a result it is a large program.


Disable Key in Ignition Door Chime
Disable Fog-Light Bulb Check (Delete Fogs)
-"Exterior Light Check"?
Open/Close Windows/Sunroof w/ Key-Fob
Enable Digital Speed (Velocity) Display
Disable Seat-Belt Chime
Turn On Parking Lights w/FOB Unlock
-"Welcome Lights"?
--I think this might already be active.. I don't use the "Auto" setting on the headlight switch so I need to investigate.
Enable One-Touch-Up Windows w/Door Open
One-Touch Turn Signals Set To 5 from 3
Disable Seat-Belt Handover

all the above typically done with ncsexpert.
Except turn signal count I believe.

I don't know all the details but there is some overlap
in some of the functions between these programs for things like seting up the values for new injectors in diags.

[Joe@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by ctuna

NCS Expert, Tool32, and WinKFP

Yes they are coding tools or programmings tools which call on the edibas programs
and manipulate them in different ways at different levels.

Coding = change a small parameter on one module
Programming = changing the VO vehicle order
and making it part of the car when replacing a module or
updating it or adding an option.
There are a bunch of other terms that describe hardware
and software reversions that I haven't memorized that
are useful when you do this stuff.

Ista is general term we use most of the time when we are talking about ista d the diagnostic program
ista p is a separate program used for programming or
updating the whole car . You need an Icom cable and
a big power supply to do this safely.
There is now ista + which covers the e90 the newer cars that
came after is it's major difference.

Ista has a huge database connected to it that has
all the shop manual stuff , guided troubleshooting,
diagrams and schematics as a result it is a large program.


Disable Key in Ignition Door Chime
Disable Fog-Light Bulb Check (Delete Fogs)
-"Exterior Light Check"?
Open/Close Windows/Sunroof w/ Key-Fob
Enable Digital Speed (Velocity) Display
Disable Seat-Belt Chime
Turn On Parking Lights w/FOB Unlock
-"Welcome Lights"?
--I think this might already be active.. I don't use the "Auto" setting on the headlight switch so I need to investigate.
Enable One-Touch-Up Windows w/Door Open
One-Touch Turn Signals Set To 5 from 3
Disable Seat-Belt Handover

all the above typically done with ncsexpert.
Except turn signal count I believe.

I don't know all the details but there is some overlap
in some of the functions between these programs for things like seting up the values for new injectors in diags.

What he said...

As for the turn signal blink, it can be done a couple different ways.

1. Use NETTODAT coding through NCS.
2. Use NCS Dummy to disassemble the specific FRM file for your car, make the change, then use NCS to default code your FRM.

I prefer option 2, as it somewhat permanently writes that value to your car. With NETTODAT coding, it reverts back to OEM every time you code the FRM.

[FunkyProtein]

This thread is along the lines what I am trying to accomplish myself having just bought a 3 series e90.

I have a greyed out option for sat nav and upon speaking to gpsunderground, one of the well known guys on there said my unit needed all the fsc codes reloading. I've purchased the pack from him after giving my VIN and have received the files I need. .

The next step I need to take is download the software needed and find how to use them. Pretty much from step 0! If anyone has a guide for dummies or can point me in right direction that would be great.