Installation Guide for BMW ENET Cable (Ethernet to OBD2 Adapter with USB-C)

Requirements:

• ENET Ethernet to OBD2 Cable with USB-C (as shown in the Amazon listing and the OHPTools link).
• A laptop or PC with a USB-C port (or a USB-C to Ethernet adapter if your laptop does not have a USB-C port).
• BMW vehicle (F-series, including F87 M2, with an OBD2 diagnostic port).
• BMW Diagnostic Software (e.g., ISTA/D, ISTA/P, or other compatible OBD2 software).
• Ethernet Cable (for the connection between your laptop and the car).
• OBD2 Port in your BMW.

Step 1: Prepare Your Laptop or PC

Install Diagnostic Software:
Download and install the BMW diagnostic software you’ll be using (e.g., ISTA/D, ISTA/P, or another OBD2 software compatible with BMW vehicles).
Make sure the software is set up correctly and that all necessary drivers are installed.

Ensure Your Laptop Has USB-C Port:
Confirm that your laptop or PC has a USB-C port (or if not, that you have a USB-C to Ethernet adapter).

Check Ethernet Connectivity:
The ENET cable with USB-C uses the USB-C end to connect to your laptop and establish a network connection. Ensure that your laptop can recognize and use the Ethernet connection provided by the ENET cable.

Step 2: Connect the ENET Cable to Your Laptop or PC

Plug in the USB-C End to Your Laptop:
Insert the USB-C end of the ENET cable into your laptop’s USB-C port. If your laptop does not have a USB-C port, use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter to connect the cable to a standard USB port on your laptop.

Verify the Network Connection:
After plugging in the USB-C cable, your laptop should recognize the connection. On Windows, you may see an indicator like “Unidentified Network” or “Local Area Connection” in your network settings, which means the laptop is connected to the car's OBD2 port.

Step 3: Connect the ENET Cable to Your BMW’s OBD2 Port

Locate the OBD2 Port:
In your BMW (such as the F87 M2), the OBD2 port is usually located under the dashboard near the driver's side, around the footwell area. It’s a 16-pin connector that allows diagnostic communication with the car.

Plug in the OBD2 End:
Insert the OBD2 end of the ENET cable into the vehicle’s OBD2 port. This establishes the connection between the car's ECU (Engine Control Unit) and your laptop.

Step 4: Launch and Configure the Diagnostic Software

Open the BMW Diagnostic Software:
Launch the BMW diagnostic software (e.g., ISTA/D or ISTA/P) on your laptop.
Select the BMW Model:
In the software, select your BMW model (e.g., F87 M2 or another F-series model).

Select the Network Connection:
The software should detect the Ethernet connection automatically, especially if you’ve correctly connected the USB-C ENET cable.
If prompted, select Ethernet/ENET as the communication method.

Verify Connection:
The software should now be able to establish communication with the car’s ECU. If everything is connected correctly, you should see your vehicle’s details appear on the diagnostic software interface.

Step 5: Start Diagnostics, Coding, or Software Updates

Perform Diagnostics or Coding:
Once the connection is established, you can begin running diagnostics, coding, or software updates on your BMW vehicle.

Software Updates (if applicable):
If you're updating the ECU software or performing module programming, make sure to follow all instructions carefully within the diagnostic software.
Step 6: Disconnecting the ENET Cable

Close the Diagnostic Software:
Once you have finished diagnostics, coding, or programming, make sure to properly close the diagnostic software.

Disconnect the ENET Cable:
Carefully remove the OBD2 end from your vehicle’s OBD2 port and the USB-C end from your laptop.

Store the ENET Cable:
Safely store the ENET cable in a secure location to avoid damage. You can also keep it in a protective case if available.
Troubleshooting Tips

No Connection Detected:

• Ensure the ENET cable is securely plugged into both your laptop and the OBD2 port.
• Check that your laptop's network settings are properly configured to recognize the Ethernet connection.
• Restart the software and try reconnecting if the connection is not detected.

Error Messages in Software:

• If the diagnostic software is not detecting your vehicle, verify the OBD2 port is functioning properly.
• Make sure your BMW vehicle’s ECU is powered on and in the correct mode for diagnostics.

USB-C to Ethernet Adapter Issues:
If you’re using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter and the connection isn’t working, try a different USB port or ensure the adapter is functioning properly.

Important Notes:

Network Configuration: The laptop should automatically detect the Ethernet connection once the ENET cable is plugged in, but check the network settings if there’s an issue.

Software Compatibility: Make sure your diagnostic software is compatible with both your vehicle model and the ENET cable.
Firmware Updates: Ensure your BMW’s firmware is up to date before performing any software updates or ECU coding.

 

For additional details and troubleshooting tips, as well as more information on compatible diagnostic software and hardware, be sure to check out this here.