Recode used Airbag modules with correct Vin number

Step by Step to edit VIN, Flash, Code to Default, Clear Errors and Start System Time of the Airbag Gateway Module.

INPA: UIF (User Information Field) Report
1-Open INPA>select your car model >Functional Jobs>F3 UIF
-This is the first change. The E85 profile says "Quasi Functional" and doesn't have the F3 UIF choice on my version, so I did an Information report instead (F2)

2-You'll see a list of all control units with their ZUSB number and VIN
-This is the BMW part number that comes up for the module you are sorting out in the information report. I couldn't see the VIN anywhere on this report so I just wrote it down from the windscreen.

3-Print to PDF the report.
4-Identify the ZUSB numbers without your VIN and copy from the PDF and close INPA
- I didn't do these steps, I just copied down the part number of the modules I needed (in my case "Airbag ECU or Safety Info Module" and "Satellite B Pillar Left").

WinKFP: Edit VIN and Flash Module
5-Open WinKFP (Load SPDaten files google it)
- This video is the one I followed, just skip the first couple of minutes until you get to the WinKFP (I didn't have that first program) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KeM3Bw8nD4
6-Select comfort mode
7-Then click find ZUSB
8-Paste the number you copied
9-this will go straight to the right ZUSB
-In my case this only worked for one of the two modules. The other one had a ZUSB/part number older than the daten files I was using, so was not recognised when I typed it in. There is another way to do this next bit if you find the same thing (see alternative below). If this step does work correctly, note down the ECU Family the module is in (from the left column), you will need it to start the system time later on.

10-Then enter your full VIN and then click on done
11-Double check that the module your going to flash it's safe to flash with your cable and the battery needs to be connect to another power source
12-Click on update ZUSB (this will flash the module with SPDaten files and re-write the VIN)

Alternative:
A1. You need to find the ECU family that your module is in. For me the main airbag ECU was in SIM85 and the pillar module was in SBL264. To double check this, look for your *.his files on the PC (mine were in C:\EC-APPS\NFS\DATA). They are all named with the ECU family (SIM85.his for example), so if you open these up with notepad and search through you will see all the historic ZUSB/part numbers for that module. When you find the one with your module part number in you will have the ECU family name you are looking for.
A2. Open WinFKP
A3. Select Comfort mode
A4. Select Update ZUSB
A5. Select the correct family for your module
A6. Enter your full VIN and then click done
A7. Double check that the module your going to flash it's safe to flash with your cable and the battery needs to be connect to another power source
A8. Click on Prog. ZB-Update
A9. This will then show you the update that is about to be programmed onto the module, click ok to start programming. This took a few minutes per module in my case, so make sure your car battery and laptop aren't going to run out of juice halfway through. I hooked the car up to a charger just in case.

NCExpert: Code to Default
-If you're interested in what you are doing here then I found a really useful introductory guide. It was good to understand a little bit of what I was actually doing, although you don't need it to complete the next steps: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/show ... NCS-Expert

13- Open NCExpert
14-Load profile -> Expertmode (I used Expertenmodus (Werkseinstellung), as Expertmode wouldn't load on my version as it was too old) -> F1 -> F3 -> choose (E85) from the list -> choose any module you want from this list -> now click F6 Back -> select F4 Process ECU -> choose Module -> now click ReadECU -> close the notepad window that showed up after the module was read (On mine it came up with another window with three text boxes in, I just closed this).
15-Press F5 for basic functions -> Select "coapiReadSgGetFswPsw" and click Ok -> Select F2 "job" select SG_CODIEREN and press ok -> Press F3 Execute job and wait for the buttons to become active, when active it's all done.

INPA: Identification Report and Clear Errors
16-Open INPA>select your car model >Functional Jobs>Identification
17-Print the report to PDF.
18-Look in the SGBD column the module you replace
19-Clear (EM, IM and HM) Errors and Close INPA
- I couldn't see the SGBD column on the E85 information report. i just noted it down from earlier when using WinKFP.

Ediabas Tool32: Start System Time
20-Start Tool32
21-Select File->Load SGBD, Group file
22-Browse to the EDIABAS\ECU folder, and search for the file name based on the listed SGBD column. Can be more than 1 file.
-I actually couldn't find an exact match for the satellite pillar that had come up in WinKFP, but I chose SBSL85 and it seemed to work. The main ECU was SIM85 again so this was more obvious.

