Bavarian Technic Diagnostic Tool Review

OpenFlash · 02-13-2009, 06:25 PM

I was sick pretty much all day yesterday. Caught some real nasty 24hr bug. But upon returning back to work today, I found a Pro version of the BT's diagnostic tool waiting for me. I've been using other versions of their software for a couple of years now and I've always been impressed with their products and level of support. This new BMW product is no exception.

It logs/views everything the GT1 does and more. I didn't count them but there is well over 200 log-able values. Everything one could conceive of and more. What's impressive is that you can reset individual adaption settings (throttle, fuel, timing, etc,.) as well as clear individual module codes.

Set up was a piece of cake. First step is to download/install the drivers/software off of BT's website. The plug in the cable. Then plug it into the car. That's it. Nothing more to it.

So yes, it is everything it is cracked up to be. As I understand it, the Enthusiast version is identical to the Pro version with the exception of some advanced coding/command features and that it will only work on the first 3 cars you hook it up to. Which makes it more than useful for the casual user. For anyone else with more advanced needs, the Pro version is the one to get. It will, without a doubt, make all but make those Ebay GT1s obsolete

Shiv

tomtom · 02-13-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

I was stick pretty much all day yesterday. Caught some real nasty 24hr bug. But upon returning back to work today, I found a Pro version of the BT's diagnostic tool waiting for me. I've been using other versions of their software for a couple of years now and I've always been impressed with their products and level of support. This new BMW product is no exception.

It logs/views everything the GT1 does and more. I didn't count them but there is well over 200 log-able values. Everything one could conceive of and more. What's impressive is that you can reset individual adaption settings (throttle, fuel, timing, etc,.) as well as clear individual module codes.

Set up was a piece of cake. First step is to download/install the drivers/software off of BT's website. The plug in the cable. Then plug it into the car. That's it. Nothing more to it.

So yes, it is everything it is cracked up to be. As I understand it, the Enthusiast version is identical to the Pro version with the exception that it will only work on the first 3 cars you hook it up to. Which makes it more than useful for the casual user. For anyone else, the Pro version will all but make those Ebay GT1s obsolete

Shiv

are there instructions on how to clear fault codes?
simple to use?

OpenFlash · 02-13-2009, 06:43 PM

Very simple. I'm sure there are instructions somewhere. I just didn't find any need for them. Very intuitive.

Shiv

dmurray14 · 02-13-2009, 06:44 PM

Pretty cool! Curious how well it can clear the tune detection codes...could be great.

veightkiller · 02-13-2009, 06:45 PM

thanks for the info

OpenFlash · 02-13-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmurray14

Pretty cool! Curious how well it can clear the tune detection codes...could be great.

My car didn't have any detection codes to view or clear. So I'm going to run around this weekend with a map that should trigger it. Apparently it takes a little bit of driving to do so. I'm sure it works. But i'll update the forum accordingly

Shiv

dmurray14 · 02-13-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

My car didn't have any detection codes to view or clear. So I'm going to run around this weekend with a map that should trigger it. Apparently it takes a little bit of driving to do so. I'm sure it works. But i'll update the forum accordingly

Shiv

Sounds good, anxious to hear.

goowatchi · 02-13-2009, 07:21 PM

i just bought the enthusiast version because of shiv's review... looking forward to his assessment of the BT diagnostic tool.

scalbert · 02-13-2009, 07:24 PM

Just to add to this, got mine as well and played with it this evening. BTW, there are just over 600 values to be read and logged.

Of note, I picked out these and will begin compiling a list of the more useful ones for various testing.

Target Boost Pressure
Suction Pipe Pressure
Status Knocking
Spark Duration cylinder 1...6
Rail Pressure
Knock Sensor cylnders 1 and 6
Ignition Angle cylinger 1
Ignition Point cylinder 1
Irregular Running cylinder 1...6
Wastegate PWM for both solenoids

Multiple Fuel Adaptation values, idle, low load, high load, different coolant ranges, etc. In other words, there is not a single or a couple lamda adaptation values, there are at least twenty.

I too love the fact that you can clear individual adaptation values. For instance, you can clear the knock control adaptation values without affecting the lamda adaptation values. This shoudl prove useful in troubleshooting and testing.

And, as mentioned, you can clear fault codes from individual control module. When I pulled up my codes I had two listed, both related to the rear O2 sensors but were not active. These were from when I installed the catless DPs but had not yet installed the O2 sims. I had cleared the OBDII codes which turned off the CEL. But the codes remained in memory. This just shows that clearing OBDII codes does not remove them from BMW's eyes during a dealer visit.

I'll be playing with this more over the weekend. But for now here is a screen shot of some of the data. Of note, do not let the screen updates fool you into thinking it matches the logging rate. There is an option to increase the logging rate and with it on the highest and with the data exported, I was getting 10 Hz.

luca335i · 02-13-2009, 07:27 PM

Ordered the enthusiast version today. I think it's 50 dollars if you wanna add another vin to the three.

