E92 Coding Question {Mods, please don't relocate}

[jtodd_fl]

Hi all,
Asking here because you guys are basically the opinions I care about. I have never gotten into coding, but am thinking of starting. Ideally, I would prefer to do it myself, rather than having someone else do it, since I have a propensity to tinker. I am pretty computer literate, although I really only have Macs. My one PC may or may not hang around and I am not sure how all the port mapping would work if I tried on a virtualized Windows environment inside of Mac's OS.

So, my question.... Which coding so,union do you recommend - hardware and software?

I don't mind some complexity, but I am not super educated on automotive argot.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

Hi all,
Asking here because you guys are basically the opinions I care about. I have never gotten into coding, but am thinking of starting. Ideally, I would prefer to do it myself, rather than having someone else do it, since I have a propensity to tinker. I am pretty computer literate, although I really only have Macs. My one PC may or may not hang around and I am not sure how all the port mapping would work if I tried on a virtualized Windows environment inside of Mac's OS.

So, my question.... Which coding solution do you recommend - hardware and software?

I don't mind some complexity, but I am not super educated on automotive argot.

Interesting question. I asked myself this several years ago on my M6 and decided on this course of action:

I leave the actual coding to the pros (many will disagree) but if you go to the M5/M6 Board, the number of bricked cars is shocking. All were eventually repaired but some owners had to bring experts in for the repairs. This scared the crap out of me so the only thing I do is switch out my tunes for the S85 based on my activities. I have the following tunes: Track, High-Octane, Summer, Winter. I don't care about folding mirrors and the like. It is meant to be a bit rough and tumble so the extra amenities aren't a real consideration.

I'm a Mac guy, as well. I purchased an Acer specifically for this task which I keep in the car.

I hope this helps.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by MKSixer

Interesting question. I asked myself this several years ago on my M6 and decided on this course of action:

I leave the actual coding to the pros (many will disagree) but if you go to the M5/M6 Board, the number of bricked cars is shocking. All were eventually repaired but some owners had to bring experts in for the repairs. This scared the crap out of me so the only thing I do is switch out my tunes for the S85 based on my activities. I have the following tunes: Track, High-Octane, Summer, Winter. I don't care about folding mirrors and the like. It is meant to be a bit rough and tumble so the extra amenities aren't a real consideration.

I'm a Mac guy, as well. I purchased an Acer specifically for this task which I keep in the car.

I hope this helps.

It does - thanks. That is actually not too far off of what I thought may be the right solution. Get a pro to make me a handful of "maps" that I could apply as desired. Although... I do like tinkering too, so I wasn't sure. Yeah, I don't really want to brick the thing - even if not permanent. I used to manually hexedit firmwares on phones and other devices, so I have a pretty high risk tolerance, but there is big difference between a phone and a car, in terms of risk.

Thanks.

[HFW003]

I can't help with the E series as I have never coded one.

I can however tell you if it is anything like the F series it will be very easy.

The hardest part I found was actually getting the software installed correctly with all the folders and files where they need to be.

Keep in mind the term coding is a misnomer, you are not actually coding anything but merely changing pre existing parameters.

Stop being a soft cock!

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by HFW003

I can't help with the E series as I have never coded one.

I can however tell you if it is anything like the F series it is actually very easy.

The hardest part I found was actually getting the software installed correctly with all the folders and files where they need to be.

Keep in mind the term coding is a misnomer, you are not actually coding anything but merely changing pre existing parameters.

Stop being a soft cock!

OMG - best response ever. Although, to properly translate your term to real English (aka 'Murican), that would be a "limp dick", but perhaps you were referring to boneless chicken. w/e

Yeah, I did realize it was just adjusting parameters. I think I have lost the penile softness to which you refer and am just deciding on how I want to get started. I really liked your... encouragement(?) though.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

It does - thanks. That is actually not too far off of what I thought may be the right solution. Get a pro to make me a handful of "maps" that I could apply as desired. Although... I do like tinkering too, so I wasn't sure. Yeah, I don't really want to brick the thing - even if not permanent. I used to manually hexedit firmwares on phones and other devices, so I have a pretty high risk tolerance, but there is big difference between a phone and a car, in terms of risk.

Thanks.

Yes. There are too many great coders for your engine to take this risk. I have no trouble jumping into mechanical upgrades...suspension, stress bars, etc., but the ECU's are a different animal.

Check out Evolve in the UK. Very impressive and proven gains.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by HFW003

I can't help with the E series as I have never coded one.

I can however tell you if it is anything like the F series it will be very easy.

The hardest part I found was actually getting the software installed correctly with all the folders and files where they need to be.

Keep in mind the term coding is a misnomer, you are not actually coding anything but merely changing pre existing parameters.

Stop being a soft cock!

LOL! I love the closing but the highlighted falls under the category, 'Famous Last Words!'

[HFW003]

Get in touch with shawnsheridan, he is the coding guru.

As I said I know nothing about the E series but he will sort you out.

Now I'll leave you in peace, I'm watching the recording of this morning's GP from Murica

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by HFW003

Get in touch with shawnsheridan, he is the coding guru.

As I said I know nothing about the E series but he will sort you out.

