For BMW enthusiasts, especially those with the iconic E46 model, the desire to customize their vehicle’s features is strong. Coding, the process of modifying software settings in your car’s computer, opens up a range of personalization options. One popular customization is related to lighting, specifically parking lights, often associated with “angel eyes” on BMWs. If you’re considering using Carly for BMW coding to tweak your E46 parking lights, it’s essential to understand the tool’s capabilities and limitations, particularly for older models like the E46.
Carly for BMW has emerged as a user-friendly mobile app solution for BMW diagnostics and coding. However, when it comes to older platforms like the E46, its coding prowess is considerably less extensive compared to newer BMW models. Let’s delve into what you can realistically expect from Carly For Bmw Coding Parking Lights on an E46.
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand the coding possibilities specifically for the E46 when using Carly. A detailed PDF document outlines the coding options available for a 2003 E46 sedan with Carly. This document, linked below, serves as a definitive guide to Carly’s capabilities for this model:
What can I code in an E46 using Carly.
As you’ll see in the PDF, the coding options for the E46 are quite limited. While the document illustrates options for E46 coupes and convertibles as well, the overall coding functionality remains relatively basic. This is a critical point to consider if your primary goal is extensive customization of features like parking lights.
When considering Carly for BMW, it’s important to be aware of the different aspects of their product offering:
-
App Availability: Carly is available for both Android and iPhone platforms, catering to a wide range of smartphone users.
-
App Versions: The Carly app comes in both full and demo versions for both Apple and Android. It’s important to note that the full version is a paid app on both platforms. The demo version offers limited functionality, primarily for testing connectivity and basic diagnostics.
-
Hardware and Software Combination: Carly is not just an app; it’s a combination of software and a proprietary hardware interface. Carly offers its own Gen 2 dongle, available in Bluetooth (for Android) or WiFi (for Apple) communication options. This dongle is designed to ensure reliable and comprehensive communication with your BMW.
-
Generic OBD Dongle Limitations: While the Carly app might function with generic OBD dongles, the functionality is significantly restricted. Generic dongles offer limited communication and minimal to no coding options. This limited capability is often intended to encourage users to invest in the official Carly Gen-2 dongle for full access to features.
Older versions of Carly, previously known as BMW What, even utilized a Gen1 OTG setup with a hard-wired USB OTG cable to OBD connector, specifically for Android devices. This wired connection was intended for pre-2004 cars. However, as an early tester of this version, experience showed it was largely ineffective for the E46 platform, regardless of the production year. The current app version for Apple, paired with the Gen-2 adapter, has proven to be considerably more reliable and user-friendly, particularly for BMWs manufactured after March 2007.
For Android users, the flexibility is slightly greater. OTG connections via cable are possible with generic OBD connectors, and Bluetooth and WiFi dongles are also compatible.
However, for Apple devices, wired communication is not an option. The only viable connection method for iPhones and iPads is the Gen-2 WiFi dongle. Bluetooth connectivity is also not supported on Apple platforms for Carly.
Therefore, if you are using Carly with an iPhone and attempting to code parking lights or any other features on your E46, a hard-wired cable or Bluetooth connection is not feasible. The demo versions of the app also have restricted access, primarily allowing for live data monitoring from the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) and basic error code clearing on both Android and Apple.
Advanced coding functionalities, including module coding, advanced PID (Parameter ID) access, and logging, are restricted to connections using the Gen-2 adapter (WiFi or Bluetooth) and the full version of the Carly app.
Carly for BMW Coding Parking Lights on E46: Limited Functionality
Coming back to the original question of “carly for bmw coding parking lights” on the E46, the reality is that Carly offers very limited coding options for this specific BMW model, as demonstrated in the linked PDF. While the PDF does list some lighting-related coding options, the extent to which you can customize parking lights specifically might be minimal or non-existent. It’s unlikely you’ll find granular control over parking light behavior, intensity, or specific angel eyes modifications using Carly on an E46.
Consider BMW Scanner for E46 Coding
If you are serious about coding your E46 and desire more extensive options, especially for features like parking lights, BMW Scanner 1.4.0 (also known as PA Soft 1.4.0) is often recommended as a more capable alternative for the E46 platform. BMW Scanner offers a wider range of coding and diagnostic capabilities specifically tailored for older BMW models like the E46.
In conclusion, while Carly for BMW is a convenient tool, especially for newer BMWs with its enhanced live data and coding features, it is not the ideal solution if your primary focus is in-depth coding on an E46, including customizations for parking lights. For E46 owners seeking robust coding capabilities, exploring tools like BMW Scanner is advisable. Investing in Carly solely for E46 coding may not yield the desired level of customization, particularly for features like parking lights. For newer BMW platforms, however, Carly offers a much more comprehensive and user-friendly experience.
