Question:
For my E39 I already have a D+KCAN cable and bmw scanner 1.4.0. I would like to have the option to access a wider range of models. For example the old models with ADS interface (e.g. E34 or E36) but also newer models.
Does ADS work with ICOM Scanner? Most good adapters which support ADS need a RS232 connection which is not really common for laptops anymore.
I’m not a dealer I only use it for personal purposes.
Answer:
BMW ICOM is probably best for you. It does work with 20-pin port “ADS” fully. If you have no idea how to identify the good ones. www.cardiagtool.co.uk is the seller is active on a forum and are quite trusted by that forum…
Question: There are ICOM A1, ICOM A2, ICOM A2 Pro and ICOM Next, what is the difference?
Answer: Just the form factor. Internally they are nearly identical. They use the same board inside. The clone A2 version may have cooling issues, so the Chinese may add a heatsink inside. The A1 has a fan built in, but the form factor isn’t as robust.
Here some mux pictures which show their difference
Different Appearance.
BMW ICOM A2 with WIFI Picture
BMW ICOM A3 Picture
BMW ICOM A3 with WIFI Picture
BMW ICOM Hardware version
BMW ICOM A2 (SP168)
Hardware Version: V1.37
BMW ICOM A3 (SP234/ SP234-B)
Hardware Version: V1.38
BMW ICOM A3 (SP234-C/ SP234-C1) with WIFI
Hardware Version: V1.40
BMW ICOM Operating System
ICOM A2: Win XP and Win 7 O/S
ICOM A3: Professional Win7 64 bit (NO win XP)
Question: Do all ICOMs with Wifi LED have wifi built in or at least should have?
Answer: Most clones do not have wifi inside. Even if the shell has it written. It’s not necessary for function, as you can use ethernet instead. It’s a convenience thing.
Question: Regarding ADS another question/problem came in my mind. Afaik ADS is only supported by Ediabas 6.4.3 and 6.4.7. Is there any advice how to handle this? Or is the only way having 6.4.3 or 6.4.7 installed on one machine and 7.3.0 on another? Is it at all necessary to use a newer version than 6.4.3 of ediabas for newer cars? Currenty I run 7.3.0 because I do not have a ADS interface.
Answer: The old EDIABAS is for when using an actual physical ADS interface. Keep using 7.3.0, it will need to be configured as “remote” and you will have to input the IP address of the ICOM.
You will need 2 tools. iTool Radar to get IP of ICOM and Reserve ICOM (only for when you use INPA, WinKFP, NCSExpert, etc), and EasyConnect for easy configuration of your ediabas.ini file.
Question: So with ICOM I can still access ADS vehicles with Ediabas 7.3.0?
Answer: ICOM and ediabas 7.3.0 on ADS vehicles works fine.
Now I don’t really need my TinyADS anymore, now with ICOM and C adapter.
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