R270, VVDI2,TL866,Which One is Best Mileage Prorgammer For BMW X6?

Car model and year: E71 2008 BMW X6

Purpose: do cas+dash, that is to erase and write mileage.

Question: do I need to buy new eeprom to write?

Comments and suggestions:

R270 reviews:

1. For dash safe job only desolder eeprom and if R270 clon ,it’s can’t rewrite protected eeprom only with new one eep job done.
   And with clon R270 you have risk 99,9% kill flash in cas.

2. I did a few x6 with nothing more than a R270 programmer and it had no issues erasing the epprom and doing the cas3 . The last one I did was a 2013 and the one before that was a 2008 ,reused the same 080dowq eeprom and had no issues at all. The needles are very easy ,just mark where they sit and pull them strait out and install back in same position .

3. Good quality R270 erases inc area in 080 eep… Does not in 35080 v6 and vp… Also cas is safe as long as you do not lenght clk and clk gnd.

TL866 reviews:

Question: I can try with same chip after i read if i buy replacement. But also, if i buy new chip can’t i just read eeprom with my TL866 and write to new chip? Because i think TL866 is better quality then R270 clone, or is there something special with bmw eeprom?

Answer:

1. Tl866 or Minipro (the same shit) doesn’t write 35080, however that programmer is very good to read flash memories as 29F200/F400.

2. If you want future work with this type dash bay just right programmer for work with M35080/M35080V6/35080VP/M35080 (3,6)/080D0WQ and forget replace with new one this type eep

Xhorse VVDI2 reviews:

Xhorse VVDI2 is one from best , for cas1,2,3,4 and M35080/M35080V6/35080VP/M35080 (3,6)/080D0WQ, it is very good. Please note: it needs to dismantle the dash.

 Source:http://www.mileageprogrammer.com/e71-2008-bmw-x6-mileage-programmer/

Porsche PIWIS 2 VirtualBox software download & install

This is a way to setup the Porsche PIWIS 2 software as a virtual machine (VM) inside Oracle’s VirtualBox, which is free VM software.

This is just the software. You clearly need to purchase the Piwis2 Tester hardware (cable) to connect to the car. You can just setup the VM and use the simulation mode in PIWIS to have a play prior to purchasing the hardware if you like.

To the people who made this available, I take my hat off to you. There was clearly a lot of effort from some very smart people that allowed someone like me to get access to the software.

Background info:
PIWIS 2 runs natively in Windows XP. XP is no longer supported, and it is difficult to acquire an old computer that runs XP and keep it running. Using the software in a VM, whilst slower, will ensure you are able to keep the software forever regardless of the computer you use. I use a laptop that was pretty slick back in 2014, but is pretty slow by today’s standards. It takes a few minutes to get the VM loaded, but after that it’s as fast as any diagnostic software I’ve used in the past on other car types.

A while ago I was fortunate enough to stumble on a link to PIWIS 2 as a bunch of files that, through a specified process got software loaded and licensed on either an XP computer or a VM. Not having an XP computer, I went down the road of creating a VM.

Once the VM was created and the software licensed, it was a simple process of making a backup of the VM. This backup can then be imported to VirtualBox on any computer as an XP image with the PIWIS software is installed. There are only a few things that need to be done once the VM is created so that it’s good to go. It’s a surprisingly simple process.

Requirements:
A reasonably fast computer. Most modern laptops will easily do the job.
A minimum of 1.5GB of excess RAM (this is what is going to be allocated to the VM). Use Task Manager to see what is normally used. 8GB of RAM on a standard Windows 10 install should easily have enough to spare. 4GB probably won’t.
A minimum of 20 GB of spare hard drive capacity. This is what VirtualBox and the VM will take once installed.

For those who don’t know what a VM is, Google it and do some reading. Very simply you are creating a separate computer (guest) within your computer (host). You allocate resources from your host (RAM, etc) and run the guest within a window on your normal desktop.

Here’s how to set it up.
1. Google ‘VirtualBox downloads’. Go to the download page and download the latest version of VirtualBox for the platform you use (PC, mac, etc). On the same page, download the extension pack. This isn’t platform specific and is the same file for all operating systems.

2. Log into your computer into the administrator account. Install VirtualBox. Once installed, open the program and then install the extension pack. You can’t install the extension pack unless you are logged in as an administrator. Installing the extension pack needs to be done from the preferences window of the VirtualBox program. If required, Google for how to do this. There are lots of videos how. Image below is what it should look like after the extension pack is installed. If not installed, it won’t be listed. Click the + button (red circle), find the extension pack file you downloaded and select it to be installed.

