Hi, as many coders are already aware, the F series BMWs have time locks built into the DME, prohibiting reading and writing of certain parameters such as ISN (secret key), VMax (electronically limited top speed) and KAT (delete the painfully annoying CEL and fault due to sport or catless downpipes). ECU Explorer is a tool designed specifically to read and write the internal eeprom of the DMEs used in many current BMW models. The eeprom is where the hour counter is located, using this tool should allow you to reset your hour counter therefore unlocking time locked parameters such as VMax.

So far I have successfully removed my DME from my car (with some awesome help from mechanic, opened the case, shorted the required pin and connected to my computer, unfortunately by the time I got there I ran into software problems and decided to hold off until I had more time.

Since, I have gotten my car back together and running perfectly with no faults, and also figured out the next step in the software. The hard part is out of the way, I've successfully done the required physical hacking of the board, all that's left is for me to find time to remove my DME again and finish the process with ECU Explorer.

To sum up:

There is no such thing as a best or perfect tool.

Expert who had all these tools says:

1. autohex (re-prog very fast + safe,coding too..this tool not make re-calc,going future)

2. avdi (re-prog %50 sometime give defective to ecus,in next days will be better)

3. explorer (good tool but not support re-prog)

with autohex2 all is history . all is done by obd . also for programming .

avdi is 70% reliable for isn and 0% for programming . i had to make emergency flashing many times due to programming with avdi.

bmw explorer is same as autohex2 but lacks the programming function .

only disadvantage for autohex2 is when your subscription is over you cannot make isan calculation.

bmw explorer is done offline for isn.

Posted by: jean at 06:02 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Posted by: jean at 02:48 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I have too much time on my hands and like to solve problems. Got tired of always plugging in the BMW ENET Ethernet to OBD F-series coding cable for coding and diagnostics so I decided to explore a wireless alternative. The idea is to leave a module plugged into the OBD2 port and switch the ignition and the module on, then code/diagnose from the comfort of my sofa.

E-sys software running ok

set up ISTA on ENET on sofa




What I basically did is hack a TP-Link TL-WR802N, an 38-pin OBD2 connector (see picture below), buck converter and miscellaneous parts to build the final product. I tried the concept before I integrated all the parts and armed with Wireshark, I devised a configuration for the wireless router to work with the car.


I may still need to tweak few things for the box but overall it works really well, and I don't have to sit anymore in my garage to code or diagnose! It was too much miniature soldering in tight areas, if a product like this exists I'd gladly buy it and not build it!

Posted by: jean at 06:34 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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It is now easily possible to have ISTA-P and ISTA-D running natively on a modest laptop without multiple virtual machines.

Although slightly out of date, software is now at v54 I believe, it's very powerful. I still use Standard Tools for most things but ISTA-D is a great diagnostic tool. The native install can be updated by simply replacing the ISTAP folder from a newer version. WSM will not be updated of course and ISPI NEXT will soon take over anyway.

Best of all, both work with a $18 INPA K+DCAN cable. Albeit ISTA-P will require a free ICOM Emulator. If you do not have free one, you need to buy.

I have tested this on a 500gb HDD 8gb RAM laptop running win7 x64. Results are very good. Don't worry about ISTA-P MOST requirement. With expert mode you can select which modules you program.


Download is via torrent:

Torrent link for ISTA-P:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0h5IAukkZZwOHd6ZlJGYXVKbVE/edit?usp=docslist_api
BMW ICOM Emulator Registration XMLS:
Link

Magnet Link for ICOM Emulator:
magnet xt=urn:btih408C34EB285E48CB3AB61C1448911 9C836BC50C&dn=BMW%20ICOM%20emulator%20v3.1%20Rev%2 8b%29&tr=http%3a%2f%2fbt3.rutracker.org%2fann%3fuk %3dTsC40pcY55&tr=http%3a%2f%2fretracker.local%2fan nounce

If the torrent does not work,hereis a good place to buy.

Below is copied from another forum, I don't take any credit for it, but happy to answer queries.

