BMW ELV Counter Reset

Certain BMWs with an electronic / keyless ignition will automatically go into a fault mode (Yellow ELV Warning) after a certain number of ignition starts.
After another number of starts, the fault will turn red and prevent the engine for starting.
In this video, I perform an ELV Counter Reset which resets that number of starts back to zero, using ISTA-D.
Note: this should only be performed if you are certain there is no mechanical damage.
The cable's can be purchased online quite cheaply and you only need a laptop with the INSTA-D software to reset.
The software can generally be found all over the internet but in most cases, people are asking for £10/$10 for links to download. I dont have the software to share myself but you can easily obtain it through google search.
Drop me a comment below if you'd like any help getting the fault reset.
Would really appreciate a thumbs up if you've found this useful.

[@bigmost4300]

Fuck yesss!! You can hear the joy in your voice at the end. What a wonderful moment it must have been. My e90 has been sitting in the driveway, steering locked, for nearly 2 months. I can’t wait for my happy moment.

[@barteh]

Big Most have you bought the lead yet?

[@bigmost4300]

Adam Venn it’s it the mail yay

[@bigmost4300]

Adam Venn I have purchase the lead with software. I’m hoping I can sort it myself, but if I can’t, would you be able to help me further? I’m happy to reward you via PayPal for your time. I just want my car working again.

[@barteh]

Hi Fella, whats your email address? Have you managed to solve this yet?

[@joggyjames]

back in business, thank you

[@ranchonstephane3885]

Work perfectly with my E93. thank you so much😂🎉

[@ChArLiE6032]

this is an old video but i’m really hoping you can help, my 08 325d isn’t recognising my keys and the elv yellow light is on my dash, i can’t turn on the ignition to do the elv reset. I have ista

[@pd4689]

Absolutely awesome. Thanks tons!

[@naokihirata0]

Hi, my car is a 328i 2007 I have the same problem, but I disconnect the blue cable from the battery and the steering wheel is unlocked. Thank you.

[@tytusgaines9284]

Hi I have the same car and same issue what exactly did you unplug

[@naokihirata0]

hi, in the middle of the lid that is above the battery there are some points I think there are only two, disconnect the cable with blue plastic and try to turn it on, hopefully serve and unlock. Sorry for my English

[@s.t.p.louwlouw8539]

Hi Adam thanks for such great advice. Could you please help me out here. I have just replaced my BMW's water damaged computer box with a lock-set from an automatic transmission.The car starts very well but the steering wheel doesn't unlock even though the engine is idling. Secondly the electric radiator fan keeps on running without shutting off. There's no steering lock light on the dashboard. After installing the lock-set, the car was started with a weak battery which had to be jump started to start the car. The car has been stationary for about a year.The BMW is a 320i, manual sedan of 2011.

[@iordanchobanov5329]

Thank you man.Really thank you!

[@Bklynlang122]

Hi Adam, thanks for this video, my car has the exact same problem.... Its an 07 328xi. Do you know where i can get this software from?

[@ValVerdeBroadcasting]

Thanks so much for posting this. I've been trying everything to get my software to connect, including making sure all ini files and port settings are correct, but I haven't tried using ISTA-D. My car throws the red fault code every 12-14 months or so, but it starts fine. I think it's just that it has a cheap battery in it. It's just annoying and I worry that it might not work eventually. Where can I get the software you're using from?

[@barteh]

Val Verde Broadcasting do you have BMW tools 32? You can also reset the fault counter using that software, it might be easier if you have that? Google it if needs or drop me a message.

[@MrTalvin]

Great job -RESPECT. Any idea on bmw e92 the red light was flashing,then when key inserted ,it swallowed the key,and it wont come out , any help much appreciated. oh by the way now cas 3+ heats up,i dont know if due to key being inserted -cannot remove. cas does get hot abt 3-5 mins,then i must disconnect cas. your help much appreciated Resspect

[@liam28rowe]

Do you have to change any settings for the port etc?

[@vincechips6105]

Does weak battery cause elv?

[@barteh]

No... faulty steering column or ELV counter at maximum.

