BimmerCode vs something better

[MarkH]

Can someone please let me know the sort of things that BimmerCode can't do that a more elaborate system can.

I'm trying to figure out what option it might make sense for me to get.
I understand that a BimmerCode adapter will cost around $50. What does the app cost?

I believe the other options are a few hundred - and want to understand a bit about what extra capabilities they have.

 

[bwilson4web]

They may be able to read engineering data like battery temperature, cell/module voltages, oil pressure, and spark advance (for REx.)

Bob Wilson

 

[alohart]

I understand that a BimmerCode adapter will cost around $50.

That seems too high. I bought my OBD-WiFi adapter for ~$20 from Amazon. However, that was a couple of years ago.

What does the app cost?

The license fee for the iOS version was $27. The Android version was a bit more expensive.

 

[vreihen]

If you want to go down the pirated software rabbit-hole, an ENET cable is about $15 and you can do everything including adding software features/options that your car didn't come with (like TJA). Not for the faint of heart, and certainly way more dangerous than Bimmercode if you make a mistake.....

 

[MarkH]

OK, thanks for the replies.
I was talking NZ$ - so maybe about right.
Is the $27 an annual or a one-off fee?

With the BimmerCode, can you read error codes?
Can you re-set them?

 

[MagicCarpet]

vreihen's reply is right, it can be done with Esys but is a lot of sweat and risk - the software is on MegaNZ and the cable NZ$15 at ebay.com/itm/322552801164

I did it this way because someone said the NZ maps wont work on a Japan spec car
This is still a work in progress

I believe iCarly is a similar app to BimmerCode

Actually if you just want to reset codes an ordinary OBD2 bluetooth dongle and App called ELM327 should do

 

[vreihen]

Bimmercode cannot do OBD-II diagnostics or clear codes, but the dongle that it needs can be used with other software since that is actually what it is intended to be used for.....

 

[MarkH]

Thanks for your replies.
I've ordered a VeePeek ODB thingy from eBay and will take it from there.
Won't be trying anything that might cause me break my i3 !

 

[KrisM]

I have both, Bimmercode and Esys.

Bimmercode is good for fast coding some gadgets, with Esys you can do a lot more, there is plenty of reading stuff about that subject on
the www. A good starting point is bmwcoding.com.

 

[MarkH]

I have Bimmercode working with my Veepeak BLE ODB through an Android phone.
Works well.
A review I read said that CarScanner was a good app for reading and resetting error codes.
I have installed it but it doesn't appear to be compatible with the i3.

This thread mentions ESYS, but I can't find that on Google Play and suspect that it is more a laptop programme.
Are there other scan tool apps (for Android) that are suitable?

Trying to find a way to turn off the warning sound associated with the rear (or any) parking sensors.

 

[alohart]

Are there other scan tool apps (for Android) that are suitable?

Maybe BimmerLink.

 

[KrisM]

I have Bimmercode working with my Veepeak BLE ODB through an Android phone.
Works well.
A review I read said that CarScanner was a good app for reading and resetting error codes.
I have installed it but it doesn't appear to be compatible with the i3.

This thread mentions ESYS, but I can't find that on Google Play and suspect that it is more a laptop programme.
Are there other scan tool apps (for Android) that are suitable?

Trying to find a way to turn off the warning sound associated with the rear (or any) parking sensors.

Esys is a pc / laptop program, take a look here for more info : bmwcoding.com.

 

[troyrpierson]

It’s clear many are seeking alternatives to BimmerCode, especially for advanced features. If you're still deciding, I found this in-depth review on BimmerCode that goes over its strengths and limitations. It could help you weigh the pros and cons of sticking with it or moving on to something like Esys. Check it out here: https://yarkoweb.com/tools/bimmercode-app-review/. It covers common use cases and tips that might save you some trial and error

 

[JohnnyCakes]

Interesting -- I've used BimmerCode but am open to something else, especially for advanced features.

I'd would like to see a review of Esys or people's experience? Is that the same as Carly? A quick google couldn't find anything Esys, but did find some negative comments on Carly.

 

[alohart]

E-Sys is BMW Windows software used by BMW mechanics. AFAIK, it isn't licensed to just anyone. It does not seem to be particularly user-friendly. I believe that it can change the values of parameters that affect all electronic modules in BMW vehicles unlike BimmerCode which can't change the values of parameters that affect a few modules. E-Sys can do VO coding whereas BimmerCode can't. VO coding can activate or deactivate some options available on BMW vehicles. E.g., E-Sys could remove option 5AP Decoding Anti-Glare High-Beam Assistant or 8S4 Decoding Variable Light Distribution or it could add option 6CP Preparation Apple CarPlay. I don't have any E-Sys experience, so please correct what I have written.

E-Sys isn't the same as Carly. I don't know much about Carly.

 

[tob1as]

I don‘t know where this “many are seeking alternatives to BimmerCode” claim is based, but I agree with alohart that E-sys is super intimidating and complicated (and scary in that you might change parameters and settings inadvertently that might cause major issues). I for one really like BimmerCode and it has done a lot of things for me that have been fun and useful (like software enabling comfort access, changing heated seat temperature settings, sounds, lighting, default eco-mode on startup, and the startup screen - using Rolls Royce and Alpina respectively now ). The only thing (relevant to me) BimmerCode doesn’t allow (yet?) is activating Traffic Jam Assist (I have the hardware mod installed, but once I got a Windows laptop and E-sys, I gave up trying to decipher the procedural requirements, and getting concerned about borking something - and I am a native German speaker, so it should be easier for me to comprehend the menus and sub-menus in E-sys ).

 

[tongsli]

I don‘t know where this “many are seeking alternatives to BimmerCode” claim is based, but I agree with alohart that E-sys is super intimidating and complicated (and scary in that you might change parameters and settings inadvertently that might cause major issues). I for one really like BimmerCode and it has done a lot of things for me that have been fun and useful (like software enabling comfort access, changing heated seat temperature settings, sounds, lighting, default eco-mode on startup, and the startup screen - using Rolls Royce and Alpina respectively now ). The only thing (relevant to me) BimmerCode doesn’t allow (yet?) is activating Traffic Jam Assist (I have the hardware mod installed, but once I got a Windows laptop and E-sys, I gave up trying to decipher the procedural requirements, and getting concerned about borking something - and I am a native German speaker, so it should be easier for me to comprehend the menus and sub-menus in E-sys ).

The coding bimmer. forums are pretty comprehensive but also overwhelming. The bottom line, TJA and headlight modifications (disabled in 2019 and newer) needs to modify the VO file which is not possible using Bimmercode. It an only be done with the E-sys software and related cable. The Vehicle Order file is what tells the car which options it has. At this point, I have not been able to find out what the decoding is included in the VO file because nobody has attempted to modify and proceed with E-sys.