E90Post
 


Coby Wheel
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N54 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications - 335i > Do we really need to use BMS RS232/USB cable?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-13-2013, 06:56 AM   #1
Madill21
Private
15
Rep
79
Posts

Drives: '08 335i - BMS DCI, JB4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Dallas, Ga

iTrader: (0)

Do we really need to use BMS RS232/USB cable?

BMS claims we have to use their RS232/USB cable for data logging or loading new firmware into your JB4.

My question...does anyone here use a cable they bought somewhere else for cheaper? And does it work without any problems.
They say you can hurt the chip in the JB4 but to me that makes doesn't make a lot of sense. Can't hurt it, would either just work or not work.
Idk :/
__________________
J.D.

2008 335i - JB4 / BMS DCI / Premium Package / Sport Package / 6AT
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 07:07 AM   #2
Zebra99
Colonel
Zebra99's Avatar
Canada
112
Rep
2,856
Posts

Drives: 2011 335is E93
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
I always thought this myself and honestly it looks like a standard connection cable so I don't see why not.

Check your local computer store, how them a picture and go from there. Someone has something for $10 or less - guaranteed.
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 07:12 AM   #3
Madill21
Private
15
Rep
79
Posts

Drives: '08 335i - BMS DCI, JB4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Dallas, Ga

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zebra99
I always thought this myself and honestly it looks like a standard connection cable so I don't see why not.

Check your local computer store, how them a picture and go from there. Someone has something for $10 or less - guaranteed.
Yeah there are a bunch out there for $10-$20 and I wouldn't have to pay $12 shipping (like I had to for a $5 power wire :/ ) and I get it instantly as can start logging data today!!! Rather then later this week.
__________________
J.D.

2008 335i - JB4 / BMS DCI / Premium Package / Sport Package / 6AT
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 09:39 AM   #4
e90TiAg335i
Major
e90TiAg335i's Avatar
United_States
124
Rep
1,151
Posts

Drives: 10 e90 335i
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: jacksonville, FL

iTrader: (10)

Garage List
2010 e90 335i  [7.00]
I looked at building one at one time. It it's cheaper just to buy it from them by the time it's all said and done. It's not just a simple cable. Has to have a ttl driver or something like that. Sorry, it's been a while.
__________________

JB4, DP, VMR V710, Sonic Tuning S1 coilovers, Hybrid Ovations, Soundsplinter 10" and Zapco DC Ref amps
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 10:10 AM   #5
Madill21
Private
15
Rep
79
Posts

Drives: '08 335i - BMS DCI, JB4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Dallas, Ga

iTrader: (0)

I'm seeing some cables with FTDI chip. Is that what your thinking of with the "ttl"...

Their price is good but with the $12 shipping it becomes almost double what you could get it for in a computer store or amazon or something.
__________________
J.D.

2008 335i - JB4 / BMS DCI / Premium Package / Sport Package / 6AT
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 10:28 AM   #6
themyst
Major General
themyst's Avatar
South Korea
177
Rep
6,631
Posts

Drives: '16 MK7 GTI
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NYC

iTrader: (8)

On the latest G5 board, the CPS/SLD wiring is also included in the USB cable. I'm not saying they'd do anything for you, but maybe you could e-mail them and ask for a break on the shipping?
__________________
E90 LCI N54 6AT
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 10:41 AM   #7
Gugs
Banned
United_States
28
Rep
457
Posts

Drives: E92 JetBlack
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Long island

iTrader: (1)

If you take apart the usb cable youll see that its a custom usb cable with only a few wires to specific pins on the serial side.
Pretty sure they make or have these made just for bms.
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 11:06 AM   #8
BEAR-AvHistory
2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt
BEAR-AvHistory's Avatar
United_States
3121
Rep
5,264
Posts

Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Its a custom made cable. If the overall cost cable + shipping is onerous to you just think of it as you are paying for your first software upgrade & getting all the rest for free as long as you own the JB4.
__________________
Kevin
Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers

2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
Appreciate 1
      01-13-2013, 11:10 AM   #9
Mike@N54Tuning.com
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Canada
4901
Rep
115,955
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i, 2015 M3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: N54tuning.com

iTrader: (89)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Madill21 View Post
BMS claims we have to use their RS232/USB cable for data logging or loading new firmware into your JB4.

My question...does anyone here use a cable they bought somewhere else for cheaper? And does it work without any problems.
They say you can hurt the chip in the JB4 but to me that makes doesn't make a lot of sense. Can't hurt it, would either just work or not work.
Idk :/
It requires a 5v TTL levelling cable with a custom pin out configuration. If you plug a standard 12v USB cable in you can sometimes fry the board. If you buy the cable at the same time with the JB4 new it's only $30.

