How to do BMW engine re-adaptation using ISTA D or ISTA+

Steps to re-adapt BMW engine with BMW ISTA-D or ISTA+ software:

(Rheingold is the old name of ISTA/D. After version 4, it was called ISTA+ and also has the ability to program F and G cars without ISTA/P. ISTA/P is legacy now for E series cars.)

1.  Start new session in ISTA D/ ISTA+, perform the identification of vehicle and a test:

2.  open menu Vehicle management:

3.  open menu Service function:

4.  open sub-menu Power train, press Start search:

5.  open sub-menu Engine Electronics:

6.  open sub-menu Adjustment functions:

7.  Select Delete adaptations/variants

8.  Select Delete engine adaptation value, press Display

9.  Select Reset adaptation values and versions (encoding)

Follow instructions on the screen.

Important!
Follow the instructions very carefully! If deleting of adaptations was successful, you will see notice “Adaptation values and taught versions were reset”. If ISTA D/ ISTA+ does not displays notice “Adaptation values and taught versions were reset” after the attempt to delete the adaptations, repeat the procedure once again.

10.  Adaptation of the flywheel
11.  a) turn on the engine;
Attention: the car may run unevenly! If EML (check engine) symbol appears on KOMBI and increased/incorrect idle is observed:
*   turn off the engine; turn on the ignition;
*   slowly press and release accelerator pedal for three times;
*   start the engine;
b) accelerate till 100 .. 110km/h on even road;
c) switch the 4th gear (for automatic transmission – in manual mode);
d) release the accelerator pedal, brake with the engine (don’t press brake pedal) for 7 .. 10 seconds;
Repeat points b .. d three times;
e) stop the car, switch off the ignition, takeoff the key, disconnect the diagnostics cable;
f) wait, till the lighting of start/stop button turns off.

11. Re-adaptation of the fuel mixture
12.  a) turn on the engine;
Attention: the car may run unevenly! If EML (check engine) symbol appears on KOMBI and increased/incorrect idle is observed:
*   turn off the engine; turn on the ignition;
*   slowly press and release accelerator pedal for three times;
*   start the engine;
b) allow the engine to run idle for 5 minutes;
c) perform the driving session with even speed 60 .. 90km/h; 5 .. 10min;
d) repeat points b .. c for several times;
e) stop the car, switch off the ignition, takeoff the key, disconnect the diagnostics cable;
f) wait, till the lighting of start/stop button turns off.
Recheck error message memory, clear if necessary.

12.  Next few times, when starting the cold engine:
13.  a) allow the engine to run idle at least for 5 minutes;
14.  b) drive with longer driving sessions with even RPM and torque when possible.
With this, the creating of initial adaptations can be considered as complete.

Note: when adaptations are cleared, following error messages* can appear immediately:
*   error messages relating DSC. Solution: drive 10 .. 15 min, switch off/on ignition;
*   error messages relating throttle. Solution: turn on ignition, press and release accelerator pedal for 3 times, then start engine.

During adaptation process (after old adaptations have been cleared) some error messages* can appear:
*   error messages relating fuel trim (bank and/or cylinders individually);
*   insufficient performance of CO catalytic converters;
*   Lambda probes (trim and/or signal);
*   uneven run (Stratified charge and/or Homogeneous injection).

These error messages in the exact situation do not indicate any problems with the engine performance.

After new adaptations are completed (after 5 .. 8 driving sessions for cold/warm engine, at least 200 .. 300 km), check the new adaptations and clear error message memory using INPA or ISTA D/ ISTA+, if necessary.

Troubleshooting
1.  When starting a session with ISTA D/ ISTA+, basic data of car does not appear on the computer screen, they must be entered manually. Menus relating NOx sensor and NOx converter are not accessible.
The reason: communication problems between ISTA D/ ISTA+ and the car. Typical problems with OBD / USB host or ICOM IP address and port settings. Contact interface vendors to resolve the issue. If communication between the car and ISTA D/ ISTA+ is established, the car’s basic data will be read from the car.
2.  After confirmation of deleting the adaptations (by pressing ‘Continue’ after the warning ‘Adaptation values will now be reset’), the message ‘Could NOT reset adaptation values’appears.
The reason: the condition ‘Ignition ON’ is not met, see p.3
3.  How to comply with ‘Ignition ON’? – my car does not have an ignition key, it is equipped with the Start / Stop button.
To activate ‘Ignition ON’ mode:
*   insert the key into the slot;
*   do not press any pedal (no clutch, no brake pedal);
*   press the ‘Start / Stop’ button several times while all the indicators (ABS/DTC, SRS, etc.) light up in the KOMBI.
*   After confirmation of deleting the adaptations (by pressing ‘Continue’ after the warning ‘Adaptation values will now be reset’), the message ‘Switch off Terminal 15 and terminal R’appears.

Action required:
*   switch off the ignition;
*   remove the key from the slot;
*   wait for further instructions.