Another progress bar comes up and it took ~3 minutes to complete.Īfterwards, go to INPA and reset all your adaptation values. For mine, WinKFP had a progress bar that took ~35 minutes to get to 100%, after which it said something like "Program ECU?" and you have to click ok again. Modules don't like to see inconsistent voltages while they are being reprogrammed. Note that you should have your car on a power supply while updating your ECU. I used these guides to import the spdaten files into WinKFP: As far as I know, the E46 had no differences after version 32, so that or anything above will be good. These will have a version number attached.
I just googled 'E46 spdaten.' It will be a ~35 MB rar file, unzips to an ISO, which contains another zip with some folders. To run WinKFP, you need to import the latest software files. You can also check and clear any error codes. Run INPA and confirm that your connection works and you see live data. I used this guide to load the sofware (skip down to "The Software"): You can NOT use a netbook with Windows 7 Starter, as these compatibility modes are not present. (I believe INPA and WinKFP will run on 64-bit, but NCS will not.) Windows 7 and Vista can run the software as long as it is in compatibility mode for Windows XP.
Load its driver and make sure your computer sees it and you can switch its port to COM1 before loading up the BMW software. I got the Trendnet TU-S9 on Amazon for $11 with free shipping over $25.
Since the cable has an RS-232 connection and your laptop almost certainly doesn't, you'll need a Serial to USB adapter. The 20 pin connection will only be used on M52 engines. It will most likely have a RS-232 serial to OBDII cable, and an OBDII to BMW round 20-pin adapter.
You can have most of the functionality of these programs with the BMW Standard Tools which install directly onto your existing OS.įor a cable, search eBay Motors for 'Ediabas cable.' They are readily available for under $30 shipped. They have nice interfaces, great diagnostic capabilities and are easy to use, but are a headache to set up. These are the programs designed for dealership mechanics. This is only needed if you are running DIS, SSS, Progman, GT1, etc. You will see tons of threads about VMWare and such. You can buy those ones and swap some pins around, or just buy a BMW-specific cable. BMW OBDII cable is slightly different from universal or VAGCOM cables.
Change all the nifty settings such as killing the 37 degree warning gong, removing beep the when I unlock the car, etc.
Update software: WinKFP accomplishes this. Read codes: INPA can read codes from the engine, DSC, and airbag, as well as view live sensor data and reset adaptation values. My goals for this software adventure were to be able to: I am by no means an expert, I merely accomplished (2/3 of) my goals. I never came across a thread that didn't state things simply for a beginner without overloading them with inconsequential information. The hardest part is gathering information, and understanding what all the programs do.
If you're thinking of updating your software, I just want to tell you that it's not that hard. INPA is the easiest one to set up, and it is free.