What is BMW ICOM?
ICOM refers to Integrated Communication Optical Module.
The ICOMs are the interfaces for the repair of BMW and MINI vehicles recommended by BMW. The ICOM is specifically designed for BMW and MINI vehicles. The ICOM incorporates powerful
processors and a high storage capacity. This allows for faster communication than with a PTT.
There are three different ICOM components available. These can handle all vehicles of the BMW
Group:
- ICOM A for OBD communication
- ICOM B, in combination with the ICOM A, for MOST communication
- ICOM C, in combination with the ICOM A, for 20 PIN diagnostic connector.
How to connect ICOM to OBD interface?
Connect ICOM A directly to the computer's unused network port. No other equipment or multiple port hubs should be connected between the ICOM and the computer. Connect the ICOM A OBD connector to the OBD socket in the vehicle. The ICOM A OBD connector can be folded to an angle to adapt it for use in the wide variety of OBD socket locations encountered in various vehicles.
How to use the ICOM multiplexer with the MOST port?
The supplementary ICOM B module will also be required to connect the vehicle's MOST port. Proceed by attaching the USB ports from ICOM A and ICOM B to the USB cable. Then connect ICOM A directly to the computer's unused network port. Complete the process by connecting ICOM B to the vehicle's MOST port through the MOST connector while also plugging the ICOM A OBD connector into the vehicle's OBD socket. If the system subsequently fails to recognize the MOST port or the ICOM, please repeat the process.How to connect ICOM mux to 20 Pin adapter on the vehicle?
Connect the ICOM to the network port on the PC first. Then connect the ICOM C to the ICOM A. Finally, connect the ICOM C to the vehicle 20 Pin diagnostic connector.
How long should you take to communicate with ICOM emulator?
Waiting period for recognition of an ICOM It can take up to 15 minutes before an ICOM is detected after the connection to the PC. It is advisable to connect the ICOM immediately after boot up of the PC, and then start the OSS software..
What are the compatible software?
| Software List | Software Function |
| 1 | ISPI-NEXT Admin Tools | ISPI-NEXT authorization software |
| 2 | ISPI Admin Client | ISPI-NEXT authorization management and environment Configuration software |
| 3 | ISTA-D(Rheingold) | Diagnostic and repair guide, including Diagrams and disassembly Figure |
| 4 | ISTA-P(ISSS-NEXT) | Programming and coding software system |
| 5 | HDD-Update | Navigation software upgrade back-office services (function with ISTA-P, need to Import map files) |
| 6 | KSD | Work software |
| 7 | ETK | Accessories Catalog |
| 8 | E-SYS | Engineer Software for F series (available for programming and coding) |
| 9 | WINKFP | Engineer Software for E series, for programming |
| 10 | NCS-Expert tool | Engineer Software for E series, for coding |
| 11 | INPA | Engineer Software for E series, for diagnosis |
| 12 | Tool32 | Engineer Software for E series, able to run directly |
| 13 | BMW Coding Tool | Auxiliary Software of Engineer Software for E series (Available to import model data to WINKFP and NSC) |
| 14 | NcsDummy | Auxiliary Software of Engineer Software for E series (Available to modify NCS data) |
| 15 | IToolRadar | Used to recognize ICOM, activate or release ICOM Port |
| 16 | EasyConnect | Used to Configure the Environment Parameter of Engineer Software for E series, can activate or release ICOM Port |
How do people think of the newest ICOM firmwares?
BMW ICOM A3 for vehicles with OBD access receives a significantly more powerful processor and more storage capacity.
Robust aluminium case will help to avoid damage when using in harsh environments.
i checked the firmware; it’s the new version 1.4.0. So, two points i wanna say:
First, it is ICOM A2 with build in usb-ethernet adapter.
Icom a3 - can programme all units - but not media. I am planing to buy A2. As i know - the only difference with A1 - there is no "swimming" connector - that can be broken, and soon begin to look like sh*t with isolation tape. This is not series when you do F-series))) so, Buy ICOM A2 with most connector - and you will become a great BMW master (+ few years of learning needed)