[@milenguberkov7838]

@@barteh Is the fautly steering colum can discharge battery? - becouse when i found the problem , battery of my car is too discharged like a Vince Chips question Up.

[@WARLORD1611]

Thanks for posting this video. However, Where can I get this software?

[@joshsaunter9027]

Hello could I ask here you got the program from ? Thanks Josh

[@barteh]

Google it, plenty of places ;)

[@herobo123456]

Ya but if you don't have a search function, where is ELV reset under, engine, DSC, ? What menu? how do u find it

[@patrickvantine7694]

Great video! I have a BMW 130i 2011 e87 with a defect similar to that there. in my case the steering wheel is not locked, it just does not start. some solution to the error throat A116

[@barteh]

what is your email address?

[@patrickvantine7694]

[e-mail]

[@andycarling6769]

Hi Adam, my daughter's 118d (58 plate) is currently on our driveway with a yellow elv warning light that appeared this afternoon. She had been out earlier with no problems. It differs from the scenario you outline above by the fact that there has been no additional starts and the symbol has not turned red yet the car will not start/the ignition will not come on. Do you think that an elv counter reset would help in this situation? We are based in Corsham, so not too far from Bath/Bristol. Do you think you could help? Cheers, Andy

[@barteh]

Andy Carling drop me an email [e-mail]

[@BlackKamikaza]

Hay king, one question. How can you connect with ISTA, because my ignition is off and can not connect to that program to try reset :( ?. Yesterday my bmw mehanical try but he say that cant connect to the software because of ignition, can anyone help please 🙏

[@davidcamille9702]

Bonsoir, Je me permets suite à la lecture de votre vidéo, j ai exactement le même problème, auriez vous une version en Français....!!!! Merci d avance

[@benurbonas4852]

Hey buddy i really good guide. However i'm doing that unsuccessfully. Which version of ISTA+ do you use ? Can you please share with me, that would highly appreciated.

[@barteh]

Hey, whats your email address, easier to chat on there.

[@benurbonas4852]

Adam Venn [e-mail]

[@michaeljackson8188]

Hello Adam! Where can I get this software? Does this work in the States as well? Also, are there different cables? If so, which cable is most suitable?

[@barteh]

Google "BMW INSTA-D Software" you can get it from many places. Yes it works in the states, ive help reset many from the states previously. Cables can be found on ebay and amazon for pretty cheap.

[@kristiyanramnaliev3031]

Have you received any further problems with the ELV after the reset?

[@barteh]

no further issues after resetting

[@oztastic1]

excellent! are you in the north of UK?

[@barteh]

No, South West (Bristol Area)

[@kelvinhernandez6045]

Hi adam i have run into this problem on my 328i and was wondering what is the program you are using can if u could hmu

[@barteh]

Hi, the software used is INSTA-D

[@jhonder243]

Good job bro

[@zanzousaa]

2007 bmw 550i having the same problem would this work for the car??

[@barteh]

zanzousaa yes

[@SunshineMF18]

Hi thanks for the amazing video. I am using a K+DCAN Cable but I get this message: "The vehicle could not be identified. Please check the access to the vehicle and check whether the testing-analysis-diagnosis has been activated", even when the engine is on. Any ideia to get this to work? Thanks - M -

[@barteh]

The engine doesn't need to be on, just the ignition on the first position. Sounds like the cable might not be setup correctly in windows? Double check the cable is listed in device manager (with the yellow ! Symbol over it), I would also double check the port settings again via windows.

[@barteh]

Also need to make sure the dip switch on the cable is set correctly 👍🏻

[@SunshineMF18]

Yes, the ignition is on first position, because I can't get the car to start because of the Red ELV warning and blocked steering wheel. I have checked device manager and set port setting to 9. I don't have a dip switch on my cable.

[@jaypilot6374]

Can i have the software? Gotta need to reset my elev counter fault on my r56

[@patrickvantine7694]

I'm sorry for the mistakes. I'm using google translator. I'm brazilian

[@oo-on3uv]

Hi Adam, Great Video, Great advice , I have the same problem. Please could you send me the software and advise of connector req. Many thanks Doug

[@barteh]

whats your email address doug?