OpenFlash · 02-13-2009, 07:29 PM

Just wait until you guys see how much a tool like this is going to help us tuners out

Going to cut R&D time by 75% at the very least.

Shiv

scalbert · 02-13-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

Just wait until you guys see how much a tool like this is going to help us tuners out

Going to cut R&D time by 75% at the very least.

Shiv

Some...

I keed....

cn555ic · 02-13-2009, 07:40 PM

Wow around 800 bucks its a nice tool to have to clear all those unseen codes for sure!!

scalbert · 02-13-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Wow around 800 bucks its a nice tool to have to clear all those unseen codes for sure!!

Just over $250 if you work on just your car and two friends.

cn555ic · 02-13-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scalbert

Just over $250 if you work on just your car and two friends.

True no need to get the PROFESSIONAL one like SHiv did!

Septro · 02-13-2009, 08:39 PM

Can one of you poke around your Professional version on what that 'Activations' tab does?

There's some rumbling that you could be able to activate your Bluetooth or OEM Alarm after self-installation. That would be the coup'de grace and the big diff between the enthusiast and Pro versions.

Noize · 02-13-2009, 09:43 PM

Interested in enthusiast if compatible.

mayno · 02-13-2009, 09:51 PM

will this clear codes permanently so that when you go to the dealership they won't see the ones stored in memory?

uhcoug2011 · 02-13-2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayno

will this clear codes permanently so that when you go to the dealership they won't see the ones stored in memory?

Short answer would be....Yes

Noize · 02-14-2009, 01:47 AM

I'm looking at the model matrix, and it says MSD80. Will this not work with an MSD81 ECU?

brianhn1 · 02-14-2009, 06:21 AM

Just in case you guys wanted to see what adaptation values can be reset.

And a sample of Actual values that you can monitor.

brianhn1 · 02-14-2009, 06:24 AM

Also would be a good idea to upgrade your software often. As of this morning, it is to 1.5.0.0. There were some bugs in the Actual Values section, in which you couldn't display more than 3 values simultaneously.

Courtesy of me pointing it out to Duram.

02-13-2009, 06:25 PM	#1
OpenFlash 1737 Rep 17,960 Posts Drives: A Lot Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SF Bay, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Ducati Panigal ... [0.00] 2016 Mazda CX5 [0.00] 2017 Aprilia Tuono ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 Competi ... [10.00] 2016 Ducati XDiavel S [0.00] 2016 AMG GT S [0.00] 2011 Ferrari 458 It ... [0.00] 2017 Charger Hellcat [0.00] 2015 KTM Super Duke ... [0.00] 2016 KTM RC390 [0.00]	Bavarian Technic Diagnostic Tool Review I was sick pretty much all day yesterday. Caught some real nasty 24hr bug. But upon returning back to work today, I found a Pro version of the BT's diagnostic tool waiting for me. I've been using other versions of their software for a couple of years now and I've always been impressed with their products and level of support. This new BMW product is no exception. It logs/views everything the GT1 does and more. I didn't count them but there is well over 200 log-able values. Everything one could conceive of and more. What's impressive is that you can reset individual adaption settings (throttle, fuel, timing, etc,.) as well as clear individual module codes. Set up was a piece of cake. First step is to download/install the drivers/software off of BT's website. The plug in the cable. Then plug it into the car. That's it. Nothing more to it. So yes, it is everything it is cracked up to be. As I understand it, the Enthusiast version is identical to the Pro version with the exception of some advanced coding/command features and that it will only work on the first 3 cars you hook it up to. Which makes it more than useful for the casual user. For anyone else with more advanced needs, the Pro version is the one to get. It will, without a doubt, make all but make those Ebay GT1s obsolete Shiv Last edited by OpenFlash; 02-13-2009 at 07:18 PM..
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02-13-2009, 06:43 PM	#3
OpenFlash 1737 Rep 17,960 Posts Drives: A Lot Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SF Bay, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Ducati Panigal ... [0.00] 2016 Mazda CX5 [0.00] 2017 Aprilia Tuono ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 Competi ... [10.00] 2016 Ducati XDiavel S [0.00] 2016 AMG GT S [0.00] 2011 Ferrari 458 It ... [0.00] 2017 Charger Hellcat [0.00] 2015 KTM Super Duke ... [0.00] 2016 KTM RC390 [0.00]	Very simple. I'm sure there are instructions somewhere. I just didn't find any need for them. Very intuitive. Shiv
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02-13-2009, 06:44 PM	#4
dmurray14 The Stig 31 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Quickly Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: US iTrader: (1)	Pretty cool! Curious how well it can clear the tune detection codes...could be great. __________________
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02-13-2009, 06:45 PM	#5
veightkiller Brigadier General 61 Rep 4,150 Posts Drives: e90 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver,B.C iTrader: (3)	thanks for the info
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02-13-2009, 07:21 PM	#8
goowatchi Chairman of the Board. 16 Rep 452 Posts Drives: F15 X5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (7)	i just bought the enthusiast version because of shiv's review... looking forward to his assessment of the BT diagnostic tool.
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02-13-2009, 07:24 PM	#9
scalbert Major General 153 Rep 5,780 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	Just to add to this, got mine as well and played with it this evening. BTW, there are just over 600 values to be read and logged. Of note, I picked out these and will begin compiling a list of the more useful ones for various testing. Target Boost Pressure Suction Pipe Pressure Status Knocking Spark Duration cylinder 1...6 Rail Pressure Knock Sensor cylnders 1 and 6 Ignition Angle cylinger 1 Ignition Point cylinder 1 Irregular Running cylinder 1...6 Wastegate PWM for both solenoids Multiple Fuel Adaptation values, idle, low load, high load, different coolant ranges, etc. In other words, there is not a single or a couple lamda adaptation values, there are at least twenty. I too love the fact that you can clear individual adaptation values. For instance, you can clear the knock control adaptation values without affecting the lamda adaptation values. This shoudl prove useful in troubleshooting and testing. And, as mentioned, you can clear fault codes from individual control module. When I pulled up my codes I had two listed, both related to the rear O2 sensors but were not active. These were from when I installed the catless DPs but had not yet installed the O2 sims. I had cleared the OBDII codes which turned off the CEL. But the codes remained in memory. This just shows that clearing OBDII codes does not remove them from BMW's eyes during a dealer visit. I'll be playing with this more over the weekend. But for now here is a screen shot of some of the data. Of note, do not let the screen updates fool you into thinking it matches the logging rate. There is an option to increase the logging rate and with it on the highest and with the data exported, I was getting 10 Hz.
	Appreciate 0

