Okay figure I will put this up in case someone else goes crazy with this and searches the internet looking for a straight answer especially for a E53.
This could happen for a few reasons.
1. Flat/Dead Battery after replaced
2. Changed out Cluster
3. Disconnected Positive terminal on your battery for a long period
If the countdown isn't working even after disconnecting the negative terminal for 5 minutes then reconnecting and putting the key in position one
LIKE THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS.
Then Unfortunately you need to re-program the cluster (KOMBI ZKE-FT3). Now there are some other applications out there that can do it I think like BavrianTechnic or Carsoft etc.. I used SSS so either you need someone that has INPA+KCAN cable with software or one of the others I mentioned.
You need a good cable if you plan on doing it yourself a few guys here on the forum suggested some Romanian dude on Ebay that had success which included software.
I took a different route and got the best cable because of my luck lol
I got this cable:
Car Diagnostic :: By Product Type :: INPA & Ediabas :: BMW INPA / Ediabas K+DCAN USB Interface - one-stop-electronics.com
However you still need to get the software when you go this route torrents are your friend the one I used was called "BMW DIS/SSS AND MANY MORE" I would link a direct link it, but not sure what the forum rules are for that so just to be safe I wont lol
You need to follow the install directions pretty closely there are instructions for Windows 7 32/64 bit but I suggest Windows XP 32bit.
The only advice I can give as far as the install besides FOLLOW the directions lol Is if you decide to partition your HD and install XP make Sure:
A.) You have a floppy drive to feed the XP install the AHCI drivers if you have your BIOS Hard drives setup like that.
B.) You are comfortable dealing with BCD boots settings (MBR) and setting up windows.
C.) If you do install it on a second or other partition make sure you revise the installation instructions and realize changing things like environmental system PATH you put the correct drive because it's most likely not C:\ no more.
This would include changes in the EDIABAS.INI file as well, which specify working directories for certain executables or binary file paths.
Example:
Code:
;=============================================================================
;EDIABAS 6.4.7 Configuration
[Configuration]
;=============================================================================
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
; EcuPath
; Description : ECU file path
; Default = .
EcuPath =C:\EDIABAS\ECU
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
; SimulationPath
; Description : Simulation file path
; Default = .
SimulationPath =C:\EDIABAS\SIMULATION
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
; TracePath
; Description : Trace file path
; Default = .
TracePath =C:\EDIABAS\TRACE
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
; CodeMapping
; Description : Character mapping file path
; Default = .
;CodeMapping = C:\EDIABAS\BIN\ansi2oem.tab
You need to change those paths to the correct partition drive letter the installation instructions as detailed as they are will not delineate this.
(You're welcome)
Just to illustrate what I mean if you installed Windows XP on a partition other than the first then it will not be C:\ anymore it might be D: or F: etc.. depending on the amount of drives you have physically or logical drives (partitions on one drive).
Therefore things like the above need to reflect the correct drive path.
Code:
EcuPath =C:\EDIABAS\ECU
to
EcuPath =F:\EDIABAS\ECU
If you're not PC savvy then make an image of your current install this way you can recover OR get an old laptop and rape that instead lol
After you successfully get things all running you need to run SSS and recode the module KOMBI.
I hope this helps some people, I had to do all the figuring out on my own.. I just fixed mine a few hours ago. All is well now.