Instructions:

Works on XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 & Windows 10
(32bit/64bit)

Notes:

Unblock the rar archive before extracting i.e right click > properties > click "unblock".
Use WinRAR V5 to extract.
Ediabas 7.3 needs to be installed
Disable firewall to avoid blocking issues - This is not needed as you can allow all service requests access when the popup appears.
Voltage constant has been added - to remove this form Emulator use:

---------

Delete IFS.ServicesImplementation.dll in:

\apps\ISTA-P\Taurus\ISOM\bin\

then rename _orig_IFS.ServicesImplementation.dll to IFS.ServicesImplementation.dll

-----------

Compatible with Chinese ICOM A1 & ICOM A2, Original ICOMs and Emulator will need registering


Basic Instructions:

***Setup your HDD into 3 partitions C - D - E***

C or D can be used as the main install location.
If you choose C for main install then D and E need only be 2GB partitions.


1. Put the large "apps" folder in the root directory of disk C:

C:\apps

2. Copy the file "WindowCleaner.exe" to C:\Windows\System32\

3. Copy the "ISIS" folder to C:\ProgramData\

Note: ProgramData folder may be hidden. If so go to folder options in control panel to unhide.

4. Copy the "WorkUser" folder to C:\Users\

5. Copy the files START-ISTA.exe and STOP-ISTA.exe to your desktop

6. Rename your Network Card to "Eth0"

7. Write down your PC network card mac address and in file:

D:\apps\WSM\apps\agent\data\DeviceInventory-ISTA_P_53_5_000.xml

change the mac address to match your own

8. Run "Setup.exe" asadministrator(also disable your firewall/temporarily disable anti virus)

9. Restart your computer

Notes:

Register your ICOM if needed (ICOM A1 clone is already set up).

Start ISTA using icon on desktop.

**YOU MUS USE 'STOP-ISTA.EXE' after closing the application.

--------------

How to run ISTAP native with K+DCAN interface using ICOM emulator

1. Disable firewall.
2. Remove voltage constant.
3. Extract and copy the ICOM emulator xml files to:

*:\apps\wsm\apps\agent\data\

4. In VMware network editor, ensure "VMnet0" is set to "bridged" and your LAN network adaptor is selected in the drop down menu.

5. In VMware network editor, add a new network called "VMnet3" and set it up as shown in the picture below:


Note: Click "apply" and "ok" and close down VMware.

6. Open VMware again and start emulator using the k+dcan snapshot. Once it has loaded up, go to the vm settings and change network adaptor 1 to "VMnet3(host only)". Click "ok" then wait 30 seconds for network to re-initialise.


note: you can now create new snapshot if you want.

7. Connect K+DCAN cable to emulator and car and run "ifhsrv32" using icon on emulator desktop.

note: ensure k+dcan cable usb icon is active in the vm.

8. Start ISTAP native, start a session and choose "ICOM emulator" in connection manager screen.

note: if everything is ok, the led on your cable should start to flash after a minute or so. If not, recheck emulator settings (i.e. com9, latency timer set to 1 etc.).

Posted by: jean at 07:00 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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BMW ICOM engineer and programming software has newly released to V2016.07 with ISTA-D 3.55.31 and ISTA-P 3.59.0.600 for windows 7 operating system.

Software version:

ISTA-D 3.55.31

ISTA-P 3.59.0.600

VIN: 2016.5.09

Support Multi-language in diagnose and programming, also TIS diagram circuit:American English, British English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, polish, Portuguese, Turkish, Czech, Swedish, Dutch, Indian, Greek, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai.

 

Works together with BMW ICOM, ICOM A2, ICOM A3,BMW ICOM PRO+A3

2016.7V BMW ICOM Software including:

No.	Software Name	Software Function
1	ISPI-NEXT Admin Tools	ISPI-NEXT authorization software
2	ISPI Admin Client	ISPI-NEXT authorization management and environment Configuration software
3	ISTA-D(Rheingold)	Diagnostic and repair guide, including Diagrams and disassembly Figure
4	ISTA-P(ISSS-NEXT)	Programming and coding software system
5	HDD-Update	Navigation software upgrade back-office services (function with ISTA-P, need to Import map files)
6	KSD	Work software
7	ETK	Accessories Catalog
8	E-SYS	Engineer Software for F series (available for programming and coding)
9	WINKFP	Engineer Software for E series, for programming
10	NCS-Expert tool	Engineer Software for E series, for coding
11	INPA	Engineer Software for E series, for diagnosis
12	Tool32	Engineer Software for E series, able to run directly
13	BMW Coding Tool	Auxiliary Software of Engineer Software for E series (Available to import model data to WINKFP and NSC)
14	NcsDummy	Auxiliary Software of Engineer Software for E series (Available to modify NCS data)
15	IToolRadar	Used to recognize ICOM, activate or release ICOM Port
16	EasyConnect	Used to Configure the Environment Parameter of Engineer Software for E series, can activate or release ICOM Port

System Requirements:

Dual-core processor, better above I3; over 4G of memory

Support Model:

It is recommended to use Lenovo ThinkPad: T61, T400, T410, T420, T430, X61, X200, X201, X220 X230 and other laptop with Intel chipset, such as I3 I5 / I7 series.

