New First time BMW owner transition from VW

frisbeeguy · 06-25-2017, 10:26 PM

Hello Everyone,

I recently acquired a used 2007 BMW X3 (same N52 engine as the 3 series), and I like it a lot so far. Of course since its at 100K, I plan to change the diff fluids, transfer case fluid, transmission fluid (change only by dropping the pan, cleaning it, installing new fluid and filter), and powersteering fluid (in the future, but looks good to me). The coolant is good, and I do have all the service records from when it was bought to this year. Although it seems the previous owner bought into BMW's "lifetime fluid."
I've primarily driven and fixed VW, and with VW, I use VCDS for diagnostics, real time data, coding, adaptations, etc. I researched into similar software for BMWs and I came across Rheingold ISTA-P (http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.p...egory=16152035) (http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.p...egory=20084013), and INPA. Which software would you all recommend? Would I be able to use ISTA for diagnostics, coding, etc like how I can use VCDS on VW? (I'd like to be able to code for upgrades such as doors unlocking when removing key from ignition, adding bluetooth module, etc..) Also, if ISTA is good, should I buy the first link package or second link?
I also appreciate any tips and advice for anything else related to my car. Thanks

oli3 · 06-27-2017, 03:44 AM

Coding is done using NCSExpert. Diagnostics is done through INPA and Rheingold.

There is a really usefull tool called BMW Standard Tool 2.12 which installs the software, see this post on here which is very easy to follow and has clear guides on how to install everything - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1204192

As BimmerGeeks mentioned you can get a cable from them which will guarantee work.

06-25-2017, 10:26 PM	#1
frisbeeguy Private First Class 65 Rep 195 Posts Drives: BMW,Tesla, etc. Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Tesla Model 3 [0.00] 2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i [0.00]	New First time BMW owner transition from VW Hello Everyone, I recently acquired a used 2007 BMW X3 (same N52 engine as the 3 series), and I like it a lot so far. Of course since its at 100K, I plan to change the diff fluids, transfer case fluid, transmission fluid (change only by dropping the pan, cleaning it, installing new fluid and filter), and powersteering fluid (in the future, but looks good to me). The coolant is good, and I do have all the service records from when it was bought to this year. Although it seems the previous owner bought into BMW's "lifetime fluid." I've primarily driven and fixed VW, and with VW, I use VCDS for diagnostics, real time data, coding, adaptations, etc. I researched into similar software for BMWs and I came across Rheingold ISTA-P (http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.p...egory=16152035) (http://rheingoldusa.com/conc/index.p...egory=20084013), and INPA. Which software would you all recommend? Would I be able to use ISTA for diagnostics, coding, etc like how I can use VCDS on VW? (I'd like to be able to code for upgrades such as doors unlocking when removing key from ignition, adding bluetooth module, etc..) Also, if ISTA is good, should I buy the first link package or second link? I also appreciate any tips and advice for anything else related to my car. Thanks
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06-27-2017, 03:44 AM	#2
oli3 Private First Class 42 Rep 192 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Helsinki iTrader: (1)	Coding is done using NCSExpert. Diagnostics is done through INPA and Rheingold. There is a really usefull tool called BMW Standard Tool 2.12 which installs the software, see this post on here which is very easy to follow and has clear guides on how to install everything - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1204192 As BimmerGeeks mentioned you can get a cable from them which will guarantee work.
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