Has anyone got a source for the cable that is a reliable seller and the cable will work on my E53 and windows 10? I know the windows 10 part might be tough but I don't have anything that is running XP or NT... Any heop is appreciated!

BMW Tools (INPA, NCS Expert, etc) is native to Win XP. However there are guys that have it successfully running on Win 7, Win 10 with some tweaking. I struggled several weeks trying to get it to run on Win 10 before just buying a cheap Panasonic Toughbook running Win XP off fleaBay for $75. It just wasn't worth my time to struggle anymore and have all my BMW software suites running on this machine and is dedicated to my BMWs only.

You will need a specific cable for both BMW Tools and BMW Scanner 1.4. What you are trying to do with your high beams will require BMW Tools/NCS Expert. I also suggest getting NCS Dummy for translation as all the trace file names can be difficult to decipher.

The cable for BMW Tools is a BMW K+D CAN cable and you will need pins 7 and 8 jumped in the dongle itself to read all the modules. I had to solder the bridge on mine as it came unbridged. (-2006 needs the bridge, 2007+ does not) Here is a link to what it looks like.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Whol...959683848.html

Unfortunately you are 350 miles away or I would offer to just do it for you...

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/attach...1&d=1485994586

I lived in NC for 23 years, beautiful state. I was other end of the state from you though. Appreciate the thought.

I have come to the conclusion that the old laptop is the way to go, so I will start looking...

I already downloaded INPA and NCS expert but I haven't installed them anywhere.

I have seen cables everywhere at a wide range of prices but they vary on what models they cover. They all didn't include the E53. So I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Well, I finally got lucky. Started looking for a laptop and found a ToughBook on Ebay, with 20 minutes left. It was a buy-it-now ($99) or Best offer. I offered $60, 5 mins. later he countered with $61, so I bought it. Runs XP service pack 3 and has a 360 gig HDD. It should do the job I believe.

Another question. I attempted to change the expansion tank (I won't get in to that...) Now I have a constant Low Coolant Level warning. The cooling system is full, according to the level sensor. Did I futz up the level sensor when I put it in? Or did I not burp the system properly and I have a bubble somewhere? As always, any advice is appreciated! :thumbup:

If you buy a cable plus software from eBay etc., then you get the whole shebang.

If you download the various software apps (like I did) you can get a decent cable from One stop Electronics.

I got just the K-Line cable (as I only have an E53)

http://www.one-stop-electronics.com/...&product_id=22

You can also get a K+DCAN cable...

http://www.one-stop-electronics.com/...&product_id=16

Re. the expansion tank - some of the aftermarket expansion tanks lack the internal magnet for the coolant level sensor. The level sensor will not work with these tanks. Did you get the correct tank? :dunno:

I just ordered a cable like yours, is there anything else I need besides the software and laptop?

I'm pretty sure I got the right tank, I placed them side by side and could not find a difference. Even got out my calipers to measure the opening on the bottom. They were identicle. It came with a new sender so I assume it had a magnet. I couldn't get it to seal on the bottom fitting. Everything else was fine. I ended up putting the old tank back on as I needed it. Thanks for the help, I'll get this sorted if it kills me... :bustingup

Just to be clear, there is no coolant in the sensor section of the tank. No sealing needed, it just needs to twist in place and be connected.

Maybe I'm confusing it with something else. What I'm referring to has two wires and is about 2.5" long and attaches through the bottom of the tank. A 90 degree twist locks it in place. I didn't have trouble with that leaking, the leak was the openning immediately next to it, about 1.5" in diameter, that attaches to an elbow coming out of the radiator. I could not get that connection to seat and seal. Hope this makes more sense. Right now, my coolant level indicator rises about an inch and a half above the openning of the tank (with cap removed). Thanks for pointing that out.

I see. Ok, you are not leaking from the sensor where it plugs into the expansion tank. You are leaking where the auto transmission thermostat is. Did the clip that holds the tank down go in place? Maybe an oring issue? What about the transmission thermostat, did you replace that? They almost always break when you change expansion tanks. :dunno:

Wow. My E38 is pretty dim, this is great info. I've never replaced the bulbs.