Here OBD2TOOL service collect many customers feedback for BMW CGDI on what can work and frequently asked questions and answers. Hope it helps!
CGDI BMW Feedback 1:
1.11-02-2018 update
CGDI works good CAS2 takes 2min CAS3 most of the time Downgrade 10-15min, no solderind all via OBD, as for INS i think it can only do 8HP i have not tried it, but i tried to read the INS from CAS3 and it did no problem.
2.10-10-2018 update
I just got the CGDI for BMW based on reading good reviews for their Mercedes tool. Have not seen much info for the BMW tool so I thought Id give a quick run down from my experience so far with the tool.
For making keys it has worked great. I have made about 7 keys so far all CAS types except CAS4.
I tried to read ISN on 3 cars and failed. I think it may only read ISN from MSV80/85 ecu’s. Will try on the MSV80 soon and will update. All done by OBD.
I have BMWExplorer and have used Autohex as well, but if you only need to program keys and your not concerned with ISN for DME swaps, I would buy the CGDI before those tools.
Its supposed to do ISN but the advertising wording can be misleading. It may only be able to read ISN of 2 types of DME. So far thats how its looking. Will contact my vendor to verify and see if there is an update preventing ISN reads.
For the money its worth it just to be able to program the CAS3 keys. It works super fast literally less than 2 minutes beginning to end. Faster than BMWExplorer for sure. I have yet to successfully do FEM key with Explorer so as far as Im concerned it has the same key programming capability as the CGDI.
3. 09-17-2017 update
yes i have CGDI BMW …at this time works good ,,,,cas3+ ,,,can read isk code ,,,,and you have to pay more for fem activation but can work ,,,,the best tool for bmw is autohex II but is very expensive than cgdi , cgdi is good option
Source: http://mhhauto.com/
CGDI BMW Feedback 2:
1.19-03-2018
Excellent tool so far. no bricks or problems.
extremely fast for cas1, 2 & 3
for cas3+ if need downgrade 10 minutes and seems safe, ISN read from DME 10 minutes does not support all DME is down side.
make sure you have proper power on the car
2.19-03-2018
cas4 F10 – ok (new key)
cas4+ F10 – ok (new key) isn from org key or dump DME
fem/bdc F31 – ok – reset mileage, change isn, change vin, make keys with oryginal key and with dump from DDE
cas3+ E60- ok , downgrade and make key with isn from org key
Feedback 3. 24-08-2018
Mine CGDI BMW has activated no issues, updates and everything fine. this programmer has been very good and ive never had an issue. i havnt need to contact support yet.
Feedback 4. 25-08-2018
So far i tried it to read ISN form MSV80 result OK
read and wright ISN cas 3 result OK
Feedback 5 08-09-2018
Did a 2008 E60 528i it asked for DownGrade it took around 10min no error codes this time all perfect key works.
CGDI BMW FAQ
Q1: on CGDI BMW Auto Key Programmer info it says supports bmw key unlock, does that mean i can reuse a old key and reprogram it?
also how safe if downloading for cas3+, i only ran into this issue one time and i did not downgrade as worried mess things up. im curious how well this programmer works.
A1: Yes, you can reuse an old key and reprogram it.
and yes it is safe if downgrade for CAS3+.
Q2: how do you unlock the key and reuse did you try this?
A2: there is a button that says unlock key. i tried and worked with aftermarket key, did not try on a original bmw key to unlock(tested on e60 cas2)
Q3: Key programming steps for cas4 I have f10
A3: Cas4 can only be done by reading DFlash from Freescale cpu then load into programmer software and generade key. It can no ne done by obd.
You need xprog or vvdi prog to read the dflash.
Q4: CGDI BMW need to pay every 6 month subscription same as CGDI Mercedes ?
A4: No
Q5: I have cgdi for bmw. Got a key and the cas module. Is there any1 familiar with how to program the key. I want to do bench programming without obd2 I have an obd2 to cas adapter and cgdi but cant communicate with cas unit. Is this even possible?
A5: You could try through a KGM body module or a JBBE junction box.
These modules act as the CAN hub for the car.