Recommended Diagnostic Software for E85 and E89

J

javis20

Active member
Hershey, PA USA
I have a 2011 E89 and my son has a 2003 E85. What software and cable would accommodate both. My main concern is diagnostics, really don't care about coding convenience features. I currently have a situation with the E85 where the Brake light and Triangle light are on the dash and what to check the brake pressure values and see if there are any BMW specific code.

Thought BMW INPA? Are there any suggested cables for both the E85 and E89 or do I need 2 cables? And will it run on a Windows 7 64 bit laptop PC?
 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-K-DCAN-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-GT1-EDIABAS-INPA-DIS-SSS-NCS-EXPERT-CODING/113426234150?epid=1574449725&hash=item1a68bafb26:g:bjwAAOSwpudcCD39:rk:3:pf:0

...you can get cheaper but the 1 click software install is just so much simpler and worth the premium imho.
 
javis20 said:
Will the INPA work with the E89. I've read conflicting stories..
Click to expand...

Yes. You do need to get the latest INPA version though. Some of the versions floating around will be useless for newer cars.

I wouldn't bother with the software that eBay sellers send. Use this link: https://www.bimmergeeks.net/downloads

I would start with the Rheingold software. INPA is quite dated now but you can download it from that link, it comes under the "BMW Standard Tools" package.
 
R.E92 said:
javis20 said:
Will the INPA work with the E89. I've read conflicting stories..
Click to expand...

Yes. You do need to get the latest INPA version though. Some of the versions floating around will be useless for newer cars.

I wouldn't bother with the software that eBay sellers send. Use this link: https://www.bimmergeeks.net/downloads

I would start with the Rheingold software. INPA is quite dated now but you can download it from that link, it comes under the "BMW Standard Tools" package.
Click to expand...
I like that link :thumbsup:
To anyone using this, download and install 7zip to extract it, WinRAR didn't like it, but it extracted perfectly with 7zip :driving:
 
For an updated version of the SP-Datens file (V66, full version) have a look here >>> https://mega.nz/#F!CQFUFa5L!IZHvX5RTaqBtyRim_rRo7g
 
javis20 said:
Will Carly adequately do all my diagnostics? INPA install seems like a lot of work...
Click to expand...

Carly is ok for fault code reading but it's quite expensive.

I'd personally recommend Torque for code reading if you don't want to install INPA.
 
^ Torque is a good tool but will only display generic codes.

The heater in my thermostat has recently failed, Carly sees the fault, and Torque doesnt.
 
javis20 said:
Will Carly adequately do all my diagnostics? INPA install seems like a lot of work...
Click to expand...
Mike's easy BMW tools. 1 click installer
 
ph001 said:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-K-DCAN-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-GT1-EDIABAS-INPA-DIS-SSS-NCS-EXPERT-CODING/113426234150?epid=1574449725&hash=item1a68bafb26:g:bjwAAOSwpudcCD39:rk:3:pf:0

...you can get cheaper but the 1 click software install is just so much simpler and worth the premium imho.
Click to expand...

Great find but does it work with E89 only "BMW Z Models E85 & E52" listed ?
 
It will work as long as it’s one of the newer versions of INPA. Might be worth bobbing a question over to the seller to comfirm.
 
I just got my INPA working. Turned out to be the Obd.ini file had the wrong com port. Had to edit file from com 9 to com 1. And that was it.
 
javis20 said:
I just got my INPA working. Turned out to be the Obd.ini file had the wrong com port. Had to edit file from com 9 to com 1. And that was it.
Click to expand...

Good result :thumbsup:

INPA is way more powerful than Carly for diagnostics and costs nothing.
 
javis20 said:
INPA is working for my E89, but doesn't connect to my E85. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

You need to change the cable to support earlier models. The E85 requires Pin 7 & 8 to be connected. Some adapters have a toggle switch, some have an additional adapter that needs plugging in at the OBD end.

If your cable has neither then you can DIY a switch very easily. See here: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=672940
 
Thank you. Mine does not have a switch.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017IG81SQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Per the DIY, I just installed a switch. I will try it on my son's E85 later this week.
 
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