[jwong77]

Hello All,

I've been attempting to install ISTA many times on my PC and can't figure it out, I don't even know which executable to launch once I have it on my computer. Anyhow, I found this fairly cheap way of having someone install it on my computer for me. Was wondering if anyone here has had any real world experience with this service? Did it work? Is it a scam?

Link to the service: https://diag-tools.com/product/ista-...-installation/

[bimmermongrel]

I found a torrent for a self-contained install just last week, not the most recent version (4.32.12) but it worked. Big overnight download but one-click exe install, I already had the OCDB cable and blammo I was able to teach-in a 360 camera I replaced myself. Saved myself at least $1200 of parts & labor, having bought the BMW branded camera from AliExpress for 1/9 what the dealer charges.

[COM40]

They're installing pirated software, hopefully that's the extent of it, but I wouldn't be comfortable with this. Not the best security practice to give a stranger remote access (presumably with admin rights) to your computer. It would be extremely easy to install some spyware along with it.

If you do this, make sure it's on a computer that's not used for anything financial related (even reading emails that are connected to your bank).

[avi66]

Originally Posted by jwong77

Hello All,

I've been attempting to install ISTA many times on my PC and can't figure it out, I don't even know which executable to launch once I have it on my computer. Anyhow, I found this fairly cheap way of having someone install it on my computer for me. Was wondering if anyone here has had any real world experience with this service? Did it work? Is it a scam?

Link to the service: https://diag-tools.com/product/ista-...-installation/

I installed ISTA from the download hosted by a member on here recently.

From memory, there were text (.txt) files included in the download that explained the file structure and folder locations for installation. Once the files are in the correct folders, it works fine.

I would never allow remote access to my computer, particularly when the software being installed is pirated.

[jwong77]

Originally Posted by avi66

I installed ISTA from the download hosted by a member on here recently.

From memory, there were text (.txt) files included in the download that explained the file structure and folder locations for installation. Once the files are in the correct folders, it works fine.

I would never allow remote access to my computer, particularly when the software being installed is pirated.

That’s the thing, I see many posts where somebody claims they were able to do it. But no definitive how to guide that still works.

I believe we may both have the same source. I’ve followed the directions to the best of my ability. But I’ve been stuck for quite some time. What txt file are you referring to?

It’s a good call with regards to access to my computer, I guess I could avoid this by only giving them access to a VM.

[bimmermongrel]

I added a link, it's live for as long as some whitehat doesn't come along and report it. Torrent that (again, it's quite big) and run the EXE file inside, that's all it took for me. My Windows Defender didn't have any problems with it either.

[dinan5m3]

Originally Posted by jwong77

That’s the thing, I see many posts where somebody claims they were able to do it. But no definitive how to guide that still works.

I believe we may both have the same source. I’ve followed the directions to the best of my ability. But I’ve been stuck for quite some time. What txt file are you referring to?

It’s a good call with regards to access to my computer, I guess I could avoid this by only giving them access to a VM.

Yeah, i gave up posting the ista bits in the google drive.

Can you share exact steps you did, because despite being older standalone (patched) ista version, with the latest programming data, "ought to work"?

There are several other options, but given your x3 is 2018 MY (???), mine is 2019, you may want to stay with "free" option. Me on the other hand, i don't know, i just keep updating with actual ista (offline) license, ~$55/2 years locked to a single PC.

If you want to PM me, then that's cool.

But maybe we can use this thread to actually go through the installation for the benefit of others, dunno.

[lfdal54]

I was looking at this site - https://www.diagnose-software.com/pr...ronic-delivery

Their upper level product page has enough options to make my head spin - https://www.diagnose-software.com/

For people that know more about this than I do, which I guess is everyone, is this legit? The price doesn't appear too bad.

I caught this at the end of their details section - "Please Note: All ISTA versions are offline versions that are not connected to the BMW backend server and, therefore, do not support the secure coding needed for newer BMW series." From what I was reading elsewhere I'm guessing this applies to iDrive 8 and above. Is that correct?