23-In the Left of the window select systemzeit_lesen (write)
24-In the middle of the window Argument (value of) type 1 in the dropdown menu
25-double click systemzeit_lesen and done.
26-double click systemzeit_starten. (no arguments)

I had to go back into INPA and clear the errors on the safety modules again to finish everything off.

I unplugged the cables, switched the car on properly, and celebrated loudly when the airbag light went off. I also breathed a big sigh of relief as I had approached this with some trepidation to start with, but in the end it wasn't too hard with all the information that others have kindly made available already.

Retrofit BMW M3 Instrument Cluster with R270 Ncs Expert

This is a DIY guide that explains how one can retrofit another instrument cluster into their car. In this case, I was upgrading to an M3 cluster in my 128i, but all coding processes apply to retrofitting other 1'er clusters (135i cluster in a 128i, for example).

Important Notes:

I am using Windows 10 Home 64-bit on a Lenovo Legion gaming laptop. Nothing specialized here, computer-wise. A laptop is preferable since you'll need to do some in-car coding.

The donor instrument cluster MUST have fewer miles than your car in order to use this process.

I bought a cluster from a manual M3, and installed it into a manual 128i. Please do not ask how to install in an automatic, because, I have no idea. I'd assume the process is much the same (it's probably exactly the same, since NCS Expert really does all the footwork for you).

All software below is what I used, and had success with. It's reasonable to assume that it'll work for you, too. If it doesn't, google is a wonderful tool that fixes issues for lots of people (myself included).

You should have a basic understanding of NCS Expert and how it works.

Materials for Coding the New-to-You Cluster:
-R270+ Programmer (like this one)
-SOIC8 Testing Clip (like this one)
-Used Instrument Cluster (This process requires that it has less miles than your car; easy for me, with 196k miles when shopping for M3 parts)
-T10 Torx screwdriver (only necessary for M3 clusters)
-Install R270 Programmer Software (this download is clean, I wouldn't recommend using the disc included with the programmer, RUN SETUP.EXE to install)
-Install HxD hex editor (here)
-Mike's Easy BMW Tools (this is what works for me)
-K-DCAN Cable (this one works for me)

Preparing for Coding:

Make sure all the necessary software has been installed, and that the programs launch correctly. Test the BMW tools by launching INPA and verifying that it's connected.

You'll first need to open-up your new instrument cluster. On the M3 clusters, there are four silver T10 screws on the back that you'll need to loosen before attempting to hulk the thing apart. After those screws are out, work your way around the cluster, popping each of the 6 retainers (2 top, 2 bottom, 1 each side) and slowly pull the two halves apart.

Now, you need to pop the gauge needles off. For this, I recommend cutting out a four-inch square piece of paper, and then cutting a ~2mm-wide slot, about 2 inches long, starting mid-way on one of the sides and going to the center of the square of paper. Now, fit this square of paper underneath the needles, and above the gauge dial. The slot is supposed to let you slide the piece of paper underneath both needles (speedo and fuel, or tach and oil temp) and around their pins so that it protects the dial (they scratch easily). To pop the needles off, I recommend a very thin fork that'll fit around the pins. Just work it under the needles, and gently pry upwards. Shoot for the most vertical motion possible, with as little twisting as possible. If you snap the pins that hold the needles, you pretty much have to scrap that cluster. In a pinch, a thin, flat-blade screwdriver works just fine. Set the needles aside in a safe place after you're done playing with them (we all do it).

This is a tricky one to explain, but here it goes: You now need to flip the cluster over to the black plastic side. You will see a rectangular 18-pin connector (it's the only connector, but I'm trying to be detailed). You need to push downwards on that connector (towards the bottom of the cluster assembly) push it out so that the white plastic part pops out a little, then press the opposite direction on the side that didn't pop out, and kinda wiggle the thing apart. The end result will be a large piece of black plastic, and then the white plastic part with the now exposed backside of the circuit board.

Now, separate the white plastic from the circuitry by releasing four little clips (2 on top, 2 on bottom). For 1-series clusters, you will need to also detach the ribbon cable attached to the LCD panel. Simply disconnect it from the long white connector at the bottom of the circuit board. Now, you can clearly see the brains that make your instrument cluster tick, there's far more going on than you'd think, a far cry from old cars (which makes our jobs super easy).

