ESYS interface example
ESYS interface example
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The Ultimate Guide to BMW OBD2 Diagnostic Software: Protool Review

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Introduction and Quick Overview:

For BMW owners seeking unparalleled control and insight into their vehicles, the realm of OBD2 diagnostic software offers a powerful toolkit. Among the leading solutions available, Protool stands out as a comprehensive and user-friendly application. In this review, we delve into Protool, exploring why it’s hailed as the best BMW coding and diagnostics app on the market today, and why it’s an essential tool for owners of BMW F series, G series, E series, and I series cars.

Protool distinguishes itself by offering a modular license system. Users can opt for a Diagnostics license ($89.99) for comprehensive vehicle scanning and health checks, a Coding license ($79.99) for unlocking and customizing vehicle features, or the Master License ($149.99) which bundles both at a discounted rate, saving you $19.99. This flexibility allows BMW enthusiasts to tailor their investment to their specific needs. To discover more and explore purchase options, visit the Bimmer Geeks website: https://www.bimmergeeks.net/.

Protool’s claim to be the best BMW coding app rests on its remarkable capabilities. It effectively mirrors the functionality of ESYS, a software traditionally favored by BMW professionals, but in a mobile, accessible format. Crucially, Protool empowers users to perform virtually any coding task achievable with ESYS, including both FDL and VO coding. The primary distinction lies in Protool’s current limitation in ECU flashing, a feature still exclusive to ESYS.

For the average BMW owner and enthusiast, this distinction is negligible. Protool unlocks a vast spectrum of customization possibilities, from simple comfort features like remote window operation and disclaimer removal to advanced modifications affecting vehicle dynamics. Want to refine your steering feel via the EPS module, fine-tune the differential through the GHAS module, or adjust traction control with EURO MDM settings? Protool brings these capabilities to your fingertips, appealing to users previously familiar with tools like Thor flasher and beyond.

Guide on How to Use Protool for BMW Coding:

To illustrate the practical application of Protool, here are direct links to coding guides for specific modules, showcasing its advanced capabilities:

In summary, Protool surpasses other mobile coding apps in terms of sheer capability. This robust functionality solidifies Protool’s position as the premier BMW coding App, making it a worthwhile investment for BMW owners seeking in-depth control over their vehicles. For most users, Protool effectively eliminates the need for the more complex and less portable ESYS system.

Beyond coding, Protool excels in diagnostics. It reads genuine BMW diagnostic trouble codes, not just generic OBD2 codes, providing a far more detailed and accurate assessment of your BMW’s health. Furthermore, Protool enables proper battery coding and registration, essential for battery replacements. This includes the ability to register batteries with different capacities, a valuable feature for those considering upgrading to lightweight lithium-ion batteries.

The combined coding and diagnostic prowess of Protool establishes it as a truly indispensable app for any BMW owner who values vehicle maintenance, customization, and in-depth understanding of their car’s systems.

Now, let’s proceed with a more detailed exploration of Protool’s features and functionalities.

Disclaimer:

(The original disclaimers are preserved for completeness and legal considerations, but in a typical SEO-optimized article, these might be condensed or moved to a less prominent position.)

Damage/Injury Disclaimer: Any information, guidance, technical advice, coding advice, tuning advice, datalogging advice, installation instruction, calculation, experiment, safety information, or product installation demonstrated in this review is to be used at your own risk. I will not be responsible for personal injuries, injuries to others or any living being, or any damage to your car, or any property damage.

Monetary disclaimer: I do not receive any commission, profits, or monetary gain from the sale of Protool coding software by Bimmer Geeks.

Sponsorship disclaimer: The reviews are based on products I choose to evaluate on my own car, selecting what I believe to be the best options. Sponsorship requests are initiated by me after selecting the product, ensuring reviews are of products I genuinely believe in and would personally use. This review is sponsored by Bimmer Geeks.

Time of writing disclaimer: Information is accurate at the time of writing and may not be updated in the future.

Bias and comparison disclaimer: This review aims to be unbiased when comparing products.

Mistakes and Inaccuracies Disclaimer: Efforts are made to ensure factual accuracy, but mistakes may occur. Please point out any inaccuracies for correction.

Subjective Disclaimer: Reviews are based on personal opinions and assessments, and are subjective by nature.

Information Disclaimer: Reviews are based on accumulated knowledge, which may not always be explicitly cited. Common knowledge is generally not cited, while specific sources, research, and user experiences will be referenced when possible.

Image Credits:

Images and videos are the property of their respective owners as credited. They are used for review purposes. Owners may request removal via private message. Thanks to the image owners for making this review visually engaging.

