Bavarian technic vs. NCS expert and cable - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Trelos · 03-19-2011, 09:38 AM

Other than the cost does anyone know of the differences between buying the Bavarian technic tool, or buying one of the recommended cables and downloading NCS?

Has anyone had any experience with the bav technic tool?

Can you do more with either one?

orangedawg · 03-19-2011, 10:47 AM

I have both. BT is simpler to use but I prefer INPA/NCS. I also use DIS and it is really easy to use as well. The BT enthusiast tool (the cheaper one) can't do coding. You can clear codes with it, though.

My preference is INPA/NCS/DIS. You can do everything and more with them over BT. And once you have them set up, you can do some pretty cool coding as well. Good luck!

DESI4life10 · 03-19-2011, 10:57 AM

The BT tool can't really do any coding.

I tried to code my drl with the BT tool and always got an error.

Like orange said, once you are comfortable with NCS/Inpa you can do soo much more cool stuff with it.

tldoxmf87 · 03-19-2011, 06:25 PM

Don't you need the BT to read and interpret what triggered the error?
The NCS/INPA only gives you the error code and doesn't say why it's caused..

fdriller9 · 03-19-2011, 08:34 PM

I have the enthusiast version of the bav tool...it's more user friendly. Can't do coding....professional version may though.

Im ordering the OBDII cable soon an will probably sell my bav tool.

orangedawg · 03-19-2011, 09:10 PM

INPA will tell you what the code is and why, just like bt.

DESI4life10 · 03-19-2011, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangedawg

INPA will tell you what the code is and why, just like bt.

yep...+1.

You can even google the error code and get a more in depth explanation.

Kalud · 03-21-2011, 10:18 AM

Not that it matters to the OP, but BT Tool doesn't work on 2011 cars. INPA does...

Dracon · 03-21-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *********

I have the enthusiast version of the bav tool...it's more user friendly. Can't do coding....professional version may though

The type of "coding" the BT tool refers to in the Professional version is the ability to back up the coding of a module and to restore it into a new module for replacement.

It doesn't do the advanced coding like NCS Expert can. However, with all the information coming out now on coding and how to handle official retrofits with NCS Expert and such, I wouldn't be suprised if BT started working on getting into more advanced coding before too long.

1QuikWS6 · 03-26-2011, 07:39 PM

^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^

I had already coded my car using the eBay cable and NCSExpert

But a friend had the BT Pro tool (which they state can do coding) so we tried it.

It could not code individual items such as we are all doing with NCSExpert.

So basically, the BT Pro Tool is in NO way a cheap option for coding when you can pick up the eBay cable for $85 shipped & download the software for free...

blueaudi18 · 03-26-2011, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^

I had already coded my car using the eBay cable and NCSExpert

But a friend had the BT Pro tool (which they state can do coding) so we tried it.

It could not code individual items such as we are all doing with NCSExpert.

So basically, the BT Pro Tool is in NO way a cheap option for coding when you can pick up the eBay cable for $85 shipped & download the software for free...

could u link me to the $85 cables..

mr_milo · 03-27-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueaudi18

could u link me to the $85 cables..

+1

DJKhan85 · 03-27-2011, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_milo

+1

+2

tracerit · 03-30-2011, 02:45 AM

is NCS and INPA the same thing?

Dracon · 03-30-2011, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracerit

is NCS and INPA the same thing?

They are in the same software package, INPA is a factory diagnostic program, NCS is factory coding, WinKFP is factory programming.

ctuna · 11-22-2011, 07:32 PM

of the software. without torrenting

Peertwelve · 11-22-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJKhan85

+2

there are 20 or 30 thread with the answer... i'm so tired of seeing this question. Check the Coding Success thread

Coding@DetailAddict · 11-23-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peertwelve

there are 20 or 30 thread with the answer

dr.b. · 04-05-2012, 11:41 PM

Can the INPA or NCS software perform maintenance activities like triggering the ABS unit when bleeding brakes?

scorpnaz7 · 04-06-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr.b.

Can the INPA or NCS software perform maintenance activities like triggering the ABS unit when bleeding brakes?

