[teflon_jones]

Foxwell NT520 end of discussion. The 510 only supports one make, while the NT520 can handle up to 5 different brands/makes. The 520 also has a few features/functionality the 510 doesn't, though they're things that you probably will never need. They're almost exactly the same price.

[BimmerNugget]

While we're on the subject...for those people who have a family with multiple vehicles of different makes. It might make more sense to get an Autel Maxicheck MX808 for $350 instead of the Foxwell NT520 for $150 because Foxwell charges $60 for each additional manufacturer software. The Autel MX808 comes with software for 80+ makes (Asian, European, and Domestic).

Unless your family exclusively owns BMWs...you might wanna check out the Autel MX808.

Link for autel mx808 for $350: https://www.toolpan.com/Autel-MX808-...BoCsn8QAvD_BwE

MAKE SURE TO BUY THE USA VERSION OF ANY AUTEL SCAN TOOLS...AUTEL IS VERY ACTIVE WITH RELEASING UPDATES TO THEIR SOFTWARE, YOU DEFINITELY WANT FREE UPDATES SO GET THE USA VERSION!!

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by gde061

Also want to echo AllBlack's question... can you code simple things with any of these tools, like for example turn off the seat-belt nag chime? For example, does the BMW INPA or ISTA Software let you do that?

Thanks!

doubtful, as those are things you have to alter modules programming to do.

you're in cleveland, I'm 60 miles south on 71. You're welcome to come and see my inpa/ista setup and we can code things for you.

The reality is that an old $100 laptop and a bimmergeeks cable is the best solution for these cars.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

It won't work. Has to be their adapter - the reason is the QC of most of the generic adapters is poor. Apparently like 70% of the packets were getting dropped, so they decided not to support them. it kind of sucks (I have 2 useless bluetooth adapters), but it also prevents people from bricking modules using a flaky adapter. Fortunately it's about the same cost as all but the cheapest ones, but those probably don't work anyway.

the other option is of course a cheap dcan cable + adapter. For just coding, it doesn't have to be special - but if you ever want to flash a module, you'll want their cable anyway.

How do you like the pro tool? Is it reliable and what cable do you recommend. I have the Schwaben scanner but I'd like to play arounf with some basic coding.

[gde061]

Originally Posted by nsjames

doubtful, as those are things you have to alter modules programming to do.

you're in cleveland, I'm 60 miles south on 71. You're welcome to come and see my inpa/ista setup and we can code things for you.

The reality is that an old $100 laptop and a bimmergeeks cable is the best solution for these cars.

Cool, thanks for the offer. Before I get into mods I want to try to nail down the issue with my check engine light (cylinder misfires) and the gremlin pinging in the engine that was there two days ago and then disappeared.

[nsjames]

well it reads codes and looks at live data.
so we can get you pointed in the right direction there.

[AmberOtremba]

If you are looking for a simple OBD2 scanner then Foxwell NT624 PRO is the best option with free lifetime software updates. You can also explore more OBD2 devices here ( https://fanguider.com/best-obd2-scanner/ ) and can choose one according to your requirements. On the other hand, I would also suggest Blue Driver Bluetooth Professional OBD2 Tool because it is applicable for both iOS and Android by installing BlueDrive App. Price is also affordable.

[fastboatster]

Originally Posted by nsjames

The reality is that an old $100 laptop and a bimmergeeks cable is the best solution for these cars.

I just run the inpa inside a VirtualBox VM on my mac, so 100$ laptop isn't even required.
on the other note, I'm (not really) surprised that b*geeks can charge nearly 150$ for an app which is basically modified Ulrich Holeschak's Deep OBD app and uses his ediabas library implementation plus some decompiled prg files pulled straight from the INPA. When I tried to do something similar with elm327 for iOS for VW's, almost nobody would download it even for free. Makes me wish I had a BMW at that time. but, if people want some free iOS stuff, who knows...

[W37V]

Originally Posted by greenberet123

Want to purchase a OBD2 reader device that also lets me reset codes. Am making too many visits to Oreilly and Autozone just to read codes.

Saw a bunch of simple dongles online that communicate with the phone directly, is this the cheapest way to go? Or should I be buying a device with a screen?

Get veepak bluetooth and get bimmerlink app. veepak will work with ios and android, so you are not locked into one OS (if you ever decide to change your phone).

Just recently, bimmerlink started support for E cars. Carly has much better code scanning interface; however, carly is annual subscription vs one time purchase for bimmerlink.

Like all other said, there are few other options, but for $50 all in, bimmerlink is highly competitive and convenient.

[mweisdorfer]

The real answer is nothing really of any "real" substance for IOS/Apple

However, if you can run windows 10 via virtual window on your MacBook Pro, that's really your only option.

If so, BMW tools suite and probably ISTA D & P are your best bet. Both can be had for free, if you know how to pirate software. BMW suite is easy and isn't really pirating. You can get a cable and the suite at Beemer geeks. The latest & greatest Datens will not be found on their site. I think the latest is v66.

ISTA will require you to be savvy with Windows 10 and opening and installing software. Typically, there are both written tutorials and YouTube videos you can find for both.

As far as an App for your iphone, the only one I can think of is Carly. It's fairly good for diagnosing and coding. However, more advanced coding and fixing from mods and or just fixing will absolutely require BMW Suite & ISTA D & P.

