icarly

[we350z]

Anyone using it on a 2000 E53?

[Qsilver7]

If you have a new generation BMW (anything newer than the e38/e39/e46/e52/e53 and prefacelift e83 X3) iCarly is okay...but iCarly doesn't really provide that much for the older gen BMWs. It's great on the new gen BMWs because they operate over a different communication bus system (LIN/MOST/BSD/etc).

You can search around for more details and info...but where you really see BMW owners getting their money's worth for Carly...peruse the new generation BMW forums.

[Scott ZHP]

I use 4 diag tools for my BMW fleet (E46, E53, E70):

Peake FCXIII
iOBD2 for BMW
iCarly
INPA

Of the 4, my go to tools are the Peake for reading and resetting basic codes and INPA to really know what's going on. If I were going to invest in one tool for older and newer, it would be the Foxwell 510 for BMW ($149). You get 95% of the info INPA offers without the laptop/setup hassle. IMO iCarly isn't worth it; you might need to 16 pin round to 20 pin adapter cable for a 2000 E53.

My E53 is being temperamental with the DSC/ABS/Brake light trifecta. iCarly was useless, INPA told me exactly which sensor wasn't reporting a value.

[we350z]

Originally Posted by Scott ZHP

I use 4 diag tools for my BMW fleet (E46, E53, E70):

Peake FCXIII
iOBD2 for BMW
iCarly
INPA

Of the 4, my go to tools are the Peake for reading and resetting basic codes and INPA to really know what's going on. If I were going to invest in one tool for older and newer, it would be the Foxwell 510 for BMW ($149). You get 95% of the info INPA offers without the laptop/setup hassle. IMO iCarly isn't worth it; you might need to 16 pin round to 20 pin adapter cable for a 2000 E53.

My E53 is being temperamental with the DSC/ABS/Brake light trifecta. iCarly was useless, INPA told me exactly which sensor wasn't reporting a value.

Why would I need to use the round 16 pin port under the hood? I have a 20 pin OBD2 Port in cabin...

However I have seen this recommendation before in this thread. They don't say why though but that is a good idea if you have a 16 pin round pin connector. Do not all E53 have it? I know for a fact shops have connected via this port before my vehicle (since one left the cap loose which caused my dash cluster display to become dim):

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...iabas-diy.html

I tried a generic eBay grey KCAN OBD2 cable with INPA and DIS and can only access engine and trans modules. Tried bridging pins 7/8 same result.

I read that early e53 uses dual K line and it's suggested to use a blue/grey KKL FTDL VAG COM OBD2 cable so I ordered one of those.

If that doesn't work not sure where to go from here. I need to access the EHC module to diagnose my busted SLS. I may just say F it and put some coilovers on the rear instead of throwing parts at it to try and fix it.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by we350z

Why would I need to use the round 16 pin port under the hood? I have a 20 pin OBD2 Port in cabin...

However I have seen this recommendation before in this thread. They don't say why though but that is a good idea if you have a 16 pin round pin connector. Do not all E53 have it? I know for a fact shops have connected via this port before my vehicle (since one left the cap loose which caused my dash cluster display to become dim):

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...iabas-diy.html

I tried a generic eBay grey KCAN OBD2 cable with INPA and DIS and can only access engine and trans modules. Tried bridging pins 7/8 same result.

I read that early e53 uses dual K line and it's suggested to use a blue/grey KKL FTDL VAG COM OBD2 cable so I ordered one of those.

If that doesn't work not sure where to go from here. I need to access the EHC module to diagnose my busted SLS. I may just say F it and put some coilovers on the rear instead of throwing parts at it to try and fix it.

Pre 2001 X5 have the 20 pin under the hood. If you bridge pins 17 and 20 under the hood, you should be able to access all the modules with your software from the 16 pin under the dash.

[Scott ZHP]

Originally Posted by we350z

Why would I need to use the round 16 pin port under the hood? I have a 20 pin OBD2 Port in cabin...

I tried a generic eBay grey KCAN OBD2 cable with INPA and DIS and can only access engine and trans modules. Tried bridging pins 7/8 same result.

Because only OBDII stuff is being sent to the OBDII connector, which is what you're already discovered. If you have the round 20pin under the hood, that's the one you want to be using.

All BMW's built since 1988 have a diagnostic connector. The early diagnostic connectors are circular, have 20 pins with a small pie-shapped hole in the middle, and are located in the engine compartment. In 1996 BMW started adding OBD2 connectors for North American market cars. BMW's early use of the OBD2 connector provided access to the engine control module only. Starting in July of 2000, BMW removed the round diagnostic connectors and began provding all diagnostic capabilites through the OBD2 connector. Exceptions were the E38 7-series and Z3 models which used the round diagnostic connector to the end of their production.

If your car has the round diagnostic connector under the hood, you should use the round adapter and not the 16 pin OBD2 connector.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by we350z

Why would I need to use the round (20) pin port under the hood? I have a (16) pin OBD2 Port in cabin...

The information below is the reason why...see the 4th paragraph regarding BMWs built prior to 2001. And you have the "pin" count switched around...20-pin is under the hood...16-pin is inside the cabin.

{note how diagnostic equipment is hooked up to communicate with the vehicles bus system thru the 16 or 20 pin DLC}

[4.8isguy]

I have an 06 e53 so I can’t speak on a 00 but my go to software is DIS, Inpa, and Carly. I love Carly I leave it in my car and it’s great for pulling and clearing on the go codes. Great for basic programming. It doesn’t allow you to get in depth with issues but for a basic scanner it’s great. Just make sure you get the professional one and of course make sure it compatible with older x5s.

[we350z]

Well shit. Wish I saw this before I ordered the VAG cable and 20-pin OBDI round to 16-pin OBDII trapezoidal adapter.

Are you saying if i bridge pins 17/20 in the round connector under the hood with a piece of wire (do I need to close it back up) I can use my KCAN cable on the 16 pin OBD2 in-cabin to access all modules?

Originally Posted by Overboost

Pre 2001 X5 have the 20 pin under the hood. If you bridge pins 17 and 20 under the hood, you should be able to access all the modules with your software from the 16 pin under the dash.

[we350z]

It's all making sense now.

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

The information below is the reason why...see the 4th paragraph regarding BMWs built prior to 2001. And you have the "pin" count switched around...20-pin is under the hood...16-pin is inside the cabin.

{note how diagnostic equipment is hooked up to communicate with the vehicles bus system thru the 16 or 20 pin DLC}