[Teutonic]

Hello enthusiasts,

I would like to buy the best OBD scanner available for BMW out there.
I dont want something that only scans and tells me the trouble, I also want something that can modify my vehcile to my needs. For example eliminating start-up disclaimers, enabling DVD in motion, adding new features, coding new batteryor such, or modifying them as I will like.
Of course I would like something with a more logical and friendly UI.

I probably preffer a standalone unit than a software that needs a laptop, but I am open if is better.

Must be able to operate on E, F90, G04, G20

Is Foxwell good? Autel? Something better out there?
Do you use a software based system? What and what do you like about it?

What are your suggestions?

Thank you kindly!

[tldude876]

Check out Carly

[BzsBimmer]

Have you looked at Autel Maxisys?

Looks like you can code with it as well.
Meets what you seem to want with external device, can be used on multiple vehicles etc.

Pricey but could be an option for you.

I use E-Sys and ISTA+
It’s free or cheap, widely used, runs on my Mac with external USB HDD and ISTA is what BMW uses so also has technical documentation and torque values.

[FriedPiston]

I use both Foxwell NT530 ($150) and ISTA+ (bootleg) for diagnostics, and BimmerCode (~35) for basic to advance features coding.

The Foxwell NT530 is a very capable scanner for its price point, but doesn't have the full programming/coding capabilities like the super fancy Maxisys mentioned by BzsBimmer above.

the NT530 has been useful for:

1. Battery registration
2. Clear SRS light
3. DCT clutch adaptation
4. Disabling Transport mode
5. Verify DTC codes

[jim salter]

Hello everyone.

Complete newbie to BMW's & related software.

I have a 2017 F30 330e.

Which is the best option for every day diagnostics? The Autel Maxisys is way out of budget.

I'd like to be able to read DTC's & clear them - is ISTA+ software that can be installed on a regular PC (can someone provide a link please) the best? If so what kind of OBD cable is required (can someone provide a link please)?

Also, I have no idea about coding (will be researching) can anyone point me to the coding software please?

Thanks.

[ctcarbonari]

ISTA+ is the "gold standard".

I also use BimmerLink & BimmerCode. The advantage to BimmerLink that I enjoy is it is very convienent. I leave my OBD II port reader plugged in 24/7 (has low power mode). That allows me to use my phone/tablet anytime when I'm driving around to spot check readings on a dashboard set up (tranny temp, coolant temp, boost pressures, etc). Bimmerlink also allows for data logging and read/clear codes. BimmerCode is "stupid simple" to use and covers most of the basics for coding changes (like nag screen delete, seatbelt warning delete, etc) although it's probably not the best for more advanced coding options. For the price point, those two apps are a nice little package to have.

+1 to Autel Maxisys (but ouch @ price)
+1 to Foxwell NT530 (that may be the best overall choice for ONE scan device)

[Josh-PA]

Originally Posted by ctcarbonari

ISTA+ is the "gold standard".

I also use BimmerLink & BimmerCode. The advantage to BimmerLink that I enjoy is it is very convienent. I leave my OBD II port reader plugged in 24/7 (has low power mode). That allows me to use my phone/tablet anytime when I'm driving around to spot check readings on a dashboard set up (tranny temp, coolant temp, boost pressures, etc). Bimmerlink also allows for data logging and read/clear codes. BimmerCode is "stupid simple" to use and covers most of the basics for coding changes (like nag screen delete, seatbelt warning delete, etc) although it's probably not the best for more advanced coding options. For the price point, those two apps are a nice little package to have.

+1 to Autel Maxisys (but ouch @ price)
+1 to Foxwell NT530 (that may be the best overall choice for ONE scan device)

If I already have Carly and Bimmercode, is there any advantage to getting Bimmerlink?

[ctcarbonari]

Originally Posted by Josh-PA

If I already have Carly and Bimmercode, is there any advantage to getting Bimmerlink?

I'm not familiar with Carly but here's what Bimmerlink can do so I'll let you decide. (I wouldn't mind knowing the answer to this question as well)

Bimmerlink lets you:
Read/Clear the Info/Error/Perm Codes (and export to pdf),
Read live sensor values and datalog them to a pdf
Register a new battery (when replaced "in kind")
Setup a dashboard (for displaying multiple readings simultaneously)
Reset Service Intervals & advance counters.

I like the convience of it, in that my bluetooth reader is always plugged in and I can open the app whenever I feel like it to check values.
For $35 I think it's a pretty good value.

[Josh-PA]

thanks,
Carly does most/all of the above and a level of coding slightly less than Bimmercode. It allows for ODB resets including Airbag, DEF and batter registration. It's about $120 now, but it is a decent alternate to the Bimmercode/Bimmerlink tandem. I'd say it does BMW specific error reading and live diagnosis better than what you're descibing in Bimmerlink and coding slightly worse than Bimmercode.
https://www.mycarly.com/plan/?c=US&b=bmw&n=BMW

[ctcarbonari]

Does Carly charge a subscription fee?

[jim salter]

Originally Posted by ctcarbonari

Does Carly charge a subscription fee?

Not that I'm aware of (at least in Ireland)

It's €119 for the 330e version.

If I was 100% sure Carly can read all codes & code I would purchase.

Would prefer a wired connection instead of bluetooth though

[jim salter]

Originally Posted by jim salter

Not that I'm aware of (at least in Ireland)

It's €119 for the 330e version.

If I was 100% sure Carly can read all codes & code I would purchase.

Would prefer a wired connection instead of bluetooth though

Ok, just checked & it is an annual subscription €103 initially & the same annually I'd expect.

[ctcarbonari]

Originally Posted by jim salter

Would prefer a wired connection instead of bluetooth though

Me too @ prefer a hardline connection!
For Bimmerlink, I'm not so concerned about the bluetooth (and actually enjoy the convenience of it). However, the few times that I've used BimmerCode to change some settings it always makes me a nervous wreck...lol

Thank You for the Carly clarification at annual subscription! I had thought that was the case nowdays.