On Fri, 02 May 2014 19:58:37 -0500, Paul in Houston TX wrote:

Can you make your own cable out of one of the above?

For two reasons, I am not likely to make my own cable.
1. I don't know what I'm doing, and,
2. It would (almost certainly) cost more than the "right" cable

My problem isn't finding cables that are supposedly for the BMW
dealer INPA software.

My problem is simply finding a cable that I know is both a
good cable and a good price.

For example, I don't know if this cable is worth the $100:
http://www.one-stop-electronics.com/...&product_id=16

Or, if this similar-sounding $40 cable is just as good:
http://www.amazon.com/SainSpeed-Inte.../dp/B008KZDDGA

Or even if this seemingly too cheap $19 similar sounding cable will suffice:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/281306380016?lpid=82

The only real way to know, is to ask someone who already owns a BMW
who would likely know the answer, if they work on their own car.

Since most BMW owners who work on their own cars use the exact
same software tools that the dealer used in 1997 to 2003, all I'm
trying to figure out is which cable will work at a good price.

Are there any Windows BMW owners who work on their own bimmers who have
the INPA cable who can then provide the advice I need to select one
at a good price that allows me to program and code my new BMW 5 series?