Whether you just want to save a buck or love the challenge of repairing your modern day BMW, you'll definitely want the best BMW scanner at your disposal.
Trying to decipher that orange light in the dash? Good luck if you don't have the right OBD II scanner. The best scanners, though, can do more than just tell you the code that's set that light. They can give you real-time information about the health of your vehicle. From fuel trims to oil pressure to oxygen sensor health. Some can even program your vehicle with settings that were options not enabled by the factory. We asked you what your favorite BMW scanners were, and here are the results. Along with some of the ones our experts think are the best.
1. Forum Member Favorite: Foxwell NT-510
We got a whole trunkful of recommendations for Foxwell scanners, including the NT-510. @surfwooder said they used a 510 Elite with BMW software pre-loaded, while @andrewwynn said they spent a month of research before going with the 510. "It has done everything I needed including sync SAS after swapping abs module sync ews. It's slow as molasses but gets the job done." The Foxwell reader comes with a color screen and large, easy-to-use buttons. Pre-loaded with BMW-specific software, it can reset service intervals, control battery registration, even command throttle body movement along with a range of other tools that make diagnostics easier. Need to bleed your brakes but having trouble with the ABS system? This is the tool you needed
Features: Available with BMW-specific software, other automakers can be added. Offers almost full control over modules
2. Best Professional Quality Scanner: Autel MS906BT
One of Autel's latest, the MaxiSys MS906BT isn't budget-friendly, but it can "do almost anything the factory tool can do," says independent mechanic @tja623. This is a professional-level scanner that offers a wireless dongle to connect to the vehicle and a touchscreen tablet that you can hold and use under the hood, behind the wheel, or on your workbench. It will cover more than 140 brands from more than 80 manufacturers and has online coding and special diagnostic features for BMW. The system also comes with one-year free updates and lifetime technical support to make sure you get up and running and don't have an obsolete tool when it arrives. This new version even supports adding digital inspection cameras or oscilloscopes for even more in-depth diagnostic work.
Features: Wireless dongle, one year of updates, lifetime tech support
3. Best Android Compatible Bluetooth Scanner: Veepak Mini OBD II Scanner
One of the benefits of the universal OBD II protocol is the availability of some very low-price scan tools. This one is extremely basic. It doesn't even have a screen. Instead, it connects to your Android phone using Bluetooth connectivity. You can then use a free app from the Google Play store (like Torque Lite) that can read the data from the dongle. Sorry, no iPhones for most of these low-priced scanners as Apple won't allow them to connect via Bluetooth. Don't expect to be able to program a new ABS module or handle your power-operated rear parking brake, but you will be able to identify the likely reasons for that check engine light. You'll also be able to monitor misfires, fuel system trim, throttle position, and other important telemetry.
4. Best Budget Scanner: Performance Tool W2977 Scanner Tool
This is as basic as you can get without requiring you to use your own phone or tablet. An OBD II plug and a two-row screen plus two buttons. That's all you get, but for basic diagnostics, that's really all you need. It can read you all the standard OBD codes and display them on the simple screen. You can then delete the codes and fix the issue. No, you won't get the advanced information other fancier tools offer, but if all you want is a code scanner, then this is exactly what you asked for. It will still work on every BMW newer than 1997, and it's affordable enough to leave an extra in your glovebox for just in case down the road.
Features: Does the basic features you need, stand-alone unit, low cost
The ScanGauge II is a little bit different from other OBD scanners on the market. While most are designed to be used only when there is a problem, the ScanGauge is designed to stay connected to your car at all times. That's because while it can show you diagnostic trouble codes like the other scanners, its primary purpose is to act like an extra set of gauges for your vehicle. It can show you things like coolant temperature, transmission temperature, and horsepower in real-time. It can also show you your instant and short and long-term fuel economy. That can help you to drive more efficiently if that's something you're looking to do. While not intended for track use, the extra sensors and gauges could also be handy for a BMW that's about to be driven hard on closed-circuit conditions. The Performance Monitor system will even record your laps and store up to 10 individual runs.
