If you’ve purchased a BMW OBD2 cable and are struggling to install the drivers, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the process of manually installing the correct drivers, even if Windows can’t locate them automatically. This tutorial focuses on resolving common driver issues, particularly for cables with a PID of 0000.
Identifying Your BMW OBD2 Cable’s Hardware ID
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Access Device Manager: Navigate to your Device Manager through the Control Panel (Control Panel -> Hardware & Sound -> Device Manager).
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Locate Your OBD2 Cable: Find your OBD2 cable in the device list, often listed under “Ports” or “Other devices.” Double-click it.
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Find the Hardware ID: In the device properties window, go to the “Details” tab. Select “Hardware Ids” from the dropdown menu. Note the PID number (e.g., PID_0000). This is crucial for the next steps.
Downloading and Modifying the Correct BMW OBD2 Cable Drivers
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Download CDM v2.08.30: Download the FTDI CDM drivers (v2.08.30 or later) from the official FTDI website. This driver package is compatible with various Windows versions.
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Disable Driver Signature Verification: Temporarily disable driver signature verification to install modified drivers. Restart your PC in Advanced Startup mode (Settings -> Change PC Settings -> Recovery -> Advanced Startup -> Restart). Then, navigate to Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup Settings -> Restart. Press F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.
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Edit the Driver Files: Extract the downloaded driver package. Open
ftdibus.infandftdiport.infwith a text editor. -
Modify the PID: Replace all instances of
PID_6001(or the default PID) withPID_0000(or your specific PID) in both files. Save the changes.
Installing the Modified BMW OBD2 Cable Drivers
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Update Driver Software: Return to Device Manager, double-click your OBD2 cable, and select “Update Driver Software.”
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Browse for Drivers: Choose “Browse my computer for driver software” and navigate to the modified driver folder.
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Install the Drivers: Install the drivers for both “USB Serial Converter” and “Ports (COM & LPT).” Windows may warn you about unsigned drivers; proceed with the installation.
Finalizing BMW OBD2 Cable Setup
- Setup Your Cable: After the installation, set up your BMW OBD2 cable as per the instructions provided with your diagnostic software. Your cable should now be recognized and functional. Some white-chip cables require manual configuration into D-CAN mode.
By following these steps, you can successfully install the correct drivers for your BMW OBD2 cable and begin diagnosing your vehicle.
