Programming with ISTA+

Programming fundamentals with ISTA+
NOTE: Programming with ISTA+ is only possible with an ICOM and a 70+ amp rated Power Supply. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PROGRAM WITH ISTA+ WITHOUT THESE TWO ITEMS!

• Programming can be accessed via the "Vehicle management" / "Software update" menu.
• The planned actions are initially produced in the measures plan. The measures plan determined after the vehicle test can be done directly in the "Comfort" tab, or added to manually beforehand in the "Advanced" tab, then calculated and executed.

• The car can be programmed to the latest I level using the comfort software update without any further actions based on the measures plan which has already been determined.
• It is not possible to select additional actions manually in this menu.
• Initializations and follow-up operations that might be required are automatically added during the measures plan calculation.

All other modes of programming and pre/post requirements are discussed in detail in the Help Document located at ~\Rheingold\Help folder.

• Software update
  
  [*]Comfort - as per the suggested measures plan
  [*]Advanced - with broadened scope
  [*]Additional software (range of functions is not active yet)​
• Control unit replacement
  
  [*]Before exchange (preparation) - control unit read-out for the exchange
  [*]After exchange (subsequent evaluation) - control unit configuration after exchange​
  [*]Vehicle modification
  [*]Retrofit
  [*]Conversion
  [*]Conversion (only coding)
  [*]Backfitting
  [*]Immediate measures​

 

Programming fundamentals with ISTA+
NOTE: Programming with ISTA+ is only possible with an ICOM and a 70+ amp rated Power Supply.

First Thank you very much for this really great Guide :thumbup:

Can you please tell me what ICOM means? Is it the hardware BMW ICOM A2?
So a simple D+K+P CAN-BUS Interface USB OBD II isn't working or should not be used??

 

Nice work! :thumbup:

 

Thanks Shawn!

Thanks for putting this together Reclaimer, and all those who helped.

One thing I might add to the install instructions is a suggestion to run 7Zip as admin. I had files unblocked and everything seemed to be working fine except it never completely unzipped one of the databases. Running as Admin solved it. Not sure if it's a Windows 10 quirk or just something about my laptop or I overlooked that in the instructions somehow

Also, for Step 10, there's a difference in phrasing between the instructions and the program. It didn't ask for a dealer ID, I can't recall what it actually said but I kinda assumed that meant the same thing as dealer ID

Thanks for the feedback, Step 4 has that info:
Extract Rheingold.7z using 7zip ONLY. You may have to give admin privileges for extracting. Location doesn't matter, but preferred location is C:\. If extracting to this location, you will need admin privileges for 7zip before extracting the file.

 

Thanks for putting this together Reclaimer, and all those who helped.

One thing I might add to the install instructions is a suggestion to run 7Zip as admin. I had files unblocked and everything seemed to be working fine except it never completely unzipped one of the databases. Running as Admin solved it. Not sure if it's a Windows 10 quirk or just something about my laptop or I overlooked that in the instructions somehow

Also, for Step 10, there's a difference in phrasing between the instructions and the program. It didn't ask for a dealer ID, I can't recall what it actually said but I kinda assumed that meant the same thing as dealer ID

 

Hi, sorry for the stupid question. Can ISTA+ do programming on E series currently?

 

No. Need ISTA/P for E-Series.

 

FAQ: Evaluate SOC and Battery Registration with ISTA+

Checking your State of Charge and Battery Registration with ISTA+

Connect to the car using your preferred cable.

• Do a vehicle test
• After a vehicle test, go to Vehicle Management --> Service functions tab.
• Next select Body, then Voltage Supply
• Then select Battery

Here you will be presented with 2 options:

• Option 1 is to test SOC. Choose Evaluate Battery State of Charge OR
• Option 2 - Register Battery Replacement
• Then click on <Start Search> at the bottom right. The ABL/FUB/REP and/or SSP will be populated. Select the FUB or REP to learn more OR select the ABL and run it.

NOTE: If changing battery types, coding is required before you can register battery replacement.

