Software for ABS Pump activation - Diesel Model - INPA did not work

[MechManiac]

What software will activate the ABS pump on e53 3.0D model? I had a friend try carsoft and INPA with no success. (Albeit many others have had success with INPA). He can read and clear codes but no activation was allowed. I'm not sure if it is a software or HARDWARE problem

Reason for needing to bleed: Replaced my master cylinder. Then came a spongy pedal even after multiple power bleeding trials. I literally have no braking force.

[MechManiac]

Help anyone?

[SlickGT1]

Gt1 / dis.

Have you tried pumping with ignition on?

[MechManiac]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Gt1 / dis.

Have you tried pumping with ignition on?

Do you mean DIS V57? I have seen a software bundle and a USB to OBD2 cable on flea bay that claims to have DIS V57, EDIABAS INPA, SSS Progman V32 and TIS. I'm hoping to purchase this if the seller can ship quickly.

I have not tried pumping with the ignition on. I will try this tomorrow when I have a helper to pump the pedal and let you know. Thank you for the idea and prompt response.

[MechManiac]

I also bench bled the master cylinder prior to installation.

[SlickGT1]

Yea let us know how it goes. Yes DIS v whatever. Just make sure it reads your year car. It's the software dealers use to diagnose.

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Like Slick said, DIS is the tool to use. It has a procedure to activate the pump, solenoids etc in a sequence while you're bleeding.

Inpa can activate solenoids and the pump, but there is no automated sequence so it is not a good tool to bleed air from the brake system.

I just did a brake fluid change on my wife's Cooper using DIS bleed procedure, and it works awsome.

If you don't have access to a GT1 system, you may try this; go to drive the X on a loose gravel road, try to lock the brakes (may need pumping), the ABS should kick in and circulate the fluid and move the air up to the reservoir. Some people had success with this method, but be carefull on the road if you don't have a 100% functionning brake system.

[MechManiac]

Update. I bled the brakes using the helper method earlier today. There were very few minuscule bubbles to be seen (the size of a single dot made by a mechanical pencil on a piece of paper - yeah, that small). HOWEVER, the pedal did come up after I bled all four corners. It is better than the old master cylinder. I drove it around my quiet neighbourhood and activated the ABS via heavy braking. I also did so on my lawn. It seems to be fine for now but I will do another bleed (via helper method after I get the ABS to kick in) later in the week when I have time. That is, until my diagnostic cable and software arrives so I can do it the way the German's wanted.

Total Damage - one motive power bleeder, 3 cans of ATE brake fluid, one litre of Ferodo DOT4 brake fluid. ( Saving my last can of ATE for when the software arrives)

Considering - Stainless steel brake lines and genuine BMW pads in the future.

[MechManiac]

Better pedal than when the OLD master cylinder was on. ** Forgive my English.

[MechManiac]

Good news! I have installed INPA and the DIS and the above software. I must say the DIS installation was an involved procedure. Before I screw my car up, what do you do in DIS to get to the ABS activation "tool"?