Computer cable and Diagnostics Equipment for X6

ronald_adi · 03-20-2010, 05:26 AM

Hi,

i would like to buy the cable and software required to hook up my laptop to my BMW. Since there are many options out there,... could someone point me in the right direction with regards to what to buy - cables, and software?

X6M · 03-23-2010, 08:38 AM

Do you mind me asking why you need this? To buy a decent software/cables, you need to pay a fortune. You best bet would be buying either not expensive OBDC reader (to reset check engine light) or DIS kit (more expensive) - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-GT1-WITH-D...item335b55ab6f

I have an OBDC reader which I bought for my older BMW for 60 pounds.

ronald_adi · 03-23-2010, 11:20 AM

X6M, thanks a lot for the link. i called the guy and understood from him that if i wanted to do a software update also for the latest models, then I need the OPS package (whatever that is), which is 680GBP.

Its quite a bit of money of course, but i think considering what i will be able to do, its quite worth it.

But one qs to you,... what is the OBDC reader? What can you do with it? only diagnostics?

chuck92103 · 03-23-2010, 12:28 PM

Do you mean update iDrive software?

You wont be able to use the equipment. Software will not download to a car unless there is authorization codes from BMW. You can't even get updated software for downloading unless you are a dealer.

Having this equipment as a hobby does not work. There are security and safety issues involved if it were simple as you going to Walmart to buy vehicle update software.

Not even an independent mechanic can update vehicle software.

If you just want to interpret codes, most of which are on iDrive, you can google.

I don't think these devices provide much help on modern vehicles as the dealer is the only one who can update software which is required to replace most electrical components.

ronald_adi · 03-23-2010, 12:49 PM

chuck, did you post that enough times?!

I know what you state to be incorrect. The software of my 535d was completely overwritten or re-written to my current 535d by an independent BMW specialist (not dealer).

ronald_adi · 03-23-2010, 12:50 PM

chuck, did you post that enough times?!

I know what you state to be incorrect. The software of my 535d was completely overwritten or re-written to my current 535d by an independent BMW specialist (not dealer).

X6M · 03-24-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronald_adi

But one qs to you,... what is the OBDC reader? What can you do with it? only diagnostics?

This is On-board Diagnostic System and it would do a basic diagnostic.
Have a look here - http://www.obdii.com/connector.html and http://www.obdii.com/background.html

I would not recommend buying anything other than an OBDC reader.
BMW makes very complex cars electronic wise. This is not like upgrade firmware in your Iphone/Ipod, there are many issues.

chuck92103 · 03-25-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronald_adi

chuck, did you post that enough times?!

I know what you state to be incorrect. The software of my 535d was completely overwritten or re-written to my current 535d by an independent BMW specialist (not dealer).

Sorry, web site glitched created all the dups.

So in the Netherlands the independent mechanics have full access to idrive software and updates? Wow, only place in the world that I know of.

03-20-2010, 05:26 AM	#1
ronald_adi First Lieutenant 39 Rep 399 Posts Drives: X6 40d Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Computer cable and Diagnostics Equipment for X6 Hi, i would like to buy the cable and software required to hook up my laptop to my BMW. Since there are many options out there,... could someone point me in the right direction with regards to what to buy - cables, and software?
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03-23-2010, 08:38 AM	#2
X6M Private 5 Rep 80 Posts Drives: BMW X6M Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	Do you mind me asking why you need this? To buy a decent software/cables, you need to pay a fortune. You best bet would be buying either not expensive OBDC reader (to reset check engine light) or DIS kit (more expensive) - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-GT1-WITH-D...item335b55ab6f I have an OBDC reader which I bought for my older BMW for 60 pounds.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 11:20 AM	#3
ronald_adi First Lieutenant 39 Rep 399 Posts Drives: X6 40d Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	X6M, thanks a lot for the link. i called the guy and understood from him that if i wanted to do a software update also for the latest models, then I need the OPS package (whatever that is), which is 680GBP. Its quite a bit of money of course, but i think considering what i will be able to do, its quite worth it. But one qs to you,... what is the OBDC reader? What can you do with it? only diagnostics?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 12:28 PM	#4
chuck92103 Major 91 Rep 1,209 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	Do you mean update iDrive software? You wont be able to use the equipment. Software will not download to a car unless there is authorization codes from BMW. You can't even get updated software for downloading unless you are a dealer. Having this equipment as a hobby does not work. There are security and safety issues involved if it were simple as you going to Walmart to buy vehicle update software. Not even an independent mechanic can update vehicle software. If you just want to interpret codes, most of which are on iDrive, you can google. I don't think these devices provide much help on modern vehicles as the dealer is the only one who can update software which is required to replace most electrical components. __________________ 2011 535i 2008 VW GTI
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 12:49 PM	#5
ronald_adi First Lieutenant 39 Rep 399 Posts Drives: X6 40d Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	chuck, did you post that enough times?! I know what you state to be incorrect. The software of my 535d was completely overwritten or re-written to my current 535d by an independent BMW specialist (not dealer).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 12:50 PM	#6
ronald_adi First Lieutenant 39 Rep 399 Posts Drives: X6 40d Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	chuck, did you post that enough times?! I know what you state to be incorrect. The software of my 535d was completely overwritten or re-written to my current 535d by an independent BMW specialist (not dealer).
	Appreciate 0 Quote