 

FAQ: Steering Angle Sensor Adjustment

Steering Angle Sensor Adjustments:

• Go to Vehicle Management --> Service Functions
• Select Chassis and Suspension
• Select Steering Angle Sensor
• Select Steering Angle Sensor Adjustment
• Then click on <Start Search> at the bottom right. The ABL/FUB/REP and/or SSP will be populated. Select the FUB or REP to learn more OR select the ABL and run it.

 

Possibly cable fault, if it worked on one car and not the other. Program connection settings shouldn't change with model series of the car.

 

HI,

about this:

BUT program only F-/I-/G-/Mini/RR se

Mini R50, R56 not possible and same with older RR too.


Thorsten

 

HI,

about this:

BUT program only F-/I-/G-/Mini/RR se

Mini R50, R56 not possible and same with older RR too.

Thorsten

Thanks for the info, Thorsten.

From the release notes, following series are supported for programming in ISTA+ and iLevels for each series:

• F001 (F0x, RR4, RR5) F001-16-11-501
• F010 (F06, F1x) F010-16-11-501
• F020 (F2x, F3x, F80, F82, F83, F87) F020-16-11-501
• F025 (F15, F16, F25, F26, F85, F86) F025-16-11-501
• F056 (F4x, F5x, F6x) F056-16-11-501
• S15A (G1x, G3x) S15A-16-07-506
• I001 (I03, I08) I001-16-07-506

The following Mini/RR programming is not supported in ISTA+

• R056 (R55, R56, R57, R58, R59, R60, R61)
• RR01 (RR1, RR2, RR3)

You can use ISTA/P to program these cars.

 

Rheingold troubleshooting

First off, thank you Reclaimer for compiling all this very helpful and useful information for a first time user of ISTA+ like myself. Also much thanks to all those who contributed to the manual. You contributions are invaluable to those of us who either don't have the time to devote to learning/researching and or do not have the technical expertise.

I was wondering if you or someone could point me to the Rheingold/ISTA+ troubleshooting forum thread.

I received the below error message when attempting to run a test plan on the ACSM module to clear the Airbag fault/warning as a result from coding that module with E-sys.

A technical error appeared while loading the "ABL_DIT_AT6577_ACSM31.dll".

After closing this message, close the procedure with "x" right above. Terminate ISTA and execute a repairing installation.
If the problem is not solved, send a feedback to the technical support.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

First off, thank you Reclaimer for compiling all this very helpful and useful information for a first time user of ISTA+ like myself. Also much thanks to all those who contributed to the manual. You contributions are invaluable to those of us who either don't have the time to devote to learning/researching and or do not have the technical expertise.

I was wondering if you or someone could point me to the Rheingold/ISTA+ troubleshooting forum thread.

I received the below error message when attempting to run a test plan on the ACSM module to clear the Airbag fault/warning as a result from coding that module with E-sys.

A technical error appeared while loading the "ABL_DIT_AT6577_ACSM31.dll".

After closing this message, close the procedure with "x" right above. Terminate ISTA and execute a repairing installation.
If the problem is not solved, send a feedback to the technical support.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think there is an exclusive ISTA troubleshooting thread. You could start one if you like. My guess is either corrupt download or corrupt files in Rheingold folder. Check for blocked/missing files in Rheingold folder.

Also, is there a general FAQ section for coding/diagnostics/programming?

Wanted to know if ISTA+ and E-sys could be run at the same time.

Sorry, I'm new to Bimmerfest and the forums.

ISTA+ general information is in the help files located in `\Rheingold\Help folder. General FAQ on coding/programming/diagnostics is spattered all over the Coding and Programming forum. Use search to find what you need specifically.

 

FAQs

Also, is there a general FAQ section for coding/diagnostics/programming?

Wanted to know if ISTA+ and E-sys could be run at the same time.

Sorry, I'm new to Bimmerfest and the forums.

 

Wow, awesome job to help all the newbies, kudos to you sir for having the patience and taking the time to document! And thanks for the mention, I didn't do much

 

Its all good, 3 words, "Rheingold Session Controller"...LOL

 

THX :banghead:

 

Bumping this thread. Too many questions about ISTA+, ISTA/P, ISTA-D

 

Hi @reclaimer, I think this should be stickied, although most noobs don't even know about stickies did you ask the mods or admin to sticky it?

