BMW / MINI ISTA software
BMW / MINI ISTA software
Author
Discussion

den9112

Original Poster:

228 posts

186 months

Sunday 30th March 2025
quotequote all
Hi , i am looking at purchasing Bmw ISTA Inpa Esys Diagnostic Coding Software & Cables for BMW Mini 1998-2024
The kit i have seen is on a well known auction site and having used VCDS in the past i eventually got to know how to use it to a certain level which came in handy for things like fuel pump priming ,coding injectors ,window modules ..I would like to think i could get to know how to use ISTA for service items etc...I take it ISTA is very similar to what VCDS would be ...With VCDS i had to purchase a genuine Gendan from rosstech which allowed 3 vins but the software was free to download ..At the price they are selling for it seems a good price to be able to do some coding .It looks like they send you software to download and set up as anyone used these and are they worth going for...Thanks

chrisch77

873 posts

96 months

Sunday 30th March 2025
quotequote all
VCDS (or VAG-COM if you are old enough to remember!) is an aftermarket diagnostic product, aimed at the consumer with documentation and support. The knocked off BMW diagnostic software is not….. I’ll leave it at that.

Don’t underestimate the user NON friendliness of the software and the potential to brick your car if you don’t know what you are doing (including familiarity with German language!).

driver67

1,076 posts

186 months

Sunday 30th March 2025
quotequote all
den9112 said:
Hi , i am looking at purchasing Bmw ISTA Inpa Esys Diagnostic Coding Software & Cables for BMW Mini 1998-2024
The kit i have seen is on a well known auction site and having used VCDS in the past i eventually got to know how to use it to a certain level which came in handy for things like fuel pump priming ,coding injectors ,window modules ..I would like to think i could get to know how to use ISTA for service items etc...I take it ISTA is very similar to what VCDS would be ...With VCDS i had to purchase a genuine Gendan from rosstech which allowed 3 vins but the software was free to download ..At the price they are selling for it seems a good price to be able to do some coding .It looks like they send you software to download and set up as anyone used these and are they worth going for...Thanks
Have a look at this recent thread.

I went for the package from Rusty. Flawless install using an older cable i had from Bm Technics when they were around.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Dannbodge

2,323 posts

142 months

Monday 31st March 2025
quotequote all
I recently downloaded a copy of ISTA+. Was free and pretty simple to install and set-up.

Only had to but an ENET cable which was £6 off amazon.

hulksta

92 posts

58 months

Friday 27th June 2025
quotequote all
Hi,

hoping someone can help with obtaining ISTA+.
Came across the following link: https://www.bimmerdiagnostics.com/#xl_HeadingAncho...
offering 1-click installation of the ISTA+.

Anyone verify this website / business is ok?

Thank you

E-bmw

12,002 posts

173 months

Friday 27th June 2025
quotequote all
hulksta said:
Hi,

hoping someone can help with obtaining ISTA+.
Came across the following link: https://www.bimmerdiagnostics.com/#xl_HeadingAncho...
offering 1-click installation of the ISTA+.

Anyone verify this website / business is ok?

Thank you
For wwwsite with so little information, especially about the company, I would be suspicious enough.

When trustpilot has the reviews that it has it would be a no from me!