3. Once VirtualBox and the extension pack have been installed you can log out of the administrator account if you want and login where you normally work.

4. Download the .ova file from the following link. It’s about 12.3 GB. This is the backup file of the VM. Depending on the browser you use, it might sometimes give a network error, and you will have to start again. Try another browser if you are getting this error. Also, when you ask to download the file, google drive will give you a warning that the file size is too large to virus scan. The machine where I created the file uses up to date virus scanning software. I’m confident it’s clean, but only you can make the decision of whether to download. I’ve downloaded the file to other machines and created the VM with no problems.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ST3ZMgxvyufgvMNMlmany9Om4NpwDVny/view?usp=sharing

5. Open VirtualBox. Go to file, then import appliance. Go to the .ova file you just downloaded and select this. There are a few clicks of OK, and then allow the new VM to be created. It will take a few minutes.

6. If you have a cable, don’t connect it yet, we’ll do that later.

7. Click on the VM (should be called PIWIS) in the left pane and then click start. It will now start Windows XP. On the desktop, PIWIS is the car icon at the bottom.

8. Right click on the ‘shortcut to praegeng.xml’ file and open in notepad. Go to the line that has ‘validationstring’ and change the ‘x’ to ‘9999’. This will now give the software a licence validation time of 9999 days. Save then close.

9. Click on the PIWIS shortcut. When PIWIS starts, select diagnosis and then select the car you have. If you don’t have a cable it will tell you this and give you the option of using simulation mode to continue.

10. PIWIS is setup to operate in ‘V’ mode (after sales mode), which is what is used in the dealership. You can change to either of the other modes, E = developer, or P = production. When you initially open the program and you get the first page with the picture of the Cayman, click settings, then diagnostic configuration and then choose the model line. Click the mode tab at the top, and now you can go down to ‘operating mode’ and change the mode of the software. Save. Close. Now open the diagnostics for your car type and you should be in the new mode.

The vast majority of stuff you will want to change will be available in V (after sales) mode.
NOTE 1: The developer mode is in German only.
NOTE 2: Production mode doesn’t seem to work and locks you out of the program. I would suggest not using this. If you accidentally do select this, delete the VM (from the VirtualBox software window) and then create a new VM from the ova file you downloaded.

Connecting the Piwis2 Tester cable.

There are a few things that need to be understood prior to trying to connect the cable.
– The cable will only be recognised by the computer when the plug is connected to the car and the ignition is turned on.
– when you start the VM, the cable needs to be powered, and the VM needs to be setup to immediately recognise the cable and mount it as the VM starts. If it doesn’t do it when it starts, you won’t be able to connect it afterwards once the VM is running.

To ensure this happens, do the following.
1. Open VirtualBox but don’t start the VM.

2. Turn ignition on (or start the car).

3. Have both cables connected to the interface, then plug into OBD port. Wait a few bananas.

4. Plug cable into computer.

5. Go to VirtualBox, Settings, USB. Click the small USB button on the right with the +, and then select the cable. Picture below shows what it should look like once done.

6. Now start VM. When the VM starts it should see the new hardware and try and automatically install the driver. Ask it to search for the driver when the wizard starts and then let it install.

7. Now start PIWIS. It should update the firmware on the cable hardware.

8. Now you should be able to open PIWIS and have all functionality.

9. Next time you use the software all the drivers will be loaded, but ensure you connect everything in the same order as described above (except the bits that are clearly for installing stuff).

NOTE: Every time I use PIWIS, prior to starting the VM, I conduct step 5 to check the cable has been recognised by VirtualBox. I simply click on the + and see what USB devices VirtualBox can see at that moment. The Samtec interface should be in the list that immediately appears. If you haven’t done everything in the correct order, you will see ‘unknown device’. If this is the case, start the process again. I find that if I do this, I don’t go through the whole process of starting the VM and then PIWIS to find out it hasn’t connected correctly.

Examples of hardware you will need. You don’t need a hard drive with the software loaded, which they will most likely try and sell you as well.

Piwis Tester II V18.1 Tester (hardware only)
http://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/porsche-piws2-tester-ii.html

Piwis Tester II V18.1 Tester + Panasonic CF30 Laptop + Software

http://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/piws2-tester-diagnostic-tool-for-porsche.html

Other details of the VM for those interested.