 

Can I run it on Win xp and what ediabas version i need?

 

I didn't run the registry thinges and I dint have the umblocked option before unzip. So I did it now and restart. Then download again but in megadownloader the file name is UNBLOCK.

 

So,finally i go Ista + installed with the big help of RECLAIMER. I mean he did most of the work. I will test it on my car later.

So i had win xp first then i had to format my hdd to install win 7 for Ista+. I installed it in 32 bits cuz i was thinking that ncs expert dont work on 64bits, but its working.
Ok so i had some problems with the registry unblocker but in the end was good,with the help of RECLAIMER.

To MAKE ISTA+ to work have to install net framework 4.6.2 and my Win 7 ultimate blocked. I had to start Win Update to update to SP1. After that it worked net framework and after some more driver installing I could start Ista+. So to make ISTA+ work properly, follow the Beginner's Guide Its simple and easy to use.

- Install .NET 4.6.2
- Install VC ++ 2015
- Install EDIABAS
- Configure cable

 

I was able to install ISTA+ from the link provided by Reclaimer. Thanks for the download and the resources. It was a very straightforward process and everything installed without a hitch. I'm using the ENET cable for my F25. The cable shows up with the VIN number but when I hit setup connection it gives me an error IFH-0035 configuration error. I already have INPA and EasyDIS installed for my e46, could it be the Ediabas file I edited for the EasyDIS diaghead is throwing off the ENET cable somehow or does the ENET cable even use the ediabas.ini file?

Thanks,

Dan

 

...The cable shows up with the VIN number but when I hit setup connection it gives me an error IFH-0035 configuration error. I already have INPA and EasyDIS installed for my e46, could it be the Ediabas file I edited for the EasyDIS diaghead is throwing off the ENET cable somehow or does the ENET cable even use the ediabas.ini file? ...

IFH-0035: CONFIGURATION ERROR
EDIABAS_IFH_0035
Meaning:
At least one configuration element in one of the interface configuration files is incorrectly configured.

Causes:
Erroneous configuration e.g. of an EDIC API configuration element.

Yep, ediasbas is used by ISTA! Check your ediabas.ini settings for the EDIABAS in use, as you had INPA, you will have two EDIABAS, one from the BMW Standard tools installed in c:\ediabas\bin, and one from ISTA in c:\Rheingold\ediabas\bin.

When you install BMW Standard Tools, it set up a system env var: EDIABAS_CONFIG_DIR = C:\EDIABAS\BIN\, and adds it to the PATH. ISTA standalone does not modify env variables but uses relative path setup in ISTAGUI.exe.config , so in theory it should be pointing to the right place. (two key ENET ediabas.ini settings, Interface = ENET, [XEthernet]RemoteHost = Autodetect for a direct connection APIPA)

Check your ISTA logs (c:\rheingold\logs) to see where it is pointing to, search for "EdiabasBinPath" and "Resulting bin path". GL.

 

Thanks for the help. I checked the path for Ediabas.ini and it points to the rheingold folder. I changed the interface in the configuration file to ENET and made sure the other setting was auto detect. Under VCI config I have it set to HD-ICOM/ENET Local and ISIS Network. I also have the LAN IP address and subnet set under properties. I got the same error this morning after trying Aboulfad's directions. I'll play with it a little more after work. It's strange the cable shows up when I go the complete car identification but it errors at setup connection. When I use inpa and easydis, Ediabas opens and shows up in the Taskbar but when I open ISTA, it doesn't show up on the Taskbar. It doesn't show up after trying to open it manually under the BIN folder in rheingold either. Maybe I need to reinstall it. There is no "driver" for the ENET cable correct?

 

I also have the LAN IP address and subnet set under properties.

Which properties ??? are you using an ENET direct connection to your car (no ICOM) , which in that case your PC should not be manually configured (not needed), the PC and the car will fall back using APIPA and configure each other using 169.254/16.

