As a seasoned auto repair expert at carcodescanner.store, I understand the intricacies of vehicle modification and coding. Navigating the world of BMW car coding can be daunting, even with numerous online guides. That’s why I’ve created this focused walkthrough, specifically tailored for BMW Z series owners (E85/E86 chassis), to simplify the initial setup process. While this guide is optimized for Z4 models, particularly the E85 and E86, the core principles apply to other BMW chassis as well. Just remember, when coding, all E85/E86 Z4 variants are recognized under the “E85” chassis code. For clarity, I’ll primarily refer to E85, but the instructions are relevant for any E85/E86 model. If you’re working with a different BMW series, ensure you select the correct chassis code accordingly.
This first part of our series will cover the essential cable and software requirements. I will detail the setup that I have personally tested and confirmed to work flawlessly on my 2007 USDM Z4M coupe using a Windows 7 laptop. It’s important to note that while this setup is verified, compatibility can vary based on your specific PC and vehicle configuration.
Cable Essentials for BMW Coding
Selecting the right cable is the first crucial step in your car coding journey. The cable acts as the bridge between your car’s OBD2 port and your computer, enabling communication for coding.
The cable I personally use and recommend is sourced from a website, which, unfortunately, I cannot directly link due to restrictions. However, a quick search for “bimmer$0ftw4re” on Google, replacing the special characters with the appropriate letters, should lead you to the correct provider.
For this cable, bridging pins 7 and 8 is necessary. Upon connecting this cable to my Windows 7 laptop’s USB port, the drivers were automatically installed. Your experience may differ, and you might need to manually ensure your PC recognizes the cable as an OBD interface.
Once recognized, it’s vital to configure the cable settings. Access Device Manager on your PC, locate the cable’s COM port, and set it to COM1 with a Latency Timer of 1.
NOTE: Always use the same USB port for your coding cable. If you switch ports, repeat the process of setting the new USB port to COM1 and Latency Timer=1.
NOTE: While bridging pins 7 and 8 worked for me, it’s not definitively proven if it’s universally mandatory with this particular cable. I initially bridged these pins during a troubleshooting phase when facing connection issues due to a faulty software download. With the correct software, the connection worked with the pins bridged, and I haven’t tested operation without the bridge.
Confirmed Alternative Cables:
-
Amazon Cable Option 1 – Pin bridging (7+8) required.
-
Amazon Cable Option 2 – Features a built-in switch; ensure it’s set to the far right position.
Reputable Cable Sources:
-
Bimmergeeks – Given their provision of legitimate software, they are a highly recommended source.
Software Setup for Car Coding Time
With the cable sorted, let’s move onto the software – the brains behind car coding.
The software suite you’ll need is available from Bimmergeeks Downloads.
Follow these steps for software installation:
- Download Standard Tools: Obtain the “Standard Tools” file from the provided link.
- Extract Files: Use WinRAR or a similar program to unpack the downloaded folder.
- Follow Installation Instructions: Open the “Install Instructions.txt” file within the extracted folder and meticulously follow each step.
- Download NCSDummy Profile: Acquire the appropriate NCSDummy Profile for NCS Expert, tailored to your NCSExpert version. You can find the correct profile at: NCSDummy Profile Link
- Extract NCSDummy Profile: Unpack the downloaded NCSDummy profile file using WinRAR or a similar tool.
- Place Profile File: Move the extracted profile file into the directory:
C:/NCSEXPER/PFL - Create FSW_PSW.MAN File: Either launch NCSDummy or navigate to
C:/NCSEXPER/WORK. If it doesn’t exist, create a new, empty text file namedFSW_PSW.MAN.
NOTE: For more detailed guidance on steps 4-7, refer to page 32 of revtor’s guide (mentioned in the next installment of this series).
NOTE: While download sources like Bimmergeeks often offer separate daten downloads, the Standard Tools installation from Bimmergeeks already includes daten. Upon comparing these pre-installed daten files with their separate E85 daten download, they appeared identical in key folders (file count, sizes, dates, etc.). Therefore, for E85 chassis coding, I found it unnecessary to replace the pre-installed daten. However, be aware that for other chassis or potentially for E85 over time, the pre-installed daten might become outdated. My verified setup utilized the daten included with the installation.
NOTE: While a newer version of NCSDummy is available NCSDummy Latest Version Link, the version included in the Standard Tools worked for my purposes, and the updates seemed inconsequential for my needs. Updating is optional if you desire the latest version.
Testing Your Connection: Are You Ready for Car Coding Time Today?
Let’s verify if your setup is ready to connect to your BMW.
- Connect Cable to PC: Plug your coding cable into your computer.
- Connect Cable to Car: Plug the other end of the cable into your BMW’s OBD2 port. Ensure the ignition is OFF.
- Open INPA: Launch the INPA software on your PC. INPA should indicate “cable” with a black dot and “ignition” with a white dot.
- Turn Ignition to ACC (Position II): Turn your car key to the accessory position (position II). INPA should now display “ignition” with a black dot.
If INPA doesn’t show black dots for both “cable” and “ignition” after these steps, it indicates a communication problem. Troubleshooting is then required, focusing on your software installation, computer settings, and cable integrity.
With the cable and software successfully set up, you’re one step closer to unleashing the full potential of your BMW through car coding. Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where we’ll delve into the coding process itself.