INPA can

dr.b. · 04-07-2012, 01:25 PM

Where is the latest download of INPA, NCS EXPERT, and the latest DATEN files

Surly73 · 05-24-2012, 09:40 AM

I have a question along the lines of the original post. I'm fairly new the E90 and I'm working on building up my knowledge of the platform and new tools I'll need to do DIY on the platform. For me this includes real diag software (I used Peake on my E39 and it was fine) like BT or AE as well as a K+DCAN set up.

I have a 02/2007 build E90 and I believe I fit into the range of models which requires the OBDII adapter to suppress pin 8 on most K+DCAN cables.

With my build date, and assuming I get coding all working and figured out, I presume that I'll also be able to use INPA and DIS. With INPA and DIS at my disposal, does BavTech or Autoenginuity serve any purpose whatsoever or would it just be money wasted?

I want to:
- read and clear codes, including shadow codes, soft codes, and any other codes that don't necessarily illuminate the CEL
- perform maintenance tasks like battery registration, cycle ABS
- reset adaptations
- airbag/SRS code reads and resets
- I'm not sure if I'd use any real time data gathering or not, since I'm not tuning a turbo car etc...

I don't have a 335, I don't have a tune, I'm not likely to do a lot of retrofitting. I'm in Canada so all of these things will cost more out of pocket to obtain than in the USA, and I'll have to pay 13% Sales Tax on everything no matter where I buy it. I don't want to buy it, try it, then put it up for sale at a loss of ~$80-100.

Thanks for opinions

03-19-2011, 09:38 AM	#1
Trelos Private First Class Drives: 08 white 328i & 89 white 325i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: northern NJ Posts: 114 iTrader: (0)	Bavarian technic vs. NCS expert and cable Other than the cost does anyone know of the differences between buying the Bavarian technic tool, or buying one of the recommended cables and downloading NCS? Has anyone had any experience with the bav technic tool? Can you do more with either one? __________________ "I'm bought for the price of a flagon of rice"
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03-19-2011, 06:25 PM	#4
tldoxmf87 Captain Drives: e92 TiAg Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bellevue Posts: 715 iTrader: (14)	Don't you need the BT to read and interpret what triggered the error? The NCS/INPA only gives you the error code and doesn't say why it's caused.. __________________ E92 TiAg

03-26-2011, 07:39 PM	#10
1QuikWS6 No 55mph Drives: 09 E92 328ix Cpe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA Posts: 3,142 iTrader: (68)	^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^ I had already coded my car using the eBay cable and NCSExpert But a friend had the BT Pro tool (which they state can do coding) so we tried it. It could not code individual items such as we are all doing with NCSExpert. So basically, the BT Pro Tool is in NO way a cheap option for coding when you can pick up the eBay cable for $85 shipped & download the software for free... __________________ 2009 328ix E92 Cpe//SGM//ACS Roof Spoiler//MTech Aero Lip+Trunk Spoiler//M3 Side Skirts//CF Roundels//CF Grilles//M3 Novillo Interior//Perf Shift Lever+Boot//M3 DCT Wheel//M3 GT3 eBrake Handle/Boot//ACS Pedals//M3 Mirrors//LCI Tailights//LUX H8v3 AE/MTec 6000K D1S/HPB HID 6000K Fogs//HPB LED Interior//RPI Scoops//CF Euro Airbox+Underhood Hsgs//K&N//MTech Rear Bumper/iS Sport Diffuser//MFD Strut Brace//PBX//BMW 193M's+Kumho 4X

11-22-2011, 07:32 PM	#16
ctuna Colonel Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca Posts: 2,733 iTrader: (0)	Where can you get the latest versions of the software. without torrenting

04-05-2012, 11:41 PM	#19
dr.b. New Member Drives: 2008 E90 Sedan 335i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Miramar Posts: 26 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Can the INPA or NCS software perform maintenance activities like triggering the ABS unit when bleeding brakes? __________________ 2008 E90 Sedan 335i, JB4, Quaife LSD, BMS Intake, Forge Diverter Valves, ER Charge Pipe Forge Intercooler, Macht Schnell Downpipes, Bilstein Suspension, RB Turbos, BMS Meth Kit M3 Hood, Bumper, Sideskirts, Custom 500hp Oil Cooler 18x8.5 & 18x9.5 wheels with 245/35R18 R6 & 275/35R18 Continental Cup Tires, 19x9 & 19x10 Forgestar F05 Wheels with Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 245/35R19 & 275/30R19

