[READER84]

Hi, what are my options when it comes to coding in relation to hardware and software? Costs etc

Cheers

[Sensible_]

Basic Level cost:

If you have a smartphone then the IOS or Android 'Carly' will do fine for most common coding options. Obviously with a wifi / Bluetooth obd2 adapter.

Mid level cost:

For anything more, you can't go wrong with a copy of BMW Standard Tools 2.12 and a DCAN USB cable. Forget dealer level, this will give you factory level coding abilities, however you'll need to do a bit of reading to understand it.

High level cost:

ISTA P and an ICOM cable. Dealer tools. Easy to use but not as flexible as BMW Standard Tools.

When coding, BMW recommend a power supply be connected. If you don't do this you have a higher risk of bricking a module.

[READER84]

What limits would I have with basic coding? Only really looking at folding mirrors adjust lights, simple things really.

Where would the power supply have to come from?

Would any OBD2 WIFI adapt or work? Or just the official Carly one?

Then just pay for app at £40?

[Dann]

I would but their specific adaptor as it's the only way of guaranteeing that it will work.

I had the 2nd option of INPA for diagnostics and NCS for coding but was let down by the laptop dying so have gone down the carly route

[litany]

I have one set of icom a2 for sale, £190 delivered.

[Aragorn30d]

"mid level cost" is surely cheaper than "Low level cost"....

I paid about 25quid IIRC for the KCAN lead and it came with the full software package.

Carly is 40quid then you've got to buy a dongle on top which if you buy the one from carly is another 30-40quid. You can use a cheaper generic one, but it might not work properly etc.

[Dann]

Depends.
Personally I would not use my everyday laptop for INPA AND NCS so factor in another lcheap laptop as a cost too

[Sensible_]

Originally Posted by Aragorn30d

"mid level cost" is surely cheaper than "Low level cost"....

I paid about 25quid IIRC for the KCAN lead and it came with the full software package.

Carly is 40quid then you've got to buy a dongle on top which if you buy the one from carly is another 30-40quid. You can use a cheaper generic one, but it might not work properly etc.

True.

But I'm not going to advise anyone to buy a DCAN cable other than the one from one stop electronics. This is the most comparable cable to the official BMW Omitec cable. All are clones of course but some are better than others. I'd rather spend £70 on a tried and tested cable from and reputable reseller than the rest. Just my opinion.

[litany]

Also have this dcan from "one stop electronics". Is more expensive than others but worth every penny for quick coding.

[jammy78]

Originally Posted by litany

I have one set of icom a2 for sale, £190 delivered.

Does this allow coding via MOST? Is the set a reliable / always work clone?

[litany]

I had flashed many CIC and other modules with this set.

[codinge90]

Easiest way in my opinion is to get a d+can cable and get inpa and ncsexpert. While Carly for bmw is more straight forward, you'll probably end up paying more. For those simple coding options you want, there are multiple walk throughs and multiple installation posts for the software.

[Quasimodem]

I have found Carly/BMWhat invaluable for identifying fault codes and clearing them (for a long time I used it to fight limp mode until I had time to clean my EGR valve -- everytime limp mode would come on I would clear fault codes with Carly and get my acceleration back), the parameters is also very informative and displays six statuses of different sensors in your car. I did a bit of coding with it when I got it, and paid the extra bit to register and encode an AGM battery when I installed that. I dont see inpa and ncsexpert being able to do all that so conveniently.

[READER84]

Is Carly 'novice' safe?

Still tempted as seems the most simple, just hope it'll do what I want you if I buy it

[Digitalize]

No coding is foolproof, but Carly backs up everything and only let's you turn options on/off, so in theory is safest.

But disconnections, loss of power etc whilst coding could be fatal.

[FHE92]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

No coding is foolproof, but Carly backs up everything and only let's you turn options on/off, so in theory is safest.

But disconnections, loss of power etc whilst coding could be fatal.

Would this solve the power issue:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-MXS-8-S...1YD5C9TBEYM6JA

A battery charger and has a "Supply mode – can be used as a 12V power source to protect electrical settings or provide battery support during diagnostics up to 25A" all in one.

Think I may go for this to b safe needed a good charger aswell

[READER84]

Makes coding very expensive if I'd need to but a charger like that! Lol

[Digitalize]

No idea why it's that expensive! I have a CTEK and it's about £80 I think, MXS 7.0

Still doesn't completely cure the possibility of disconnection etc though. There's a small risk.

[FHE92]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

No idea why it's that expensive! I have a CTEK and it's about £80 I think, MXS 7.0

Still doesn't completely cure the possibility of disconnection etc though. There's a small risk.

It's not just a charger it also acts as a power supply for diagnostic use. It says it in the description.

Most power supplies are very expensive but at least with this one, it charges/reconditions your battery aswell for less money

[Digitalize]

Originally Posted by FHE92

It's not just a charger it also acts as a power supply for diagnostic use. It says it in the description.

Most power supplies are very expensive but at least with this one, it charges/reconditions your battery aswell for less money

So does the MXS 7.0, looks hugely overpriced.

[FHE92]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

So does the MXS 7.0, looks hugely overpriced.

Indeed it does but at much lower amps, maybe it's a more robust stable unit ? As wel as a unit for HUuuuGGeee batteries

[Digitalize]

Buy it if you want, but it's complete overkill for your purposes.