[boonkgang13k]

Bimmercode seems to offer additional ambient lighting such as pink, red, light blue... wondering if anyone has done that and would coding void warranty? Location: Canada

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by boonkgang13k

Bimmercode seems to offer additional ambient lighting such as pink, red, light blue... wondering if anyone has done that and would coding void warranty?

All you're doing is changing settings for options that are already built-in to the car. I don't think you'll have any problems. It's when you start coding stuff to the car that isn't already there that might put you in that situation. Anything you can do in the basic section of BimmerCode is safe in my opinion.

The worst thing that could happen is if the BMW did a software update while your car was in service you might have to redo everything you coded.

[boonkgang13k]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

All you're doing is changing settings for options that are already built-in to the car. I don't think you'll have any problems. It's when you start coding stuff to the car that isn't already there that might put you in that situation. Anything you can do in the basic section of BimmerCode is safe in my opinion.

The worst thing that could happen is if the BMW did a software update while your car was in service you might have to redo everything you coded.

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

All you're doing is changing settings for options that are already built-in to the car. I don't think you'll have any problems. It's when you start coding stuff to the car that isn't already there that might put you in that situation. Anything you can do in the basic section of BimmerCode is safe in my opinion.

The worst thing that could happen is if the BMW did a software update while your car was in service you might have to redo everything you coded.

I think you're right. The only thing I really want to code is the ambient lighting.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by boonkgang13k

I think you're right. The only thing I really want to code is the ambient lighting.

You're fine. All you're doing is expanding some hidden options that are already on the car. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

[mobilejo]

Wait - Bimmercode can do this? I have BC but haven't used it in over a year. I'm guessing they've finally updated it. I'll play with it today.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by mobilejo

Wait - Bimmercode can do this? I have BC but haven't used it in over a year. I'm guessing they've finally updated it. I'll play with it today.

It has really evolved. As of just a few minutes ago, the ODBLink MX+ adapter is now supported on iOS too. This is good news since I already had one of those before. I still prefer my UniCarScan since it supports all of BimmerCode's features.

[reesch]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

It has really evolved. As of just a few minutes ago, the ODBLink MX+ adapter is now supported on iOS too. This is good news since I already had one of those before. I still prefer my UniCarScan since it supports all of BimmerCode's features.

Curious if you use bimmercode with the engine on for the basic coding or with just the ignition on? I've used e-sys on my f10 back in 2016 with the engine on just to avoid any loss in connection or voltage dips during coding.

[mobilejo]

I just did some coding and left the engine running.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by reesch

Curious if you use bimmercode with the engine on for the basic coding or with just the ignition on? I've used e-sys on my f10 back in 2016 with the engine on just to avoid any loss in connection or voltage dips during coding.

You can't leave it on for every module. Like the engine control unit. You have to be in diagnostic mode for that one.

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

You can't leave it on for every module. Like the engine control unit. You have to be in diagnostic mode for that one.

I must admit, I never code that - I did the instrument cluster & HU with the engine running. I actually wanted to do the ambient lighting but I need a different adaptor to the front electric module - the VGate I have is no longer supported (but still works for some modules).

[bigdaveindubai]

When I read the directions I knew the car needed to be off and then push the start button 3 times with out pushing the brake. Then I would be in diagnostic. I am sure there is a purpose doing it this way most likely so you dont end up with a giant brick.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by bigdaveindubai

When I read the directions I knew the car needed to be off and then push the start button 3 times with out pushing the brake. Then I would be in diagnostic. I am sure there is a purpose doing it this way most likely so you dont end up with a giant brick.

I have done quite a bit of coding with this app, and I've only had to go into diagnostic mode for the engine control unit. All of the others were fine with the engine running. I think it was for the Auto/Start/Stop.

[boonkgang13k]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I have done quite a bit of coding with this app, and I've only had to going to diagnostic mode for the engine control unit. All of the others were fine with the engine running.

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I have done quite a bit of coding with this app, and I've only had to going to diagnostic mode for the engine control unit. All of the others were fine with the engine running.

Is the ambient lighting coding free to use or I have to buy the full version of the app?

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by boonkgang13k

Is the ambient lighting coding free to use or I have to buy the full version of the app?

You have to buy the app to use it at all. It's not very much, and totally worth it.

[Qsilver7]

Can you just hook up a battery charger/tender to the jump start terminals in the engine bay to prevent bricking any modules by a loss of power? That way you don't have to start the engine (unless it is a requirement) to code multiple modules that may take a while...and you don't want your battery voltage to drop.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Can you just hook up a battery charger/tender to the jump start terminals in the engine bay to prevent bricking any modules by a loss of power? That way you don't have to start the engine (unless it is a requirement) to code multiple modules that may take a while...and you don't want your battery voltage to drop.

That's overkill. It only takes a few minutes to code the changes that BimmerCode can do - plus you can only modify one ECU at a time.

The only one you have to be in diagnostic mode for is the engine control unit. All of the rest can be done with the engine running.

[Qsilver7]

Thanks

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Can you just hook up a battery charger/tender to the jump start terminals in the engine bay to prevent bricking any modules by a loss of power? That way you don't have to start the engine (unless it is a requirement) to code multiple modules that may take a while...and you don't want your battery voltage to drop.

No experienced coding takes too much time to keep the car running for most items or run in diag mode (engine off) when needed for the short time will not effect battery.

[lago1974]

Originally Posted by mobilejo

I must admit, I never code that - I did the instrument cluster & HU with the engine running. I actually wanted to do the ambient lighting but I need a different adaptor to the front electric module - the VGate I have is no longer supported (but still works for some modules).

Mobilejo - when you say you did the instrument cluster, do you mean you changed the color for how it looks in say Sport mode, or Comfort mode? I thought I read somewhere that you can have it show comfort display when it's in sport mode (if you don't like the red) for example. Am I way off here? Thanks

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by lago1974

Mobilejo - when you say you did the instrument cluster, do you mean you changed the color for how it looks in say Sport mode, or Comfort mode? I thought I read somewhere that you can have it show comfort display when it's in sport mode (if you don't like the red) for example. Am I way off here? Thanks

You can change the red to orange, I'm not aware of any other colors. If you have the 6WB instrument cluster you can also change the instrument cluster to Alpina mode:

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by lago1974

Mobilejo - when you say you did the instrument cluster, do you mean you changed the color for how it looks in say Sport mode, or Comfort mode? I thought I read somewhere that you can have it show comfort display when it's in sport mode (if you don't like the red) for example. Am I way off here? Thanks

I coded the Alpina display as pictured by Virtualguitars. I un-coded it after a day; was not keen. But was cool to see it in person as I was always curious.

You can set the car to keep the 'comfort' display even when the car is in sport mode via the menu in the car; you don't need to code that.

[lago1974]

Originally Posted by mobilejo

I coded the Alpina display as pictured by Virtualguitars. I un-coded it after a day; was not keen. But was cool to see it in person as I was always curious.

You can set the car to keep the 'comfort' display even when the car is in sport mode via the menu in the car; you don't need to code that.

Thanks that's good to know. I haven't taken delivery of mine yet but it doesn't (unfortunately) have the full digital display. From pictures I've seen I like the comfort setting and I really like the blue on the eco mode but I'm not so keen on the red sport mode.