Feeler: Coding Service

santov · 03-01-2011, 09:35 PM

It kills me to pay the dealer $150 to plug in a cable and flip a few switches. So I'm thinking of buying Bavarian Technic Software http://www.bavariantechnic.com/buy.aspx so I can code stuff, mostly the 3-blink option, DRL, etc. But also once I'm out of warranty a diagnostic toolset is a nice to have. Thankfully most of the newer BMW inspections can be reset through the dash, so I'm most interested in coding and diagnostics.

I did consider buying one for the group, but I think sending the software and cable around, tech support, etc would be a PITA.

Is there interest in getting a group of Bay Area BMW owners together and pay $30 for me to code whatever you want? If I can get 10-15 people to pay I feel like the balance of $350 will pay back after a couple codings.

What do you guys think? Any interest?

franco209 · 03-01-2011, 10:01 PM

I see a lot of "No" under activations for Z4s.
http://www.bavariantechnic.com/model...atrix.aspx#e85
Can you confirm?

a_riddler · 03-01-2011, 10:04 PM

Based on the model/feature matrix, I don't know that its worth the money

http://www.bavariantechnic.com/model...atrix.aspx#e85

very few coding options.

[edited] Jinx...

^^+1

Starscream · 03-01-2011, 10:11 PM

I'm actually offering coding services now anyway to the board,

See my Euro light coding thread I made recently,
I can do anything the dealer can and anything the factory can lol

mfanatic325 · 03-01-2011, 11:36 PM

I'd be down to pay you $30 Santov, to code whateverz

edit: eff...just read all the "no's" and shat my pants

santov · 03-02-2011, 12:58 AM

I wonder why their table says no to most options. That doesn't make much sense. I forgot about registering new batteries and activating alarm systems. That makes it worth it in savings from the what the stealer charges. I'll investigate what it really can do and maybe another company.

CFoote · 03-02-2011, 07:13 AM

The coding for each chassis is different, and Bavarian Technic has not yet figured out the coding procedure for the Z4 yet.

That means you must use the dealer software (aka GT1). If you are very computer savvy you can setup and install a copy of the softwate and just buy a cable and diagnostic head. Whole setup run me about $80.

Again, it's a very complex setup, and you'll need to work ~20 hours on the whole thing to get it setup properly. Nothing beats having the factory software though.

Chris

HaiDef · 03-02-2011, 09:49 AM

Why would the dealer charge you for doing services? Seriously become a buddy buddy with an SA and fight for it since car is still under warranty. Tell them you didnt know you had these options because of the salesman. What i do is just wait for oil service or something to break down then i take the car in then pitch the idea to do all my coding. Thats what i did ony my last oil change.

mfanatic325 · 03-02-2011, 11:45 AM

Because they're stealershits...of course they're going to push for every buck possible.

Plus, I've lost all respect for my SA since the last time I went in. The service paper said they changed my oil with 5W30 and when I brought this up to my SA, at first he told me that it was correct. Then when he saw the worried look on my face he said he'd go ask and clarify. They claim that it was just a typo, and that they actually put in what was recommended: 10W60.
At the same time, I brought in the Motorsport grade engine mount bracket bolts along with NordLock washers and kindly asked my SA to have the shop foreman swap out my bolts for me with the provided hardware. He promised me that everything could be done, free of charge no problem. Then a day or two later I get a call from him claiming that the bolts were "aftermarket" and they would have to charge me 2 hours of labor for it. WTF?!
I informed him that it was a BMW Motorsport part, so it was indeed OEM. That shut him up for a good couple of hours. THEN he calls me back and says that since the bolts aren't loose or anything, they weren't about to do the labor for me free of charge. Holy shit, are you serious?!
Also, during the same visit, I told them that my rear passenger side sway bar mount/bracket was completely missing, and that the stock bolts are known to loosen/back out especially on that side. Then they tried to get out of covering for the bracket just because I had aftermarket suspension and accused me of touching the mount during installation and therefore perhaps caused it to dislodge, etc....who the hell in their right minds takes off sway bar mounts for simple shock-and-spring/coilover installations?...it just doesn't make any sense. I told him I never upgraded the sway bars or anything, that I didn't hafta touch them at all during the suspension swap.
I ended up paying out of pocket for the mount and bolts since luckily it wasn't all that expensive. But I was furious and gave them a shitty review. The SA was required to follow up with me "make sure everything was okay" -_-. He couldn't do anything to resolve the issues, so I told him I'm never going back to their stealershit ever again. Bunch of incompetent cocksuckers.

