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Originally Posted by tempest411
Thank you all for your comments. I read a lot about INPA software here, but get the idea that INPA isn't 'official's software from anyone, but some kind of hacked code that lives on the net, and has a so-so, use-at-your-own-risk reputation. Is that the case? For any DIYer such a tool is an absolute need. Is there a 'most reputable source for this? For some of the Mercedes software out there you're supposed to turn your anti-virus program off, which of course never instills a lot of confidence.
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INPA is actually BMW factory level software (engineer) as opposed to BMW dealer (technician), and therefore is powerful but not user friendly as you can imagine. It's not meant for public consumption. It leaked and got hacked, like any other such software does (eventually
).
I'm going to paste a quote from the link below, which I think is a very good description of INPA and related tools and other technician level diagnostics/coding software. You will also find therein links to the software. But the best source, I think, is just to buy a bundled package (software+hardware) of BMW diagnosis and coding. The best that I know of is from and cheap (around $50) BMW Diagnostic Software and Cable allows full Coding and Diagnostics for your car. I like their installer because it's always works for me and is well written. I got a package for my E39/X5/E92 and a different set for my F86 X6M.
Quote:
INPA is a diagnostic interpreter program that communicates with your car using BMW's own factory developed Electronic Diagnosis and Information protocol (EDIABAS). INPA is a powerful and comprehensive diagnostic tool but there is no simple handbook available that I know of which will comprehensively explain its operation or functions. The bottom line with INPA is if you do not understand what a particular function does, you are probably better off leaving that function alone, but having said that, the level of diagnostic functionality is truly exceptional.
Being the Factory diagnostic protocol, EDIABAS can accomplish virtually any programming/diagnostic or coding function, but since it is only a computer protocol, requires seperate programs to interface between the user and EDIABAS so that it can receive and trasmit instructions. For example INPA communicates with EDIABAS to perform diagnostics, NCS to perform coding and NFS to perform programming functions. NCS and NFS are not particularly user-friendly and require fairly intimate knowledge of BMW systems to use. If used incorrectly, programs which communicate via EDIABAS have the potential to destroy computer modules, making replacement the only viable option.
DIS (Diagnostic Information System) uses Dealer level programs such as GT1 to communicate with your car (again via EDIABAS). Being a dealer rather than factory level tool, the user interface is far more user friendly than INPA/NCS/NFS and allows the user to communicate diagnostic, coding and programming commands in plain English. DIS/GT1 is powerful and offers the ability to access repair information which is not available by using INPA or the Carsoft Home editions.
OBD2 vehicle diagnostics: What is INPA/Ediabas?