INPA (interpreter for test procedures) is older factory floor diagnostic software, designed to run test procedures. I don’t know for sure, as I do not do any Exx work, but I doubt ICOM Emulator would work for older ADS connector. You can find versions of ISTA/D with an ICOM Emulator builtin, that allows you to use it with an ENET Interface for Fxx cars and a DCAN Interface for Exx cars. The ICOM “C” Connection is for the older BMW ADS 20-pin round “Pacman” connector in Engine Bay.

ISTA/P & ISTA/D are designed to be used with an ICOM Interface, and with full ICOM-A-B-C, you can connect to older cars. Likewise, ISTA/P is the replacement for older delaership SSS Progman programming software. ISTA/D is the replacement for older dealership DIS diagnostic software. ISTA/D (aka Rheingold) is the current dealership diagnostic software for all Exx and Fxx cars.

INPA and ISTA/D (Rheingold), which one better? If used incorrectly, programs which communicate via EDIABAS have the potential to destroy computer modules, making replacement the only viable option. NCS and NFS are not particularly user-friendly and require fairly intimate knowledge of BMW systems to use. For example INPA communicates with EDIABAS to perform diagnostics, NCS to perform coding and NFS to perform programming functions. The bottom line with INPA is if you do not understand what a particular function does, you are probably better off leaving that function alone, but having said that, the level of diagnostic functionality is truly exceptional.ĮDIABAS can accomplish virtually any programming/diagnostic or coding function, but since it is only a computer protocol, requires seperate programs to interface between the user and EDIABAS so that it can receive and trasmit instructions. INPA is a powerful and comprehensive diagnostic tool but there is no simple handbook available that I know of which will comprehensively explain its operation or functions. INPA is a diagnostic interpreter program that communicates with your car using BMW’s own factory developed Electronic Diagnosis and Information protocol (EDIABAS).

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