Review Disclaimer:

Thank you to Bimmer Geeks for sponsoring this review. Despite the sponsorship, this review remains as unbiased as possible. The initiative for this review came from my belief in Protool as the best coding tool available at the time of writing. I personally use Protool for coding modifications on my own BMW M2, appreciating features like M2CS DSC, GHAS, and EPS coding, which were previously inaccessible through other apps or free ESYS versions.

Understanding BMW Coding:

What exactly is “coding” in the context of BMWs? BMW coding refers to modifying parameters within the car’s ECUs (Electronic Control Units). These adjustments enable or disable pre-existing features embedded in the factory software. It’s not software development in the traditional sense of writing new code; rather, it’s akin to toggling switches for functions already programmed by BMW. This process is generally safe because it operates within the parameters designed by BMW, simply activating or deactivating built-in functionalities.

However, caution is advised. While coding itself, when executed correctly, is safe, errors due to user inexperience can lead to issues. Battery drain during coding can “brick” an ECU, and improper modifications to systems like traction control can compromise vehicle safety. Thorough understanding of coding procedures and the specific changes being made is crucial before undertaking any modifications.

BMW coding is broadly categorized into two types: FDL coding and VO coding.

VO Coding (Vehicle Order Coding):

VO coding, or Vehicle Order coding, involves enabling or disabling predefined BMW settings across various ECUs. Each BMW has a Vehicle Order, a digital fingerprint reflecting the car’s factory options and configurations. This VO dictates which features are active or inactive. VO coding is primarily used for retrofitting, aligning the car’s software configuration with hardware additions or changes.

For example, the option code 6NS represents “Enhanced USB and Bluetooth.” Cars with 6NS have features like dual phone pairing, dual microphones, extra USB ports, and album art display. Cars without this option have the 6NH VO code, which deactivates these features. If you retrofit the necessary hardware for 6NS, VO coding allows you to replace 6NH with 6NS in the car’s VO, and the system automatically configures all relevant ECUs to support the newly added features. This is a time-saving method compared to manually FDL coding each ECU.

FDL Coding (Function Data Line Coding):

FDL coding offers granular control over individual ECU parameters, surpassing the limitations of VO coding. It allows you to directly modify specific settings within each ECU, independent of BMW’s predefined VO options.

For instance, if you desire 6NS features without physically retrofitting the hardware, FDL coding can achieve this. You could VO code 6NS and then use FDL coding to access individual ECUs and adjust parameters like the number of USB ports and microphones back to the original configuration. This activates many 6NS features (like multiple phone connections and album art) without the hardware. FDL coding also enables customizations not available as VO options, such as disabling iDrive disclaimers and seatbelt chimes.

Why Does BMW Coding Exist?

The existence of coding in BMWs is primarily driven by manufacturing efficiency. BMW adopts a strategy of using standardized parts across different models and trims to reduce production costs. Instead of manufacturing numerous hardware variations, they utilize software coding to enable or disable features based on the specific model and options package. For example, different BMW models might share the same power steering rack, but software coding in the EPS module dictates the steering feel characteristics for each model, differentiating an M car from a non-M car.

This standardization benefits owners, as it often means that hardware capabilities exist within their vehicles, even if features are disabled by software. Tools like Protool allow enthusiasts to tap into this potential, unlocking features and customizations by altering the software parameters to match their preferences. For example, it may be possible to code the steering feel of a non-M BMW to emulate an M model, provided the underlying hardware is sufficiently similar and the software allows for such modifications. Even within the M models, coding can differentiate driving dynamics, such as coding an M2 to have M2CS or M4 GTS steering feel if the hardware is compatible.

Safe Coding Practices:

Before diving into BMW coding, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Here are essential tips for safe coding:

  1. Create Backups: Always back up your car’s current coding settings before making any changes. This allows for easy restoration to the original configuration if any issues arise.
  2. Know What You’re Doing: Thoroughly research the coding modifications you intend to make. Understand the function of each parameter, the ECUs involved, and the coding process itself. Ensure the desired coding is compatible with your specific BMW model and software version.
  3. Maintain Battery Voltage: Use a reliable battery charger to maintain a stable voltage supply during coding. Voltage drops can interrupt the coding process and potentially cause ECU damage (“bricking”). In some cases, running the engine during coding is recommended, but never code while driving.
  4. Use Quality Adapters: Invest in high-quality OBD2 adapters and cables. Cheap, unreliable adapters can lead to slow data transfer or connection failures during coding, increasing the risk of errors. Poorly constructed cables can also pose a safety risk due to potential shorts.