Features: Gives multiple pages of gauges, can scan, and reset MIL
OBD II, for Onboard Diagnostic System Version II, has been standard on all vehicles sold in the US since 1996. It gives basic trouble codes that can help you to figure out why your BMW isn't running right, and it can also give you real-time and recorded information about how the vehicle is running.
All vehicles have this system, so all can give you basic check engine light information through a scanner. That will give you somewhere to start your diagnosis. Common codes include oxygen sensor trouble codes, mass airflow sensor codes, and cylinder misfire codes.
Checking codes before taking your car to the shop is a good place to start, but it is not a guarantee of what is causing the problem and what needs to be repaired. A bad O2 sensor code, for example, could be a problem not with the sensor or with the catalytic converter, but with a fuel injector leaking slightly and delivering too much fuel. A code is not a replacement for proper diagnosis, just directions on where to start.
While the OBD II system is standardized, modern vehicles have added far more functionality that can't be controlled by a basic scanner. For those extra functions, which include retracting the parking brake for pad changes, cycling the ABS module for brake fluid flushes, and many other systems including airbags and even audio, you need a high-end scanner like the Autel or Foxwell scanners listed. Even then, some commands can only be accessed by the dealer's scan tools and communication with a factory server.
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(Original Post 9/13/2021)
Since 1996, all cars that have been manufactured for sale in the US have been required to be OBD (On Board Diagnostics) II compliant. This meant that the vehicles needed to have a diagnostic port that is accessible to the consumer to access trouble codes with a scan tool when the engines system of complex sensors would find parameters out of specification. In the early days of OBD II, only shops would invest in the expensive technology of scanners, but as time has gone one, the cost of these diagnostic tools has gone down.
Currently, there are plenty of options for DIY mechanics to own one of these scan tools at budget price points to full blown professional models. What's the difference? Some like the convenience of being able use their smartphones with in conjunction with an adaptor that plugs into the OBD II port. Other, more professional models, can not only provide the many codes and explanations that your vehicles computer can trigger, but can also provide real time data to help diagnose problems if you know what you're looking for.
Which are the best? One person's favorite may be another's worst nightmare, so we want to know which you prefer. Whether you access the data with your phone or prefer the traditional model that is like a handheld computer, we'd love for you to share with other members who may be looking into getting one for themselves. Just like many of my other posts, I'll compile our forum member feedback and list which are the favorites and if there's one you suggest to stay away from, I'll be sure to pass that along as well.
Thanks for your help and input! I look forward to seeing what you all have to say!
Lead photo courtesy of LightFoot Studios/Shutterstock
Just got a FOXWELL NT530 for my G30 540d 2018. Just a perfect tool for me. Look like it replaces the NT510 therefore it works for model year 2018 and up.
I went with the Autophix 7910, which (AFAICT) does what the Foxwell unit does. I also have the obligatory laptop loaded with INPA / ISTA, but find that the ~$100 Autophix unit will do pretty much everything I really need to do. I've been very happy with it, and use it regularly in "regular OBD mode" to help with non-BMW vehicles.
I have tried a couple different apps and scanners. So far the ease of use and ability to also program using Bimmergeeks Pro tool is quite good with the ability to log and file everything you have done. Just order the appropriate WIFI device, download the level of app to your phone and you are off to the races. The amount of detail given when diagnosing is very nice and very easy to use.
I have a cheap Autool X50....about 6 years old....that's a great addition on my E36. It doesn't do a lot, but it does plenty and makes resetting the
repetitive code much simpler. The car had a replacement engine when I bought it and the manifold had a vacuum line for the fuel pressure regulator
if it was located at the back of the fuel rail. This car has it under the driver's seat, so the line is blocked off, but something still sets off the computer that there's
an evaporative leak. I've been through the entire system, new charcoal canister (ouch), new silicone lines, new air pump, new purge valve, new gas cap, etc. Had it
smoke tested several times and got nothing. The vacuum line is something no one can ID, but process of elimination says it's the only thing possible. There will no doubt
be some nay-sayers to this, but most of the techs who look when I tell them what it does finally agree with me.
