Coding made easy: Step by step instructions
 

Coding made easy: Step by step instructions for Fxx Series

Coding is for people who want to play with the settings of BMW car software to achieve something more desirable. Coding is not really a programming; it is another name for re-configuring the software of your car. There are limited risks of messing up with your car SW but if you are careful, follow step by step instructions and know and understand what you are doing, it may be OK to go ahead. Never try to guess and do it, be absolutely sure for your steps, clarify your doubts before you proceed. There are experts on the forum willing to help you, don't hesitate to ask even a silliest question. Never-the-less, if you want to try new unknown settings which others have not tried, believe me, you are playing with fire.

What is needed for coding:

1. ENET cable
2. E-Sys software 3.18.4 with installation password and coding PIN
3. psdzdata 47.4
4. A dedicated laptop with Windows XP (preferred) or Windows 7 with minimum 44 GB of free space
5. Software installer (optional), files attached
6. Backup utility for CAF files (optional), file attached
7. Useful Cheat Sheet for Fxx, file for F25 attached, others are available in different forums

Prepare your setup:

You can build your own cable or buy from a good source. Cable should be reliable as interruption of any kind during coding can be very risky. E-Sys software and psdzdata is also available through various sources.

Delete unwanted SW and data from your laptop. It may be worthwhile to de-fragment your HD of laptop before installing the coding software as this software will occupy almost 22 to 44 GB of space on HD. Use the power adapter to keep batteries charged all the time as installation will take several minutes depending upon the performance of the laptop and data storage media.

Try to clarify your doubts on forum as it helps other readers too, but you are welcome to contact me directly for any help of any sort on if that helps boost your confidence.

Software installation:

You can use the manual procedure (attached) to install software on your laptop or follow automatic installation steps given below:

1. Create a folder on laptop or any external media and give any name such as BMWInstall. If you are creating folder BMWInstall on laptop, then you may need 44 GB of clear space as the installer will not move or delete any file from your laptop. If BMWInstall folder is on external media, you will need on 22 GB of clear space on laptop.
2. Copy folder psdzdata and E-Sys_3.18.4 into BMWInstall (Look at the BMWInstall folder image attached).
3. Also copy Setup_3.18.4-47.4.v1.bat and EDIABAS.INI files into the same folder.
4. Double click on Setup_3.18.4-47.4.v1.bat. It will install the complete software with correct settings to your laptop if the folders names are correct. Enter the password for E-Sys when asked. Installation time maypole take several minutes. Don't interrupt the process, let it run and finish. You are good to go now.

Preparation for coding:

1. It's a good practice to shut off any wireless or Bluetooth service on the laptop. Let just laptop and car talk to each other with no external interference.
2. As a precaution, disable any firewall on the laptop. I don't even like any anti virus software as their behavior is not well known, better disable them.
3. It is preferred to start with fully charged batteries of laptop and car as no interruption can be tolerated during transfer of data from laptop to Car.

Setting up the key to E-Sys:

1. Launch E-Sys by double clicking its shortcut on desktop. It might take a minute to start, have patience.
2. Select Options > Settings > EST
3. Click on the browse button with three dots ( …... ) and navigate to EST folder. If automatic installation was done, it should be at C:\ESysData\EST
4. Select file "******.est" and click OK.

ENET cable testing with Car:

1. Connect ENET cable between car's OBD port and network port of laptop.
2. Switch on the ignition of the car, don't start the engine.
3. You will notice laptop tries to connect to the car. Wait a few minutes until the network icon on laptop shows a Connection with the yellow exclamation point over it.
4. Launch "C:\EDIABAS\Hardware\ENET\ZGW_SEARCH.exe" to verify cable and connection are working. IP Address, MAC Address, & VIN will be displayed in a separate window. That shows that communication between car and laptop can be established with the used ENET cable. It may be useful to create a desktop shortcut for starting ZWG_SEARCH every time. It may not work under Windows 7, try running under Windows XP compatibility mode by right clicking on its exe file and selecting the correct mode.