Mike
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 12:16 PM   #10
ultimateracing335
Second Lieutenant
ultimateracing335's Avatar
Greece
35
Rep
220
Posts

Drives: blk 335i sedan with mods
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: toronto canada

iTrader: (0)

A drink at a good bar is $12.
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 12:49 PM   #11
Jeff@TopGearSolutions
Jeff@TopGearSolutions's Avatar
United_States
3441
Rep
79,212
Posts

Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com

iTrader: (37)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ultimateracing335 View Post
A drink at a good bar is $12.
Yikes!
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 02:00 PM   #12
Madill21
Private
15
Rep
79
Posts

Drives: '08 335i - BMS DCI, JB4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Dallas, Ga

iTrader: (0)

Okay...so YES we should all definitely be buying the cable from BMS! Thanks for all the input guys.
And $12 for a standard whiskey at a bar is def common here in the Atlanta area!
__________________
J.D.

2008 335i - JB4 / BMS DCI / Premium Package / Sport Package / 6AT
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 04:27 PM   #13
drm916
Second Lieutenant
5
Rep
212
Posts

Drives: 335
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: atlanta

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Madill21 View Post
Okay...so YES we should all definitely be buying the cable from BMS! Thanks for all the input guys.
And $12 for a standard whiskey at a bar is def common here in the Atlanta area!
Yes... 12-14 bucks is standard price for a mixed drink here in ATL.
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 09:39 PM   #14
Madill21
Private
15
Rep
79
Posts

Drives: '08 335i - BMS DCI, JB4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Dallas, Ga

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by drm916
Quote:
Originally Posted by Madill21 View Post
Okay...so YES we should all definitely be buying the cable from BMS! Thanks for all the input guys.
And $12 for a standard whiskey at a bar is def common here in the Atlanta area!
Yes... 12-14 bucks is standard price for a mixed drink here in ATL.
Where you located in ATL? I'm in the Dallas area.
__________________
J.D.

2008 335i - JB4 / BMS DCI / Premium Package / Sport Package / 6AT
Appreciate 0
      01-13-2013, 10:41 PM   #15
boostaholic786
Captain
boostaholic786's Avatar
40
Rep
623
Posts

Drives: E92 N54 with MHD Custom flash
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Plano TX

iTrader: (0)

Im actually having an issue with my USB cable. It kept saying failed comm13. So I ordered a new one from BMS and connected it and tightened it down tight so it was "connected" properly. I tried to connect and it said failed comm13 AGAIN!! So I unscrewed it and plugged it in and tried to connect and again failedcomm13!!! I checked the port on my computer to make sure it's comm13 and it was... So I started playing with it and connecting it and lifting the back up slightly and sure enough it connected!! So I uploaded the latest G5 firmware and changed my open loop settings and saved it and clicked disconnect. So I ran it back through the glove box and screwed it in and sure enough I tried to connect and it says FAILED COMM13!!! I emailed terry but didn't get a solid response really... Now there is a new firmware and I want to update it and I have to take the cowl off and ECU cover and " play" with the cable and HOPEFULLY it will work... Any suggestions on what I should do because I know it works since I got it to connect but I use it alot doing logs and adjusting things and I'm out of ideas for a good fix...please help if you have some advice thanks guys
__________________
[SIZE="2"]Crimson Red E92 335i M-sport 6-speed with MHD custom stage 2+ flash only , 40% E85/93 mix,+ HRE P40S wheels, KW Clubsport, M3 sways,+BMW performance CF Mirrors, BMW Performance CF deck lid spoiler,+ CF interior trim, p3 vent boost gauge,+ LUX angel eyes (11.73@124mph on street tires)
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2013, 04:52 AM   #16
imageautodetail
Captain
imageautodetail's Avatar
48
Rep
799
Posts

Drives: 08 335 silverback
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: lou EVIL kentucky

iTrader: (12)

