How to choose BMW Diagnostic tool for E9x/E82, ISTA D/P, INPA, DIS?

There are many BMW diagnostic tools in the market, like ICOM A2 with ISTA D/P, K+DCAN cable with INPA, and OPS with DIS or SSS. This is about how to choose a proper BMW diagnostic & programming tool for E9x / E82 chassis.


Model:
2011 E9x / E82 chassis

Optional interface:
INPA with K+DCAN cable
ISTA D ISTA-P with ICOM A2 + B+ C emulator
DIS & SSS v41 with BMW OPS

Purpose:
program/reset steering angle sensors, adaptation

Suggestion of diagnostic and programming tool for 2011 E9x / E82:
DIS and SSS are massively outdated, replaced in 2008 with ISTA.

You can "technically" hack up SSS to support newer vehicles, but that's a massive gamble.

If you want the proper tools for diagnostics, you can use a K+DCAN cable with INPA and ISTA/D rather easily. It does well in reading & deleting errors, adaptations, driver programming, applu coding, etc.

Programming is another game, you can program basic modules like the DME, etc. But anything on the MOST (fibre optic bus) like the navigation system, etc. you really want an ICOM A+B along with ISTA/P and a good stable power supply, otherwise you risk seriously screwing up your car by bricking ECUs.

NOTE: BMW ICOM A2 Emulator, or INPA K+DCAN cable? (click to get it)