iCarsoft BMW 20-PIN OBDII Adapter
Connect Your Classic BMW to a Modern Diagnostic Tool.
OBDII adapter for BMW with a 20-PIN OBD port. BMW models built before the OBDII standard use a 20-pin round diagnostic socket in the engine bay instead of the 16-pin OBDII connector. This adapter converts that 20-pin socket to a standard OBDII-16 connection, so your iCarsoft diagnostic tool can reach the control units on these older vehicles.
BMW 20-PIN VEHICLE COVERAGE
The 20-pin round diagnostic socket is fitted to BMW models built before the changeover to OBDII. The following chassis are equipped with the 20-pin connection:
| Model |
Chassis |
Applicable Production |
| 3 Series |
E30 / E36 / E46 |
E30 and E36 all 20-pin equipped variants, E46 early models |
| 5 Series |
E28 / E34 / E39 |
E28 and E34 all 20-pin equipped variants, E39 early models |
| 6 Series |
E24 |
All 20-pin equipped variants |
| 7 Series |
E23 / E32 / E38 |
All 20-pin equipped variants |
| 8 Series |
E31 |
All 20-pin equipped variants |
| Z3 |
E36/7 |
All 20-pin equipped variants |
| Z8 |
E52 |
All 20-pin equipped variants |
| X5 |
E53 |
Early models |
In general this concerns BMW models built before 2001. Many vehicles from the transition period carry both a 20-pin socket in the engine bay and a 16-pin OBDII socket in the cabin; on those vehicles the 20-pin connection is generally the one that gives access to the older control units.
WHAT THE ADAPTER GIVES YOU ACCESS TO
System access |
Depending on the diagnostic tool and the vehicle, the 20-pin connection provides access to the control units fitted to these older BMW models.
Read and clear fault codes |
Read and erase stored diagnostic trouble codes in the supported control units.
Original iCarsoft part |
Genuine iCarsoft accessory with the correct pin assignment for BMW OBDI, so no adapter cables or modifications are required.
The adapter is a connection converter. The systems and functions that can actually be reached are determined by the software of your diagnostic tool and by the vehicle's own control unit configuration. Software coverage for pre-2001 BMW models is more limited than for OBDII vehicles.
COMPATIBLE ICARSOFT DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
iCarsoft CR Max P |
Supports early BMW models with the 20-pin adapter. The adapter is optional and is not included with the CR Max P.
iCarsoft CR Eagle and CR Eagle P |
These models are already supplied with a complete OBDI adapter set, so the 20-pin adapter does not need to be ordered separately.
Not sure whether your tool supports 20-pin OBDI diagnostics for your specific model and year? Check the function list of your diagnostic tool, or contact us with your model and VIN before ordering.
HOW TO USE
Step 1 |
Locate the round 20-pin diagnostic socket. On most models it is in the engine bay, usually on the inner wing or against the bulkhead, under a black protective cap.
Step 2 |
Connect the adapter to the OBDII-16 cable or VCI of your diagnostic tool.
Step 3 |
Plug the adapter into the 20-pin socket and turn the ignition to the ON position.
Step 4 |
Select the vehicle manually in the diagnostic tool. AutoVIN is not available over the OBDI connection.
PRODUCT DETAILS
| Product |
iCarsoft BMW 20-PIN OBDII adapter |
| Type |
Connection adapter, 20-pin OBDI to OBDII-16 |
| Vehicle Make |
BMW |
| Connection |
20-pin round connector (vehicle side) / OBDII-16 (tool side) |
| Brand |
Original iCarsoft accessory |
Vehicle coverage, available systems and available functions vary by model, production year and control unit configuration. Always verify compatibility for the exact vehicle and diagnostic tool before purchase.