[Hectic77]

Hi guys,

Newbie to forum. Was wondering what is a good scanning tool to get? I know there are some out there and can read 'shadow codes' not sure if this is really neccesary unless your a mechanic of course?

Not sure which one you guys recommend for home use?


Cheers.

[bradsm87]

I use the Bavarian Technic cable and software and it's excellent. It reads both current and shadow codes, as well as states at what time the code came up. Obviously much more (eg individual adaptation resets, logging etc) There is also an ECS Tuning diagnostic tool which is meant to be great and gaining popularity.

[vtl]

INPA as part of BMW standard tools. Only need a cheap scan cable and is way more capable than any third party software

[Hectic77]

Originally Posted by vtl

INPA as part of BMW standard tools. Only need a cheap scan cable and is way more capable than any third party software

Thanks guys, much appreciate your thoughts on this subject. I guess if ur a bit of a hardcore Bimmer nut who likes modding then the Bavarian Tech is prob the way to go.
vtl, which INPA cable (brand) do u recommend? Is eBay the way to go?

[vtl]

Originally Posted by Hectic77

Thanks guys, much appreciate your thoughts on this subject. I guess if ur a bit of a hardcore Bimmer nut who likes modding then the Bavarian Tech is prob the way to go.
vtl, which INPA cable (brand) do u recommend? Is eBay the way to go?

This is the golden link that works. Lot of cables are a different white PCB which might not connect to your car.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271621954...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

INPA is the software from BMW you can use to diagnose your vehicle. Much more capable than the BAV cable. Reads everything and you can go into the detail of an error code. A lot of times the error code is pretty vauge but will have more data ascociated with it that pinpoints the fault. Cable is much cheaper and the software can be downloaded off the forums. Its a bit tricky to setup but now there are idiot proof guides in in the coding section of this forum.

Alternatively if you want a more user friendly setup, you can use the same cable but use an android app called BMW Carly. Never used it cos I use INPA but seems to be an alternative that is easy to use and recommended by a lot of members here.

[Hectic77]

Thanks vtl! If you could point me in the right direction where to download the software, that will be ace!

[Fuji]

Originally Posted by vtl

Alternatively if you want a more user friendly setup, you can use the same cable but use an android app called BMW Carly.

+1 CarlyforBMW is very easy to use and convenient. Basically idiot-proof!

It also works with iOS but may require purchasing of their proprietary cable. I found the app worked with newer cars using a generic Bluetooth OBD dongle, but not on my older '07 320i.

I did use my laptop and code with BMW software in the past, but I found this to be a lot of effort at times. I guess I got lazy

[Brule]

Bt cables a bit old school and limited.

Inpa does everything but is a bit of a pain to use.

A step up from bt cable is the schwaben scanner from ecs tuning. It does alot more then bt cable and is 299 plus shipping frin the us.

It can code injectors for a start. Code batteries, auto bleeding brakes. Heaps of extra stuff
They are currently working on updates at the moment.

[EB89]

Originally Posted by Fuji

+1 CarlyforBMW is very easy to use and convenient. Basically idiot-proof!

It also works with iOS but may require purchasing of their proprietary cable. I found the app worked with newer cars using a generic Bluetooth OBD dongle, but not on my older '07 320i.

I did use my laptop and code with BMW software in the past, but I found this to be a lot of effort at times. I guess I got lazy

Carly app + Carly wifi ODBII adaptor work well, helpful note, turn JB4 to map 0 otherwise it is unreliable and won't connect.

They don't tell you this in the app :/

[Hectic77]

Thank you all for your all your advice. Now it comes down to decisions, decisions...

[aaron_]

Originally Posted by vtl

This is the golden link that works. Lot of cables are a different white PCB which might not connect to your car.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271621954...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

INPA is the software from BMW you can use to diagnose your vehicle. Much more capable than the BAV cable. Reads everything and you can go into the detail of an error code. A lot of times the error code is pretty vauge but will have more data ascociated with it that pinpoints the fault. Cable is much cheaper and the software can be downloaded off the forums. Its a bit tricky to setup but now there are idiot proof guides in in the coding section of this forum.

