BMW ISTA diagnostics INFO software

The Info: What You Should Know

For the diagnosis and programming of all BMW models.

The software offered in the shop is in no way the property of BMW.
It is exclusively our company's own proprietary software.

Overview of software available on the global market

BMW Dealer Diagnostic System – DIS V57
BMW Software Service Station – SSS/Progman V32
BMW Technical Information System – TIS
BMW Dealer Diagnostic System – INPA
Ediabas 7.7.2
Ediabas ToolSet 32 – Work at an expert level with BMW control units
WinKFP – Updating and programming of control units
NFS (New Flash System) – Updating and programming of monitoring units
BMW Coding Tool
NCS Expert
NCS Dummy
BMW WDS V12.0 – BMW wiring diagrams (multilingual user interface)
BMW ETK – Electronic Parts Catalog (multilingual user interface)
BMW ETM – Electronic Troubleshooting Manual
BMW KSD – Dealer catalog incl. current labor rates (multilingual user interface)
BMW ISTA+ (Rheingold) 4.xx Standalone – sold separately
BMW ISTA-P 3.7xx – sold separately
FTDI USB cable driver
SP-DATEN
Dr. Gini

Series & Requirements

Exx Series

Interface: K+DCAN cable (OBDII to USB) or ICOM
Control unit data files: SP-Daten
NCS Expert: Coding software
WinKFP: Programming (flash) software
EDIABAS: Low-level ECU communication software (used by NCS Expert & WinKFP)

Fxx / Ixx / Gxx Series, MINI & Rolls-Royce

Interface: ENET cable (OBDII to RJ45/Ethernet) or ICOM
Control unit data files: PSdZData
E-Sys: Coding software
E-Sys: Programming software (flash software)

ICOM (Adapter Overview)

ICOM A: Main interface
ICOM B: Adapter for programming E-series multimedia devices
ICOM C: Adapter for older BMW models with round 20-pin diagnostic connector
ICOM D: Adapter for motorcycles

Minimum Requirements

Windows 7–11 computer
ISTA+: 40 GB installation + > 2 GB free space for operation (diagnosis only)
Additionally ~ 100 GB SDP & ICOM for programming (excluding E-series)
ISTA-P: 80 GB installation
At least a dual-core processor with 2.6 GHz
At least 4 GB RAM

It is important to note that these are extensive software packages that require significant storage space and computing power for smooth operation. We therefore recommend that you carefully read the product description and system requirements before installing and using these tools. You may also need to upgrade your computer hardware or operating system to meet the minimum requirements.

Overview of programs available on the global market

ISTA-D RHEINGOLD / ISTA+ Diagnosis and repair manual for Exx series, incl. WDS diagrams
Diagnosis and programming for Fxx/Ixx/Gxx series
ISTA-P programming and coding software (VO coding) – E-series only
KSD Labor software
ETK accessory catalog
E-SYS Engineer software for FG series (programming and coding)
WINKFP Engineer software for E-series (programming)
NCS Expert Engineer software for E-series (coding)
INPA Engineer software for E + some F-series (diagnosis)
TOOL32 Engineer software for E-series (directly executable)
BMW CODING TOOL supplementary software (import SP-Daten into WinKFP & NCS Expert)
NCS DUMMY auxiliary software (modification of NCS Expert data)
ITOOL RADAR for detecting ICOM activation/release ports
EASY CONNECT for configuring environment parameters

Which cable do I need for my car?

K-Line cable

For model years 2000–2007: K-Line USB cable via the 16-pin OBD connector.

K-Line cable set

For model years 1997–2007: K-Line cable + 16-to-20-pin OBD adapter (round 20-pin connector in the engine bay).
Note: This 20-pin adapter does not support ADS and therefore only offers limited support for ADS-equipped models (e.g., E36).

D-CAN cable

For model years 2000–2010+: D-CAN USB cable for 2007–2018 and the included 16-to-16-pin K-Line adapter for model years 2000–2007.
(The D-CAN cable is software-dependent and compatible with all E-series models up to and including 2018.)

D-CAN cable set

As above (D-CAN cable + adapter), additionally with 16-to-20-pin OBD adapter to support models E38, E39, and E46 (1997–2000).
Note: 20-pin adapter does not support ADS → limited support for ADS models (e.g., E36).

Ethernet cable

For all new F-series models.

ICOM – Explanation

The Integrated Communication Optical Module (ICOM) is a diagnostic device used by authorized BMW workshops and service centers to communicate with BMW vehicles. It is a multiplexer that connects to the OBD-II port, enabling communication with the electronic control units (ECUs). The ICOM is compatible with various software programs, including ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application). Furthermore, the ICOM can re-program and update vehicle software and firmware, as well as perform various diagnostic functions. It is an indispensable tool for BMW technicians and service centers to diagnose and fix complex problems.

DIS / TIS / SSS (Short Description)

DIS V57 and SSS/Progman V32 provide comprehensive diagnosis of BMW and MINI electronic systems and include a database of device information, equipment details, and wiring diagrams for model ranges from 1985 to 2010. The system reads and clears error codes, reads technical parameters, performs actuator tests, identifies module versions and their software codes, and programs control units.

BMW TIS (Technical Information System) is an online database containing technical information, repair instructions, diagrams, technical bulletins, recalls, and other important information.

SSS/Progman V32 is an older platform for programming, individualization, and coding, which has since been replaced by newer systems like ISTA-D and ISTA-P.

Supported Languages

SSS/Progman: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Japanese (total of 18 languages)
TIS: English, German
INPA: English, German
KSD: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Japanese (total of 26 languages)
ISTA+ (Rheingold): English, German
ISTA-P: Multilingual

Please read the product description.

Functions (Excerpt)

Read / clear error codes
Reset service lights
DME/DDE synchronization
EWS/CAS synchronization
Read data streams (Live Data)
Actuator tests (activation)
Coding / programming (depending on vehicle/hardware)
Reset airbag warning light

ABS wheel speed test

Clear adaptations
Adjust air suspension
Full diagnostics incl. test plans
Update vehicle software/firmware
Program new components / upgrade functions
Register battery after replacement
Code control units (e.g., daytime running lights, seat memory on key, acoustic signal when locking)
And much more, incl. wiring diagrams and parts catalog

What is The Info?

The Info is a comprehensive source of information that offers not just facts, but also relevant context. It helps readers understand why certain things are important and how they are connected. Therefore, it is essential to use sources that are both accurate and understandable in order to make informed decisions.

Why is The Info important?

There are many reasons why The Info is of great importance. On one hand, it facilitates access to knowledge by explaining complex topics simply. On the other hand, it is crucial that information is current, as the world is constantly changing and developments impact our daily lives. Thus, The Info is a valuable tool for education and decision-making.

How can you use The Info?

There are various ways to effectively use The Info, but it depends on viewing and questioning the information critically. Use it to learn more about topics that interest you or to deepen your knowledge. Use The Info as a springboard for further research, as it often refers to additional resources that can help you gain a more comprehensive picture.

BMW and MINI are registered trademarks of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG.
This website is in no way connected to BMW AG and should not be confused with the websites of BMW AG or BMW M GmbH.

This software is provided exclusively for educational purposes and not for commercial purposes, so that private users can diagnose and program their vehicles.

Any and all liability is excluded, whether express or implied.

The software offered in the shop is in no way the property of BMW.
It is exclusively our own, proprietary software.