Coding - Carly vs. ncsexpert etc.

[wolfe]

I'm looking at coding a couple of options (window close from remote, voltage to angel eyes), plus reading and clearing fault codes.

Is there any benefit to going with what seems like a more homegrown solution of the DCAN usb cable, windows xp laptop, and NCSExpert + Inpa + Ediabas?

From what I can tell the carly for BMW app runs from a smartphone and uses a bluetooth OBD2 adapter. On the face of it this looks like a simpler option.

Am I missing anything? I'd appreciate any advice - much of the stuff I have read on coding is several years old.

[Dackelone]

I think it boils down to your comfort level with pc's. Carly is the more simpler, easier way to code. At least that is my understanding. I should say I have not used either system.

[dailowill]

From what I can tell, NCSExpert can code much more than what Carly provides. Carly picks the most popular options that they think people would like and provide it in an easy to use format. It will definitely do all the things that you have mentioned.

For me, it came down to portability. I like having the ability to code and read/clear codes with just my iPhone version (which runs over wifi). I was looking for a obd2 scanner anyways.

But like Dack mentioned, how technically sound are you?

EDIT: I just learned how to use NCSExpert and INPA. Previously it was difficult to get things setup properly and working, but now (thanks to the e90post coding section), I was able to code in NCSExpert. There's still a bit of a learning curve, but it was definitely worth it to know what's going on behind the scenes.

[vtl]

I have only used INPA/NCSExpert/WINKFP etc and not Carly. While the BMW Standard Tools are not particularly user friendly you can follow the tutorials and eventually learn it.

It was totally worth the extra time investment for me as I have done a bunch of stuff to my car that was only possible with BMW standard tools. The extra capabilities of testing/flashing/coding is just too valuable.

It really got me out of a jam when I needed to re calibrate my DSC unit and when I had to reflash my retrofitted High Beam Assist mirror (it was out of an old 7 series and on old firmware so it didn't work properly).

I have my BMW standard tools installed onto a virtualbox virtual machine and so its all standalone and packaged. I run it on my laptop with my $25 ebay cable. Cheaper and more capable, no brainer if you have the technical ability to get it going.

[wolfe]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. I think I'm technical enough to get it set up (with decent instructions), but as of right now I definitely don't need to do anything as advanced as reflashing the DSC.

I think I'm going to pick up Carly and see if that'll do what I need, and then go the ncsexpert route if I run into something that Carly can't handle.

[ShocknAwe]

There weren't any code changes that I wanted to make that I couldn't adjust with BMWhat/Carly.

We'll see when I need to program a new battery or register injectors how happy I am, but I know I can do the battery at least. Think probably not on the injectors, but not a huge deal to have to drive over to my indy and have them hook the car up for 10 minutes.

[wolfe]

I'm not able to get the passenger mirror tilt in reverse working. My car doesn't have premium package, powerfold mirrors or power seats so I'm guessing that's why. Anyone know for sure?

I was able to code comfort close with no issues at all.

thanks.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by wolfe

I'm not able to get the passenger mirror tilt in reverse working. My car doesn't have premium package, powerfold mirrors or power seats so I'm guessing that's why. Anyone know for sure?

I was able to code comfort close with no issues at all.

thanks.

Did you put your mirror switch to the right?

[wolfe]

I did after the fact, would it make any difference if it was to the left during coding?

thank you.

[Enovoc]

Do you guys know if you need a battery charger when coding with carly?

[SchismX]

Originally Posted by Enovoc

Do you guys know if you need a battery charger when coding with carly?

You shouldn't need a battery charger. I've had my car coded twice and did not need one, however this was with NCSexpert. Just make sure you turn off any electronics in your car when you code, (ex. DRLs,HVAC,NAV/Radio).

[Enovoc]

Originally Posted by SchismX

You shouldn't need a battery charger. I've had my car coded twice and did not need one, however this was with NCSexpert. Just make sure you turn off any electronics in your car when you code, (ex. DRLs,HVAC,NAV/Radio).

I thought the engine had to be running when using it?

[SchismX]

Originally Posted by Enovoc

I thought the engine had to be running when using it?

With NCSexpert, you do not need the car running. I have no experience with Carly, but I assume it would work the same way. If you did it with the engine running, you wouldn't need a battery charger at all.

[dailowill]

Originally Posted by Enovoc

I thought the engine had to be running when using it?

You may only need to have it run the first time you connect to your car so that it can communicate with all available ECU modules, but after that, you can definitely code with just the key in the ON position.

[wolfe]

I used Carly with no battery charger and with the engine off but the ignition on. It gives you a module count so I may try it with the engine on and see if it finds anything else.

I'd guess it's safer to do it with the battery on a charger, but for what I needed to code the programming only took a minute or so.

figured out my mirror issue I think - without the powerfold mirrors or memory seats I don't believe the car comes with the necessary harness (LIM Bus in the doors) to tilt the mirror in reverse You can retrofit it but seems like a lot of work.

[L3NNY]

Can I resurrect this post and ask where I can get a copy of NCS from please

[golfer23rm]

Originally Posted by L3NNY

Can I resurrect this post and ask where I can get a copy of NCS from please

https://www.bimmergeeks.net/downloads

the most recent DATEN V69 files from:
https://mega.nz/folder/p8ogBDbB#PxqHv9rSuQ7g7sCM7GwWtQ

once that is all installed, you need to change the port from usb to com 1 and latency to 1 - i think. check the guides to be sure.

if the cable doesn't pick up on inpa, i would suggest downloading the ftp drivers - CDM20824 and CDM21216. i did both, i don't know which one worked. they available from the ftp website.

i did the drivers and standard tools install and com settings on a windows 8 laptop before connecting to the car and all worked well.

with CODING TOOL:
Follow this video
How To Update Datens And Import Them To Winkfp & NCS Expert !!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxVVkPL59As
Make sure you click: UPDATE SP-DATEN and then UPDATE WINKFP.

[L3NNY]

Legend thanks so much!!!!!!

I spent a fortune on Carly but she only finds 2 ecu’s pretty poor to be fair so looks like I’m gunna have to get NCS Lol