Diagnostic Tools for BMW E46
Since the late 90's the BMWs have gotten more and more complicated to diagnosis problems. With all the computers, modules and systems that interact with each other it's difficult for the home mechanic to figure out where the root cause of a problem lies. To aid in diagnosising problems the car has a diagnostic port where specialized systems can be connected to communicate with the various systems and read fault codes. The Holy Grail of these machines would be the one the dealers use which is the GT1 (BMWs Grouper Test One Diagnostic Computer). It's super expensive, like $15,000, which is why only the dealers or a good independant service shop will have one. There is a little more information on the GT1. www.gt1tool.com The GT1 is now sort of obsolete in favor of the new system required for the latest BMWs. The new system is called ISTA/p for programming/coding and ISTA/d for diagnostics.
SSS/Progman - Software Service Station is used for coding and individualization. Installation instructions (complicated!) Click here
INPA/EDIABAS - Native install OS is Windows 32
NCS Expert - For changing various coding options
in the modules. It's all in German, but, there is a half complete translation
table in post #15 here Bimmerforums
thread 1454501 Native install OS is
DIS - Native install OS is SCO Unix. v57 does not do programming
NCS Expert/Progman
SSS - Native install OS is either Unix or XP embedded
For the home user there are a few options that have there drawbacks, but, they're definately not as expensive as the GT-1.
For engine/drivetrain problems the least expensive option is an off the shelf hand held OBD-II reader/reset tool. These unit commonly sell for as little at $30 and are designed to read generic ODB-II error codes and clear them. These codes are pretty much standard across all car manufacturers as they are required in order to sell cars in the US after some date (add date). In a lot of cases the codes are too generic or there are many fault codes that get set due to a cascade effect. This can be very frustrating since the root cause of the problem is not easily determined and the ODB-II code reader's manual is usually of no help.
Foxwell My new favorite tool for doing diagnotics on my E46 is the Foxwell NT-530 (and NT510, NT-520, NT710). This is a self contained unit that can do code reading and clearing as well as looking at sensors and activation for in depth troubleshooting. The NT-530 is a very powerful diagnostic tool for $159 with BMW/MINI/Rolls-Royce software. You can add another car brand for $60-80.
CarSoft Web Site. These guys make PC software and interface modules to communicate with your BMW or Mini Cooper. The latest version is 12 last updated in 02.2014. Cost is 195 Euros for the software, security dongle, interface module and cables or 95 Euros for just the software without the interface module and cables. If you already have an interface module compatible with Carsoft 6.5 or later then go for the later option. To deter pirating version 8 and above require a security USB dongle to enable the software. Well I just bought this package with interface in a recent group buy over at Bimmerforums and for what I want it for, it totally blows. Completely worthless! My Carsoft vs PA Soft For most people it will probably be fine, but, I found that the descriptions for GM5 module fault codes were useless because they were missing or wrong. Four of the five faults in the first GM5 I read gave the same description Fault Code: F1, 1-Base-module (GM) faulty. It didn't even show the cryptic BMW fault code numbers. I had to go back and read the codes with PA Soft 1.3.6 to find that information. I also tried version 9, marginally better, but, still blows. Version 10, no improvement that I could see. They are now on Version 12 and it still looks like it sucks. Good job guys! New prices 195 Euros for just the software and security dongle. 295 Euro for software, dongle, interface and cables. Carsoft interface cable pinout.
CarSoft 6.5 is the older version and is widely pirated and sold on eBay by chinese sellers. Info on how to install it can be found here Bimmerfest-Carsoft thread. Cost for the interface and pirated software is about $40 on eBay, but, the software isn't very good. The hardware interface however is compatible with the very latest version of Carsoft so if you choose to upgrade you can just buy the software and security dongle.