Guest additions doesn’t need to be installed as it is already in the ova file.

Two cores have been selected for processing. I initially used one and via Task Manager could see it was running at 100% for a lot of the time. Changing to two had it below 100% nearly all the time so I stuck with that. It was also noticeably faster when using two cores.

The most RAM I saw being used was about 950 MB. I’ve selected 1.5 GB to ensure it covers this easily. If you are short on RAM, you may want to tweak this.

Source:http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2020/04/27/how-to-setup-porsche-piwis-2-as-a-virtual-machine/

2020 VCDS V2-20.4 V20.4 HEX-V2

VCDS V2-20.4 HEX-V2 Intelligent Dual-K & CAN USB Interface Car Auto Fault Diagnosis Wire Cable with CD Software (English)    

Features:

 
1. USB connection, compatible with all modern laptops.
2. Compatible with all diagnostic-capable VW/ Audi passenger cars from 1996 to current; K, K+L, dual-K, or CAN.
3. Detachable USB cable.
The supplied cable has a proprietary screw locking mechanism, but it can be replaced temporarily with a standard USB-A to USB-B ("printer") cable when it become damaged.
4. Modern 32-bit micro-controller and fully updatable firmware.
5. Tri-Color (red/green) status/activity LEDs with greatly improved visibility from almost any angle.
6. 12 months of process or material defect assurance.
7. Includes an embedded license for VCDS and thus acts as a "dongle" for the software, allowing the software to be used and installed on any compatible PC.
 
Computer Requirements:  
 
We recommend at least a 1 GHz dual-core processor with 1 GB of RAM and Windows 7 or newer.  
Slower computers or Windows 2000, XP, and Vista may work but are not officially supported.   
Windows 8. 8.1 or 10 on a machine robust enough to support the respective operating system are also fine.
 
Extending this Interface:
 
The cable supplied with this interface is about 6 feet long -- just right for most laptops.    
The USB standards do not allow for passive extension cords!    
We have tested many Active USB extensions and have found one that works. You can order the 16-ft Active USB Extension from our Store. We do not sell or support any other brands or models of USB extensions, if you have problems when using one, the first thing we're going to tell you is to eliminate the extension. We sell also a 3-ft OBD extension in our web store that lets you keep your diagnostic tool connected and away from the driver's feet and legs.
 
If you plan to use a desktop PC, a wireless HEX-NET interface may be a better choice.
 
Software:
 
The HEX-V2 should be used with the latest version of our VCDS software.     
The HEX-V2 does not have the ability to emulate a dumb serial pass-through interface and thus unlikely to be compatible with any software other than VCDS.
 
Driver Installation:
 
The HEX-V2 enumerates as an HID device and does not require a special driver.
However, there are some HID power management quirks in 8.1 and newer fixed by installing a device-specific "driver" (actually just an INF file) supplied with the VCDS installer.
 
Source:http://www.obdexpress.co.uk/wholesale/vcds-hex-v2-can-usb-interface-cable.html

Porsche MY17 Macan coding with Piwis

Just to share quickly which mods I was able to code on my Porsche MY17 Macan, using Piwis:
- lowered air suspension by 32mm
- retrofitted a heated steering wheel
- retrofitted a OEM backup camera (PDC was in car, but w/o cam)
- Upgrade from PDLS to PDLS+ (since front camera and lights are the same) just by coding
- Memo function for the Start/Stop function (set to "last mode") - this was the most annoying "feature"..
- Option of 22 " wheels (in TPMS menu)
- Option to automatically fold in rearview mirrors when locking the car. Unfolds when starting the car.
- some additional menus in the dash cluster, e.g. Power / Torque
- eliminate seat belt warning (just for testing) in dash cluster

I took another look into the coding in developer mode rather than standard coding mode. Using this mode you typically see the variables and their values in a more raw mode.. maybe that helps.
The ECU in this view is named "BCM vorne E2 Max GT4", (no clue why GT4 is part of that name, it's still the front body control module)
the coding value (variable or byte..) to change is named "Aussenbeleuchtung TFL mit Positions und Schlusslicht" (which means "DRL with side markers & rear lights")
and the value to change is obviously from its default value "nein" to "ja" as this would make the rear lights and side markers run once DRL is on..
If this is possible w/ your device - THIS would be most likely exactly what you aim for... (as in standard coding mode, changing from "US" to "Scandinavia" might take out the side markers which are common in the US but not in Europe (not allowed here).)

