Connecting your iPhone to your BMW for coding can be tricky. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to successfully connect an iPhone 12 Pro (and likely other iPhone models) to a BMW using an Enet Obd cable and a Lightning to RJ45 Ethernet adapter.
Preparing for Connection
Before you begin, gather the following:
- ENET OBD Cable: This specialized cable connects your iPhone to your BMW’s OBD-II port.
- Lightning to RJ45 Ethernet Adapter: This adapter allows your iPhone to connect to the ENET cable. A generic Amazon adapter works fine.
- BimmerCode App: Ensure the app is installed and updated on your iPhone.
- Charged iPhone: Make sure your iPhone has sufficient battery life.
Connection Steps
Follow these steps carefully to establish a connection:
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Connect Hardware: Connect the ENET cable to your BMW’s OBD-II port. Then, connect the RJ45 end of the Ethernet adapter to the ENET cable. Do not connect the adapter to your iPhone yet.
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Car in Auxiliary Mode: Turn your car’s ignition to the auxiliary position. This powers up the car’s electronics without starting the engine. Wait for the car’s systems to fully initialize.
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Disable iPhone Network Connections: On your iPhone, disable the following:
- Cellular Data
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
Crucially, wait approximately 30 seconds after disabling these services. This allows the iPhone to fully disconnect from networks.
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Connect to iPhone: Now, plug the Lightning end of the Ethernet adapter into your iPhone’s Lightning port.
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Verify Ethernet Connection: In your iPhone’s Settings app, navigate to the section below your Apple ID. Between “Bluetooth” and “Wi-Fi,” an “Ethernet” option should appear. You may need to disconnect and reconnect the Lightning adapter several times for “Ethernet” to show up.
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Renew Ethernet Lease: Tap on “Ethernet,” then select “USB 10/100 LAN.” Tap “Renew Lease” and confirm the renewal on the pop-up. This establishes a fresh network connection.
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BimmerCode App Configuration: Open the BimmerCode app. Do not immediately tap “Connect.”
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Adapter Selection Trick: Go to BimmerCode’s settings (gear icon in the bottom right corner). Temporarily select an adapter type that you do not have connected.
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Initial Connection Attempt: Return to BimmerCode’s main screen and tap “Connect.” This should result in an error message, which is expected.
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Select ENET Cable: Go back into BimmerCode’s settings and select “ENET Cable” as the adapter type.
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Connect to Your BMW: Return to BimmerCode’s main screen and tap “Connect.” The app should now successfully connect to your BMW, prompting you to select your vehicle’s model and type.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues connecting, double-check all connections and ensure your iPhone has fully disengaged from cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth networks. Repeating the “Renew Lease” step can also help resolve connection problems. The key is to allow sufficient time after disabling wireless connections before connecting the adapter.
This process, while seemingly complex, ensures a reliable connection for coding your BMW using ENET OBD. Happy coding!