PA Soft has two different products which they differentiate by the first number in the version with Version 1.x.x being for older cars: E38 (7-series), E39 (5-series), E46 (3-series), E53, E83 and E85. Version 2.x.x is for newer cars: E60/61 (5-series) , E63/64 (6-series), E65/66 (7-series), E87 (1-series) and E90/91 (3-Series). The latest 1.x.x version is 1.4.0 and the latest 2.x.x version is 2.0.1. Version 1.4.0 is the version after 1.3.6 which if you've looked around on eBay it is highly pirated and sold with car interface module and cable for about $45. I've tried version 1.3.6 and it's basic. Reads and resets fault codes and gives the raw code numbers with NO DESCRIPTIONS. It allows you to change module memory contents, but, with no information on what it does. I guess it's fine if you know exactly which location you need to change, but, for most people it's going to be useless. I wouldn't pay too much for this version, but, I hear that version 1.4.0 is a lot better. How much better and if it's worth $650 I don't know. Version 1.4.0 is $650 and Version 2.1.0 is $1900. You can try the free demo version of 1.4.0, but, it is very limited. It will allow you to read from the various modules, but, it only shows the number of fault codes stored, but, does no show you what the fault codes are. The full version will allow you to see and clear the faults and should give a description of the faults. The demo version can use the older PA Soft 1.3.6 compatible interface modules or a modified 1.3.6 interface (information on the 1.3.6 -> 1.4.0 Demo interface), but, there is a newer interface module that is required to use the full version of 1.4.0. The demo interface does not work with the full version. It has a USB interface with built in security module inside The demo software is available on the Version 1.4.0 info page just above the big blue download box. Version 1.4.0 Information Page. PA Soft interface cable pinout. I have started noticing BMW Scanner 1.4 auctions on eBay. I haven't confirmed this, but, I believe these are just USB to Car interface modules with copies of the PA Soft 1.4 Demo because the auction description includes this line, "Unlocked functions to show possibilites of full version". They usually sell for a little less than $100, but, if it's just an interface with the Demo version it isn't work anything.
Bavarian Technic has a package a package for most BMWs and Mini's from about 1994 to present. It looks really good and prices aren't bad. They sell two main packages, the "Professional Kit" and the "Enthusiast Package". The Professional kit is $675 and comes with USB to OBD-II interface and can be used on an unlimited number of vehicles. The Enthusiast Package is $287, comes with the USB to OBD-II interface and will work on 3 vehicles. The 20-pin round connector adapter is an additional $60 and extension cord is another $60. Of course it allows you to read and clear fault codes as well as activate components of the car, reset service reminders, send special commands, set basic coding options, edit car key memory, reset adaptation values and much more. Seth at JB Eurotech Service is a beta tester and had this to add about it's capabilities: Read and write UIF on most modules, Read and write custom memory areas, allowing proramming of data area or program area Improved write performance, MSD80-MSD81 write times are under 25 minutes for both Program area and Data Area. MED17.2 Data area only in under 3 minutes. He has a thread on E46Fanatics. Check them out at www.bavariantechnic.com.
AutoEnginuity They seem to support many makes of autos with their OE Coverage Expansion options. The base software with USB to OBD-II hardware interface is $249.95 and then another $229.95 for the #EI07 Enhanced BMW Expansion software. These guys have versions that run on Windows PC as well as Palm PDA and PocketPC/Windows Mobile.
PC Retriever by ProgRama makes one that specializes in BMW, MB, Volvo and VW/Audi.
Autologic Diagnostics makes a portable unit for performance tuning, coding & programming of BMW/Mini control modules. They also make version for other European cars: M-B, Porsche, Volvo, Renault, Jaguar, Land Rover, VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda. This is a very good unit and can almost completely replace the genuine BMW factory tools. It's price is high though. 8000 British Pounds for the unit and 1 year of tech support and weekly software updates. After that it's 750 Pounds per year for tech support and weekly updates. If you want to work on the newer BMWs with MOST bus you need to buy the optical interface for another 800 Pounds.
Peake Research makes a line of reset and code reading tools that are specific to BMWs. BMW has added a variety of BMW specific codes that standard OBD-II code readers can't read. The R5/SRS reads SRS or Secondary Restraint System (aka Airbag) error codes and can reset them on most 1994-2002 BMWs. That's all it does. For $129.99 it's about the same cost as a trip to the dealer to diagnose that little airbag light on your dash. They also make the R5-FCX-3 Engine Scan/Reset Tool. This unit works on most 1987-2007 BMWs. At $149.99 it is a bit more expensive than the R5/SRS, but, many times more useful since you will likely have a lot more CEL or Check Engine Light problems than SRS light. This unit is similar to the generic OBD-II scan code reads that are for sale everywhere for at little as $20, but, will read BMW specific codes that the OBD-II readers won't. And one more feature, it can reset the Service & Inspection Maintanence lights (if you don't have a paper clip around to short pin 7 on the DLC-20 connector to ground for 3 or 9 seconds depending of you want to reset Inspection or Service). AB03 DLC-20 to OBD-II adapter cable pinout.
BMW General Module II (GM2) Page
BMW General Module III (GM3) Page