Alternatively if you want a more user friendly setup, you can use the same cable but use an android app called BMW Carly. Never used it cos I use INPA but seems to be an alternative that is easy to use and recommended by a lot of members here.

what's the best software to use with this cable. I just purchased it =D

[Avex]

doh! just found this thread after purchasing one with the white pcb. having no luck with getting it to connect with INPA so far.

the most popular seller on ebay australia sells a white pcb, so do avoid:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e11400...&sojTags=bu=bu

This thread and vtl's link should be a sticky for the unsuspecting bmw coding noobs.

[aaron_]

I bought Vtl's cable. 100% works for n55 with latest DME software

[CYL]

Originally Posted by aaron_

I bought Vtl's cable. 100% works for n55 with latest DME software

Are you using the NCS Expert software provided by the cable seller?
Or are you sourcing the software elsewhere?

[aaron_]

Originally Posted by CYL

Are you using the NCS Expert software provided by the cable seller?
Or are you sourcing the software elsewhere?

I had the ppk done by joe at top gear solutions. He provided links to dl the software (ncs expert/inpa/and other stuff)

[Grohouse]

+1 CarlyforBMW. Works great.

[aaron_]

Originally Posted by EB89

Carly app + Carly wifi ODBII adaptor work well, helpful note, turn JB4 to map 0 otherwise it is unreliable and won't connect.

They don't tell you this in the app :/

Does this app tell me the extra info we were trying to get from the error codes through inpa when vtl was guiding us?

Had a look on the website. Seems like it does. And that it's more suited to someone like me, with a nice and easy GUI to use!!

also will it code injectors and allow a transmission fluid change?

[Grohouse]

Originally Posted by aaron_

Does this app tell me the extra info we were trying to get from the error codes through inpa when vtl was guiding us?

Had a look on the website. Seems like it does. And that it's more suited to someone like me, with a nice and easy GUI to use!!

also will it code injectors and allow a transmission fluid change?

I don't think it can code injectors (yet).
However, you don't need anything to do a transmission fluid change as I've recently done this myself without any issues.

[aaron_]

Originally Posted by Grohouse

I don't think it can code injectors (yet).
However, you don't need anything to do a transmission fluid change as I've recently done this myself without any issues.

had a look at the carly website. I like it. will let me code a digital speedo, auto fold mirrors on lock/unlock, disable warning on startup and is a good code reader so to do all that is worth the $160ish

only thing I don't get is, do you need to pay a nominal fee to register a battery, and reset service intervals? that's what I thought I read.......cant be right though after buying the adaptor and software can it?

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by Grohouse

I don't think it can code injectors (yet).
However, you don't need anything to do a transmission fluid change as I've recently done this myself without any issues.

Ideally when doing a tranny fluid change you activate the pump which flushes out the old fluid in the system for a full flush so to speak, or you can just perform another fluid change in a short interval after the initial change.

I know workshops who have tools such as an autologic etc perform this type of servicing.

[Grohouse]

Originally Posted by aaron_

had a look at the carly website. I like it. will let me code a digital speedo, auto fold mirrors on lock/unlock, disable warning on startup and is a good code reader so to do all that is worth the $160ish

only thing I don't get is, do you need to pay a nominal fee to register a battery, and reset service intervals? that's what I thought I read.......cant be right though after buying the adaptor and software can it?

You need to buy the Full Version App (Pro) and buy the battery registration add-on after. Not sure what this extra $$ is (few bux..?)

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

Ideally when doing a tranny fluid change you activate the pump which flushes out the old fluid in the system for a full flush so to speak, or you can just perform another fluid change in a short interval after the initial change.

I know workshops who have tools such as an autologic etc perform this type of servicing.

Yep - double flush gets it pretty clean. The GM dexron tranny fluid is cheaper than the ZF's.

[aaron_]

can you do logs with carly?

and if I use the pro app on my car, can I use it on my mums 335i as well?


also as a FYI, I ordered the wifi obd thing direct from carly in EU, cost $100AUD including postage. they emailed me saying I could have it quicker if I cancel the order and buy through carly AUS, but it costs $150AUD including postage for JUST the adaptor. why would there be a $50 difference in price? I don't get it!! not in a real hurry for it, so ill just get it in a few weeks.