Confused with all the BMW software

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

I'm a bit lost as to which software does what and what is actually relevant to the E9X M3 between BMW TIS, BMW DIS, NCS Expert, INPA, EDIABAS.

Like what is used to code and what is used to diagnose issues. Are all of them required for DIY or do some serve the same function?

[Helmsman]

Interesting question, crowding up waiting for the sw diy'ers!

[BOOF-M3]

Hey OP you probably need to post this in the "coding" or "ecu software" sections as that is where the super genius technical Bimmer Geeks are hanging out. I like to go over there and read their threads/posts as the amount of knowledge they have is incredible. How fortunate we are to have a site like this.

[deansbimmer]

Many of the acronyms are short for German phrases so they don't always link up to the English meanings. Here are a few common ones that we DIY'ers will need to be familiar with:

BMW TIS= Technical Information System (torque ratings, instructions, etc)
BMW ETK= Electronic Parts Calatog (like realoem.com)
BMW EDIABAS= This is the hardware/software suite for communicating with the car, required for about any of the following diagnostic bundles.

Factory level software: Not as easy to use, mostly in German language. Used by more technical savvy and daring DIY'ers)
BMW INPA= Typical factory diagnostic software. Most download suites also install EDIABAS interface, NCS, WinKFP, and Tool32.
BMW WinKFP= Factory level programming software for writing/editing module software.
BMW NCS Expert= Factory level coding software for adjusting options/features.
BMW Tool32= Similar to DOS command box in Windows. Very powerful for programming, high risk of bricking modules if misused.


Dealer level software: (Mostly DIY friendly, still requires skill/learning/practice)
BMW DIS/ DISv44, DISplus= Older dealer level diagnostic software.
BMW ISTA/D= Current dealer level diagnostic software. (aka RHEINGOLD)
BMW ISTA/P= Current dealer level programming/coding software.

You can google any of these and find many threads that break down each program and their function.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

Many of the acronyms are short for German phrases so they don't always link up to the English meanings. Here are a few common ones that we DIY'ers will need to be familiar with:

BMW TIS= Technical Information System (torque ratings, instructions, etc)
BMW ETK= Electronic Parts Calatog (like realoem.com)
BMW EDIABAS= This is the hardware/software suite for communicating with the car, required for about any of the following diagnostic bundles.

Factory level software: Not as easy to use, mostly in German language. Used by more technical savvy and daring DIY'ers)
BMW INPA= Typical factory diagnostic software. Most download suites also install EDIABAS interface, NCS, WinKFP, and Tool32.
BMW WinKFP= Factory level programming software for writing/editing module software.
BMW NCS Expert= Factory level coding software for adjusting options/features.
BMW Tool32= Similar to DOS command box in Windows. Very powerful for programming, high risk of bricking modules if misused.


Dealer level software: (Mostly DIY friendly, still requires skill/learning/practice)
BMW DIS/ DISv44, DISplus= Older dealer level diagnostic software.
BMW ISTA/D= Current dealer level diagnostic software. (aka RHEINGOLD)
BMW ISTA/P= Current dealer level programming/coding software.

You can google any of these and find many threads that break down each program and their function.

But then again some of those geniuses are hanging out here in the "General forum".

[Helmsman]

Cheers Dean, so for instance Carly is an API on INPA or Expert..?

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Cheers Dean, so for instance Carly is an API on INPA or Expert..?

I've never used Carly so cannot comment on how it works, but it is not an "official" or hacked BMW software suite. It is a third party interface. There are many third party systems for diagnostics and coding.

[decimation1]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

Many of the acronyms are short for German phrases so they don't always link up to the English meanings. Here are a few common ones that we DIY'ers will need to be familiar with:

BMW TIS= Technical Information System (torque ratings, instructions, etc)
BMW ETK= Electronic Parts Calatog (like realoem.com)
BMW EDIABAS= This is the hardware/software suite for communicating with the car, required for about any of the following diagnostic bundles.

Factory level software: Not as easy to use, mostly in German language. Used by more technical savvy and daring DIY'ers)
BMW INPA= Typical factory diagnostic software. Most download suites also install EDIABAS interface, NCS, WinKFP, and Tool32.
BMW WinKFP= Factory level programming software for writing/editing module software.
BMW NCS Expert= Factory level coding software for adjusting options/features.
BMW Tool32= Similar to DOS command box in Windows. Very powerful for programming, high risk of bricking modules if misused.


Dealer level software: (Mostly DIY friendly, still requires skill/learning/practice)
BMW DIS/ DISv44, DISplus= Older dealer level diagnostic software.
BMW ISTA/D= Current dealer level diagnostic software. (aka RHEINGOLD)
BMW ISTA/P= Current dealer level programming/coding software.

You can google any of these and find many threads that break down each program and their function.

Nice breakdown Dean!

Personally I use ISTA D/P for diag and coding and sometimes use NCSExpert for coding as well.

Chris

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

Many of the acronyms are short for German phrases so they don't always link up to the English meanings. Here are a few common ones that we DIY'ers will need to be familiar with:

BMW TIS= Technical Information System (torque ratings, instructions, etc)
BMW ETK= Electronic Parts Calatog (like realoem.com)
BMW EDIABAS= This is the hardware/software suite for communicating with the car, required for about any of the following diagnostic bundles.

Factory level software: Not as easy to use, mostly in German language. Used by more technical savvy and daring DIY'ers)
BMW INPA= Typical factory diagnostic software. Most download suites also install EDIABAS interface, NCS, WinKFP, and Tool32.
BMW WinKFP= Factory level programming software for writing/editing module software.
BMW NCS Expert= Factory level coding software for adjusting options/features.
BMW Tool32= Similar to DOS command box in Windows. Very powerful for programming, high risk of bricking modules if misused.


Dealer level software: (Mostly DIY friendly, still requires skill/learning/practice)
BMW DIS/ DISv44, DISplus= Older dealer level diagnostic software.
BMW ISTA/D= Current dealer level diagnostic software. (aka RHEINGOLD)
BMW ISTA/P= Current dealer level programming/coding software.

You can google any of these and find many threads that break down each program and their function.

Ok thank you very much. So with INPA EDIABAS and NCS Expert I should be well suited. Also trying to get TIS, it's such a B to find. But I finally got it installed and working just to find out it' s in German.