The developers mode reveals many more options than the standard mode while it omits and skips coding rules & logicsl checks Piwis would do in normal mode (used at the dealers shops).

I just used it to see the raw name and values of the coding option you were looking for, and I sometimes use that mode when coding some options not available to the shops...

Question: PDLS+ gives you cornering lights and auto dimming for oncoming traffic IIRC.
Reply:
not exactly.
Cornering lights is already part of PDLS standard.
The „+“ converts the cornering lights to intersection lighting, thus when you get near an intersection both sides come on, triggered by the GPS nav function.
Auto dimming function is added as well as already stated by siberian. In my case, it works in multiple stages (zones). thus, high beam is not just simply switched on or off but lowered down depending on where the oncoming traffic is identified by the front cam. Better than I expected even with my xenons.
Both functions can be coded independently BTW. Coding has to change some settings
- fog lights (code from simple fog light to intersection)
- front cam
- headlights
if I recall correctly.

Source:http://blog.obdexpress.co.uk/2020/04/23/porsche-my17-macan-coding-with-piwis/

How to use Thinkdiag OBDII Diagnostic Tool

THINKDIAG, the Smart Vehicle Diagnostic Tool Every Mechanic and Car Owner Need.

Part1.Setting up your THINKDIAG device for the First-time

1. Download ThinkDiag App:
Search “ThinkDiag” in App Store or Google Play. ThinkDiag App is FREE to download. (as shown in the figure below)

2. Sign In or Sign Up:
If you already have a Thinkcar Tech account, please sign in with your Thinkcar Tech account; If you do not have one, please sign up for an account. Please note that one Thinkcar Tech ac-count is common for all products from Thinkcar Tech company.

How to Sign Up for an Account:

Open the ThinkDiag App, click on “Sign Up”. Input your username, email, and verification code (which will be sent to the email you input), then create your own password. Click on “Sign Up” and finish.

3. Activate a ThinkDiag Device:
After the registration, there will be a notification of “Activation Code”. Click on “OK” to open the activation page, you need to input the serial number and a 8-digit activation code of your ThinkDiag device.

4. Download Diagnostics Software:
After the activation, go to “ThinkStore” to download diagnostics software. Each ThinkDiag de-vice comes with 2 FREE diagnostics software for one year. Please select the software based on your vehicles, and download the corresponding software.

5. Insert the ThinkDiag Device into OBDII port in Your Vehicle:
Usually, the OBDII port is located under the dashboard, above the pedal on the driver’s side. Here are the 5 common positions of OBDII port (as shown in the figure below). Insert the ThinkDiag device, there will be a green light which indicates the device is powered on.

6. Bluetooth Connection:
Open the ThinkDiag App, it will automatically search to activated device and connect via Bluetooth in the App.

7. Start to Use Your ThinkDiag Device:
After the bluetooth connection, you can use all the functions of your ThinkDiag device such as: All Systems Diagnostics, Maintenance&Service Functions, OBD II Diagnostics, Thinkcar Re-mote Diagnostics.

Part2.FAQ of Thinkdiag Hardware

Q: What’s the different lights of ThinkDiag indicate?
A: There are four different lights of ThinkDiag:

Continuous Green Light: ThinkDiag device is powered on.

Continuous Blue Light: Bluetooth is connected.

Flashing Blue Light: Bluetooth is in communication.

Continuous Red Light: Firmware upgrade successful or firmware upgrade failed.

Q: Does my Thinkdiag device need to be charged? How about the power consumption, is it safe?
A: Thinkdiag is powered directly from the vehicles OBD port. The power consumption of the device is very low and it’s safe.

Q: Does Thinkdiag work with diesel trucks?
A: Yes. Only for light duty.

Q: Will Thinkdiag interfere with other devices in my car?
A: No, our Bluetooth module has been thoroughly tested to ensure that it does not interfere with other Bluetooth devices.

Q: Does my Thinkdiag device use my car’s Bluetooth?
A: No, it does not.

FAQ of Thinkdiag Software

Q: Why do I need to download the diagnostics software after download the App?
A: Due to a variety of vehicle manufacturers on the market, different vehicle manufacturers re-quire corresponding diagnostics software. Therefore, ThinkDiag will recognize the vehicle manufacturer first while diagnosing, then download the corresponding diagnostics software to work.

