Description

BMW INPA K+DCAN FT232RQ Diagnostic & Coding Cable with Switch

BMW-specific K+DCAN USB diagnostic and coding interface with FT232RQ chipset and built-in switch for compatibility across a wide range of BMW E-Series vehicles.

This interface is designed for use with BMW INPA and compatible BMW diagnostic and coding software, providing access to manufacturer-specific vehicle systems that cannot normally be accessed with a basic generic OBD-II code reader.

The built-in switch allows the interface configuration to be changed for different BMW communication systems, making this a particularly versatile cable for workshops, BMW specialists and enthusiasts working on different generations of BMW vehicles.

FT232RQ Chipset

The interface uses the FT232RQ USB communication chipset, providing the connection between your Windows computer and the vehicle diagnostic interface.

Correct interface hardware and drivers are particularly important when using BMW diagnostic and coding software, which is why the chipset specification is clearly stated rather than simply describing this as a generic BMW USB cable.

Built-In K-Line / D-CAN Switch

BMW changed diagnostic communication systems across different models and production years.

The built-in switch allows the interface to be configured for different BMW diagnostic arrangements, including vehicles requiring the relevant K-Line connection and later vehicles communicating through D-CAN.

This makes one interface suitable for a much wider range of compatible BMW vehicles than a fixed-configuration cable.

BMW Diagnostic Functions

Depending on the vehicle, control module and software being used, available functions can include:

• Vehicle chassis identification
• Model identification
• Engine identification
• Transmission / gearbox identification
• Vehicle equipment information
• Control-module identification
• Read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
• Clear diagnostic trouble codes
• Read live data
• Read odometer information from supported modules
• Read VIN information
• Read programming information / UIF data
• Read coding data
• Read shadow-memory fault information where supported
• Adaptations
• BMW coding functions
• Control-module programming functions where supported by the software and vehicle

Please note: The available functions depend on the BMW model, production date, control module and the diagnostic/coding software being used.

BMW Coding & Vehicle Data

With the appropriate BMW software and compatible vehicle, the interface can provide access to BMW-specific coding and configuration information.

Functions can include reading and working with vehicle coding information such as ZCS and FA data on applicable BMW generations, together with identification and programming information stored within compatible control modules.

This makes the interface useful not only for fault diagnosis but also for technicians and enthusiasts carrying out BMW-specific coding and configuration work.

Live Data

On supported control modules, live data allows you to view real-time information from sensors and vehicle systems while the vehicle is operating.

This can be extremely useful when diagnosing faults that cannot be identified from a stored fault code alone.

Supported Communication Protocols

The interface supports BMW communication systems including:

• D-CAN / PT-CAN – up to 500 kbit/s
• K-CAN – up to 100 kbit/s
• BMW OBD diagnostic communication
• K-Line communication on applicable vehicles/configurations

D-CAN Vehicle Applications

D-CAN communication is used on various later BMW E-Series and MINI vehicles. Examples include:

• BMW E60 / E61 – later production vehicles
• BMW E81 / E87 – later production vehicles
• BMW E83 – later production vehicles
• BMW E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 – later production vehicles
• BMW E70 X5
• MINI R55 / R56

BMW changed communication systems at different times depending on model and production date, so the vehicle’s exact build date can be important when determining which interface configuration is required.

Excellent for BMW E-Series Vehicles

The K+DCAN interface is particularly useful for the BMW E-Series generation and is commonly used with BMW Standard Tools software for diagnostics, coding and vehicle configuration.

Coverage extends across numerous BMW models and production years, but this should not be interpreted as universal compatibility with every BMW manufactured up to a particular year.

Later BMW F-Series and G-Series vehicles use newer diagnostic communication methods and may require different interfaces and software depending on the work being carried out.

Older BMW Vehicles

Many older BMW vehicles can also be diagnosed using BMW diagnostic software, but connection requirements vary.

Some earlier BMW models use the round 20-pin diagnostic connector located under the bonnet rather than providing full diagnostic access through the later 16-pin OBD socket.

For these vehicles, a suitable BMW 20-pin adapter may be required in addition to this interface.

If you are unsure which connection your BMW requires, please contact us before ordering with the model, year and preferably the production date.

Windows Compatibility

The supplied BMW diagnostic software and drivers can be used with compatible Windows computers, including:

• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10
• 32-bit and 64-bit systems where supported by the individual software application

Older Windows operating systems can be particularly useful on dedicated automotive diagnostic laptops, as much of the BMW diagnostic and coding software used with these vehicles was originally developed for earlier versions of Windows.

Software & Drivers Supplied by Download

The required software package, drivers and associated files are supplied electronically via download rather than on CD.

Your download information will be sent to the email address registered with your order after checkout.

This is more convenient for modern computers, many of which no longer have a CD/DVD drive.

Important Software Installation Information

Please note that the software supplied with this interface is not remotely installed by Diagnostic Central.

The software is supplied for the customer to download and install themselves.

This also applies when the interface is purchased or added alongside one of our diagnostic computer packages – installation of this particular BMW software is not included unless specifically stated otherwise.

What’s Included?

• 1 x BMW K+DCAN USB diagnostic interface
• FT232RQ chipset
• Built-in K-Line / D-CAN configuration switch
• BMW diagnostic/coding software download
• Required interface drivers

Who Is This Interface For?

The BMW K+DCAN interface is ideal for:

• BMW specialists
• Independent garages
• Professional mechanics
• Mobile mechanics
• BMW enthusiasts
• Owners maintaining older BMW vehicles
• Users wanting BMW-specific diagnostics rather than basic generic OBD-II fault-code reading
• Users carrying out BMW coding and configuration work

Not All K+DCAN Interfaces Are the Same

Please do not compare this interface purely on price with the cheapest diagnostic cables found on online marketplaces.

Diagnostic Central has been supplying and working with automotive diagnostic equipment for many years. Over that time we have purchased and examined numerous low-cost diagnostic interfaces from different suppliers and online marketplaces.

Although two diagnostic interfaces can look virtually identical externally, there can be considerable differences in the internal electronics, component quality, chipset and communication reliability.

We specify the FT232RQ chipset used in this interface so that customers know what they are purchasing rather than simply buying an unspecified generic cable.

Important Compatibility Information

BMW diagnostic compatibility is considerably more complicated than simply specifying a year range.

Different BMW models, production dates and control modules use different communication systems, and some older vehicles require additional adapter cables.

If you are purchasing this interface for a particular BMW or require a specific diagnostic, coding or programming function, please contact Diagnostic Central before ordering with the model, year, production date and the function you require. We will advise on suitability wherever possible.

Diagnostic Central is an independent diagnostic equipment supplier and is not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW. BMW and associated model names and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.