[@oo-on3uv]

[e-mail]. Many thanks

[@win-waenchanel1309]

Thank​ bra.

[@Mrdubomb]

Does this affect the F25?

[@rattedbug5003]

Hi Adam I've been looking for this solution all day. I managed to cause the steering light to come on yellow it's an e87 but steering unlocks. Tried to jump car and turn steering to get car in position. Hope it's not damaged. Do you know where I can get this software. It looks advanced I'll have to watch your video a few times. Thanks in advance.

[@barteh]

Google the software, you can find it free from alot of places, or many other place advertising it for just a few pounds.

[@rattedbug5003]

Thanks Adam I found a German site last night. Thanks for the video. Hopefully we haven't damaged it.

[@Car_guy3]

Can u please send me the program i have same situation on my 07 e90

[@vincechips6105]

Hi I have same problem on my 07 e90. Would you please assist with software

[@mawallington84]

Did you get sorted as I have red steering lock and struggling to fix

[@prabhurc3]

Does it work for f30

[@bossslady187]

Hi Adam excellent vid. Do u mind sending me the software as well.. it would greatly be appreciated

[@bossslady187]

[e-mail] I’ve already ordered the wire

[@sam-bx3oe]

Bravo

[@mawallington84]

Just come across the red steering lock on dash cant start car BMW 535d any advice appreciated

[@barteh]

download the software and reset it. If your struggling I can help you out for a very small fee. Done around 15 BMWs now.

[@mawallington84]

@@barteh What software/cable do I need. Where are you based

[@mawallington84]

Have you got a link for software

[@benjyfletcher9065]

Where in UK are you based? I havent got a laptop to get the software and could use your skills to reset my elv please

[@barteh]

Based near Bath, how about you?

[@garethjordan8012]

Hi adam ...how much for u to come to birmingham and do this on my car please?? Have the same issue

[@barteh]

Gareth Jordan that’s a very seriously long way for me! Do you have a laptop yourself?

[@brandonlaw751]

Hi! I’m having the same issue with my 2007 bmw 525i. Can you please send the software or post a link where to find it?

[@barteh]

Just google it fella. You’ll need to buy it online, around a tenner from memory but plenty of places offering it

[@brandonlaw751]

Adam Venn thanks for replying!

[@djtheblacksmith]

Hi, I do have the software and it worked fine untill I got this stupid elv fault. ISTA can't recognize my car and do the test programm. It looks like the ignition is not on so ISTA can't get the information. The only difference is my cable works on com1. Any chance that com9 can enter the car without the ignition on? I press once on the ignition but ista is not getting data.. Any thoughts about this?

[@barteh]

whats your email address?

[@djtheblacksmith]

No worries. Got it working again without turning the ignition on. Followed your steps and that magical engine sound was back again. Only when I started I decided to clear all faults twice. First time with engine running and second time with the engine off and that was perfect now no errors are in the system. Thanks man!

[@barteh]

The Blacksmith glad you got it working... worst feeling in the world.... and you’ve just saved yourself some bucks 👍🏻

[@WantedByFBI]

Hi Adam, does the software you use work on windows 10?, if so could you please send info on where I get the link. thanks :)

[@barteh]

Yes no issues with windows 10. whats your email address?

[@WantedByFBI]

[e-mail] :) thanks.@@barteh

[@xsaq100]

aristotle101 have you got the software? :)

[@WantedByFBI]

yeah, full EDIABAS programme at 150GB!. freely available as torrent. works fine. im having trouble installing the cable driver brought from ebay :(@@xsaq100

[@eliashernandez-chevez6070]

Which cable and software do I need to reset a 2007 328XI? Steering wheel locked and car won't start..

[@barteh]

whats your email address?

[@eliashernandez-chevez6070]

@@barteh [e-mail] I'm stuck at getting ISTAGUI Folder to RUN.

[@xsaq100]

Josue Chevez have you got the software?

