For those that code without the engine running

dwells · 03-27-2014, 12:31 PM

So I know some people prefer coding with the engine running, and some prefer not to. I've heard from the people that prefer to code with the engine off that some cars can throw errors with certain modules (CAS and FRM) if the engine is running. So it makes sense to code off just the battery.

However, I have my worries about coding from just the battery. The E90, at least, shuts itself down after a while to protect the battery from being drained flat. Say that were to happen while coding a module - would you brick it?

How long is it safe to let the car run off battery when coding?

PichaDis11 · 03-27-2014, 01:01 PM

Depends on how good your battery is a retaining it's charge. So then your time differs from say my car with the original battery.

If you would rather code with the engine off you can purchase a battery charger to help in the process. I however do not know what would happen if your battery was to die in the middle of coding a module. I don't want to find out either.

DallasBMW2011 · 03-27-2014, 01:41 PM

i generally code with a battery charger. easier than having to worry about all those "what ifs" you mentioned above.

and agreed, i dont want to find out what happens if it dies mid process...

deeLow · 03-27-2014, 02:31 PM

So far I've coded my NFRM twice with engine running. I will report back when I do my CAS.

Sensible_ · 03-27-2014, 03:41 PM

Invest in a proper power supply. I cannot stress this enough. Especially if you program an odd module. I use the Schumacher INC-700a for all coding and of course programming. I wouldn't even trust a battery charge due to possible fluctuations in voltage.

It's a little pricey, but still cheaper than a replacement CAS or DDE module

03-27-2014, 12:31 PM	#1
dwells ಠ_ಠ 74 Rep 1,539 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue 335i coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New England iTrader: (6)	For those that code without the engine running - how long do you trust the battery? So I know some people prefer coding with the engine running, and some prefer not to. I've heard from the people that prefer to code with the engine off that some cars can throw errors with certain modules (CAS and FRM) if the engine is running. So it makes sense to code off just the battery. However, I have my worries about coding from just the battery. The E90, at least, shuts itself down after a while to protect the battery from being drained flat. Say that were to happen while coding a module - would you brick it? How long is it safe to let the car run off battery when coding? __________________ \| 335i coupe \| Monaco Blue \| JB4 G5 ISO \| Style 313M \| Huper 40% tint \| Aero lip \| CSL trunk spoiler \| M3 sideskirts \| Paint-matched grilles \| Painted reflectors \| GP Thunder II angel eyes \| Smoked LED sidemarkers \| Self-coded \|
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03-27-2014, 01:01 PM	#2
PichaDis11 Colonel 295 Rep 2,202 Posts Drives: E90 N52 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (3)	Depends on how good your battery is a retaining it's charge. So then your time differs from say my car with the original battery. If you would rather code with the engine off you can purchase a battery charger to help in the process. I however do not know what would happen if your battery was to die in the middle of coding a module. I don't want to find out either. __________________ Retrofits: 322, 609, 6FL, 6NR, 6VC, 2TB.. Upgrades: Bilstein B8 Eibach Spring kit
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03-27-2014, 01:41 PM	#3
DallasBMW2011 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	i generally code with a battery charger. easier than having to worry about all those "what ifs" you mentioned above. and agreed, i dont want to find out what happens if it dies mid process...
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03-27-2014, 02:31 PM	#4
deeLow DOPE 148 Rep 758 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Earth iTrader: (2)	So far I've coded my NFRM twice with engine running. I will report back when I do my CAS.
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03-27-2014, 03:41 PM	#5
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,503 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	Invest in a proper power supply. I cannot stress this enough. Especially if you program an odd module. I use the Schumacher INC-700a for all coding and of course programming. I wouldn't even trust a battery charge due to possible fluctuations in voltage. It's a little pricey, but still cheaper than a replacement CAS or DDE module
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