You are now ready to do the first part of coding.

Clearing Old VIN from EEPROM:

Pull out your R270+ and your SOIC8 test clip. Find your EEPROM. It is an 8-pin chip (four on a side). On the M3 cluster, it is just above the left corner of the LCD display (as shown in the huge picture below). The clip I used (link above), has a pink wire denoting Pin 8. If you look at the text on the EEPROM, correct side up, Pin 8 is on the bottom left of the chip.
Ensure everything is plugged-in and connected. Launch the R270 programmer application, select which chip it is (printed on EEPROM). All three clusters I've seen had 080D0WQ chips, but verify yours because they can be different. Hit "Read" ignore the obnoxious beeps from the programmer box, and save the .BIN file to your desktop (you can save it anywhere, really). Now, close the R270 program, and open HxD. Open the .BIN file. Scroll down to the -2E0 line, and highlight all data in that line, and replace it with FF's. Line -2E0 should read "FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF" when done (you could copy that and paste it into HxD, too). Save the .BIN file, close HxD, and open the R270 app again. Load the .BIN file, then verify the selected chip, and hit write. This process will take about a minute, and there will be lots of beeping.

The programmer comes with just the red board. The clip comes with two adapters, I used the black one with the keyed connector for the clip itself and simply inserted it into the pin holes next to the ZIF socket. (Pic attached)



Once finished, you are done with this part of the install. Disconnect the programmer, and, minus the needles and front cover (part with clear plastic), reassemble the cluster. You should ONLY have the back black plastic part, circuit board, and white plastic part put together.

Coding Cluster to Car with NCS Expert:

After you're done being extremely happy that you did a computer thing, go out to your car with your half-cluster and your needles.

I would disconnect the negative battery lead for this part.

Remove your original cluster, there are two torx (T15??) screws at the top of the hood. Remove those, then use a thin flat-blade screwdriver to push the top of the cluster downwards, then pull the cluster out. Undo the connector on the back (there's a latch mechanism, so be aware of that).

Now, connect your new-to-you cluster, and THEN reconnect the battery, if you disconnected it.

Open your computer, turn the ignition on (door closed, engine not running, climate control unit should turn on). Connect your K-DCAN cable and verify communication with INPA. Open NCS Expert, load "Default profile" (Mike's Tools). Hit "VIN/ZCS/FA" then hit "ZCS/FZ f. ECU" and select "E89" for chassis, then "CAS" for module. Give it a second to fill VIN and VO fields. Hit "Back" then hit "Process ECU" select "KOMBI" and hit ok. "Change job" to "SG_CODIEREN" and the "execute job." It will take a couple seconds and there will be beeping and weird noises. Once done, your new cluster is coded to your car's VIN, and will not show any errors for things your car doesn't have.

How to clear/reset DME or EGS Adaptations using INPA

 How to Reset Adaptations

This describes how to clear/reset DME or EGS adaptations using INPA.
Be sure key is in position 2 with engine OFF.

MS43

• E46
• Engine
• MS43
• F4 Error
• F7 Reset adaptions
• F8 adaption Variants clearing

MS45.1

• E46
• Engine
• MS45
• F8 adaption
• F9 All

GS20, GS8.60.2, GS8.60.4

• E46
• Transmission
• GS20
• F6 Activate
• F3 Reset adaption values

How to flash a BMW DME or EGS with WinKFP?

Here is the guide to set up and flash a DME or EGS. Look at the steps starting at "Open up WinKFP" below.