02-13-2009, 07:27 PM	#10
luca335i Major 57 Rep 1,193 Posts Drives: 335I Sedan Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Unknown iTrader: (3)	Ordered the enthusiast version today. I think it's 50 dollars if you wanna add another vin to the three. __________________
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02-13-2009, 07:29 PM	#11
OpenFlash 1737 Rep 17,960 Posts Drives: A Lot Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SF Bay, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Ducati Panigal ... [0.00] 2016 Mazda CX5 [0.00] 2017 Aprilia Tuono ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 Competi ... [10.00] 2016 Ducati XDiavel S [0.00] 2016 AMG GT S [0.00] 2011 Ferrari 458 It ... [0.00] 2017 Charger Hellcat [0.00] 2015 KTM Super Duke ... [0.00] 2016 KTM RC390 [0.00]	Just wait until you guys see how much a tool like this is going to help us tuners out Going to cut R&D time by 75% at the very least. Shiv
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02-13-2009, 07:40 PM	#13
cn555ic 441 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	Wow around 800 bucks its a nice tool to have to clear all those unseen codes for sure!!
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02-13-2009, 08:39 PM	#16
Septro Banned 77 Rep 1,649 Posts Drives: '08 e90 335xi Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: C-Bus, OH iTrader: (1)	Can one of you poke around your Professional version on what that 'Activations' tab does? There's some rumbling that you could be able to activate your Bluetooth or OEM Alarm after self-installation. That would be the coup'de grace and the big diff between the enthusiast and Pro versions.
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02-13-2009, 09:43 PM	#17
Noize Under the radar 41 Rep 840 Posts Drives: FWD in reverse Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In traffic at idle iTrader: (1)	Interested in enthusiast if compatible. Last edited by Noize; 02-14-2009 at 01:51 AM..
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02-13-2009, 09:51 PM	#18
mayno Captain 72 Rep 613 Posts Drives: 2007 335i / 2018 BMW 430i Conv Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	will this clear codes permanently so that when you go to the dealership they won't see the ones stored in memory?
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02-14-2009, 01:47 AM	#20
Noize Under the radar 41 Rep 840 Posts Drives: FWD in reverse Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In traffic at idle iTrader: (1)	I'm looking at the model matrix, and it says MSD80. Will this not work with an MSD81 ECU?
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02-14-2009, 06:21 AM	#21
brianhn1 Slow Mo 15 Rep 534 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Just in case you guys wanted to see what adaptation values can be reset. And a sample of Actual values that you can monitor. Attached Images
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02-14-2009, 06:24 AM	#22
brianhn1 Slow Mo 15 Rep 534 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Also would be a good idea to upgrade your software often. As of this morning, it is to 1.5.0.0. There were some bugs in the Actual Values section, in which you couldn't display more than 3 values simultaneously. Courtesy of me pointing it out to Duram.
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