When I use inpa and easydis, Ediabas opens and shows up in the Taskbar but when I open ISTA, it doesn't show up on the Taskbar. It doesn't show up after trying to open it manually under the BIN folder in rheingold either. Maybe I need to reinstall it. There is no "driver" for the ENET cable correct?

There is an ediabas.ini setting that controls showing or not the icon tray: ShowIcon
On your next try, check before you launch anything that there is no ediabas in taskmanager, rename c:\ediabas to c:\ediabas.old and then relaunch ISTA.

This way you are guaranteed that there is no "mysterious" gremlins doing funny stuff on your PC...

 

Did you change the EDIABAS.ini file in both places, in your main EDIABAS installation (assuming C:\EDIABAS) and also in ~\Rheingold\Ediabas\bin? I remember having to do this before, once.

In your Rheingold EDIABAS.ini and in C:\EDIABAS\bin\EDIABAS.ini files, it should look like below, it should not point to Rheingold folder (ignore the OBD, its set to use K+DCAN, you'll need ENET):

;=============================================================================
[Configuration]
;=============================================================================
Interface        = STD:OBD
Simulation       = 0

EcuPath          = C:\EDIABAS\ECU
SimulationPath   = C:\EDIABAS\SIM
TracePath        = C:\Windows\Temp

 

The file in the main installation is set up for my K+DCAN cable. I'll make a copy of the file and change it for the ENET cable as well and see if that helps.
*edit, thanks I'll try that when I get a chance. I tried the HCOM/ ISIS network but I'll change it to direct connection and remove the LAN settings from my network settings under the computer's control panel.

 

It's alive! I renamed the other ediabas file and deleted my IP config and was able to connect. Now the new RDC antenna works. It was marked as new unit needing to be encoded but clearing the errors seems to have gotten it working. Thanks for compiling all the software and helping me troubleshoot it!

Edit...it still needs to be encoded. I guess I'll head over and request ista p.

 

:thumbup:

 

One question:
Does ISTA+ has some sort of manual stored inside? Lets say I need an engine rebuild, does it have some manual how to put things back together, without connecting it to the car?

 

ISTA+ has procedures that can be reviewed without connecting to the car. Read the section about offline viewing using your VIN.

Sent from Bimmerfest App

 

ISTA/D problem

Hi,

When I try to do a complete identification of the car the Error message appears: The vehicle could not be identified. Please check the access to the vehicle and check whether the testing-analysis-diagnosis has been activated.

BMW E46 2001 318i
K+DCAN silver cable (no physical switch)
ISTA works fine if I use the VIN tab or Basic Features tab under Operations

Ignition on > connect cable from laptop to car > start ISTA > Settings > VCI Config > Ediabas > Operations > Read Out Vehicle Data > Complete Identification > Error message

Any ideas? Please help!

Thank you!

 

Hi,

When I try to do a complete identification of the car the Error message appears: The vehicle could not be identified. Please check the access to the vehicle and check whether the testing-analysis-diagnosis has been activated.

BMW E46 2001 318i
K+DCAN silver cable (no physical switch)
ISTA works fine if I use the VIN tab or Basic Features tab under Operations

Ignition on > connect cable from laptop to car > start ISTA > Settings > VCI Config > Ediabas > Operations > Read Out Vehicle Data > Complete Identification > Error message

Any ideas? Please help!

Thank you!

The problem with the error was the cable that I purchased on ebay for £12. I was advised to purchase a quality cable and I found one on one-stop-electronics for $99 ( http://www.one-stop-electronics.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=16 ). Also make sure to use the male to female interface adapter if your car is <2006 and requires K-CAN communication.

Thank you Reclaimer!

 

Please help me! I was trying to install ISTA following the install guide exactly, but I got this error message while running the ITSAGUI (step 8 Run ISTAGUI shortcut from your desktop as administrator).

What could have gone wrong? The computer is a i3 with 4GB ram running windows 7 with SP1.

Thanks a lot!

Sent from my iPhone using Bimmerfest mobile app

 

Please help me! I was trying to install ISTA following the install guide exactly, but I got this error message while running the ITSAGUI (step 8 Run ISTAGUI shortcut from your desktop as administrator).

Make sure you installed all prerequisite software.