Modify BMW USB-OBD Cable for 2005 and Later Cars

If you have an older USB-OBD diagnostic cable that works with BMWs up to 2005 [DIS v44 etc.] then it will need modifying to use with later cars and version of DIS / INPA etc. The process it pretty easy.

1. Remove the four screws from the OBD section of the cable using a crosshead-screwdriver.

2. The case will likely be glued together, so pry it open with a flat-screwdriver and remove the circuit-board.

3. Locate pins 7 and 8 on the back of the OBD-plug itself, which you will find bridged by a blob of solder. [Usually the right-side two pins looking at the face of the board with the LED on.]

4. Use a soldering iron to melt the solder between the two pins so they are no longer linked. [A solder-sucking device is useful here, but it can be pulled off onto the soldering-iron quite easily.]

5. Re-assemble circuit-board in casing and replace screws.

The cable will now work 2005 and later BMW cars, including newer models for all diagnostics using this interface, inc. DIS v55, v57, INPA 6.4.3 etc.

The cable will no longer work with BMWs made before 2005 and DIS v44, so it might be worth getting a spare cable to de-solder. The ideal solution is to solder small wires to each pin that run off to a switch mounted in the edge of the casing. cn555ic has done a very good guide on how to do this on E90post.com - https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=672940.