So I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to charge $150 just to hook up to their GT1 and push a few buttons.

I'm glad you have access to a good SA/stealer service shop, but do keep in mind that a LOT of others don't have that luxury

HaiDef · 03-02-2011, 11:59 AM

Sorry, Yeah i guess you're right. They have everyone they have to report to and the SA are very unknowledgable and are supposively only customer service reps.

r4gs · 03-02-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfanatic325

Because they're stealershits...of course they're going to push for every buck possible.

Plus, I've lost all respect for my SA since the last time I went in. The service paper said they changed my oil with 5W30 and when I brought this up to my SA, at first he told me that it was correct. Then when he saw the worried look on my face he said he'd go ask and clarify. They claim that it was just a typo, and that they actually put in what was recommended: 10W60.
At the same time, I brought in the Motorsport grade engine mount bracket bolts along with NordLock washers and kindly asked my SA to have the shop foreman swap out my bolts for me with the provided hardware. He promised me that everything could be done, free of charge no problem. Then a day or two later I get a call from him claiming that the bolts were "aftermarket" and they would have to charge me 2 hours of labor for it. WTF?!
I informed him that it was a BMW Motorsport part, so it was indeed OEM. That shut him up for a good couple of hours. THEN he calls me back and says that since the bolts aren't loose or anything, they weren't about to do the labor for me free of charge. Holy shit, are you serious?!
Also, during the same visit, I told them that my rear passenger side sway bar mount/bracket was completely missing, and that the stock bolts are known to loosen/back out especially on that side. Then they tried to get out of covering for the bracket just because I had aftermarket suspension and accused me of touching the mount during installation and therefore perhaps caused it to dislodge, etc....who the hell in their right minds takes off sway bar mounts for simple shock-and-spring/coilover installations?...it just doesn't make any sense. I told him I never upgraded the sway bars or anything, that I didn't hafta touch them at all during the suspension swap.
I ended up paying out of pocket for the mount and bolts since luckily it wasn't all that expensive. But I was furious and gave them a shitty review. The SA was required to follow up with me "make sure everything was okay" -_-. He couldn't do anything to resolve the issues, so I told him I'm never going back to their stealershit ever again. Bunch of incompetent cocksuckers.

So I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to charge $150 just to hook up to their GT1 and push a few buttons.

I'm glad you have access to a good SA/stealer service shop, but do keep in mind that a LOT of others don't have that luxury

whoa, a+ rant! i've got my own gripes about dealerships and their service departments.

as for coding, i too was quoted something ridiculous like $140 to have my bc coded for drl, three-turn indicator, lock on drive-off etc. i didn't get tt privilege when i had purchased my cpo m coupe from houston, so tried using tt as reason to have the san anton folks code it. the crass answer given was - we aren't affiliated in any form with the dealership in houston. like no shit dude!?

given up on getting my bc coded since it's really a matter of convenience more than anything. i've already grown so used to the way things are set up for my car.

wrh3 · 03-02-2011, 03:31 PM

This looks promising:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BMW-diagnostic-s...t_11286wt_1139

franco209 · 03-02-2011, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrh3

This looks promising:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BMW-diagnostic-s...t_11286wt_1139

Tempting~~ anyone have experience with it? Still need to activate my Anti-thief.....

r4gs · 03-02-2011, 07:20 PM

^wow, tt looks great. is this batch of software what starscream has?

santov · 03-02-2011, 07:49 PM

Well I just made a impulse buy of BMW software and cables. I'll code my car and see how it goes. Since I got my car used the stealer didn't want to give me my one free code. I know I want to code the 3blink feature and auto-lock. I'll keep you guys posted!

r4gs · 03-02-2011, 08:17 PM

^u purchased the software from the ebay link?