ESYS: A Traditional BMW Coding Tool

Credit: mev2630 https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=23733176&postcount=1
Caption: The interface of ESYS, a powerful but complex BMW coding software.

ESYS (Engineer System) is BMW’s in-house software for coding, ECU flashing, and diagnostics. It’s a powerful tool favored by professionals, offering comprehensive control over vehicle systems. To use ESYS, you typically need:

  • Windows Laptop: A laptop with sufficient RAM (8GB or more recommended) to handle the data processing demands of coding, especially for vehicles with numerous ECUs. Tablets with limited RAM might be insufficient.
  • PSdZData Files: Up-to-date ECU data files (PSdZData) containing the necessary coding parameters and data.
  • ENET Cable: An ENET (Ethernet to OBD2) cable for establishing a reliable connection between your laptop and the BMW’s OBD2 port.
  • ESYS Launcher: A launcher application (like Launcher Pro or Bimmer Utility) is often required, particularly for FDL coding, to manage CAFD (Coded Application File Description) file handling and streamline the coding process.

With these components, ESYS provides extensive coding capabilities. However, it has drawbacks:

  • Cost: Acquiring all necessary components can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase a dedicated laptop.
  • Complexity: ESYS has a steep learning curve. Its interface and procedures can be intimidating for beginners. The menu system is intricate, and coding processes can be time-consuming compared to app-based solutions.
  • Portability: ESYS is laptop-based, making it less portable and convenient than mobile apps.

Protool: Mobile Bmw Obd2 Diagnostic Software

Protool emerges as a modern, mobile alternative to ESYS. It’s an Android application compatible with devices running Android 4.1 or higher (iOS support is anticipated in the future).

Protool Quick Overview:

  1. Modular Licenses: Protool offers separate licenses for Diagnostics ($89.99) and Coding ($79.99), or a combined Master License ($149.99). This allows users to purchase only the functionality they need and upgrade later if desired.

  2. Free Updates: Protool includes free lifetime updates, ensuring ongoing compatibility with newer BMW models, unlike some ESYS launchers that may require periodic renewals.

  3. Account-Based License: The Protool license is linked to your Google account, not a specific vehicle. This allows you to use it on multiple BMWs without restriction, enhancing its value for households with multiple BMWs or for professional use.

  4. Free Feature Exploration: Protool allows you to download the app and connect to your car to explore available coding and diagnostic features without purchasing a license. You only pay when you decide to activate coding or diagnostic functions. This “try-before-you-buy” approach is a significant advantage.

  5. Adapter Flexibility: Protool supports a wide range of OBD2 adapters, increasing the likelihood that you can use an adapter you already own. Supported adapter types include:

    For optimal reliability, especially during coding, using high-quality cables or wireless interfaces is recommended. Bimmer Geeks offers quality cables on their website, some with optional lifetime warranties. Consider adapters that are also compatible with tuning software for future versatility. The MHD black ENET Wi-Fi adapter is a good example, offering both Wi-Fi and ENET connectivity for broader compatibility.

  6. User Guide: Protool includes a comprehensive user guide accessible within the app menu (hamburger menu -> “User Guide”). This PDF manual provides detailed information on app features and usage. For additional support, users can contact Bimmer Geeks directly or seek help from online BMW communities.

Protool Features and Capabilities:

Protool boasts a wide array of features, making it a powerful tool for BMW diagnostics and coding.

Like other coding apps, Protool handles common customizations, such as:

  • Remote window and mirror control via key fob.
  • Disabling legal disclaimers and warning chimes.

However, Protool distinguishes itself with advanced coding capabilities comparable to ESYS, including:

  • DSC Module Coding: Unlock features like M4 GTS MDM mode for enhanced driving dynamics.
  • EPS Module Coding: Adjust steering feel to emulate models like the F87 CS.
  • GHAS Module Coding: Modify differential settings to achieve characteristics similar to the F87 CS.

These advanced coding options make Protool a compelling tool for enthusiasts seeking to fine-tune their BMW’s performance and driving feel, bringing back functionalities previously offered by tools like Thor flasher. Protool also supports FA/VO coding, simplifying retrofitting and large-scale feature coding.

Backup and Profile Management:

Protool features robust backup and profile management:

  • Full Backups: Create complete backups of all ECU coding parameters, capturing your car’s current software state.
  • Save Profiles: Store multiple custom profiles, each representing different coding configurations.
  • Profile Restoration: Easily switch between profiles by “restoring” a saved profile, quickly reverting to a specific set of coding settings. This is ideal for users who frequently switch between different driving modes or configurations.

