Some notes on getting started with monitoring the Can bus
🎯 Goal
See what the BMW E63 ECU is broadcasting.
🧰 Hardware (Minimum)
- 1× CANable (or similar USB CAN interface)
- Jumper wires
- Access to BMW CAN High / Low wires
👉 That’s it. Keep it simple.
💻 Software
- SavvyCAN
🔌 How to Connect
You connect your CAN adapter like this:
CANable BMW Harness
-------- ------------
CAN High → CAN High
CAN Low → CAN Low
GND → Ground
⚠️ Important:
- Do NOT cut the bus—just tap into it
- Make sure the system already has termination (BMW usually does)
⚙️ Settings
In SavvyCAN:
- Set bitrate to 500 kbps (most BMW powertrain CAN)
- Start capture
✅ What You Should See
- Hundreds of messages scrolling
- Data changing when:
- You rev engine → numbers change
- Engine warms → values change
👉 If you see this → BMW side is working