spectre6000

I'm trying to figure out how to get started with INPA and/or ISTA D/P/+ (not sure which) for my 2008 E61. The beach head project I have in mind is lowering the rear air suspension, as I've read multiple times that it's very easy to do in the software. Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time figuring out where to start. It seems like it's such common knowledge that I'm just missing some obvious thing. Normally, I'd just download it and start poking around without making any changes until I felt like I have a clue, but I run into the problem that my laptop is an M2 Mac, and my PC is not mobile, so I can't just download it and poke around without dropping a few hundred for a computer that will handle it. I want to know what I'm getting into before I start throwing money around. What are some good resources for learning the basics and getting comfortable with things before I commit?

seanjordan20

YouTube is the best source to learn the basics

spectre6000

Anything on YouTube jump out as particularly good? I've found a handful of rambling hand waving videos where people do some particular task with a lot of cut takes, but nothing along the lines of "here are the basics".

spectre6000

I finally got a laptop to use for this (I have a bunch of new macbooks, and a desktop pc, but didn't have a laptop pc... finally found an old intel mbp kicking around). I'm trying to figure out the correct suite of software to be able to do everything I might want to do on my '08 E61. It looks like ISTA + will be fine (but is it preferable to ISTA-D?), but I'll also need ISTA-P. It sounds like I should probably get a few other things though if I want to unlock all of the computer-based options available to me. What all should I be setting up on this dedicated computer?

seanjordan20

Mikes BMW software tools and ISTA+ is all you need. If you have an ICOM then ISTA P also if you're planning to do a full flash or flashing a CCC/CIC. If you're sticking with a K+DCAN cable the first 2 suggested is all you need

spectre6000

What is "Mikes BMW software tools"? First I've seen that referenced.

I want to be able to do things like program batteries (which I think can actually be done in ISTA-D according to a few things I've read) and adjust rear suspension height. I'm sure I'll need to be able to program injectors and modules and such at some point, so I need to be able to do that as well. I think coding might be a different animal, but it might also all be available within some part of some preceding set?

seanjordan20

Correction Mikes Easy BMW software tools and ISTA+ is all you need. Google Mikes tools download and install it. It's the easiest way to install the software you're looking for. Created for the non IT people who can't follow instructions basically.

spectre6000

I think I got Mike's Easy BMW tools installed this evening. There were some drivers that failed to install, and I haven't had a chance to look into those yet, but took a note for when I can get back to it. I haven't tested anything yet for lack of a cable. It sounds like an ICOM gives me everything a K+DCAN cable can do, but more capability; do I read that right? If I want the full suite of capability, I read that as Mike's, ISTA+, ISTA-P, an ICOM cable (recommendation?), and a beer for when I'm done with the first job. Correct?

seanjordan20

The ICOM is a coding device not a cable. If you choose to get one I would only recommend buying it from the dealership and purchasing the ICOM NEXT for future ownership past the E series. They are hard to come by these days and expensive. I would only purchase if you are planing to flash modules. Honestly you can do without ISTA/p if you're not flashing. Also if you plan to flash in the future be it your E series or a future F/G series you'll need a battery maintainer of at least 80 amps. I purchased a good one for about $500.

It's expensive if to get a complete BMW maintenance setup but once you have it, it saves you a lot of money. I have 3 setups (1 stationary and 2 mobile). It beats me having to go to a shop for anything other than tires and alignment. Everything else I do in the comfort of my own home. If you want to just troubleshoot and or just replace or code modules the K+DCAN cable is all you need. The reason the drivers never installed is because you didn't have the cable plugged in. There's steps to configure once you get the cable and drivers installed to ensure proper communication with the car through the laptop.

spectre6000

Good information all around. Thank you. I'll get the K+DCAN cable ordered ASAP.