CFoote · 03-03-2011, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santov

Well I just made a impulse buy of BMW software and cables. I'll code my car and see how it goes. Since I got my car used the stealer didn't want to give me my one free code. I know I want to code the 3blink feature and auto-lock. I'll keep you guys posted!

I know you already know this, but just be very careful and don't experiment too much with the system. You can 'brick' certain modules within the car if you code things incorrectly, so be sure you know what options you are selecting before going too crazy

a_riddler · 03-03-2011, 10:44 AM

You would still need to pickup a cable, but the GT1 software is available (2003-2004 version) on the interwebs if you do a search on a certain Bay website.

Doesn't look turn-key, but considering picking up a cable and seeing if I can make it work.

santov · 03-03-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfanatic325

Because they're stealershits...of course they're going to push for every buck possible.

Plus, I've lost all respect for my SA since the last time I went in. The service paper said they changed my oil with 5W30 and when I brought this up to my SA, at first he told me that it was correct. Then when he saw the worried look on my face he said he'd go ask and clarify. They claim that it was just a typo, and that they actually put in what was recommended: 10W60.

[snip]

So I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to charge $150 just to hook up to their GT1 and push a few buttons.

I'm glad you have access to a good SA/stealer service shop, but do keep in mind that a LOT of others don't have that luxury

Jeez. Where do you go for service? Stevens Creek or Mountain View BMW? Stevens Creek treated me okay, but yeah, the SA don't communicate well with the techs, which is where all the confusion comes from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by franco209

Tempting~~ anyone have experience with it? Still need to activate my Anti-thief.....

Now I'm on the hunt for an alarm system since I'll be able to activate it myself. I have a roadster, so I'm not sure I want to get the $40 model, but I don't want the battery drain of the model with the interior motion sensor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by r4gs

^u purchased the software from the ebay link?

Yep, I'm not a fan of buying stuff from ebay, esp out of country. In a moment of weakness I did it. If it doesn't work out I'll paypal you an invoice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CFoote

I know you already know this, but just be very careful and don't experiment too much with the system. You can 'brick' certain modules within the car if you code things incorrectly, so be sure you know what options you are selecting before going too crazy

Yeah. I won't be messing with EuroCoding or anything too crazy. New battery registration, alarm activation, key coding, and the driver's features are all I'm going to play with. mfanatic325 said he'd be my guinnea pig.

mfanatic325 · 03-03-2011, 11:39 AM

hah it was Mountain View BMW where I ran into the above-mentioned issues. I will try Stevens Creek, although I'm not expecting much from them either. I used to service my E46 325Ci there. They also tried to get out of doing work by accusing modifications

For that car, it was an adaptive headlight feature that bust. The passenger side swiveled to one side and got stuck

They blamed it on my angel eyes and aftermarket LED turn signal bulbs. REALLY?!

lol guinea pig doesn't sound so good. Make sure yours works first

r4gs · 03-03-2011, 01:12 PM

cool beans this. would be interested to see how things pan out! quite a stickler for fiddling with settings and such, and to have control over them would be awesome.

Ron Stygar · 03-04-2011, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santov

I wonder why their table says no to most options. That doesn't make much sense. I forgot about registering new batteries and activating alarm systems. That makes it worth it in savings from the what the stealer charges. I'll investigate what it really can do and maybe another company.

Last time I tried it, it didn't work at all.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...1&highlight=bt

