Here share with you some useful tips and knowledge when talking about BMW Coding and BMW Programming by ISTA Rheingold!
Check below Q&A: (Questions raised by a beginner and answered by a professional)
Q: Is it safe to update software with ISTA on all BMW’s that come through my shop ? What problems can I run into? (assuming I have a good power supply for car and laptop)
A: Depends on many factors, but as long as you use a good ICOM and a good power supply, you should be OK.
Q: Can updates on comfort mode, brick an ECU (or more)?
A: As long as you stick to the proposed measures plan in Comfort Mode and your setup (laptop, software etc.) is solid, there shouldn’t be any opportunity to brick an ECU.
Q: If updates are safe, on what series can I do them ? BMW F, G for sure..can I do E ?
A: F, G and I series and for Motorrad models with vehicle electrical system 2020 (BN2020). E Series programming is not supported in ISTA+, use ISTA/P or WinKFP for individual modules. BMW ENET Cable you may also need.
Q: Updates for Navi maps, can I do them in ISTA also ? Again, is it safe ? Do you recommend E-Sys more for this job ?
A: I have not attempted this with ISTA+, but would assume process is similar to ISTA/P. I’d stick with ESYS strictly for ease of use.
Q: I have an BMW ICOM A2+B+C with ISTA all OK. And I understand that E-Sys is more complex than ISTA, regarding coding and programming for F-Series, as NCSExpert and WINkfp are for E-Series. You can do coding in ISTA also right ? for all series ? Or ISTA does less ?
A: You need to differentiate between coding and “encoding”. ISTA+ will do “encoding” depending on the programming required. That is not the same as coding (features). I don’t think I’d say ESYS is more complicated than ISTA+, each are different in the way they approach coding/programming.
What is the difference between BMW programming and coding?
For some, that is the difference between coding and programming on BMW. Coding usually refers to making minor changes to your vehicle’s software configuration, generally unlocking features that BMW itself makes available in some of its vehicles.
What can be done with BMW coding?
Generally, all of our BMW Remote Coding sessions cover all convenience options and also retrofit options like coding for aftermarket audio system retrofits, removal of flickering on various light bulb changes (High Beam, Low Beam, Turn Signals, DRL).
Can you code with ISTA?
ISTA/P is primarily used for processing all coded, programmed, and enable-dependent control modules of BMW vehicles.
How to Program and Code your BMW with ISTA/P?
ISTA/P stands for Integrated Service Technical Application/Programming. It is a dealer-level diagnostic software that replaced the older version SSS Progman programming software. ISTA/P is primarily used for processing all coded, programmed, and enable-dependent control modules of BMW vehicles.
With the use of a K+DCAN or ENET cable, you’ll be able to diagnose, calibrate, read and delete memory errors, battery register, and code and program most your BMW vehicle modules.
ISTA/P should be used with an ICOM interface. To cover all your vehicle modules, you will need the ICOM A, ICOM B, and ICOM C for BMW vehicles that were produced before June 2001.
When programming with ISTA/P, you need to observe the following precautions:
• Always follow the instructions and requests given in ISTA/P.
• Leave your vehicle’s ignition switched on.
• Do not cut or interrupt the connection between your vehicle, the workshop network, and the vehicle interface.
• After any action initiated in the luggage compartment, always close the the boot lid to prevent overheating the luggage compartment lighting.
• You should not perform any other activity in your vehicle while programing aside from what is instructed by ISTA/P. Hope this blog helps you!
BMW Coding and Programming related tools all here:
BMW ICOM NEXT
BMW ICOM A2 WIFI
BMW ENET Coding Cable
BMW INPA K+DCAN with FT232RQ Chip and Switch