03-19-2011, 10:47 AM	#2
orangedawg First Lieutenant Drives: 328xi Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: WA Posts: 384 iTrader: (0)	I have both. BT is simpler to use but I prefer INPA/NCS. I also use DIS and it is really easy to use as well. The BT enthusiast tool (the cheaper one) can't do coding. You can clear codes with it, though. My preference is INPA/NCS/DIS. You can do everything and more with them over BT. And once you have them set up, you can do some pretty cool coding as well. Good luck!

03-19-2011, 10:57 AM	#3
DESI4life10 Brigadier General Drives: Coding: Desi4life10@gmail.com Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West of Toronto, Canada Posts: 3,369 iTrader: (18)	The BT tool can't really do any coding. I tried to code my drl with the BT tool and always got an error. Like orange said, once you are comfortable with NCS/Inpa you can do soo much more cool stuff with it.

03-19-2011, 08:34 PM	#5
fdriller9 Banned Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC Posts: 7,092 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [3.22]	I have the enthusiast version of the bav tool...it's more user friendly. Can't do coding....professional version may though. Im ordering the OBDII cable soon an will probably sell my bav tool.

03-19-2011, 09:10 PM	#6
orangedawg First Lieutenant Drives: 328xi Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: WA Posts: 384 iTrader: (0)	INPA will tell you what the code is and why, just like bt.

03-21-2011, 10:18 AM	#8
Kalud Lieutenant Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 598 iTrader: (0)	Not that it matters to the OP, but BT Tool doesn't work on 2011 cars. INPA does...

03-30-2011, 02:45 AM	#14
tracerit Captain Drives: 13 BRZ Limited 6MT Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Huntington Beach/OC, CA Posts: 781 iTrader: (9)	is NCS and INPA the same thing?

04-07-2012, 01:25 PM	#21
dr.b. New Member Drives: 2008 E90 Sedan 335i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Miramar Posts: 26 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Where is the latest download of INPA, NCS EXPERT, and the latest DATEN files __________________ 2008 E90 Sedan 335i, JB4, Quaife LSD, BMS Intake, Forge Diverter Valves, ER Charge Pipe Forge Intercooler, Macht Schnell Downpipes, Bilstein Suspension, RB Turbos, BMS Meth Kit M3 Hood, Bumper, Sideskirts, Custom 500hp Oil Cooler 18x8.5 & 18x9.5 wheels with 245/35R18 R6 & 275/35R18 Continental Cup Tires, 19x9 & 19x10 Forgestar F05 Wheels with Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 245/35R19 & 275/30R19

05-24-2012, 09:40 AM	#22
Surly73 Lieutenant Drives: 2007 E90 328i 6MT sport/prem Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oakville, Ontario Posts: 542 iTrader: (0)	I have a question along the lines of the original post. I'm fairly new the E90 and I'm working on building up my knowledge of the platform and new tools I'll need to do DIY on the platform. For me this includes real diag software (I used Peake on my E39 and it was fine) like BT or AE as well as a K+DCAN set up. I have a 02/2007 build E90 and I believe I fit into the range of models which requires the OBDII adapter to suppress pin 8 on most K+DCAN cables. With my build date, and assuming I get coding all working and figured out, I presume that I'll also be able to use INPA and DIS. With INPA and DIS at my disposal, does BavTech or Autoenginuity serve any purpose whatsoever or would it just be money wasted? I want to: - read and clear codes, including shadow codes, soft codes, and any other codes that don't necessarily illuminate the CEL - perform maintenance tasks like battery registration, cycle ABS - reset adaptations - airbag/SRS code reads and resets - I'm not sure if I'd use any real time data gathering or not, since I'm not tuning a turbo car etc... I don't have a 335, I don't have a tune, I'm not likely to do a lot of retrofitting. I'm in Canada so all of these things will cost more out of pocket to obtain than in the USA, and I'll have to pay 13% Sales Tax on everything no matter where I buy it. I don't want to buy it, try it, then put it up for sale at a loss of ~$80-100. Thanks for opinions

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