Diagnostics

[Bdc101]

Originally Posted by RocketyMan

Looks like the "foxwell" crew rolled in... -_-

Setting up the driver for the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 is NOT that bad for anyone computer literate.

I'm a control systems engineer and programmer, I deal with computers all day every day and I would say I am as computer literate as you can get without being an actual IT/CS professional.

I would guess it took me 8-10 hours of work to get it working, including finding help on two forums. I got it working, yes, but it was a huge hassle, and is the sort of thing that may differ greatly in effort and trouble based on what hardware you are using. If you have an old XP laptop it probably won't be "that bad." I read the same sort of suggestion online ("not that bad") and ended up wasting several evenings and weekend afternoons.

I also have to suggest buying the authentic USB adapter and not the cheap chinese crap on eBay. That was part of my problem, it just stopped working out of the blue after the first time I got it working.

[RocketyMan]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

I'm a control systems engineer and programmer, I deal with computers all day every day and I would say I am as computer literate as you can get without being an actual IT/CS professional.

I would guess it took me 8-10 hours of work to get it working, including finding help on two forums. I got it working, yes, but it was a huge hassle, and is the sort of thing that may differ greatly in effort and trouble based on what hardware you are using. If you have an old XP laptop it probably won't be "that bad." I read the same sort of suggestion online ("not that bad") and ended up wasting several evenings and weekend afternoons.

I also have to suggest buying the authentic USB adapter and not the cheap chinese crap on eBay. That was part of my problem, it just stopped working out of the blue after the first time I got it working.

Oh that's nice.

Well I work for a big corp...and when I call into my IT dept for assistance, I end up getting no help from them either...and their turn around times of 8-10hrs sounds about right--that's also usually after substantial escalations on the support ticket. I end up doing my own research and resolving the issue with my local admin rights. Last example was with my company's VPN. Anyway...

But for anyone lurking on this forum and post, I used all my SW, such as BMW Scanner 1.4.0, on Win10 platform. It isn't impossible nor did it take an egregious amount of time to get working--hence the comment of computer-literate. SW is only part of the problem as HW can be quite substantial too. I also did this with the cheap "chinesium" adapters too. Got them to work. Only paid like $10 for mine from Prince-AliExpress. Fixed my KOMBI

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

I would guess it took me 8-10 hours of work to get it working, including finding help on two forums. I got it working, yes, but it was a huge hassle, and is the sort of thing that may differ greatly in effort and trouble based on what hardware you are using. If you have an old XP laptop it probably won't be "that bad." I read the same sort of suggestion online ("not that bad") and ended up wasting several evenings and weekend afternoons.

I agree. It sucks to setup using most SW packages available out there. Also reasonably proficient with a Windows machine. Took me 4-6 hours if memory serves to get INPA and the associated software suite setup. And then it sucks to use after that having to drag out the laptop if you are just doing something quick and simple. It's a great tool, but like most things in life... one solution to a problem is rarely going to be the best solution in all circumstances. I still have to setup ISTA+... which I'm sure will take me a weekend.

I use all 3 of my diagnostic tools on the E53. Laptop, Foxwell, and Carly. Carly is the most convenient and does some coding, Foxwell is fairly comprehensive when it comes to diagnostics/testing but no coding, and the laptop is the most comprehensive while being the most annoying to use.

Getting upset someone else uses/recommends different solutions is bonkers.

[Henn28]

Thanks all, good stuff.

Perhaps I'll continue with the laptop/PC solution right now while I've got the car broken down to parade rest and am fixing big stuff. I haven't had an instrument for 14 years, no kidding, so a full diagnostic, code read, etc. is definitely in order. Foxwell sounds like a great solution once I get the thing running again.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I agree. It sucks to setup using most SW packages available out there. Also reasonably proficient with a Windows machine. Took me 4-6 hours if memory serves to get INPA and the associated software suite setup. And then it sucks to use after that having to drag out the laptop if you are just doing something quick and simple. It's a great tool, but like most things in life... one solution to a problem is rarely going to be the best solution in all circumstances. I still have to setup ISTA+... which I'm sure will take me a weekend.

I use all 3 of my diagnostic tools on the E53. Laptop, Foxwell, and Carly. Carly is the most convenient and does some coding, Foxwell is fairly comprehensive when it comes to diagnostics/testing but no coding, and the laptop is the most comprehensive while being the most annoying to use.

Getting upset someone else uses/recommends different solutions is bonkers.