Carly Adapter/App led to FRM Module failure

[noodle654]

Originally Posted by 35Disel

Just got Carly adapter along with the app. After some light coding on FRM Module (footwell lighting) module doesn't respond and as mentioned by numerous owners lights/windows don't work. Lighting system malfunction error also present.

Could this be related directly to Carly? Anyone experienced similar after using this app? Or its simply coincidence....

2010 X5 35D




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Mine failed about 2 years ago because of a bad battery. My battery was having some serious issues, was not holding a charge longer than 1 day during the cold Vermont winters. Went to jump the car, like I have done numerous times, but once I did and got the car started got all types of warnings. Could not get the car out of park because of the lighting failure. Had to get it on a flatbed to BMW. 4 days and $1,100 later, new FRM module and battery installed and programmed.

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by Doug Huffman

LOL A cable connected to a windoze with intel inside? Nyaah.

Hey have it, its your money if a module bricks, I use NCS Expert, ISTA/D, ISTA/P ...I am set

Let me know how it goes next time your Bluetooth connection goes down in the middle of coding.

Chris

[josiahg52]

Hmm, I have had more failures using a cable with my M5 than with the Carly Bluetooth adapter and application with my X5. So far I have never had my Bluetooth connection "go down" during coding. Has anyone else? How common is this? My failure was directly related to battery voltage getting to low during programming.

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by josiahg52

Hmm, I have had more failures using a cable with my M5 than with the Carly Bluetooth adapter and application with my X5. So far I have never had my Bluetooth connection "go down" during coding. Has anyone else? How common is this? My failure was directly related to battery voltage getting to low during programming.

All I can tell you is that BMW won't allow wireless connections (bluetooth, wifi, etc) using Rheingold (ISTA/D, ISTA/P) for this very reason - it's an additional complexity that can create issues. Bluetooth is decent, but not perfect, and you are relying on additional components to all work correctly (Bluetooth stack, drivers, etc) compared to using a USB cable.

Not trying to start an argument here at all - just wanted to warn everyone to be careful and know the risks you face by adding in conveniences like Bluetooth.

Chris

[MMMGP]

Chris--Any recommendations for an interface cable and coding software set for a Win 8.1 laptop?

[35Disel]

Friend of friend works at local BMW Dealer as a mechanic. He quoted me $360 for new module and $150 labor. I called few other dealers and got $570 -$650 only for FRM Module. Didn't even bother to ask about labor.
$510 total damage. Could be worse I guess...


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[jfoj]

Wires always work unless they break, however, this is not to say that BT will not work.

I have used Carly a number of times with Bluetooth and had no problems.

I think part of the problem is the older the modules get, the more likely they are to have problems when flashing. Even the dealers have problems from time to time with DME's and other modules bricking.

Chances are it would have bricked using a cable as well.

[blue dragon]

BMW prices have increased, I picked up the FRM3 for $260 from Morristown BMW in 2013, now they are significantly more.

[jfoj]

Plug the part number into this tool - BMW Part Number Price Comparison for Windows & Mac

I guess you could also consider a used module as well?

[Chris F.]

Originally Posted by MMMGP

Chris--Any recommendations for an interface cable and coding software set for a Win 8.1 laptop?

Car Diagnostic :: By Product Type :: INPA & Ediabas :: BMW INPA / Ediabas K+DCAN USB Interface - one-stop-electronics.com

That is what you want - yes its expensive, and yes it comes from China - but I have heard of no known issues with this particular cable and many coding websites suggest this cable.

Coding software? NCS Expert along with NCS Dummy should get you what you need - I would read up at bmwcoding.com (need to register first) or head over to the Bimmerfest coding forum. My advise is to read, read, read and read some more

Seriously, people forget about the cost of modules and labor if things get bricked. Most important advice I can give in addition to a good cable is to hook up a quality charger anytime you are coding. This is a MUST...

Chris