[cpc12]

I purchased a PC so my buddy could remotely code a few things on my E90.

I was wondering if there was a user friendly diagnostic program that I could use to pull codes and check voltages etc.

I have a crappy code reader was hoping for something more robust. New to this side of repairs.

Trying to avoid buying a dedicated Autel type scanner for over 800 bucks.

My buddy said use ISTA.

Are there any better options.

Thanks.

[ctuna]

Ista is the best one .
Why
It's what BMW used in house for most of the length of the e90 chassis.
1 ) It's in English no translating codes
2) It is essentially a whole shop manual with guided trouble shooting.
All BMW procedures , schematic, diagrams, Specs with disassembly procedure.
If you have to use additional things like oscilloscopes or special tools
it tells you how to do that.

Best to have a multimeter for voltage checks.

Searchable database is a plus

It does not code you need BMW standard tools for that.
Having both is the complete package.

It only costs you the price of a D/K Can cable .
Plus the time it takes you to set it up and learn to steer it.
Pretty straight foward once you get it up an running.
Bimmergeeks cable recommended. About 50 bucks

diagnostic manual ista/inpa
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...xo19teM9vkTF-C
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7x8H3pN8h1fMuF
https://bimmerprofs.com/diagnostics-inpa-part-1/
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...lkXEhlQYy4i9Nb
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-P-actually-do
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/at...1&d=1590283589
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...kBbC27TJLX3BGe
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...WekqhcC6hsgK2c
primary links
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681573
https://www.nathansbmwworkshop.com/b...or-dean-videos
ista problems
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1661945
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1581663

[cpc12]

Thank you very much for the info, I will comb through all of it. I have the cable and ISTA is already installed on my machine.

I just have to start from the ground up.

Thanks for taking the time to post...

[cpc12]

Thank you very much for the info, I will comb through all of it. I have the cable and ISTA is already installed on my machine.

I just have to start from the ground up.

Thanks for taking the time to post...

[ctuna]

Coding is not done with Ista here for the most part.
It's done with BMW standard tools
And that is a different program which is better for
changing things.
Ista D it the diagnostic program.
Ista P is the programming version which tends
to cause people a lot of trouble .
Much better to do any coding through Standard Tools.

[Maxmax73]

And better to go with ICOM instead of taking chances using kdcan cable

[ctuna]

You only need an Icom if your doing extensive coding and in some
cases to change modules on the Most Bus.

[Maxmax73]

Originally Posted by ctuna

You only need an Icom if your doing extensive coding and in some
cases to change modules on the Most Bus.

I guess. But also way too many people come here with "I have problems connecting".

[ctuna]

And mostly it's due to how they set up there software.
Because they don't follow the instructions exactly or there
PC is lacking some of the support software.
See the link Ista problems.

Nice to have a ICOM but not necessary unless you are not doing an
update to the whole car. Still I don't know all the constraints on Most Bus
programming some say you need it for that some don't . The only car
that doesn't have this problem is the 06.

Ista is easy to use you can even navigate the database in it without being hooked up
to the car.