The autool lets me reset easily and quickly by pressing few buttons when the code pops. No more getting down to plug in my bigger analyzer.
It also saved me money by throwing a code that told me I needed to clean the MAF (I forget the code number...I'm old). I cleaned the MAF wire and not only did the
code go away but the engine performance improved a bit as did the gas mileage. Pretty good for $40.
Also, the analyzers at the inspection stations in North Carolina don't like plugging into the AUTOOL pigtail, so you have to pull it so the analyzer can plug directly into the OBD port
under the dash. Now that the car is over 20 years old, now all it needs is the safety check, so I don't need to disconnect any more.
I got the 510 Elite in 2020. It worked fine for simple code read and clears on a 2012 528ix (F10). Then I got a used 2006 X3. It had multiple repair issues. I wanted to see more of the scanner tools, and was scrolling thru the Foxwell menus. I chose service functions. And then chose back button , then removed the scanner, shutting off the car key.
The next time I tried to start the car, it cranked with no start. Turned out Foxwell triggered the EWS and immobilized the car !! Fault codes 2737 and 27A4. The Foxwell 510 Elite could not repair it!
That's why I setup a laptop with BMW easy tools, INPA, ISTA, WinKFP, NCS expert, etc to fix the problem the Foxwell caused. Car was out of service for a month. I contacted Foxwell and reported this bug, but they never replied. They release updates regularly, maybe its fixed?
So for quick read and clear codes, use the Fox, but I turn to the original software for in depth diagnosis and troubleshooting
The Otofix D1 may, for some, replace ISTA in most respects. If you want to deal with IMMO systems, then go with the Otofix IM1 and pay for the diagnostic tools license. Then you have all that the D1 does plus can make keys. Personally I use ISTA+ for all my diagnostic needs and have a laptop that is solely used for that - I do have INPA for the older cars on it as well. However, my recent discovery is BimmerCode and BimmerLink available through your phone's app store. It requires an OBDII dongle and the best one I've found for that is the Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth. Use BimmerCode if you have some minor coding to do or BimmerLink if you are doing diagnostics. They are both great. If you have complex programming to do, then I'd recommend a stout voltage stabilizer on your car, your laptop be plugged in to its powersupply and ISTA P. If anyone has some cost-effective suggestions for coding keys on an F-series vehicle, I'm all ears.
I had the Foxwell NT530 and was quite happy with it... But wanted more...
Upgraded to an Autel Mk808 and while it was right at $400 it is way more powerful than the NT530 and can also reset the aTransfer cae which the foxwell and most others cannot.. which force you to use ISTA+ and I'm sorry that software just never impressed me... And always had me chasing rabbit holes that had nothing to do with the actual problem...
Take a look at the Autel MK808 you won't be disappointed... Not quite pro level... But damn close and half the cost.
I have and use the Foxwell NT530 and like it...one thing you have to have if you want to upgrade or add a vehicle to the Foxwell line is a Windows capable computer...luckily I had an older Windows machine, but they will not play well with any Apple product, so make sure you have access. When I got my 530, I actually had to download the BMW software, even though it was supposed to come on the machine, so make sure the one you buy actually has it preloaded and not just "available" if you don't have a windows capable computer and internet access to that computer.
I'm sure most, if not all, of them can. However,. the easiest and simplest way I know of to do things like that is to use Bimmercode on your phone (modest fee) using a Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth dongle that is also not expensive. It handles programming very nicely and efficiently.
I'm sure most, if not all, of them can. However,. the easiest and simplest way I know of to do things like that is to use Bimmercode on your phone (modest fee) using a Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth dongle that is also not expensive. It handles programming very nicely and efficiently.
I have BimmerCode (I use the yellow OBD Enet cable with iPhone adapter without any issues) & for the money it's a great coder. And I have all the cheat sheets, but never saw where you could do something like what was asked in my post?
Icarscan , but the 220$ one that comes with 10 subscriptions to maintence , ie reset brakes and bleed , Tpms, ect, I use it for my Porsche and Bmw f25 2915. Dies everything I need and feel dives the hell out if the modules plus you can actuate them and vide battery. No coding though.
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