Posted by: jean at 01:41 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 314 words, total size 6 kb.

Here, you can free download different versions of BMW F-series characteristic coding software including E-sys v3.22.5, Esys 3.26.1, and E SYS v3.27.1.

Where to free download E-sys program?

(newest) E-sys 3.27.1

https://mega.nz/#F!E1YzzSxQ!DRr7BE8YL7GWEX8YqBbH9g

(unknown secirity) E sys 3.26.1

https://mega.nz/#!Z5dgGZRC!uovkspjgtekOvk9tzrhnxUQUQ8hLIF26YDxwSo1740c

(safe) E-sys 3.22.5

http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/bmw-enet-interface-cable-e-sys-icom-coding-f-series.html

Only E-SYS V3.22.5 is tested by obd365 engineers among all the E-sys versions above. Other versions are shared in the forums; just put it here for share and TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Why to use E-sys v3.22.5?

It is the NEVER-EXPIRE version.

There are many free download links online, but usually, it will expire in a few days or ask you to pay for continuous use or buy tokens.

What to use ENET with E-sys v3.22.5?

DIY an ENET cable BMW with the help of the following guide- it’s easy but requires a bit technique. You can have a try and then decide to whether buy a new one if you fails to DIY.

If you wanna buy enet interface from vendors, don’t spend too much on it- that is, just buy a cheap knock-off online:

http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/bmw-enet-interface-cable-e-sys-icom-coding-f-series.html

this is a reliable vendor with lots of good reputation talking about in the forums.

How to setup E-sys 3.22.5?

– In Windows system

0 Copy downloaded "psdzdata” folder to "C:\ESysData\” (i.e. "C:\ESysData\psdzdata”)

 

– In MacBook OS 10 Xoperating system

Successfully make BMW ENET cable E-Sys 3.22.5 run inaVirtualWindowsenvironmentrunningunder

MacOSX.

NOTE:

theseinstructionshavebeenpreparedfromaMacBookProrunning

MacOSversion10.7.4,alongwithVMWareFusionversion4.1.2(notinbootcamp

mode),runningWindows7(x86)SP1.

TheconfigurationandinstructionspreparedforE-Syscanbefollowedexactlyasthey

havebeenpreparedfortheWindowsenvironmentherewithinthevirtualwindowsas

well.

PleaseconfiguretheVMWareNetworkAdaptertohaveabridgedconnectiontothe

OSXphysicaladapter,asinthefollowingscreenshot:

Note:
at the time this screenshot was captured, the Ethernet wire was not connected to the car, hence it is shows a red circle in front of the title "Ethernet”. Once connected to the car (or any active ethernet wire), the circle will be green.

Ifdiskspaceisofnoconcern,thentherestoftheinstructionsbelowcanbeignored.However,consideringthesizeofthepsdzdatafolder(approximately15gigabytesandgrowingperrelease),andusuallyvirtualmachinesdonothaveasmuchdiskspaceavailabletothemastheparentOS,onecanstorethepsdzdatafolderontheMacsideandallowE -Systoseethefilesfromwithinthevirtualwindows.

EnsurethatWindowsisabletoseeafolderontheMacOSenvironmentasastandardsharedresource.TheeasiestwaytodothisistoenableSharedFoldersandMirrortheDownloadsfoldertobethesamebetweenthevirtualWindowsandMacOS:

Now, create a folder called "BMW” or anything else that is desired on the Mac’s Downloads folder. The contents of the MacOSX downloads folder will be available in Windows via Z:\Downloads under Windows Explorer.

Inthe~/Users/username/Downloads/BMWfolder,createafoldercalled:"ESysData”,

andcopythecontentsofthefolder"C:\EsysData”tothe"Z:\Downloads\BMW\EsysData”

folder.Nowextracttheentiredownloaded"psdzdata”foldercontentinthepsdzdata

folderoftheMacOSenvironment.Lastly,copy(notmove)thecontentsofthefollowing

folder:~/Users/username/BMW/EsysData/psdzdata/swe

tothefollowingfolderwithintheEsysDatafolderstructurecreatedabove:

~/Users/username/BMW/EsysData/SWE

Pleasenotethatthe"username”thatappearsintheabovetwopathswillbetheMacOS

User’susername.Also,consideringthefactthattheWindowsfilesystemdoesnot

supportcase-sensitivity,thefoldernamecasesspecifiedabovedonothaveany

significanceotherthanreadability.