Q: What is Thinkdiag’s vehicle diagnostic software policy and the ThinkStore?
A: Along with the Thinkdiag hardware, two vehicle diagnostic softwares are free. The first time you use this tool, it will ask you to select the vehicle diagnostic software you want to download. (Notice: once a diagnostic software is chosen, it cannot be changed. )

ThinkStore has all the all the vehicle diagnostic softwares that Thinkdiag can use, covering more than 95% of car models in the market.

The diagnostic software is valid for one year and require renewal after expiration.

After you download the two free vehicle diagnostic softwares, you need to purchase if you want to download more softwares.

The procedure for purchasing additional diagnostic software is as followed:

Activate device → Open ThinkStore in the Thinkdiag App → Select the software → Select buy now/add to shopping cart → Complete payment → Download diagnostic software → Start the diagnosis.

Q: Which vehicle can ThinkDiag diagnose?
A: ThinkDiag supports 37 vehicle manufactures, diagnoses more than 110 vehicle brands. The diagnostics software are available in ThinkStore in the ThinkDiag App.

Note: The sizes of different manufactures’ diagnostics software are different. Some software are large which requires a good network environment to download.

Q: What are the special functions of ThinkDiag?
A: ThinkDiag supports 16 special functions, including: AFS RESET、Elec.Throttle RLRN、GEAR LEARN、Immobilizer/Keys、INJECTOR、RESET BRAKE、RESET OIL、RESET SAS、RESETBLEED、RESETBMS、RESETBOX、RESETDPF、RESETEGR、RESETTPMS、SUNROOR、RESET SUS. According to different vehicle manufacturers’ di-agnostics software, there will be more special functions.

Q: Does Thinkdiag support multiple languages?
A: Thinkdiag App supports the following languages: English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Portu-guese,Italian, German. Thinkdiag diagnostic software supports the following languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, German, Polish, Romanian, Dutch, Arabic, Czech, Danish, Greek, Persian, Finnish, Hungarian, Swedish, Turk-ish, Serbian, and Croatian.

Q: What smartphones can download ThinkDiag App?
A: ThinkDiag App supports smartphones with Android 5.0 and above, IOS 9.0 and above. It cannot be used on PC with WINDOWS system.

Q: Does ThinkDiag need firmware upgrade?
A: Yes, it does. When the ThinkDiag device is connected to the bluetooth on your smartphone, it will automatically check if the firmware of your device is the lasting version. If it’s not, it will upgrade automatically.

Q: Can the same App account bind with multiple devices?
A: Yes, you can set it in the App.

Some other notes during use
Q: How long is your warranty period?
A: One year.

Q: What is the refund policy?
A: Depends on the refund policy of the purchase platform.

Q: Does Thinkdiag require an internet connection?
A: Thinkdiag device required Bluetooth connection with your smartphone. If you need to update your vehicle diagnostic software, your smartphone needs an internet connection.

Q: How do I check my report?
A: You can check your report history on the “Diagnostic” or “My” page.

Q: Can I share my test reports to others?
A: Yes, you can share it with your friends via Facebook, Twitter, or within the Thinkdiag App community (ThinkMoments).

Q: Can the reports be saved in PDF format?
A: Yes.

Q: Can my Thinkdiag device be used on more than one car?
A: Yes, the device can be used with different vehicles as long as you download the correspond-ing diagnostic software.

Q: Can my Thinkdiag device connect to multiple smartphones?
A: Yes, simply use the same login information. After logging in with a new smartphone, the software matching the car model will need to be downloaded to the new phone.

Q: Can Thinkdiag device connect to a laptop or PC?
A: No. Thinkdiag device is only supported by the official Android and IOS App.

Q: What do I do if I forget my password?
A: Please use “forgot password” on the login page.

Q: Without a Thinkdiag device, can I download and register for the Thinkdiag App?
A: Yes. You can interact with other users in the ThinkMoments.

Q: Will my vehicle data be known by others?
A: Thinkdiag respects your privacy and all your personal information will be kept confidential and encrypted, your data can only be viewed by others if you share it with them.

part4.App account, Points and Invitation code

Q: What is the point in ThinkDiag account? How to use the points?
A: Every user has the chance to get the points. For example, recommend others to purchase our products, participate in Thinkcar Tech’s official activities, etc. One point redeems one dollar, which can be used to purchase products and services. There will be more points usages.

Q:What is the invitation code in ThinkDiag App? How to use it?
A: After signing up for your account in the App, you will get your own invitation code. The code can be shared with your friends and they will get discount. Every time the invitation code be used, you will get points as a reward.

Source:http://www.obdexpress.co.uk/service/how-to-setup-thinkdiag.html