Fair point, and the EWS-crypto distinction is worth spelling out properly since it changes everything about the workflow.
On the CAS3++ identification
From the sticker photos SholaRolla posted earlier in this thread, the label reads family: CAS3 with part number 61359262361 and supplier 5WK4 9515HBR. That label does not say CAS3++ — but a printed label alone does not settle it, because BMW used the same outer housing across variants and the crypto status is a firmware/configuration flag, not always obvious from the sticker. What's the specific indicator you're seeing that puts both of these in CAS3++ territory — part number range, the Xhorse/VVDI read, or something else? Would help to confirm before SholaRolla chases the ECU read.
On the ISN point — you're right if EWS-crypto is ON
For a genuine CAS3++ with EWS-crypto enabled, the ISN is not sitting cleanly readable in the CAS EEPROM the way it is on a standard CAS3+. The crypto ties CAS and DME together, so a CAS-only dump gives you an encrypted or partial value that the tool cannot use directly. The correct path is exactly what you said: read the DME/ECU, extract the ISN from there, feed it to the tool alongside the key programming sequence. Trying to shortcut that on a crypto-ON module is what causes the "key written but car won't start" result people complain about.
Practical next step for SholaRolla
Before doing anything with the backup module, the first thing to confirm is whether EWS-crypto is actually ON on this unit. Saeed with the Xhorse equipment can tell you that in about thirty seconds — it will show in the module identification read. If it comes back crypto-ON, then yes, an ECU dump is required and the workflow blackd described is the one to follow. If it's crypto-OFF, the CAS files already on hand may be sufficient.
What tool/read type did Fang use when he did the original work in June 2025 — do you have any paperwork or screenshots from that job?
