I'm trying to diagnose my friends 2008 R52 convertible. She had a local mechanic throw parts at it (plugs,relays, cam position sensors) to no avail. She lives on an island and there doesn't seem to be anyone truly capable here. Here's what I know -The car sits for 6-9 months a year..Someone allegedly started it about a year ago but a few days later the owner tried to start it but the battery was dead.The battery was replaced after a jump attempt but it wouldn't start. Here it sits...The local (half wit) mechanic told her that he couldn't diagnose it because his code reader "couldn't hook up to the car". All BS, hence all the parts and labor she paid for.... My Autel MS906 was able to read the codes. A 1656 code and a 500 (DME vehicle speed sensor signal fault were listed).

I've read several posts about the Immobilizer issue which sounds pretty common and my layman's knowledge seems like that could be the problem. Does that make sense? If so,where's the best place to source a cable and the ISTA software (or whatever I truly need to solve the EWS immobilizer incorrect code issue). There are a bunch of cables on Amazon. I don't think my Autel has that capability. I've seen sites that sell you a daily license and have read that there's some sketchy software out there too. I'm clearly not an expert, just someone with a bit more knowledge that wants to help.