e39 BMW Scanner That Works with Other Cars: Installation Guide for Windows 11

Are you looking to diagnose and maintain your BMW E39 or potentially other vehicles with a reliable scanner? The BMW Scanner 1.4.0, also known as the PA Soft BMW Scanner, is a popular tool for accessing in-depth diagnostics and coding options. While initially favored for older BMW models like the E39, its capabilities extend to other vehicles, making it a versatile tool in your automotive toolkit.

Many users have found the installation process on modern operating systems like Windows 11 to be challenging. Conflicting information and outdated guides can lead to frustration. This article provides a straightforward, step-by-step guide to successfully install the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 on your Windows 11 64-bit laptop. We’ve streamlined the process, eliminating unnecessary steps and focusing on what truly works, so you can quickly get your scanner up and running. Forget about the confusing forum threads and endless videos – here’s the proven method.

What You’ll Need:

• BMW Scanner 1.4.0 Device: You can find these readily available online. Ensure it resembles the one linked here. Standard INPA K+CAN cables are not compatible with PA Soft.
• Optional 20-Pin Adapter: If your BMW has the older 20-pin round diagnostic port located under the hood (common in some older models), you will need a 20-pin to OBD2 adapter. An example can be found here.
• Windows 11 64-bit Laptop: This guide is specifically for Windows 11.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for BMW Scanner 1.4.0 on Windows 11

We’ve prepared a convenient package containing the necessary software and drivers to simplify the installation. Download it from this Google Drive link: BMW Scanner 1.4.0 with drivers

1. Install the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 Software:

   • Navigate to the downloaded package and open the “PA Soft BMW Scanner” folder.
   • Run the setup program located within to install the main software application.

2. Prepare Drivers (If Necessary):

   • If you have previously attempted to install drivers for similar devices and encountered issues, it’s recommended to uninstall them to avoid conflicts.
   • Open Device Manager on your Windows 11 system.
   • Look for any devices listed under “Ports” (e.g., “USB Serial Port”) or “Other devices” (e.g., “USB Serial Converter,” “BMW Scanner”).
   • Right-click on any such devices and select “Uninstall device.” Tick the box to delete the driver software if prompted.
   • Navigate to the “Scanner drivers” folder in the downloaded package.
   • Locate and run “CDMUninstaller.exe”.
   • Click “Add,” select any remaining driver components related to FTDI or USB serial devices, and click “Uninstall.”
   • Restart your computer after uninstalling any previous drivers. This ensures a clean slate for the new driver installation.

3. Install the Correct Drivers:

   • Go back to the “Scanner Driver” folder within the downloaded package.
   • You will find two crucial files: “ftdibus.inf” and “ftdiport.inf”.
   • Right-click on each file individually and select “Install” from the context menu.
   • These drivers are digitally signed, so there is no need to disable driver signature enforcement or enable test mode in Windows. You also do not need to use Device Manager to manually install these drivers.

4. Connect the Scanner:

   • Plug the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 module into the OBD2 port of your car.
   • Then, connect the USB end of the scanner module to your Windows 11 laptop.

5. Run the PA Soft BMW Scanner Software:

   • Launch the PA Soft BMW Scanner software you installed in Step 1.
   • The software should automatically detect the drivers and the scanner module, proceeding to the main menu.

6. Establish Car Communication:

   • The software will prompt you to “switch the key.” Turn your car key to the accessory position (one click to position 1, also known as KL 1 or ACC). This activates the car’s electronics without starting the engine.
   • The BMW Scanner software should now recognize your car through the module and establish communication.

7. You’re Ready to Go!

   • You should now have full access to the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 software and its diagnostic capabilities for your BMW and potentially other compatible vehicles.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• “Drivers are not installed” Message: If the scanner software displays a “Drivers are not installed” message upon startup, it indicates an issue with the driver installation.

  • Double-check that you have correctly installed both “ftdibus.inf” and “ftdiport.inf” files as instructed in Step 3.
  • Ensure no conflicting drivers are present by following the driver uninstallation steps in Step 2.
  • For the latest Windows OS versions, consider checking the official FTDI website (https://ftdichip.com/drivers/d2xx-drivers/) for the most up-to-date D2XX drivers. Download and install the .inf files from the 64-bit Windows desktop version if necessary, repeating Step 3.

• “Hardware fault” Message: If the scanner welcome screen shows “hardware fault,” this usually indicates a connection problem between the scanner module and your car.

  • Verify that the scanner module is securely plugged into the car’s OBD2 port.
  • Ensure the cable is properly connected to both the scanner module and your laptop.
  • While rare, test the scanner cable and module for any physical damage.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install your BMW Scanner 1.4.0 on Windows 11 and begin diagnosing your BMW E39 or other compatible cars. Enjoy the enhanced control and insight into your vehicle’s systems that this powerful tool provides!