[TekkaMaki]

Looking for a scanner to leave in my trunk tool kit.

Much difference between these two?

Creator C410 ($55)
Foxwell NT510 ($140)

[TekkaMaki]

Bump

[wrevilo]

Another option would be a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth dongle in combination with an app. For example, I use an MHD Wi-Fi adapter with MHD and Bimmer Link.

[oVeRdOsE.]

I have k+dcan cable with most major software, but I found that a small Bluetooth dongle does the job.

especially with F series, the softwares are a pain to make it work.

I'm using veepeak BLE (cheap on amazon) and works well with BimmerCode.

Bimmercode is not cheap, but worth it if you have multiple bmw.

It will probably save me rod bearing on my N55 with this stupid engine start/stop that the wife always forget to disable. Now is disable for good.

[Efthreeoh]

I have the previous gen Foxwell for my BMWs and a GM truck. The GM unit had the screen crap out on it. I tried once to load a second manufacturer's diagnostic software on it and had all sorts of issues. Foxwell is really a Chinese company, so there is a language barrier and time difference for tech support.

It's a decent unit to keep on-board. Temperature extremes might damage it. Not sure.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by TekkaMaki

Looking for a scanner to leave in my trunk tool kit...

REAL Questions:
1) What can BEST Diagnostic Tools (INPA/ISTA) do?
2) What makes sense to carry "On Road"?

To "Fix" any significant issue "On Road" you need "Correct Tools". Beyond Fault Codes, that may include ISTA for wiring diagrams, component Location, Repair Procedures; BMW Fault Code Lookup (via phone) to see Code Definition & Fault Information with Service Notes; ability to view Freeze Frame Data, Live Data, or Activate/ Trigger components.

After proper Diagnosis, you need proper TOOLS to access components & perform Repairs/ Replacements. How much "Shtuff" you want to carry around? How far from HOME? How much of Diagnosis or Repair are you willing/ able to do yourself? If Parts are needed, WHERE will you get them & how long a wait? No ONE solution for Everybody. Everyone "Knows" (his Concepts are Limited to) whatever he is familiar with.

You will get recommendations for everything from Carly (few) to ISTA. ProTool (which I've never used) MAY be best compromise if you have Android phone. Just need License & connection (different modes possible) to OBD II Socket.

Personally, I have INPA & ISTA on my Laptop. I "Live" on my Laptop. If I'm going to be > 50 miles from home, I carry my Laptop. I ALWAYS have my phone in the car. I have a cheap P-Code Reader (Autel 319) in my Glovebox, along with with BimmerGeeks K+DCAN Cable to connect Laptop to OBD. I also have a cheap Multimeter in Glovebox. I have Google Bookmarks to ALL known helpful Websites, via Android Phone. I have Bentley Manual & BMW Owner's Manual pdf's (plus more) on my Phone memory. I do NOT carry Complete Toolboxes for ALL possibly contingencies, NOR spare parts (belts/hoses, Spare Tire, etc.). I DO carry an Air Pump, Tire Plug Kit, (RSC Runflat tires), Jumper Cables, & screwdrivers, pliers & small Socket Set.

Your E9x has "Check Control", which gives very basic info on what a particular warning light or fault condition is (at least what Systems/ Functions are affected). It tells you if you can "Continue on Journey" or need to Shut OFF engine. It gives general warnings if performance is affected. It is intended as "Entry-Level" instruction to someone WITHOUT technical knowledge. Just like "Idiot Lights", "macho men" have disdain for system (like asking for directions ;-). DON'T be "That Guy"! LEARN what's available. Read & test the CC-ID code procedure ("Check Control" in Owner's Manual Index). It's NOT ISTA, but it's FREE & has been in vehicle since the factory.

My Concept is: The more you know, the more you realize it's ALL a compromise:

1) Know what Data/ Information the BEST Scan Tool/ Software can Provide;

2) Get familiar with INPA/ISTA if you have a Windows OS Computer; That shows you WHAT Data your car can provide.

3) If you don't have a Laptop, but have an Android Phone, try ProTool (AFTER reading about DETAILS).

4) $30 gets you an Entry-Level P-code Reader (such as Autel 319) that can read ENGINE Fault Codes (P-codes) in ALL vehicles sold in US since 1996. It can display FF Data for a fault code. It can display some Live Data.
It CANNOT read Hex-codes. It CANNOT connect to other Modules (CAS, EGS, DSC, etc.).

5) Although BMW has sought to put the INPA/ISTA horses back in the barn in last year, those are still "Out There". If you have a Windows Laptop, ISTA is the BEST "single solution", as it has complete "Shop Manual" with wiring diagrams & Repair Procedures, and it can do MORE diagnostics & Functions than virtually anything else. INPA is ~ as good for diagnostics, better in some functions, but much of Text/ Labels is in German, so you need Google Translate.

Short Answer: "It Depends"

BTW: I've NEVER had an issue with my 328xi that has required either Diagnosis or Repair, while away from my garage. In 7+ years of ownership. Only "Repair" has been replacement of original Spark Plugs (enlarged gaps) at 131,000 miles, due to random misfire > 5,000 RPM. On each of two occasions, normal operation returned within ONE Minute, and SES light went out. Murphy's Law suggests that when I DO have such an issue, I will NOT have what I need "on board".

George