[TDF9]

Just bought a 2008 328xit 6 speed with 135k miles.

I've had a 2006 325i for several years (now up to 265k miles) and bought an old laptop to run INPA, NCS Expert, etc. It's always worked fine for me... I think cable is solid, and i've been able to diagnose via INPA and code when needed (e.g., reflash when I went to 3 stage intake).

But this same setup does not work with my "new" 2008. Neither INPA or NCS seem to be communicating with the car. Weird, because exact same set up works with my 2006 325i.

Does this make any sense? Any ideas or suggestions? I need to register and code a new battery, and more broadly have come to rely on INPA for.my other e90 so can't imagine not having it for this one...

[PichaDis11]

I believe earlier year model had a different pin out for OBD port. If your cable has a switch or button try flipping/pressing to detect car

[TDF9]

Thanks for that - a change like that would explain what I'm seeing.

Unfortunately I don't see any switches on my cable. Will attach pix in case others see something I'm overlooking.

Or is my cable just be wrong in some way - only suitable for early cars, say?

Have others heard about an OBD change somewhere in the pre'LCI years??

[PichaDis11]

Ah the picture makes sense. So earlier models of the E90 had that K-Line OBD connection. You’ll need to purchase a KDCAN cable. If I recall correctly, this was the switchover to CAN connection on the newer model years from 2007 onward. Bimmergeeks is popular one now. I’m not sure if OneStop is still around to try for second alternative.

As a precaution, disconnect the internet from your computer to not have the driver updated automatically.

[TDF9]

Incredibly helpful - thank you! I'll try that, the KDCAN cable.

(Only thing I found in online searches is that older platforms - e.g., e46, e39 - require a different cable, so very useful to know 2007 was a turning point...)

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by TDF9

Incredibly helpful - thank you! I'll try that, the KDCAN cable.

(Only thing I found in online searches is that older platforms - e.g., e46, e39 - require a different cable, so very useful to know 2007 was a turning point...)

Actually I’ve just read that you can create a jumper on the cable for pins 7 & 8. Basically solder them together on The board and it should work.

[TDF9]

Circling back... getting a new kdcan cable and changing a setting on my laptop did the trick! Thx again, e90post!