BIM-COM Tool In Development

[Santiago]

If any of you are hardcore VW/Audi guys you probably already know about VAG-COM which is a diagnostic/setting tool that is pretty much equivalent to what the dealer would use on your car. This is not OBD-II, this is more than OBD-II. Please take the time to read about VAG-COM to see what you can do with this tool at the following web page: http://www.ross-tech.com

Anyway, these same guys are presently developing a BMW/Mini tool with the Mini version on the verge of being released and the E46 one to follow just after. I really recommend you guys take the time to register on the Yahoo Groups http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BiM-COM that Ross-Tech set up and keep up to date on this. I also recommend you send them word that you are interested in this project.

I'm still a few years away from needing a tool like this (just got my car last May) but I do intend to keep it for a while and this kind of tool will prove invaluable.

FYI, the VAG-COM tool is about $250USD so expect similar pricing.

[oyster]

oh also, the technical advisor drives a 2001 330i, so they have a test car :thumbsup:

very professional and prompt in email communication

keep us updated

[Santiago]

oh also, the technical advisor drives a 2001 330i, so they have a test car :thumbsup:

very professional and prompt in email communication

keep us updated
Hi Oyster,

You contacted them? What did they say, I'm only going by what is on the Yahoo site.

From what I understand, they leased a Mini to start development on the Mini version first and this is because they're under the assumption that there are more Mini DIY enthusiasts than E46 DIY enthusiasts. I have trouble believing that, all you have to do is see the posts that dominate here and over at E46Fanatics.

This is why it's important we let them know that we're very interested in what is going on with their project.

Again, please take the time to register on the Yahoo site.

[oyster]

Hi Oyster,

You contacted them? What did they say, I'm only going by what is on the Yahoo site.

From what I understand, they leased a Mini to start development on the Mini version first and this is because they're under the assumption that there are more Mini DIY enthusiasts than E46 DIY enthusiasts. I have trouble believing that, all you have to do is see the posts that dominate here and over at E46Fanatics.

This is why it's important we let them know that we're very interested in what is going on with their project.

Again, please take the time to register on the Yahoo site.

I got a yahoo id but I'm confused how that site works. Learning curb too steep :sick:

I forwarded my email communication with them to your email. Check it out. Maybe send Jay a link to this thread? :Idunno:

[Santiago]

I got a yahoo id but I'm confused how that site works. Learning curb too steep :sick:

I forwarded my email communication with them to your email. Check it out. Maybe send Jay a link to this thread? :Idunno:

To subscribe send an email to BiM-COM-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
I added the word 'subscribe' to the title and body of the email but I don't it's absolutely necessary.

I think you've been communicating with a similar company but it isn't Ross-Tech. It will be interesting to compare the features once the Ross-Tech product is released.

[oyster]

Automont Distributions Inc.
2120 De la Province
Longueuil, QC J4G 1R7
450-679-7470
Automont is also a Canadian distributor for Bentley CD's and Books.

Santiago, the distributor is like 2 min away from my parent's place. Guess where I'll be hanging next time I'm in MTL, beside coming to collect and pay for all the stuff you ordered :p

If they have the updated Bentley CD, probably pick it up

[oyster]

Q: What's the difference between VAG-COM and an OBD-II Scan-Tool?
A: OBD-II is a government mandated diagnostic protocol that is primarily aimed at diagnosing emissions-related problems. An OBD-II scan tool will work in many different brands of cars. VAG-COM uses VW's proprietary diagnostic protocol and will only work in VW/Audi vehicles. Although you can use an OBD-II Scan Tool in an OBD-II compliant (1996 or newer) VW or Audi, an OBD-II Scan Tool can only talk to the engine, not the numerous other "intelligent" systems in the car. Want to reprogram your central locks or your Radio? Diagnose a problem with your ABS, Airbags, or Automatic Transmission? Re-align your Immobilizer after swapping ECU's? Reset your Service Reminder Indicators? Communicate with a pre-1996 model (not OBD-II compliant) car? An OBD-II Scan-Tool can't do any of these things. Please see our OBD-II Page for information on using third party generic OBD-II software through our Interface. Want some reasons to choose VAG-COM over a generic OBD-II scan tool? See this Real World Comparison.

[Santiago]

Q: What's the difference between VAG-COM and an OBD-II Scan-Tool?
A: OBD-II is a government mandated diagnostic protocol that is primarily aimed at diagnosing emissions-related problems. An OBD-II scan tool will work in many different brands of cars. VAG-COM uses VW's proprietary diagnostic protocol and will only work in VW/Audi vehicles. Although you can use an OBD-II Scan Tool in an OBD-II compliant (1996 or newer) VW or Audi, an OBD-II Scan Tool can only talk to the engine, not the numerous other "intelligent" systems in the car. Want to reprogram your central locks or your Radio? Diagnose a problem with your ABS, Airbags, or Automatic Transmission? Re-align your Immobilizer after swapping ECU's? Reset your Service Reminder Indicators? Communicate with a pre-1996 model (not OBD-II compliant) car? An OBD-II Scan-Tool can't do any of these things. Please see our OBD-II Page for information on using third party generic OBD-II software through our Interface. Want some reasons to choose VAG-COM over a generic OBD-II scan tool? See this Real World Comparison.

Sweet, this is the kind of tool that can be used to activate alarms, change the key button programming, etc. I'm definitely getting my hands on one of these.

[oyster]

Sweet, this is the kind of tool that can be used to activate alarms, change the key button programming, etc. I'm definitely getting my hands on one of these.

Ok so if we start an interest list, may be if they see we have confirm interest, they might do faster R&D?

1-Santiago
2-Oyster

[Yorgi]

Ok so if we start an interest list, may be if they see we have confirm interest, they might do faster R&D?

1-Santiago
2-Oyster

I'd love to get my hands on something like this.

1-Santiago
2-Oyster
3-Yorgi

[GTC]

Count me in!

1-Santiago
2-Oyster
3-Yorgi
4-GTC

[Santiago]

Don't forget to sign onto the mailing list (see first post) so that you can express your interest in this product.

[Chopper]

In.

1-Santiago
2-Oyster
3-Yorgi
4-GTC
5-Chopper