- Install BMW Standard Tools 2.12 (EDIBAS, INPA, WinKFP, NCS Expert) and ensure they work with your car.
- WinKFP 5.1.6 (no earlier version than this)
- INPA 5 or higher
- Get the daten files (download, extract from Progman or Ista/p).
- E39 daten files: https://rapidshare.com/files/1672164095/E39_V41_Daten_Files.rar
- E46 daten files: https://rapidshare.com/files/4196534502/E46_V41_Daten_Files.rar
- See these instructions for extracting the daten files from Ista/p.
- http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1590483-I-need-files-to-work-with-WinKPF-help-me

- Have jumper cables to another car battery supplying a minimum of 10A power.
- Connect the K-line cable to OBD port on car and USB port on computer.
- Turn the ignition key to position 2.
- Open up WinKFP.
- Select Configuration
- Uncheck Fast baudrate.
- To not increment the flash update counter, uncheck all UIF checkboxes.
- Click OK, cancel all the prompts about creating the new config files, click Ok to save to INI file.
- Select F1 Comfort Mode.
- Select F3 Update ZUSB.
- Select the ECU to update (ex: GD20, GD8604, MDS43, MDS451, etc.).
- Select F4 Enter VIN and paste in the full VIN for the car.
- Select F8 Done.
- Select F3 Prog. ZB-Update to detect current version and latest available update version.
- Click OK to begin flashing.
- It takes 43 minutes for MS45.1, 20 minutes for MS43, 7 minutes for GD20, 12 minutes for GD8604).
- After the confirmation message of flash update complete, close WinKFP.
- Wait one minute.
- Turn off the ignition key.
- Wait one minute.
- Turn on the ignition key to position 2.
- Clear adaptations using either INPA or PA Soft 1.4:
- Start INPA, select DME, Errors, Adaptations.
- Start PA Soft 1.4, select Units, select DME/DDE, select called "DME-EWS Adaptations".
- Clear any error codes in both DME and EGS. Turn off key for one minute. Try again. Do this until all are cleared.

Reset BMW E36 Airbag by INPA or Foxwell NT530?

 Car model and year: BMW E36 1996 – 2002

 

Symptom: Seats airbag light on

Take the seats out and have them reupholstered why the car is sitting. I ended up starting the car during the procedure of removal. Now the seats are out and the airbag light is on

 

How to reset BMW E36 Seats airbag light on?

You need INPA or a diagnostic tool (I.E Foxwell nt530) to clear it. Airbag lights are not self-clearing. Once the cluster light illuminates the error needs to be corrected (reattach the wiring in this case) and the trouble code erased.

 

Which current market tools can read the error codes?

1. Inpa: Confirmed

INPA software has reset the light a few times. That’s why I loaded it onto an old laptop. It’s free, except for cost of cables, about $20. Here’s the inpa cable link:

https://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/bmw-inpa-k-can-with-ft232rq-chip.html

INPA is a factory tool that BMW still uses today. Not dealer, factory. We have access to an older version that snuck out the side door years ago. It provides all the functionality you could need or ask for for this era of BMW. Of course, it needs to be installed on a laptop, but compatible machines can be obtained very cheaply if you dont have one just laying around.

 

2. The Peake tool: has bug

The Peake tool is NLA, the entire company is gone… about a decade too late. It is a 1980’s grade tool that they kept trying to limp into this century with marketing. The Chinese offering off Aliexpress and Amazon/eBay is a clone of the Peake circuitry and software. It has a nasty bug in it that has cost many people much time and $$$ chasing the wrong fault. That bug was copied from the Peake tool.
Go INPA

 

3. Foxwell N530 BMW scanner: Confirmed

I have the Foxwell N530 tool and it also resets the SRS light as well as OBD2, maintenance minder, and other modules. Not as capable as INPA but it is a self contained handheld unit and doesn’t require a laptop.
I just sold my Peake SRS tool.

 

PS: Get a Foxwell tool along with the round 20 pin connector for about $170 and you will have a capable scan tool for this and future work.

 

Good luck!

Top Tools to Register and Code BMW New Battery

Background Information:

BMW Battery Registration vs. Coding

The registration procedure clears the charging history of the old battery and tells your BMW that a new battery with the same specs as the old battery is installed. The Engine Control Unit (DME) can charge the battery properly.

• Battery Registration 
  • Registration must be performed every time you change the battery on a 2002 and newer BMW. It lets the car know the battery installed is brand new.
  • If the new battery has the same specs or very close to the old battery (CCA, CA, Ah, battery type) no coding will be required. 
• Battery Coding
• In addition to the registration procedure, you will need to carry out coding if you change the battery capacity or type. Coding is required if the new battery has different specifications compared to the old battery installed in the car.
• For example, if you install a battery with a higher or lower cranking Ampere rating, or switch between Lead Acid and an AGM battery, you will need to code (program) the DME. Otherwise, the DME may overcharge or undercharge the new battery, and therefore shorten the life of the battery.