First time full backup of Car's configuration files:

1. It's a good practice to take a full back up of Car's setting before any changes are made to the car. This would help reverting back to original settings in case a mistake is made or it is desired to go back to original settings of any or all features.
2. Connect ENET cable between car's OBD port and network port of laptop.
3. Switch on the ignition of the car, don't start the engine.
4. You will notice laptop tries to connect to the car. Wait a few minutes until the network icon on laptop shows a Connection with the yellow exclamation point over it.
5. Press connect button on top row of E-Sys to connect car with the laptop.
6. It opens up a popup, select the correct TargetSelector, e.g . F025 and not F025_DIRECT, select "connection via VIN" and press Connect.
7. Click Ok when connection established.
8. Select "Expert Mode" on the left pane and click on "Coding" button.
9. In Vehicle Order Box (upper left), click on "Read" button., it would display FA of your car.
10. Go to SVT Actual Box (right pane, midway down) and click on "Read(VCM)" button.
11. SVT box will display SVT of different modules of your car, some with green bullets. These green CAFD files are of our interest.
12. Right click on each green CAFD and click on "Read Coding data". Afre codes are read, green icon will change into a folder icon.
13. Read all the green CAFD files one by on or,select multiple by holding the Ctrl key of keyboard and read Coding data by right clicking..
14. Check the folder "C:\ESysData\CAF", this will contain all the read CAFD files.
15. Copy and Save all the files in a safe place. These are your original CAFD files.
16. You can use utility "Copy_CAF_v2.bat" , copy it anywhere on your laptop and double click on it to automatically save the files under a Folder "C:\My_CAF_Files " with date and time stamp.

Coding CAFD files:

1. Follow 1 to 9 steps of above topic.
2. Expand the folder of any read CAFD of a module that you would like to edit with the changes as shown on the cheat file.
3. Right click on the CAFD file and click "Edit FDL". Enter the pin if asked.
4. Open the module you wanted to edit, click on the Functionen folder, ausgelessen folder of the selected function will show the current settings.
5. Change them as per Cheat Sheet and Save.
6. To be on the safer side, edit only one module at a time.
7. After making all changes in the module as per the cheet sheet for that function, save and go back by pressing top extreme left green arrow "back" button.
8. Now you can see FA again. Right click on it and "Activate FA". You will see a green active text next to FA. Also FP will open on the right side.
9. Select the edited CAFD file on SVT box and Click on "Code FDL" in coding box on right.
10. Coding process will start and should end with no errors.
11. Take a backup of all the CAFD files again and save in a different folder. Best way is to use "Copy_CAF_v2.bat". Copy it any where on your laptop and just double click on it, all will be done for you and files will be saved under a new date time stamped folder.
12. Great, you coded one module. Disconnect E-Sys by clicking on top Connect button which is showing a red x. You are done.
13. Test the car for the changed feature. Some features require 15 -30 minutes to get activated where as some are instant and few need you to switch off the and lock the car and unlock and start.

Note: Use the following batch files with your SW and data:
Use Setup_3.18.4-47.4.v1.bat for fresh installation. This installs E-Sys and plugs the data.
Use UpdateTo_47.4.v1.bat to update data to 47.4 from previous versions. This will not install E-Sys
Use Uninstall_ESYS_with_data.bat to clean the installation


(Note: As the site does not accept zip and bat files, I have added .pdf at the end of such files. Remove the pdf extension and use them as zip/ bat files. Thanks.)

Nicely Done
 

Good job,
Thanks

I am not doing something right.
In First time full back up of Car's configuration file: I cannot do steps 11 thru 15, for some reason

What's the problem? Will you explain more. This is very important step and you can't afford to skip.

WHen I right click on the green CAFD (individually or all by hold ctrl key), Read Coding Data is not active in the box, only DIF..

Try to pick only one cafd which has a little green icon on left, right click on it and see what options you get. If you have installed the psdz data correctly, you should see Read Coding data or the button on the right will be enabled. Focus on the issue, dont skip and proceed further unless this issue is resolved.

Which car are you coding and what did you pick up targetSelector as? Investigate properly, no need to hurry up. You will definitely succeed, have patience.

