Tuning Wiki

BMW diagnostics index

Tool32, also called ToolSet 32, is a BMW engineering utility for working with individual diagnostic jobs exposed through EDIABAS. BMW's FAQ distinguishes Tool32.exe from the older ToolSet.exe and describes the relationship between EDIABAS, controller description files and jobs.

Jobs and data

The controller description file (SGBD, often a PRG file) carries ECU-specific knowledge. A selected job accepts any defined arguments and returns results according to that ECU description. Jobs may be read-only, perform a test, or change state; names and behaviour are not universal across all ECUs or data versions.

Use and limits

Identify the ECU and matching data first, understand the documented function and arguments, and preserve the original vehicle state where possible. Tool32 is useful for inspecting diagnostic services but is not a guided repair procedure. An apparently successful job does not prove a complete repair or that an unrelated procedure is safe.

For the communication layer see EDIABAS; for a script-driven diagnostic application see INPA. The BMW FAQ linked below gives the primary historical explanation of SGBDs and jobs.

Sources

Curated reference notes. Applicability follows the cited sources; hardware testing by this wiki is not implied.