Rent or borrow cable?

NEFARIOUS · 05-10-2018, 02:52 PM

Hi: I have a 2006 E90 330xi, but I want to get a firmware update (especially the MOST/MULF since the phone garbles so I need an ICOM cable), re-calibrate the transmission shift points (the last transmission died on me and the replacement one shifts late or lags in downshifting when I floor it), and change a few settings. I have a spare computer that I've put Win7 x86 on, but haven't even downloaded the appropriate software or SP-Daten yet (but I will this weekend in preparation for the next)...

However, I know conventional wisdom is to buy a cable for myself, but I'm only planning on keeping the car for another year or 2, and want to upgrade to an Fxx or even Gxx car (which I heard uses a different programming cable), so an ICOM Cable it's not exactly an investment at this point, not to mention the job I'm doing right now hardly pays me any leisurely expenses.

Is anybody with a cable willing/able to rent out or even let me borrow it for the weekend? I live in Huntington Beach, CA. Thanks!

Edited: Specified to need ICOM cable

6ixSpd · 05-10-2018, 06:22 PM

It's like $40 for a BimmerGeeks cable... not exactly much of an investment.... The capability it offers for diagnosing with BMW Standard tools is worth way more than $40 if you're driving the car for two more years.

NEFARIOUS · 05-10-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

It's like $40 for a BimmerGeeks cable... not exactly much of an investment.... The capability it offers for diagnosing with BMW Standard tools is worth way more than $40 if you're driving the car for two more years.

Oh... Because for FW upgrades, I heard there was this kind that's about $200 that has a higher data transmission speed and less likely to brick the system... If I just wanted upgrades I'd buy one, but the main concern is the FW update.

NEFARIOUS · 05-21-2018, 12:36 PM

Replies to the above? Any other replies?

smass · 05-21-2018, 02:46 PM

EGS may be one of the modules that it is safe to update with the $40 cable. Google winkfp egs module update zf

bluewater328 · 05-21-2018, 02:59 PM

ICOM is certainly been reported to be ideal for the reasons you mention, but for your model, it might not be necessary. At $300...could you just take it to someone for a single tune/code session? Same thought as the $40 K-DCAN.

NEFARIOUS · 05-23-2018, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewater328

ICOM is certainly been reported to be ideal for the reasons you mention, but for your model, it might not be necessary. At $300...could you just take it to someone for a single tune/code session? Same thought as the $40 K-DCAN.

ICOM... That was the word I wanted to use but couldn't think of it!

Well, I have a problem with phone calls having a second-long garble about once every 2 minutes (which is super annoying when I have a longer conversation or conference call), does updating the MOST/MULF help rid of it?

brettcp · 05-23-2018, 11:30 AM

Get the bimmergeeks pro cable - I updated every module that wasn't on the MOST bus with this cable (including EGS and the DME). Worked great.

I'd love to update the CIC as well but don't have an ICOM myself.

d1saster · 05-29-2018, 09:10 PM

OP you may need to update the title of the thread to say you need ICOM. It’s a great idea to have someone renting it out. You will also need a power supply during flashing. Maybe a second car would suffice but there would still be voltage fluctuations.

NEFARIOUS · 06-03-2018, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d1saster

OP you may need to update the title of the thread to say you need ICOM. It’s a great idea to have someone renting it out. You will also need a power supply during flashing. Maybe a second car would suffice but there would still be voltage fluctuations.

I wasn't able to update the title, but I made my post a bit more specific.

My landlord does have a battery charger, so that part is covered.

Thanks for your advice though!

ctuna · 06-03-2018, 11:07 PM

With and 06 you are suppose to be able to do anything with
a K/D can cable as they did not switch to D can till 3/07.

I would get the Bimmergeeks one as its known to be faster and
more stable.

05-10-2018, 06:22 PM	#2
6ixSpd Save the manuals! 6069 Rep 6,765 Posts Drives: '16 M3, '23 718 Spyder Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 416 iTrader: (4)	It's like $40 for a BimmerGeeks cable... not exactly much of an investment.... The capability it offers for diagnosing with BMW Standard tools is worth way more than $40 if you're driving the car for two more years. __________________ '16 M3 \| '23 718 Spyder Past: E92 M3, F87 M2, E39 M5, etc
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05-21-2018, 02:46 PM	#5
smass Lieutenant Colonel 415 Rep 1,603 Posts Drives: 06 325i - 10 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 E90 335i [0.00] 2016 F15 35i [0.00] 2003 E53 3.0 [0.00] 2006 E90 325i [0.00]	EGS may be one of the modules that it is safe to update with the $40 cable. Google winkfp egs module update zf
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05-21-2018, 02:59 PM	#6
bluewater328 Colonel 642 Rep 2,098 Posts Drives: 2011 bluewater 328i LCI sedan Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (0)	ICOM is certainly been reported to be ideal for the reasons you mention, but for your model, it might not be necessary. At $300...could you just take it to someone for a single tune/code session? Same thought as the $40 K-DCAN.
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05-23-2018, 11:30 AM	#8
brettcp Captain 363 Rep 718 Posts Drives: 2012 E93 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: So Cal iTrader: (2)	Get the bimmergeeks pro cable - I updated every module that wasn't on the MOST bus with this cable (including EGS and the DME). Worked great. I'd love to update the CIC as well but don't have an ICOM myself.
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05-29-2018, 09:10 PM	#9
d1saster Captain 60 Rep 675 Posts Drives: F15 N55 & E93 N51 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	OP you may need to update the title of the thread to say you need ICOM. It’s a great idea to have someone renting it out. You will also need a power supply during flashing. Maybe a second car would suffice but there would still be voltage fluctuations.
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06-03-2018, 11:07 PM	#11
ctuna Lieutenant General 2054 Rep 13,384 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	With and 06 you are suppose to be able to do anything with a K/D can cable as they did not switch to D can till 3/07. I would get the Bimmergeeks one as its known to be faster and more stable.
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