[VTENGR]

Sorry if this question has been asked (no search feature on mobile) but does it matter how you connect your laptop to the car for coding? All the walk throughs talk about a cat5 to OBD-II cable, but my surface pro does not have an ethernet plug. I've seen USB to OBD-II, but not sure if that would mess things up.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by VTENGR

Sorry if this question has been asked (no search feature on mobile) but does it matter how you connect your laptop to the car for coding? All the walk throughs talk about a cat5 to OBD-II cable, but my surface pro does not have an ethernet plug. I've seen USB to OBD-II, but not sure if that would mess things up.

Are you using esys for coding?

You'll want an ethernet to OBD2 cable. Use an ethernet to usb adapter with your surface. Microsoft sells one, but I prefer this from Startech.

StarTech.com USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - 3 Port - NIC - USB Network / LAN Adapter - Windows & Mac Compatible (ST3300GU3B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MN27LXW..._dR3ODbQZC0QNV

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by claykin

Are you using esys for coding?

You'll want an ethernet to OBD2 cable. Use an ethernet to usb adapter with your surface. Microsoft sells on, but I prefer this one from Startech.

StarTech.com USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - 3 Port - NIC - USB Network / LAN Adapter - Windows & Mac Compatible (ST3300GU3B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MN27LXW..._dR3ODbQZC0QNV

So that would be better than something like this?


ScanTool OBDLink SX USB: Professional Grade OBD-II Automotive Scan Tool for Windows - DIY Car and Truck Data and Diagnostics https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZWM0R4..._IU3ODbV3YJXH4

[LexxM3]

I am using something very similar to this USB to Ethernet adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014ZOJX7W/

and this exact OBD Ethernet Adapter: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-OBD-E-N...-/352749554768

both with great success. I suspect this setup would work on Surface. Check software requirements with ESys and your launcher of choice (ESysX or Launcher Pro), however.

Unless you are eager and willing to be the tester, or unless there is explicit experience by multiple others, I wouldn't choose anything that doesn't explicitly list BMW G-series and ESys for a setup. Coding setups are chaotic enough, you don't need more variables in your interface hardware.

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by LexxM3

I am using something very similar to this USB to Ethernet adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014ZOJX7W/

and this exact OBD Ethernet Adapter: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-OBD-E-N...-/352749554768

both with great success. I suspect this setup would work on Surface. Check software requirements with ESys and your launcher of choice (ESysX or Launcher Pro), however.

Unless you are eager and willing to be the tester, or unless there is explicit experience by multiple others, I wouldn't choose anything that doesn't explicitly list BMW G-series and ESys for a setup. Coding setups are chaotic enough, you don't need more variables in your interface hardware.

Yeah... From what I've gathered the connection is pretty tempermental so I didn't want to introduce a new variable.

[LexxM3]

Originally Posted by VTENGR

Yeah... From what I've gathered the connection is pretty tempermental so I didn't want to introduce a new variable.

Above setup for me is solid now, but getting all the pieces, particularly Launcher Pro, to work together is chaotic. Once running, so far solid and no surprises.