InE-Sys,fromthe"Options”menuselect"Settings…”andthenselectthe"Program”tab.

EnsurethattheEsysDatafolderpathiscorrectlyspecifiedwithrespecttowherethey

areontheMacOSXenvironmentandtheWindowssharedfolderpath.Seescreenshot:

The EST file also needs to be mapped to E-Sys, and this file can be stored on the Mac side as well. Although it does not have a significant file size, it is advantageous to have this file on the Mac side for those who use Time Capsule as a backup solution and would like these files to be backed-up. In this case, the following illustration shows where the location of the EST file can been configured:

The rest of the instructions that have been prepared for windows need to be followed in order to alter the coding of a BMW via E-Sys running in VMWare Fusion and MacOSX.

How do people think of ENET cable?

Coding F10 sport display – Success

"As always open upEsys 3.22.5, Read FA, Read SVT and activate FA. Then read the coding data from HU_CIC or HU_NBT and the KOMBI module and edit the FDL to make the changes. I have managed to activate sport display for my F10”

DIY enet cable is easy – Success

"I myself did a ENET cableas online shops display, only using a CAT5 lan cable, a 510-560 ohm resistor and a OBD male plug, or, purchase it online. Only four wires are connected and there is no need to ground anything… anyone can try it”

coding auto start stop off notification on 2012 F30s – Success

"I changed the build date on my VO to 0712, VO coded KOMBI and it all works! When auto start stop is not running, I get a notification on my instrument cluster just like on the 2013 models!”

F30 video in motion coding – Success

"good at video in motion coding.. I used this cable to enable it for the passenger to enjoy watching a DVD that help me save a lot!”

Reactivate F30 FSC codes – Success

"it helped me reactivate FSC codes without problemsusedE-sys programto read all FSCs and certficates.and usedTool32to clear the FSC store and then use E-sys to reload all FSC’s and certs and activate them.”

It can run on MacBookPro– Suceess

"i managed to coding via E-Sys running in VMWare Fusion and MacOSX. (aMacBookProrunningMacOSversion10.7.4,alongwithVMWareFusionversion4.1.2(notinbootcampmode),runningWindows7(x86)SP1)”

Posted by: jean at 05:51 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Here is the DIY guide just provides the instructions on how to flash BMW Alpina B3 with the Winkfp software.

Note: I do not hold any responsibility if you damage your car.


DIY Guide to Flash Alpina B3 Flash:


WARNING...If you don‘t know what your doing, dont be brave and blindly go into this advanced flashing of software into the TCU module.. If your not too confident in doing this, either pay someone or just do without it.....WinKFP is a very dangerous tool but yet its awesome and in terms of coding its pretty advanced.. Proceed after reading this warning if you choose to do so...



This flash will make the transmission run smoother, gear change will be more precise and crisp, rev match downshift is unbelievable, rev limiter is increased and overall driveability is increased. You will have a new indicator for gear selection in D mode which display D1, D2, D3 ,D4, D5 and in DS mode you will see S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and the same for the M mode. This single flash will make the car change gears more refined and crisp. You will no longer feel the lurching when the tranny shifts and it goes through the gears without even the slightest hesitation. It is indeed a must have flash if you own a E9x with a N54 engine...


This Alpina TCU flash works for model years 3/07 till present N54/N55 engine (some N55 engines which are rare, exhibit the rpms jumping down to zero on each shift but acts normal in every other way..This can be addressed if you update your DME version if you have this erratic rpm issue after flash). If your production date is before 3/07, your out of luck and cant flash your car! Before you attempt this you should have some knowledge in coding and setting software. You need to confirm INPA software is working and communicating with car. If you dont have INPA communicating, dont move beyond this point and go back and do some more research on getting it to work.. There are plenty of DIY guides for setting up INPA, Ediabas, NCSexpert and WinKFP,


You can purchase a proven INPA K+dcancable that works...
http://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/bmw-inpa-k-can-with-ft232rq-chip.html

Once you have configured your laptop properly with INPA, NCS expert and WinKFP, you need to download Spdaten 53.0 which I have provided a link to download a condensed form for the strict purpose of this Alpina flash. The link for the SPdaten 53.0 is not the entire version and doesn't have the other data files needed to flash other modules if you need them, this is strictly for Alpina flash which makes the download much quicker...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sb0bm1he0j7hto9/53.0.rar

If you failed to download link, you can also buy ISTA hard drive containing INPA, Ncs expert,winkfp etc for BMW ICOM.