Advanced Diagnostics and Service Functions:

Protool’s diagnostic capabilities go beyond basic code reading and resetting:

  • BMW-Specific Diagnostics: Reads genuine BMW fault codes for in-depth issue identification.
  • Battery Coding and Registration: Properly register new batteries, including those with different capacities.
  • Injector Coding: Code new fuel injectors, ensuring correct fuel delivery and engine performance.
  • Adaptation Resets and Recalibrations: Reset adaptations and trigger recalibration routines for various modules, such as the GHAS differential, essential after coding changes or component replacements.
  • Component Activation (“Control” Tab): Similar to ISTA, Protool allows you to activate and control various vehicle components for diagnostic purposes. This includes functions like putting G8X rear brakes into service mode for pad replacement.

Data Logging:

Protool includes comprehensive data logging capabilities, recording a wide range of parameters typically monitored by tuning apps. This allows you to use Protool for performance monitoring and data analysis, even without ECU tuning.

Remote Backups and Cloud Integration:

Protool offers remote backup functionality, allowing you to store profiles, datalogs, and diagnostic codes online via the Bimmer Geeks website. This provides:

  • Accessibility: View logs and data from any computer.
  • Data Security: Protect your backups from device loss or damage, ensuring you can always restore your car to a previous configuration.

Protool Interface:

Credit: F87source
Caption: Protool’s main menu, showcasing the organized layout of ECU categories.

Credit: F87source
Caption: Scrolling down the main menu in Protool reveals more ECU options.

Credit: F87source
Caption: Further exploration of Protool’s main menu, demonstrating its comprehensive coverage.

Credit: F87source
Caption: An example of an ECU submenu in Protool, offering options for error reading, functions, live data, control, and coding.

Protool’s interface is designed for user-friendliness. Menus are logically categorized, making navigation intuitive. Common coding options are easily accessible. The risk of accidentally triggering damaging functions (“trap buttons”) is minimized, contrasting with the complexities of ESYS.

Protool vs. ESYS: A Comparative Analysis

Comparing Protool and ESYS highlights the strengths of each tool:

  1. Ease of Use: Protool is significantly easier to use, featuring a user-friendly mobile app interface. Menus are well-organized, and common coding functions are readily accessible. ESYS, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve and a more complex, less intuitive interface. The risk of accidental errors is higher in ESYS due to its more technical nature and the presence of potentially critical functions like “code default.”

  2. License and Portability: Protool licenses are linked to your Google account, offering flexibility to use the app across multiple devices. ESYS launchers are typically tied to a single computer, limiting portability. Protool’s mobile nature provides superior portability, allowing for quick coding adjustments on the go. ESYS requires a laptop, making it less convenient for spontaneous changes.

  3. Cost-Effectiveness: Protool is significantly more affordable than ESYS when considering the total cost of ownership. A Protool setup, including a tablet and adapter, is substantially cheaper than a laptop-based ESYS system with launcher licenses. The cost difference can be hundreds of dollars. Moreover, a Protool-compatible tablet can serve dual purposes (in-car gauges, entertainment), while a cheap laptop for ESYS may have limited utility outside of coding.

    Cost Comparison (Approximate):

    • Protool: ~$190 (Tablet + ENET cable/adapter + Coding License)
    • ESYS: ~$375 – $425 (ESYS Launcher + ENET cable + Windows Laptop)

    Protool offers a cost saving of approximately $185 or more compared to ESYS.

  4. Portability and Convenience: Protool’s mobile app format provides unmatched portability. Quick coding adjustments are possible in minutes, ideal for track days or on-the-fly modifications. ESYS, requiring a laptop setup, is less convenient and slower for making quick changes.

Conclusion: Protool – The Ideal BMW OBD2 Diagnostic Software for Most Users

For the majority of BMW owners, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts, Protool presents a compelling and superior alternative to ESYS. Its ease of use, portability, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive feature set make it the ideal BMW OBD2 diagnostic software and coding tool. While ESYS remains necessary for expert or professional users requiring ECU flashing and remote coding capabilities, Protool meets and exceeds the needs of most BMW owners seeking to diagnose, maintain, customize, and understand their vehicles.

Advanced Coding Examples:

To further illustrate Protool’s capabilities, explore these guides demonstrating advanced coding procedures on a 2017 BMW M2 (ISTEP level F020-19-07-539):

These guides showcase Protool’s ability to perform complex coding tasks, further solidifying its position as a leading BMW OBD2 diagnostic software and coding solution.

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