[avi66]

Originally Posted by lfdal54

I was looking at this site - https://www.diagnose-software.com/pr...ronic-delivery

Their upper level product page has enough options to make my head spin - https://www.diagnose-software.com/

For people that know more about this than I do, which I guess is everyone, is this legit? The price doesn't appear too bad.

I caught this at the end of their details section - "Please Note: All ISTA versions are offline versions that are not connected to the BMW backend server and, therefore, do not support the secure coding needed for newer BMW series." From what I was reading elsewhere I'm guessing this applies to iDrive 8 and above. Is that correct?

I’m still running the original version hosted on here recently, which is standalone ISTA+ 4.39.20. I installed on a portable drive due to the size.

I don’t connect to the car, just look up info.

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by avi66

I’m still running the original version hosted on here recently, which is standalone ISTA+ 4.39.20. I installed on a portable drive due to the size.

I don’t connect to the car, just look up info.

I suspect that's my primary use case as well. However, the stealership hates an informed consumer. They are firmly in the camp of "ignorance is bliss", at least as it refers to their clientele.

It's a pity the link for the v4.39 is gone. I can't believe there would be enough people here to harm BMW's revenue stream, especially if all you use it for is reference material.

[jwong77]

I've downloaded the torrent file that bimmermongrel shared (thanks!). I'm giving it a shot now. I want to be able to connect to the car because my intent here is to be able to perform my own maintenance and fluid change, etc. Will take dinan5m3 offer to use this thread to show how the installation works, if I can even get it to work.

[jwong77]

Some screenshots from my installation. Its taken a very long time, I'm about 3 hours into my installation and its not done yet.

The folders inside of the download:


The executable to launch installation:


The options I chose:


3 hours into the installation and its still going....

[dinan5m3]

Originally Posted by jwong77

I've downloaded the torrent file ...

So, sounds like torrent'ing is okay with you (preference seem to be with Mega for downloading, but obviously that costs $).

Did a quick online search of,

ista 4.39.20 torrent

, and this is a trustworthy site,

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/i...rrent.1411305/

ISTA 4.39.2x standalone +SDP full 4.46.21[torrent]

2023-02-24 update with 4.39.2x version with activated license <<------- you are probably better off this this version of "standalone" than what you are saying as messing with,

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...1fcG4ww02qAgUT



Get the 4.39.2x standalone of ISTA installed and get a working baseline first.


Also, if just using for reference information, following web site seem more comprehensive, in that better luck with wiring diagramings.

https://www.newtis.info/

[Mondomensch]

Www.newts.info has been shut down

[dinan5m3]

Originally Posted by Mondomensch

Www.newts.info has been shut down

is it?

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by Mondomensch

Www.newts.info has been shut down

It's alive and well. If you haven't figured it out yet, pm me for info.

[jwong77]

Just to follow up on my installation. It is done and I have success! Thanks bimmermongrel your torrent link worked for me. The installation process was really easy and it dropped a shortcut on the desktop so its very easy to know what executable launches ISTA. Only catch is to make sure you have rough 200gb of space on your pc's hard drive or get an external drive.

Some screenshots of it running.


changing language to english

[SteveSuk]

Originally Posted by dinan5m3

So, sounds like torrent'ing is okay with you (preference seem to be with Mega for downloading, but obviously that costs $).

Did a quick online search of,

ista 4.39.20 torrent

, and this is a trustworthy site,

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/i...rrent.1411305/

ISTA 4.39.2x standalone +SDP full 4.46.21[torrent]

2023-02-24 update with 4.39.2x version with activated license <<------- you are probably better off this this version of "standalone" than what you are saying as messing with,

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...1fcG4ww02qAgUT



Get the 4.39.2x standalone of ISTA installed and get a working baseline first.


Also, if just using for reference information, following web site seem more comprehensive, in that better luck with wiring diagramings.

https://www.newtis.info/

Wanted to say thanks, this saved me a lot of hassle!
Do you update your torrent ista links anywhere?