Now I'll leave you in peace, I'm watching the recording of this morning's GP from Murica

Moto GP from Austin?

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

Hi all,
Asking here because you guys are basically the opinions I care about. I have never gotten into coding, but am thinking of starting. Ideally, I would prefer to do it myself, rather than having someone else do it, since I have a propensity to tinker. I am pretty computer literate, although I really only have Macs. My one PC may or may not hang around and I am not sure how all the port mapping would work if I tried on a virtualized Windows environment inside of Mac's OS.

So, my question.... Which coding so,union do you recommend - hardware and software?

I don't mind some complexity, but I am not super educated on automotive argot.

It depends on what you mean by "coding"

- Performance coding of the DME is one best left to tuner experts.
- module coding using NCSexpert (eg LCM for changing lighting etc)
Is something many of us do ourselves.
Other than a bit of a learning curve it's not that hard to do if you have reasonably good computer skills.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

It depends on what you mean by "coding"

- Performance coding of the DME is one best left to tuner experts.
- module coding using NCSexpert (eg LCM for changing lighting etc)
Is something many of us do ourselves.
Other than a bit of a learning curve it's not that hard to do if you have reasonably good computer skills.

Thanks - this is extremely helpful. I think this is probably the missing link in my understanding. This breaks the problem down better for me.

[gtron]

Mods, wrong forum - please move.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by gtron

Mods, wrong forum - please move.

[gtron]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

Hi all,
Asking here because you guys are basically the opinions I care about. I have never gotten into coding, but am thinking of starting. Ideally, I would prefer to do it myself, rather than having someone else do it, since I have a propensity to tinker. I am pretty computer literate, although I really only have Macs. My one PC may or may not hang around and I am not sure how all the port mapping would work if I tried on a virtualized Windows environment inside of Mac's OS.

So, my question.... Which coding so,union do you recommend - hardware and software?

I don't mind some complexity, but I am not super educated on automotive argot.

Now I will really answer.

I use to code all my cars. It's terribly simple but your biggest problem (as was mine) was the lack of a Windows machine. I run Linux. When I ran Windows in VM (Virtual Machine) I would some times have issues getting the software to connect to the machine.

1. Buy the adapter or create one yourself. You can get one on ebay for cheap. It likely connects under your steering wheel and then into the Ethernet / RJ45 (network) jack on your computer.

2. Download the software - you will have to search the forums for it but it's not hard to find. It's likely a password protected zip file.

3. Install software, follow instructions that is likely bundled with it.

4. The "codes" are most likely in German but people have spreadsheets with the conversions. Find that in the same place you found the software.

The software is HUGE so get ready for a long DL.

I didn't go into greater detail because you probably won't get to step one since "I am pretty computer literate" and "I really only have Mac".

I would give you everything you need but I think I deleted it all because no BMW. I do however still have the cable somewhere so if you get serious and actually DL the software I can send you the cable for free if I find it. Don't waste my time and ask me to find it if you aren't ready to go after it.

Finally, always back up your shit before making changes.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by gtron

Now I will really answer.

I use to code all my cars. It's terribly simple but your biggest problem (as was mine) was the lack of a Windows machine. I run Linux. When I ran Windows in VM (Virtual Machine) I would some times have issues getting the software to connect to the machine.

1. Buy the adapter or create one yourself. You can get one on ebay for cheap. It likely connects under your staring wheel and then into the Ethernet / RJ45 (network) jack on your computer.

2. Download the software - you will have to search the forums for it but it's not hard to find. It's likely a password protected zip file.

3. Install software, follow instructions that is likely bundled with it.

4. The "codes" are most likely in German but people have spreadsheets with the conversions. Find that in the same place you found the software.

The software is HUGE so get ready for a long DL.

I didn't go into greater detail because you probably won't get to step one since "I am pretty computer literate" and "I really only have Mac".

I would give you everything you need but I think I deleted it all because no BMW. I do however still have the cable somewhere so if you get serious and actually DL the software I can send you the cable for free if I find it. Don't waste my time and ask me to find it if you aren't ready to go after it.

Finally, always back up your shit before making changes.

Thanks - super generous. If I decide to go for it and actually boot the Stinkpad that I store in a drawer I will hit you up for some help and maybe that cable. Thanks man, I appreciate it.

I ran Ubuntu for a few years - never got "deep" though. I was waiting for the slam to follow "computer literate" and "mac only" ... hehe... it didn't come. I am actually pretty good though. Not programmer good, but I can muck around in the command line and not kill anybody.

[gtron]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

Thanks - super generous. If I decide to go for it and actually boot the Stinkpad that I store in a drawer I will hit you up for some help and maybe that cable. Thanks man, I appreciate it.

I ran Ubuntu for a few years - never got "deep" though. I was waiting for the slam to follow "computer literate" and "mac only" ... hehe... it didn't come. I am actually pretty good though. Not programmer good, but I can muck around in the command line and not kill anybody.

No prob.

Nice. Ubuntu got too "Windows Wannabie" but they do stay the most up to date so are pretty stable. I think a good alternative is Xubuntu - basically all the good stuff about Ubuntu but runs the faster and cleaner Xfce Desktop.

[Mike.]

bmwhat?