Follow the guide how to import the SPdaten 53.0 data into Winkfp by downloading the PDF I have provided below..Once you have the data imported into Winkfp then you need to configure the Winkfp..follow this




Once Winkfp is configured correctly your ready to begin the flash of your new Alpina B3 software into your car!!


IMPORTANT..For those using Procede or JB4 make sure the tune is set to VALET map 0 before you start the flash..

Here we go:

-Make sure your battery is good if not get a battery charger

-Open drivers door and turn ignition ON (cluster guage on) Basically hit the start button twice without starting car..

-connect cable to obd connector of car

-Load Winkpf software

-Press (F1) comfort mode

-Press (F3) Update ZUSB

-Choose ECU GKE215

-Press (F2) Choose ZUSB

-Choose ECU GKE215 and next to it there will be ZB-Numbers..Find 7615835

-Click ok

-If you have done it correctly so far you will see at the top Assembly Identification number 7615835 (Alpina software ) and it will automatically reference 7591971

-Press (F4) Enter VIN ( make sure you double check you have entered the correct VIN numbers)

-click ok

-Press DONE (F

-Press (F3) Program

-Pop up window will say you can code the ECU 63 more times, click ok

-Flashing begins and you will have to wait till it reaches 100% twice..The first bar will finish rather quickly and then another bar progress of 100% will take about 3-4 minutes
the most and it will be completed...


-If everything is done correctly, then you will get a pop up screen saying programming done, click ok

-Shut off car by taking key out. Lock car with key, wait 5 minutes and start the car..If everything works correctly you will not
have any warning signs or check engine lights...Enjoy your newly transformed AT Alpina B3 software

NOTE:

For newer build cars after the flash the paddle shifters no longer works...If this is the case you would follow part II of this DIY..

Alpina B3 flash Part II: DIY for NOT-working paddles shifters after flash


Alpina B3 flash Part II: DIY for NOT working paddles after flash


The Alpina B3 flash has been a huge success so far for performance gains as well as fixing many issues that has plagued the N54 platform for years. It has undoubtedly given the performance gains in which everyone could enjoy. The only minor glitch during the flashing was on new model years in which once the car is flashed the paddle shifters now longer worked, unlike the earlier build model years which didn't exhibit this. This was quite bothersome to me so I had to find a fix as it seemed unthinkable it wouldn't work. Here is your solution!


You guys need to use NCSexpert and have the latest SPdaten 49.3 or even 48.1 loaded up to both NCSexpert and Ediabas. There are tons of literature on this so do a search on it. If you not comfortable doing this or the actual coding, you can find a local coder and pay to have this coded....


Warning: If you don't have the Spdaten 48.1 or 49.3 updated correctly into Ediabas and NCS expert, after doing this coding the car will be Dead and show a gear warning on cluster but this can be fixed by correctly updating the NCS-expert...

Here is what you do:


0-Start ignition with cluster lights on

1-Load NCSexpert

2-File Use EXPERTMODE profile and click ok

3-(F1) Vin/ZCS/FA

4-(F3) SG ausw

5-Choose E89 chassis click ok

6-Choose CAS click ok

7-(F6) Back

8-Choose ECU and pick EGS

9-Press F3 (execute JOB)

10-After it says coding ended your done!

11-Close out NCSexpert




At this point 3 things can happen:


**A)There are no errors and the car starts fine and the paddle shifters are working and your happy!



**B)The car starts but then when you drive off, the shifting of gears are all screwy and changing incorrectly.



**C)The car starts but you get the dreaded GEAR error and it wont even go into drive at all..
.


If you have either B or C then you issue is the update of the Spdaten 48.1 or 49.3 was incorrectly done...Go back and check installation and start again




Reverting back to stock software...

Anyone that wants to go back to stock software for whatever reason, its really simple to do...Follow the same procedure and choose 7601492 as the ZB number instead of the 7615835 (alpina software zb number).

Posted by: jean at 02:20 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Share are two common methods to complete Halogen to LED DRL conversion, one with NCS expert and the other by hardwire. Follow at your own risk!

Posted by: jean at 01:25 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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