BMW E32 Diagnostic Reader

Finding diagnostic readers for fault-finding on the BMW E32 models can be extremely difficult. This is because the BMW E32 Series was designed and developed before the popular OBDII diagnostic platform, which was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995.

On BMW vehicles manufactured before 1995, the diagnostic protocol was called ‘MODIC,’ and very few aftermarket code readers and diagnostic software are compatible with the MODIC platform.

Since most diagnostic readers on the market do not support MODIC functions and are only equipped for OBDII protocols, this usually results in a lack of compatibility for BMW E32 models.

Even handheld diagnostic error code readers that work with pre-OBDII vehicles have extremely limited functionality, often restricted to simply reading and clearing stored fault codes. These readers will not interrogate the various electronic control modules within the E32 series, nor will they allow the same level of access as you would get from paying a BMW dealer to diagnose your E32.

We offer BMW DIS for sale, a dealer-level diagnostic software that will not only allow you to read and reset fault error codes whenever they occur, but also give you full access to everything on your BMW E32 that the dealer can access. In most cases, the software costs less than a single diagnostic reading performed at your local workshop.

BMW DIS can run on any medium-specification laptop fitted with an RS-232 serial port and comes complete with easy-to-follow installation instructions.

To use BMW DIS on a MODIC-equipped vehicle such as the E32 series, you will need to purchase a special diagnostic interface called ‘ADS.’ This interface allows connection between the serial port on your laptop and the round 20-pin diagnostic connector found in the engine compartment of the BMW E32 series.

Care should be taken when purchasing the correct interface for your BMW E32, as not all interfaces are the same. An incorrect choice or poor-quality interface is the most common cause of connection errors.

Please ensure that you do not buy a standard OBDII EDIABAS interface or D-Can interface, even if it comes with a 16-pin rectangular to 20-pin round ADS adapter. Both are OBDII interfaces and will simply not work, even with the adapter.

To connect to vehicles that use the ADS-type round interface found on E32 BMW models, you need a special, dedicated interface with reliable ADS functionality. This specialized interface can be purchased from Do it Auto (International delivery available).