[@honeygrrll]

I’m in the same boat… 07 328xi 198,880miles yellow steering wheel with pad lock, no crank no start. Going on a week, took battery out had it tested currently at 98%. Steering wheel locked, will turn slightly to the left and not to the right at all. I need to order a cable, not exactly sure which one to get, need to get a hold of some software… any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@padve2628]

Great Video. where can i get a version of ista -d? and where you using window 7 or 10? help much appreciated.

[@barteh]

you'll need to google the software or let me have your email address. I used windows 10 without any issues...

[@padve2628]

[e-mail]

[@padve2628]

Did the complete process, even got the confirmation that the elv counter has been reset but still the lock wouldn't release.any thoughts?

[@barteh]

What is your mileage? I would try a reset again, it could well be a damaged steering column although unlikely!

[@padve2628]

I did try again this is what I get. The internal ELV fault counter was reset.Terminal 15 was deactivated by the control unit reset.Activate terminal 15On completion of the service function, read the fault code memory out of the following control unit and work through as required: • Car access system mileage is 90k.

[@enriqueguzmanl4493]

Muy bueno .

[@Mrbuki71]

Nice bro but I have a problem. I reset the elv for the first time without problem but 2 week later the elv fault come again. And now I try To reset it but when I press on the elv on ista i have "searching for documents" and nothing... can you help me Please ???

[@barteh]

Emmanuel Kant what’s your email address?

[@Mrbuki71]

Its okay now. My pc was contamined by a fucking virus or malware. Thanks for support

[@les_slow]

my car has the elv fault but my steering wheel works fine

[@barteh]

Garcia Garcia what colour fault icon, Yellow or Red?

[@barteh]

I would also strongly recommend you get this fixed asap. I was lucky enough that my car refused to start on my drive and I fixed the problem at home. If this happens away from home it becomes an expensive problem to fix.

[@les_slow]

I did get it fixed but the light is still on and it’s yellow

[@barteh]

then im afraid you will experience the same problems as my video unless you take it back. Just to confirm, the Yellow warning is a Pre-Warning that after another number of ignition starts your vehicle will refuse to start.

[@gavin8913]

SNIPER QUEEN did u get it sorted ?

[@arc123777]

My neighbours car has come up with this fault, I've tried my universal software but no joy. Any chance you still have the link for ISTA D?

[@barteh]

No, because the places that offer it are via a mega link which expires after a short period of time. It was around $10 from memory. Drop me your email addy and I'll email you a link to where i got mine...

[@arc123777]

Adam Venn [e-mail]

[@barteh]

email sent.

[@mawallington84]

@@arc123777 did you get link for software, if so any chance can forward it to me

[@akramsofficial3713]

thank you bro for your great help god blesses you 🙏🏼

[@barteh]

Have you managed to solve this yet? :)

[@falsulaimani7]

Does this method works with Mini cooper R56?

[@barteh]

never tried, sorry!

[@gavin8913]

How long was it yellow before it went red ?

[@barteh]

im not sure, think it was a few weeks. It all depends how often your starting your car!

[@lewlew12345]

Adam, any chance you can reset my BMW? I'm in Bristol.

[@barteh]

Yes, that should be ok, whats your email address?

[@luisarturojimenezd1454]

Hi how are you i have same problem with mi car how can i get the soft ware

[@barteh]

what is your email address?

[@luisarturojimenezd1454]

@@barteh [e-mail]

[@luisarturojimenezd1454]

@@barteh [e-mail]

[@barteh]

Ive already sent you an email. check your email.

[@fardrol]

Are you in Bristol? Dont fancy doing my bmw too?

[@barteh]

I've dropped you a message... drop me an email to say hello and we'll have a chat.

[@reggiegomez1455]

What’s the website ?

[@wesleyhendrix5756]

where do you get the software to download, my bmw has been out for a week and i refuse to take it to the dealership. I have a MAC, will that be a problem?

[@barteh]

Its windows only as far as I know, unless you run some vmware fusion or bootcamp with windows in a virtual machine. Its very frustrating to receive this message particularly as theres unlikely to be an actual fault! Search google, I think I ended up paying a tenner for access to it, you might be able to find it for free, but its easier to just pay and have quick access.

[@wesleyhendrix5756]

Thanks! After doing some research I paid for a program called parallel. I will get the cable tomorrow, and try to unlock it. Why would you build a car like that? Doesn't make sense.