I am coding an F02 2009 750Li

Ok, i got the CAFD files in C:\ESysData\CAF and saved

Took a break...then followed your coding steps...when I right clicked on CAFD, selected code FDL, a message says No EST file chosen...C155

New Starter
 

I am new to coding and following the information in this forum I have successfully managed to connect to the car and read the coding data :).
I am now looking forward to programming.
Thank you everyone for your valued contribution and knowledge.

I dont exactly get what this is for. what do you get by doing this?
and can it be done to a 1992 e36 325i?

These step by step instructions are for beginners who want to quickly learn coding their Fxx series BMW cars.

Sorry these instructions and suggested tools/ data is not suitable for your 1992 e series.

I have my cable, i have read most of the threads but I am still unsure about specifically what and how to download the appropriate files. Can someone point me specifically what I need to download and from where. thank you!

You need to download E-Sys - 3.18.4 and PSDZdata V46.3 files. Please read the instructions carefully, all needed is given there.

You can use the following link to download the software:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=632238

Coding Software Link
 

The link gives an error message: "Invalid Thread specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator"

Any assistance would be appreciated.

It seems such direct links to SW downloads have been removed from various sites.

In case its desired to uninstall E-Sys with data files, run attached "Unistall_ESYS with data.bat" file after removing the extension pdf.

Success!! A Big "Thank You" to April1
 

A Big "Thank You" to April1 for all the work he did and I benefited! :)

Exactly one week ago today, I PM April1 asking about cable and software for coding. On Monday, he shipped the package via USPS Priority Mail and I got it on Wednesday.

The package was professionally done, with labels on the flash drive and cable. Very nice!!

I followed this thread and others about coding, and finally decided that it was time, but links to the software was no where to be found. Fortunately April1 was the one-stop-shop for all my coding needs.

Last Sunday after April1 confirmed he had everything I need, I started preparing my Windows XP laptop computer and read up on the instructions.

Wednesday night I copied Apirl1's flash drive onto my hard drive, installed the software, studied the instructions, made some notes to get ready for Thursday night's connection to my 2013 X3.

Thursday night came, I was careful to disable anti-virus software and Windows firewall, and turned off my laptop's WiFi and Bluetooth. I also made sure I turned of all lights (automatic headlights, daylight running lights, and dome lights) in the car to conserve power. I followed the instructions to connect to my car. I was able to read the CAF file from my car and did a backup.

I had originally planned on doing just that on Thursday night. However, the process was so easy that I went on to code.

I successfully:

1. disabled iDrive legal disclaimer during iDrive startup
2. disbaled camera legal disclaimer
3. added pressure and temperature readings to the TPMS screen
4. enabled DVD in motion

I tried but wasn't able to enable turn signal on HUD.

April1's cable and software bundle, detailed instructions and screen shots in the "E-Sys - Getting Started Coding" PDF files paved the way to my quick success.

I greatly appreciate the contribution of all who went before me and so generously shared their knowledge! :thumbup:

Congratulations.

Welcome to the coders community

What I resourceful thread, thanks everyone... I am waiting for the cable - and new X3 - that are on order and will be ready to code :-)

Is this will work with E60 ???

Sorry my friend, it is for Fxx series.

With the availabity of psdzdata 47.4 and no reporting of any serious issue, I have updated my first post on step by step instructions.

You can use the batch files if you have the psdz data files. Three batch files are included 1. New installation 2. Update the previous installation by replacing the data files and 3. Totally cleanup the current installation including E-Sys.

Best Wishes

April1

Where can I download the psdzdata 47.4 files?
Thanks,

PM me with your email ID

I'd like to contribute at finding new neat features to activate or modify through coding. But frankly, I don't quite know where to start looking.

And I can't read or speak German, so I've been using Google Translate to somehow understand the sub-sections of the modules. Not always obvious !

I also notice that some mods require changes to one or more sections... And I'm a little insecure (but not too much) about screwing up the car to a point that it will no longer start. And then hear the classical "I told you so..." from my wife :-)

Any insights or tricks will be appreciated, thanks !

No Targets Listed
 

April1;
Software loaded into computer. Cable OK when connected to OBD as my VIN is read. When I hit the "connect" button there are no "target" listings. I have an F25 (2013). Any suggestions?