Some clever people have figured out how to simulate this "diaghead" by using an "emulator" set up. These boxes are essentially a translator that turns (for the want of a better word) the BMW speak into regular computer speak. is designed to run through a "diagnostic yellow head" (or could be orange too, I'm not going to pretend I know the infinite detail on this). Using VMWare gets around a lot of those issues, you're effectively running it as a virtual UNIX machine within your Windows machine. GT-1/DIS is designed to run on an IBM T-30 laptop running UNIX with a very specific hardware configuration. Two of the most basic issues (which have been over come) are: The reason for this is the software (DIS/Progman/NCS, etc.) is designed either for use in the BMW factory or in the BMW dealers, not a general release product. The complications don't stop there if you plan on using Progman, you need to be worrying about EDIN, OPS & a few other things, but I won't go into that now! OBD is used on e46 & later e39s along with any car of that generation & newer cars use OBD If you set up INPA with the OBD interface set up then you'll have issues trying to diagnose an e36 for example ADS is used on e38, e36 & e34, the ones with the round OBC connector under the bonnet. INPA is the easiest to get up & running but there are a few things you need to consider when setting it up, there are different protocols for different era of cars, for example:
Just bear in mind folks that the install of all the software is not like buying Microsoft windows where you just throw the disc in the drive & click install. OK, here are some pictures of the various cables that can be made to work.
I'll update when I can but I'm just in the middle of some crazy busy work at the moment! If it's going to be all newer than e46 then definitely get a K+D CAN one to future proof yourself. So depending on what car you have that will determine the best choice for you.
What a PITA, stay away from this solution! Also not all serial cables will work on ADS cars like e36/e34/e38, the black serial cable below only works on OBD1 cars like pre 2001 e39. going I was using my CarSoft interface, you have to run a CarSoft test to "initiate" the lead every time. I should mention that while a CarSoft interface can be made to work with INPA it is not recommended. Do not confuse with they seem to be completely different companies selling completely different interfaces. The interface I want to get but it's over priced is the one, it's a German version of the K+D CAN cable (probably the one that all the Chinese opaque ones have ripped off the design from!). Worst cast scenario you just need to modify the cable & stuck a switch on it to toggle pin 8 on/off as needed. The ones with pin 8 active are just older versions of the cable. The one with it disabled is ideal for e90 newer than 03/07 & that era, these leads often come with a black adapter to re-enable the pin 8 (by just tying it to pin 9) so it will also be suitable for e46/e39/e63 etc. Also with these cables there are two subtle different versions, one with pin 8 enabled, one with it disabled. I'll try update over the weekend with instructions, pictures, etc. It is a bit confusing trying to get it all to work. However a lot of sellers don't mention or probably don't even know what these are. Once you have them they are great though.
With the USB K+ D CAN type cables there are a few installation steps, drivers & a little app that you need to make them work properly.
The VAG-COM one you'll need to do some slight modifications for coding & programming but will work for fault code reading unmodified. USB to serial or PCMCIA will not work for some modules on older cars (fine for newer stuff) a lead with the serial port type connector For older cars with the big round diagnostic connector under the bonnet you'll need:
It works on all current models as well as everything for e46/e39 era. K+D CAN with USB (opaque colour casing)