I do have an older laptop on hand. I may even retire one of my current laptops so thats not an issue. So is the INPA the same as what you are mentioning? If Im not mistaken I purchase the cable and have to purchase the software too right?

Any recommendations on which cable and which software?

If it's just for the E53 car or other similar age BMW cars, then this works great...

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

INPA is 'free" - only cost is your time to get it running - pretty straight forward.

https://www.bimmergeeks.net/downloads

W.

This. Mysterious electrical gremlins can often be traced back to a low voltage problem. This should always be the first check.

Don't pay for any software

you can download everything from the site wpoll linked.

the basic tools are very easy to get running. ISTA is a little bit more particular because you have to install additional software in a sequence from oldest to newest, but it's nothing too difficult.

ISTA is basically the updated version of INPA.

The software package you should install is the actual dealer software that’s available from various forums through torrent downloading. It’s fairly large ~120GB.

Search for: Rheingold ISTA-D ISTA-P

***Don’t pay for it on eBay or anywhere else.

You also need a usb D-Can cable. Make sure to get one with a switch. It looks like this, but some use fake Chinese chips, so getting a good one can be a crap shoot.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Inpa-Softwa...0/164384945207

Oh I didn't know the software for INPA was free. Thank you for the links will most likely go that route since Ill be able to use it for my other BMW's. I think that would be a wiser move then to go with that other one you posted which is just for the E53 only.

Thank you again for the links

yea Im thinking that would probably be the best starting point. Due to weather and time I haven't been able to get out there yet but will definitely look at that first.

Is ISTA also in the download site you're mentioning? I believe someone posted the link above is that where I am going? If its updated version of INPA I figured I just go for that. Are there directions on the process as well? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Ill see if I can search for it tomorrow and download that. I believe I have a torrent app but haven't used it in years so Ill see what I can find for the ISTA software. If you have any sites off hand that you think is a good source please let me know.

As for the cable if you know another reputable place to purchase it rather then on eBay as it could be the cheap knock offs I'd rather just spend the money and get one that is guaranteed to function and work.

Thanks again for all the feedback and info!

The BMW software is a little confusing. This article is a good resource.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/m...rogman.561237/

I can’t comment on quality of cables, but this one looks interesting.

https://www.bimmergeeks.net/product-...dition-k-dcan1