Hi - haven't been around because the Mini has been OK. Have the steering lock red warning - research says poss. ELV or footwell. I read the threads I could find re the diag. software/cables; could use some input. I'm thinking the ISTA software and cable kit from somewhere the best option - just need some feedback on who to buy from with the least aggravation. If there is a thread I missed and this subject has been beat to death, sorry and you can send me packing to the right thread.

Appreciate the help.

 

Poked around a little this AM - battery fully charged - disconnected it; posts clean, cleaned them anyway. Left it disconnected for 2 min. Reconnected - starts up, steering lock warning gone. Maybe just a counter reset issue fixed by battery disconnect/reconnect. IDK. I'll drive it around later and see if I get stranded.

 

Steering lock warning back, no start. Guess I'll keep looking for the best software/cable setup to get into the cas and reset the ELV counter.

 

Have you had the steering column disconnected from the rack? If they aren't reassembled where they were before, you'll get an error.

 

No it hasn't been, thx. From all indications the 2007 ELV has been a real PIA, so much so BMW got rid of it in 2008. Still looking for a software/cable combination that will access the CAS and reset the ELV counter. Has to be INPA/EDIABAS/Tool32. Found an old thread of mine where I was looking for a diff. reason in 2019. Derp. Everything I'm running across online seems dated and/or is vague as far as what it will do. A couple of Youtubes show the process w/the software and cable, but not where it was purchased.

Shop says they won't reset it because of "liability." The concept I understand - they reset the ELV counter, something bad happens ostensibly caused by a failed unit that provided the initial steering lock warning, and they get sued. I offered to sign a release. Nope. More $ in their replacing the module, anyway.
I'll keep digging - thx.

 

Ponied up for a DCAN cable, now rooting around for a good English version INPA download.

 

Well, K+DCAN cable arrived and surprise - it included the INPA software. Unfortunately it's on a CD and my laptop doesn't have a CD drive. Think I have an older one somewhere with a CD drive. Guess I can load it to that one and then move it to a thumb drive to use on the newer one with more memory/speed. Hopefully will get this steering lock warning/no start over and done with tomorrow.

 

[QUOTE=pluffmud;4621296]Well, K+DCAN cable arrived and surprise - it included the INPA software. Unfortunately it's on a CD and my laptop doesn't have a CD drive. Think I have an older one somewhere with a CD drive. Guess I can load it to that one and then move it to a thumb drive to use on the newer one with more memory/speed. Hopefully will get this steering lock warning/no start over and done with tomorrow.[/QUOTE

If you like. I can install inpa an itsa d in your computer. I have done this for several folks on here.

 

[QUOTE=shrevemini;4621324]Well that is a very generous offer! How would we go about it?

 

Download teamviewer. Then I can log in an setup your inpa, ncs expert, winkfp, tool32 an Itsa -D

 

Hey - damn nice of you to offer - thanks! I got the software loaded on my older laptop (with a CD driver) and the cable configured properly no problems. A little under the weather today, so I'll prob. wait until later or tomorrow AM before trying the reset. Need to watch the ELV reset Youtube one more time anyway.

I bought the cable w/the software CD from ohptools.com. Had never heard of them - shipping fast, installation easy, clear instructions. If anyone is looking, I'm pretty happy with it.

 

Well, the software worked fine, cleared the elv counter, car started, steering lock light back, no start. I'll go back into it tomorrow and look at all the codes but the steering lock prob. just needs replacement and I'm not doing that. Maybe try an emulator if I can't get it gone with the software. No wonder BMW ditched this PIA thing in 2008.

 

Lordy. Took it to a euro shop I have never used because it is closer (my mistake). Sat for 12 days; they called this AM - "the steering lock has failed and we can't fix/program - only a dealer." Well, thanks Captain Obvious - I brought it in because the steering lock failed and it would have been nice to know you couldn't deal with it up front before I sat on my *** for 12 days.

My usual Mini shop can fix/program it - they have a weeks wait as well. Will have to have it towed from one shop to another.

Maybe I should just have it towed home and see if I can install a steering lock emulator.

Crikey.

 

All's well that ends well. New CAS module installed; had new rear shocks, motor mounts, and control arm bushings installed while it was in there. Hopefully that will be it for awhile.