03-01-2011, 09:35 PM	#1
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	Feeler: Coding Service It kills me to pay the dealer $150 to plug in a cable and flip a few switches. So I'm thinking of buying Bavarian Technic Software http://www.bavariantechnic.com/buy.aspx so I can code stuff, mostly the 3-blink option, DRL, etc. But also once I'm out of warranty a diagnostic toolset is a nice to have. Thankfully most of the newer BMW inspections can be reset through the dash, so I'm most interested in coding and diagnostics. I did consider buying one for the group, but I think sending the software and cable around, tech support, etc would be a PITA. Is there interest in getting a group of Bay Area BMW owners together and pay $30 for me to code whatever you want? If I can get 10-15 people to pay I feel like the balance of $350 will pay back after a couple codings. What do you guys think? Any interest?
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03-01-2011, 10:01 PM	#2
franco209 Private First Class 12 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (7)	I see a lot of "No" under activations for Z4s. http://www.bavariantechnic.com/model...atrix.aspx#e85 Can you confirm?
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03-01-2011, 10:04 PM	#3
a_riddler Bimmer Noob 30 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC;08 MBZ E350 4Matic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (6)	Based on the model/feature matrix, I don't know that its worth the money http://www.bavariantechnic.com/model...atrix.aspx#e85 very few coding options. [edited] Jinx... ^^+1 __________________ 08 Z4MC /// DKF Exhaust, Stoptech 6/4 BBK, TCK Coilovers, Strong-Strut, Apex EC-7's, APR Splitter/Wing, AFE Intake, Underdrive pulleys, AS SSK, Jaffster, UUC Tranny Mounts, Matte Grill, RPI Scoop, CF Badges
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03-01-2011, 10:11 PM	#4
Starscream Colonel 135 Rep 2,120 Posts Drives: ///M Roadster + E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Park Ridge NJ + Windermere FL iTrader: (23)	I'm actually offering coding services now anyway to the board, See my Euro light coding thread I made recently, I can do anything the dealer can and anything the factory can lol __________________ Imola Red Roadster
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03-01-2011, 11:36 PM	#5
mfanatic325 ///M-fanatic 193 Rep 3,885 Posts Drives: '01 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cupertino, CA. iTrader: (23)	I'd be down to pay you $30 Santov, to code whateverz edit: eff...just read all the "no's" and shat my pants Last edited by mfanatic325; 03-01-2011 at 11:47 PM..
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03-02-2011, 12:58 AM	#6
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	I wonder why their table says no to most options. That doesn't make much sense. I forgot about registering new batteries and activating alarm systems. That makes it worth it in savings from the what the stealer charges. I'll investigate what it really can do and maybe another company.
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03-02-2011, 07:13 AM	#7
CFoote Captain 180 Rep 659 Posts Drives: '22 M5CS, '00 M5, '06 Z4M Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northeast iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 M5CS [0.00] 2001 BMW 740i [0.00] 2006 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2012 BMW X6 3.5i [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00] 2017 BMW 540xi [0.00] 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 2001 BMW X5 4.4i [0.00]	The coding for each chassis is different, and Bavarian Technic has not yet figured out the coding procedure for the Z4 yet. That means you must use the dealer software (aka GT1). If you are very computer savvy you can setup and install a copy of the softwate and just buy a cable and diagnostic head. Whole setup run me about $80. Again, it's a very complex setup, and you'll need to work ~20 hours on the whole thing to get it setup properly. Nothing beats having the factory software though. Chris __________________ '22 M5CS, '06 Z4M, '01 X5 4.4i, '00 M5, '05 Acura RL, '12 X6 3.5, '01 740, 08 335xi, '17 540xi (yes they all are still with me)
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03-02-2011, 09:49 AM	#8
HaiDef Lieutenant 24 Rep 416 Posts Drives: M240i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Houston iTrader: (2)	Why would the dealer charge you for doing services? Seriously become a buddy buddy with an SA and fight for it since car is still under warranty. Tell them you didnt know you had these options because of the salesman. What i do is just wait for oil service or something to break down then i take the car in then pitch the idea to do all my coding. Thats what i did ony my last oil change.
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03-02-2011, 11:45 AM	#9