Garage List
2008 335 e90  [0.00]
2007 e90 335  [5.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by boostaholic786 View Post
Im actually having an issue with my USB cable. It kept saying failed comm13. So I ordered a new one from BMS and connected it and tightened it down tight so it was "connected" properly. I tried to connect and it said failed comm13 AGAIN!! So I unscrewed it and plugged it in and tried to connect and again failedcomm13!!! I checked the port on my computer to make sure it's comm13 and it was... So I started playing with it and connecting it and lifting the back up slightly and sure enough it connected!! So I uploaded the latest G5 firmware and changed my open loop settings and saved it and clicked disconnect. So I ran it back through the glove box and screwed it in and sure enough I tried to connect and it says FAILED COMM13!!! I emailed terry but didn't get a solid response really... Now there is a new firmware and I want to update it and I have to take the cowl off and ECU cover and " play" with the cable and HOPEFULLY it will work... Any suggestions on what I should do because I know it works since I got it to connect but I use it alot doing logs and adjusting things and I'm out of ideas for a good fix...please help if you have some advice thanks guys
sounds like a laptop problem not the cable, go in and adjust your ports make sure your on the right one
__________________
FBO...METH...BIG TWINS
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2013, 05:43 AM   #17
spool twice
Rainbow Racer
spool twice's Avatar
United_States
1008
Rep
2,539
Posts

Drives: BMW M4cs
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Tampa Bay, FL Area

iTrader: (7)

Garage List
2019 M4cs  [0.00]
I get that a lot lately, mine is COMM8 port, try another port, it usually solves it.
__________________
-Loe P.-
Prior Car:'14 Audi S5 3.0t DSG [ APR ECU/TCU | Pullies + basic bolt-on mods | 10.861@127.90mph ]
Current Car: F82 M4cs | TT-RS | On Order: i4 M50
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2013, 06:08 AM   #18
BEAR-AvHistory
2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt
BEAR-AvHistory's Avatar
United_States
3121
Rep
5,264
Posts

Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Open device manager on your laptop & see what port its using like the JB4 instructions say. It changes on occasion mine has used both 1 & 3.
__________________
Kevin
Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers

2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2013, 09:55 AM   #19
Randomaccess335
Captain
Randomaccess335's Avatar
68
Rep
868
Posts

Drives: 07' 335I
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: boynton beach, Fl

iTrader: (11)

My bms USB cable sucks from day one.....USB end is lose fitting causing it to disconnect with the slightest movement. The USB from bms is a custom setup otherwise you could buy one off eBay for a couple of dollars.
I bought a USB extension 15ft long off eBay female to male...... This way I can set the USB in a place it will not move and disconnect and put my laptop on my work bench for updates. I also bought the bms USB extension for when I do logs, it fits very tight..... I don't get as many disconnect.
R
__________________

JB4 G5 ISO , AR DP's, DO Meth kit Trunk Mount, ETS 5" Intercooler, M6 Rims, ER Charge Pipe, Fordged DV's, MMp relocated inlets,
Ebay 4" chrome Tips, Lux Angel Eyes
**********11.910 @ 117.09***1.851 60'**********
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2013, 10:05 AM   #20
boostaholic786
Captain
boostaholic786's Avatar
40
Rep
623
Posts

Drives: E92 N54 with MHD Custom flash
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Plano TX

iTrader: (0)

Iam completely aware of how to go to device manager and look at what port the cable is set up to and then go to settings and make sure its on the port the computer displays. I have done many many logs and Terry sends me alpha firmware all the time so im always updating new firmware so I'm pretty sure I know how to use it....How do I change the ports around on the computer? As soon as I open device manager and go to ports and double click it says COMM13 for the cable thats plugged in... How can I change that on my laptop? Its weird because if feels like a board related issue in having the cable connected a certain way... well atleast on mine. I never had this issue before and now all of a sudden its doing this
__________________
[SIZE="2"]Crimson Red E92 335i M-sport 6-speed with MHD custom stage 2+ flash only , 40% E85/93 mix,+ HRE P40S wheels, KW Clubsport, M3 sways,+BMW performance CF Mirrors, BMW Performance CF deck lid spoiler,+ CF interior trim, p3 vent boost gauge,+ LUX angel eyes (11.73@124mph on street tires)
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2013, 11:16 AM   #21
BEAR-AvHistory
2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt
BEAR-AvHistory's Avatar
United_States
3121
Rep
5,264
Posts

Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
http://www.reslers.de/IBUS/port.html
__________________
Kevin
Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers

2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
Appreciate 0
      01-14-2013, 02:55 PM   #22
Sparky68
Brigadier General
Sparky68's Avatar
676
Rep
4,260
Posts

Drives: 2016 M2 Alpine White
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Cambs UK

iTrader: (11)

Garage List
2016 BMW M2  [0.50]
2017 BMW F30 330D  [0.00]
2014 M135  [0.00]
2007 BMW 335i  [0.00]
On the same subject, i have the BMS cable, what if i wanted to use a usb extender cable plugged into it, would that work?
__________________
OG M2 7sp DCT Masata FMIC - Masata Boost Pipe - Cobra Catless DP - Powervalve Exhaust - Devilsown Methanol Injection BM3 Stage 2
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:00 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST