BMW Scanner

[Sean d]

I have just installed BMW Scanner 1.4 on my laptop (with the help of my 12yo daughter), I am going to scan the car tomorrow and just wondered if any of you guys could give me any hints or tips, I'm a bit concerned that I might mess with something that I shouldn't

 

[Mnbrennan]

I've not heard of this software Sean, where did you get it from?

 

[Redline]

Right to be careful and best to get some guidance before starting.
My old boss totally bricked his car by doing the wrong thing. And it was a company car. Tbh, we couldn’t stop laughing.

Similar rule to measure twice, cut once and all will be fine!

 

[Sean d]

I've not heard of this software Sean, where did you get it from?

Off ebay Martin, Robert @mrscalex recommended it, connected it today and had a few issues, it read the DME and EWS,there was a connection error with the IKE which is the instrument cluster and it was saying "not found for the ABS, I had Stevo over last week and his device couldn't read the ABS either, not a clue where to start, I hope Robert can shed some light on it

 

[Sean d]

I've not heard of this software Sean, where did you get it from?

Have a look at it on youtube Martin, its pretty good

 

[Jack Ratt]

@Sean d if your car is prefacelift, to access your ABS module you need INPA and an ADS capable connection. You will need an old laptop with an RS232 port, an ADS switchbox and INPA. You will not be able to access ABS module with INPA through a USB port, don't know why it doesn't work, it just doesn't.
Facelift cars and some very late prefacelift cars may be enabled.

Check out this link

https://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f99/bmw-inpa-diagnostics-idiots-guide-getting-started-t85220/

Also check your diagnostic port and if it's like the one in the pic below it confirms that your car is ADS compliant.

 

[Jack Ratt]

@Sean d I've had to edit the above post, I missed some bits out, but think it's all there now. The important bit is the link to Bimmer and whether your diagnostic port is like mine in the photo.

 

[Sean d]

@Sean d I've had to edit the above post, I missed some bits out, but think it's all there now. The important bit is the link to Bimmer and whether your diagnostic port is like mine in the photo.

Thanks pal, I'll take a look tomorrow

 

[jonco]

@Sean d.......... You will not be able to access ABS module with INPA through a USB port, don't know why it doesn't work, it just doesn't.
Facelift cars and some very late prefacelift cars may be enabled.......................

Garry, I think it depends on version as I can access ABS/ASC 4G E36 Version 1.21 on my preface lift using INPA and USB (from 20 pin) but cannot access Instrument Cluster. Was told I needed RS232 port, an ADS interface as you say. Never bothered as I reset service lights with shorting link.

 

[mrscalex]

The pre-facelifts I’ve connected are later cars 98> and I can read the ABS fine.

I’ve never been able to read the instrument cluster either.

 

[Stevo7682]

When I read Sean's car with mine let me into ews and dme just not abs lets me into Lynne's pre facelift but it's a 4cyl and has a different abs pump set up than Sean's car

 

[jonco]

.............. pre facelift but it's a 4cyl and has a different abs pump set up than Sean's car

That might be it - mine's a 4 pot and I can get in - as said earlier depends on version. Vaguely remember a thread over on.net about INPA access a few years ago. The accessibility was all over the place for similar age vehicles.