mfanatic325 ///M-fanatic 193 Rep 3,885 Posts Drives: '01 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cupertino, CA. iTrader: (23)	Because they're stealershits...of course they're going to push for every buck possible. Plus, I've lost all respect for my SA since the last time I went in. The service paper said they changed my oil with 5W30 and when I brought this up to my SA, at first he told me that it was correct. Then when he saw the worried look on my face he said he'd go ask and clarify. They claim that it was just a typo, and that they actually put in what was recommended: 10W60. At the same time, I brought in the Motorsport grade engine mount bracket bolts along with NordLock washers and kindly asked my SA to have the shop foreman swap out my bolts for me with the provided hardware. He promised me that everything could be done, free of charge no problem. Then a day or two later I get a call from him claiming that the bolts were "aftermarket" and they would have to charge me 2 hours of labor for it. WTF?! I informed him that it was a BMW Motorsport part, so it was indeed OEM. That shut him up for a good couple of hours. THEN he calls me back and says that since the bolts aren't loose or anything, they weren't about to do the labor for me free of charge. Holy shit, are you serious?! Also, during the same visit, I told them that my rear passenger side sway bar mount/bracket was completely missing, and that the stock bolts are known to loosen/back out especially on that side. Then they tried to get out of covering for the bracket just because I had aftermarket suspension and accused me of touching the mount during installation and therefore perhaps caused it to dislodge, etc....who the hell in their right minds takes off sway bar mounts for simple shock-and-spring/coilover installations?...it just doesn't make any sense. I told him I never upgraded the sway bars or anything, that I didn't hafta touch them at all during the suspension swap. I ended up paying out of pocket for the mount and bolts since luckily it wasn't all that expensive. But I was furious and gave them a shitty review. The SA was required to follow up with me "make sure everything was okay" -_-. He couldn't do anything to resolve the issues, so I told him I'm never going back to their stealershit ever again. Bunch of incompetent cocksuckers. So I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted to charge $150 just to hook up to their GT1 and push a few buttons. I'm glad you have access to a good SA/stealer service shop, but do keep in mind that a LOT of others don't have that luxury Last edited by mfanatic325; 03-02-2011 at 11:52 AM..
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03-02-2011, 11:59 AM	#10
HaiDef Lieutenant 24 Rep 416 Posts Drives: M240i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Houston iTrader: (2)	Sorry, Yeah i guess you're right. They have everyone they have to report to and the SA are very unknowledgable and are supposively only customer service reps.
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03-02-2011, 03:31 PM	#12
wrh3 Car Guy 31 Rep 796 Posts Drives: 2005 MCS, 2013 Corvette 427 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ATL, GA iTrader: (10)	This looks promising: http://cgi.ebay.com/BMW-diagnostic-s...t_11286wt_1139 __________________ Bill- 2005 Mini Cooper S, 2013 Corvette 427 www.billswebspace.com/bmwindex BMW CCA Member # 389948
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03-02-2011, 07:20 PM	#14
r4gs Viper Driver 36 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: F-16 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Singapore iTrader: (2)	^wow, tt looks great. is this batch of software what starscream has?
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03-02-2011, 07:49 PM	#15
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	Well I just made a impulse buy of BMW software and cables. I'll code my car and see how it goes. Since I got my car used the stealer didn't want to give me my one free code. I know I want to code the 3blink feature and auto-lock. I'll keep you guys posted!
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03-02-2011, 08:17 PM	#16
r4gs Viper Driver 36 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: F-16 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Singapore iTrader: (2)	^u purchased the software from the ebay link?
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03-03-2011, 10:44 AM	#18
a_riddler Bimmer Noob 30 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 08 Z4MC;08 MBZ E350 4Matic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (6)	You would still need to pickup a cable, but the GT1 software is available (2003-2004 version) on the interwebs if you do a search on a certain Bay website. Doesn't look turn-key, but considering picking up a cable and seeing if I can make it work. __________________ 08 Z4MC /// DKF Exhaust, Stoptech 6/4 BBK, TCK Coilovers, Strong-Strut, Apex EC-7's, APR Splitter/Wing, AFE Intake, Underdrive pulleys, AS SSK, Jaffster, UUC Tranny Mounts, Matte Grill, RPI Scoop, CF Badges
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03-03-2011, 11:39 AM	#20
mfanatic325 ///M-fanatic 193 Rep 3,885 Posts Drives: '01 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cupertino, CA. iTrader: (23)	hah it was Mountain View BMW where I ran into the above-mentioned issues. I will try Stevens Creek, although I'm not expecting much from them either. I used to service my E46 325Ci there. They also tried to get out of doing work by accusing modifications For that car, it was an adaptive headlight feature that bust. The passenger side swiveled to one side and got stuck They blamed it on my angel eyes and aftermarket LED turn signal bulbs. REALLY?! lol guinea pig doesn't sound so good. Make sure yours works first
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03-03-2011, 01:12 PM	#21
r4gs Viper Driver 36 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: F-16 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Singapore iTrader: (2)	cool beans this. would be interested to see how things pan out! quite a stickler for fiddling with settings and such, and to have control over them would be awesome.
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