Some FAQs:

Q: Why do I need to register a new battery?
A: The short answer is that BMW designed the charging system with an algorithm that varies the rate of charge by the age and type of the battery installed. Registering a new battery resets the algorithm back to optimal charging voltage for the specified battery.

The long answer: "The negative battery cable has an electronic control unit on the battery end of it called an intelligent battery sensor (IBS). The IBS measures the state of battery charge and sends this information to the ECU. The ECU uses this information to control how much charging voltage is needed from the alternator to support vehicle electricity needs. A battery deteriorates normally over time and depending upon service demands and driving profile. The IBS reads this and the ECU tells the charging system to increase voltage and amperage output incrementally as the battery matures. Therefore, at battery replacement time, if you don't tell the ECU it has a new battery it will overcharge the new battery causing it to wear out faster.

The registration process takes place in the ECU, which is the main player in this system. Also, when the IBS sees that battery voltage is too low for normal vehicle operation it can start shutting down vehicle functions to conserve power while keeping the vehicle operational. This would be accompanied by a check control warning of excessive battery discharge.”

Q: Why do I need to "code" for a new battery?
A: The answer to this varies. You may not have to! That is, so long as you replace your old battery with an exact replacement. However, if you switch from a wet-cell type battery to an AGM type battery, or vice versa, you must code for the change.

AGM and wet-cell batteries require a different rate of charge output from the alternator. Moving between these two types without coding can lead to over-charging or under-charging.
Also, batteries have a discharge rating called amp hours (ah). You must specify to the DME what the “ah” rating of your battery is so the car can run the proper charging algorithm.

Top BMW Battery Registration Scan Tools:

To complete the BMW battery registration process yourself, you will first need an OBD2 scanner that can perform BMW battery registration. Here is a list of popular scanners that you can use to register a new BMW battery.

• Foxwell NT510/NT520/NT530 for BMW 
  • One of the most popular BMW scanners. The tool can be used to register a new BMW battery with similar specs compared to the previous battery. Installing a new battery with significantly different specs requires coding which is not currently available on Foxwell NT510 at the time of testing. 
• BMW ISTA Rheingold
  • Require a laptop, ISTA software and hardware interface (ICOM, K+DCAN, ENET cable etc).
• Autel Scanners (MaxiSys, TS608, MD808 Pro etc)
  • Professional Level Diagnostic Scanner. It can be used to program and code any type of battery including AGM and lead-acid, even if the replacement battery is significantly different than the original.
• BMW INPA Software (INPA K+CAN)
• Require a laptop and familiarity with INAP software. One of the cheapest scan tools able to register a BMW battery. 
• Carly App for BMW

The procedure to register a BMW battery is very similar to most of the scanners out on the market. 

How to Register BMW Battery with Foxwell?

How to Register BMW New battery with ISTA Rheingold (i.e F10)?

How to Register BMW New Battery with Autel MaxiSys & TS608?

How to Register BMW New Battery with Autel MD808 Pro?

How to Register BMW Battery with INPA Software (i.e 7 series)?

How to Register BMW battery with Carly App?

BMW E85 Z4 SBSR Airbag Module Coding Guide

I've finally got a used airbag ECU for my 2003 Z4 3.0 and after fitting it the airbag light is still on. A pal used a obd2 scanner to read the fault code and the "Safety and Gateway module" shows the error "93AB Incorrect chassis number. He can clear the fault but it immediately returns.

Is there anyone anywhere near Peterborough that has the necessary equipment to code my VIN number onto the new module please?

Step by Step to edit VIN, Flash, Code to Default, Clear Errors and Start System Time of the Airbag Gateway Module. 

Hopefully it will be useful to someone else if they find themselves in the same position.

INPA: UIF (User Information Field) Report
1-Open INPA>select your car model (E60)>Functional Jobs>F3 UIF
-This is the first change. The E85 profile says "Quasi Functional" and doesn't have the F3 UIF choice on my version, so I did an Information report instead (F2)

2-You'll see a list of all control units with their ZUSB number and VIN
-This is the BMW part number that comes up for the module you are sorting out in the information report. I couldn't see the VIN anywhere on this report so I just wrote it down from the windscreen. 

