VXDIAG VCX SE BMW: Simplifying BMW E90 Radio Coding

Background Information:

Recently, while upgrading my BMW E90, I got my hands on a radio that was removed from another car with a high-fidelity system. The problem was that my original setup used a cheap INPA cable, which struggled to handle the large data packets from the LCI version of the radio, leading to failed coding attempts.

Realizing I needed something more reliable, I decided to invest in a professional tool. After comparing several options on the market, I settled on the VXDIAG VCX SE for BMW, primarily due to its positive user reviews and better technical support availability. I opted for the basic version since I had already installed all the necessary software on my laptop.

Once the device arrived, I began the setup process. First, I connected the VXDIAG to the OBD-II port of my E90 and plugged it into my laptop via USB. Using the dedicated VX Manager software, I quickly got the device recognized and initialized. The OEM software interface offered a variety of functions, including diagnostics, coding, and programming.

I selected the “coding” function and was prompted to enter my vehicle's information and the radio model. The system provided a user-friendly wizard that guided me through the configuration and programming of the radio. However, after connecting, I noticed the radio still wasn’t working properly; the firmware only loaded halfway. I started to suspect that there might be an issue with the MOST ring since I didn’t have a corresponding MOST module. To confirm this, I decided to create a MOST loop using original BMW wiring and connected it to the RAD2 radio.

After completing the connection, I used the VXDIAG again to code. In the WinKFP software, I selected “Comfort Mode” and then updated the ECU to ensure all settings were correct. The flashing process took about 15 minutes, and in the end, I successfully programmed the radio and restored its functionality.

This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the VXDIAG VCX SE’s capabilities and reliability. The device’s quick response and intuitive interface made me feel much more confident in my ongoing upgrades, whether for troubleshooting or coding.

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