[@barteh]

I actually just setup windows on my Mac this weekend and use boot camp which I think is a free app on the mac. Just insert a USB external stick (8GB+ to side load the tools on), fire up boot camp and just let it do its thing. Parallel is similar from memory. give me a shout if you get stuck, if you would like me to remotely connect to your laptop and take a look if you get stuck I might be able to help out....

[@wesleyhendrix5756]

where can i get a version of ista -d?

[@barteh]

whats your email address?

[@AlwayzInTheLoop]

I hate my car. A week after new waterpump and thermostat this happens and strands me

[@barteh]

Sounds like you left the orange light on for too long (as I did), but luckily mine was left on the drive. How are you getting yours reset?

[@AlwayzInTheLoop]

going to give this a try. do you got a link for the software you can send me? thanks

[@barteh]

Whats your email address.

[@AlwayzInTheLoop]

my email is [e-mail]

[@AlwayzInTheLoop]

[e-mail]. thanks

[@Uber-GT]

Hello could you help me find ISTA-D?

[@barteh]

Hi, just google it, tonnes around :)

[@CN-lee]

Need some help with resting can u. Help me ?

[@barteh]

steven lee what’s your email address?

[@CN-lee]

[e-mail]

[@CN-lee]

I have some problems with my battery and after a couple failed to start the steering symbol start to show up. After a couple dive yesterday my car finally lock it up and won't let me drive anymore. I have a window 7 install INPA. Then I try to run ISTA D that I download but it runs at all, I am not sure is it the window problem or I am missing anything during installation.

[@r3drogo]

@@CN-lee hi, did you recieve the software? can you send it to me please?

[@riddledriddler3933]

awesome video, but what the actual fuck bmw? why is that shit even programmed there? WHY? WHYYYYY? :D

[@johnmercer3101]

Is there anyone in the south east that can so this

[@barteh]

John Mercer do you have WiFi access and laptop at your car? What’s your email address

[@johnmercer3101]

@@barteh yes mate its [e-mail]

[@efrenreyes9577]

Hi very good video I been having troubles with my e90 too same as you’re ELV red warning can’t used my car it will be a big help if you could send me the link in my email hope you can help me thanks

[@efrenreyes9577]

My email is [e-mail] thanks

[@barteh]

whats your email address fella?

[@efrenreyes9577]

Adam Venn My email address is [e-mail] Thanks much

[@mymbsk123]

All that wasted time that any descent scantool can do cas to Elv reset in 30 seconds

[@barteh]

mymbsk123 i had a friend try with an ECU scanner and couldn’t get to the elv reset. It’s simple enough with that software though...

[@tuqaykerimov564]

Ben napim bende cas 3 bozlmuş

[@RaduProksch]

Hi Adam, thanks a lot for your video. I have an E87 120i and the steering is not blocked, but the car does not start at all. I tried to put the counter to 0 with Tool32 and I believe that I did not get the computer connected with the car. I do not find the COM9, my windows is in Spanish. Does this work for the 1 series also? The car has the electronical steering. I have the yellow light on and I need to resolve the problem very soon. My email is: rprfgx @ gmail.com . Thanks a lot for your help!

[@Expatnick1]

Hi Adam. I've saved your video to my favourites, because I need to sort this same issue out on my car and you have given me the best hope yet. I've already had my car towed away by the ADAC (German AA), because of this problem. I've been told the best way to permanently resolve it is to have the whole steering column changed. Expensive and a complete pain. What year is your car? I've got an E61, Sept 2006. I looked for the software you mentioned and I can only find it with a description saying "works with 2007 models and later". Will the software you use work with my car? Please let me know. My email is [e-mail]. Cheers.

[@manahm58]

H Adam Can you please send me the link to the software at [e-mail] - my BMW E87 got stuck with the steering wheel lock error, Towing to BMW garage they asked for GBP2500 unlocking it and they unlunged the ELV plug costed GPB 250 for their checking. Towing back to home and calling another garage costed another 200 with unplugged ELV did not help. I bought a ELV bypass car started but still steering locked.