3-Print to PDF the report.
4-Identify the ZUSB numbers without your VIN and copy from the PDF and close INPA
- I didn't do these steps, I just copied down the part number of the modules I needed (in my case "Airbag ECU or Safety Info Module" and "Satellite B Pillar Left").

WinKFP: Edit VIN and Flash Module
5-Open WinKFP (Load SPDaten files google it)
6-Select comfort mode
7-Then click find ZUSB
8-Paste the number you copied
9-this will go straight to the right ZUSB
-In my case this only worked for one of the two modules. The other one had a ZUSB/part number older than the daten files I was using, so was not recognised when I typed it in. There is another way to do this next bit if you find the same thing (see alternative below). If this step does work correctly, note down the ECU Family the module is in (from the left column), you will need it to start the system time later on.

10-Then enter your full VIN and then click on done
11-Double check that the module your going to flash it's safe to flash with your cable and the battery needs to be connect to another power source
12-Click on update ZUSB (this will flash the module with SPDaten files and re-write the VIN)

Alternative:
A1. You need to find the ECU family that your module is in. For me the main airbag ECU was in SIM85 and the pillar module was in SBL264. To double check this, look for your *.his files on the PC (mine were in C:\EC-APPS\NFS\DATA). They are all named with the ECU family (SIM85.his for example), so if you open these up with notepad and search through you will see all the historic ZUSB/part numbers for that module. When you find the one with your module part number in you will have the ECU family name you are looking for.
A2. Open WinFKP
A3. Select Comfort mode
A4. Select Update ZUSB
A5. Select the correct family for your module
A6. Enter your full VIN and then click done
A7. Double check that the module your going to flash it's safe to flash with your cable and the battery needs to be connect to another power source
A8. Click on Prog. ZB-Update
A9. This will then show you the update that is about to be programmed onto the module, click ok to start programming. This took a few minutes per module in my case, so make sure your car battery and laptop aren't going to run out of juice halfway through. I hooked the car up to a charger just in case.

NCS Expert: Code to Default 
-If you're interested in what you are doing here then I found a really useful introductory guide. It was good to understand a little bit of what I was actually doing, although you don't need it to complete the next steps: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/show ... NCS-Expert

13- Open NCExpert
14-Load profile -> Expertmode (I used Expertenmodus (Werkseinstellung), as Expertmode wouldn't load on my version as it was too old) -> F1 -> F3 -> choose E60 (E85) from the list -> choose any module you want from this list -> now click F6 Back -> select F4 Process ECU -> choose Module -> now click ReadECU -> close the notepad window that showed up after the module was read (On mine it came up with another window with three text boxes in, I just closed this).
15-Press F5 for basic functions -> Select "coapiReadSgGetFswPsw" and click Ok -> Select F2 "job" select SG_CODIEREN and press ok -> Press F3 Execute job and wait for the buttons to become active, when active it's all done.

INPA: Identification Report and Clear Errors
16-Open INPA>select your car model (E60)>Functional Jobs>Identification
17-Print the report to PDF.
18-Look in the SGBD column the module you replace
19-Clear (EM, IM and HM) Errors and Close INPA
- I couldn't see the SGBD column on the E85 information report. i just noted it down from earlier when using WinKFP. 

Ediabas Tool32: Start System Time
20-Start Tool32
21-Select File->Load SGBD, Group file
22-Browse to the EDIABAS\ECU folder, and search for the file name based on the listed SGBD column. Can be more than 1 file.
-I actually couldn't find an exact match for the satellite pillar that had come up in WinKFP, but I chose SBSL85 and it seemed to work. The main ECU was SIM85 again so this was more obvious.

23-In the Left of the window select systemzeit_lesen (write) 
24-In the middle of the window Argument (value of) type 1 in the dropdown menu
25-double click systemzeit_lesen and done.
26-double click systemzeit_starten. (no arguments)

I had to go back into INPA and clear the errors on the safety modules again to finish everything off. 

I unplugged the cables, switched the car on properly, and celebrated loudly when the airbag light went off. I also breathed a big sigh of relief as I had approached this with some trepidation to start with, but in the end it wasn't too hard with all the information that others have kindly made available already.