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by fastboatster

I just run the inpa inside a VirtualBox VM on my mac, so 100$ laptop isn't even required.
on the other note, I'm (not really) surprised that b*geeks can charge nearly 150$ for an app which is basically modified Ulrich Holeschak's Deep OBD app and uses his ediabas library implementation plus some decompiled prg files pulled straight from the INPA. When I tried to do something similar with elm327 for iOS for VW's, almost nobody would download it even for free. Makes me wish I had a BMW at that time. but, if people want some free iOS stuff, who knows...

They have put quite a bit more into it than that, but yes it is based on Deep OBD of course. That basically just gives you the protocol, but implementing "INPA" and "NCSEXPERT" on a phone is a whole different problem.

Also the VM on a Mac cannot be used with Winkfp, at least in my experience. Unless you like bricks..

[fastboatster]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

They have put quite a bit more into it than that, but yes it is based on Deep OBD of course. That basically just gives you the protocol, but implementing "INPA" and "NCSEXPERT" on a phone is a whole different problem.

Also the VM on a Mac cannot be used with Winkfp, at least in my experience. Unless you like bricks..

Got your point about Winkfp.
As for the Deep OBD and Protool, I'm 99% certain they used ediabas lib implementation from Deep OBD, and that lib allows you to execute inpa jobs I believe. INPA is more or less prg file interpreter, and I think Ulrich Holeshack's lib does that.
I guess what I'm saying is that given enough interest, I can try to repurpose my iOS app for vdubs and try to have it run prg files. Need to understand if e90 modules use KWP2000 protocol via k-line or CAN, or maybe some modules use UDS (although I think it first occurred ion the F platforms)

[Werola]

I recommend you use Bluedriver. It's one of the best obd2 scanner for Iphone or Android, you can view this BlueDriver Review to find more indepth details.

[ReForMatt]

I use the protool with the MHD wireless it works and the dcan cable. An obviously the MHD tuning software but are nice to have...but you will need to invest in a android tablet or phone. I picked up a Samsung tablet at Best Buy pretty cheap $100-200.

[AUDELA]

Originally Posted by Werola

I recommend you use Bluedriver. It's one of the best obd2 scanner for Iphone or Android, you can view this BlueDriver Review to find more indepth details.

FYI - Bludriver only works on US models. Tried on UK model and didn't work. Contacted them and they confirmed. Had to return.

Bimmerlink seems pretty good. Has any one tried Car Scanner?

[Mosaud1998]

I would just go with this. Seems like the best bang for the buck

https://www.jbtools.com/autel-mx808-...MaAuzQEALw_wcB

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I would just go with this. Seems like the best bang for the buck
https://www.jbtools.com/autel-mx808-...MaAuzQEALw_wcB

Autel has some good-value Scan Tools. I have used the Autel 319 ($30 when I purchased it ~ 4 years ago) to read P-Codes in any US-sold vehicle, 1995 or later. The Tool you link might be good for a shop that tries to diagnose MANY different brands, models & years. However, for use on E9x BMW alone, my assessment would differ.

Please identify ANYTHING that $400+ (after tax) tool can do (E9x Diagnostics) that I can't do with a Windows Laptop, $45 BimmerGeeks K+DCAN Cable, and FREE BMW Standard Tools and ISTA+ Software Download.

Will that give you BMW Documents such as Wiring Diagrams, Repair Procedures, Torque Specs, Fluid & Bulb Charts, etc. (for a specific vehicle by VIN or Vehicle Description)? ISTA gives you ALL that whether connected to vehicle or NOT.

"Bang for Buck"? There's NO FREE LUNCH. You have to SPEND TIME -- HOURS understanding HOW the various Systems of the vehicle you are trying to Diagnose are designed, and HOW each system Functions (wiring diagrams). You have to spend time USING the Tool/Software to see what data it gives you, and what buttons to push to read that data (whether in Module Memory, or Live Data), as well as what Activations it can do. THAT's for EACH of the ~ 20 modules in your car if you want to get past the Engine DME.

If you find a BMW Dealership or Independent BMW shop using that Tool instead of BMW Factory-Level Software (INPA) and/or BMW Dealer-Level Software (ISTA), please get them to indicate WHY, and post that here.

George

[sharadn]

anyone use this tool?
https://www.vxdas.com/products/bmw-i...31469315883090

[sharadn]

I have had heaps of trouble getting INPA etc up and running reliably on my laptops
always have connection issues

[Pa-Beer's e90]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Inpa suite of tools diags and coding.
the most powerful tool for coding there is.

Ista D diagnostics and guided troubleshooting all in English
this like having a shop manual on your laptop.
Parts and wiring diagrams exploded views etc etc.
This is a big program that was developed for dealerships and used
for the active life of the e90.


diagnostic manual ista/inpa
https://bimmerprofs.com/diagnostics-inpa-part-1/
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...xo19teM9vkTF-C
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7x8H3pN8h1fMuF

Bimmergeek.net cable is the most solid its not dirt cheap but
but do you want dirt cheap to work on your car.
45 bucks isn't that much compared to the downside.



https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/at...9&d=1539905743

Thank you for the info. Is the info still relevant in 2021 or has there been newer software updates?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

Get a cheap android tablet. There's like 4-5 different options - the newest is the bimmergeeks ProTool app. It can do everything INPA can do.

Not totally true. It can't update modules (winkfp)

[DougNBodie]

FOXWELL UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS (NT530) might be the same for all Foxwell scanners:
1. Plug in NT530 into computer
2. Open Fox Assist Program on Desk Top Menu
3. Take out memory card from ODB scanner, after updates show up on Fox assist, and plug into the little USB drive that comes with the NT530.
4. Unplug the NT530 from your computer
5. Plug the little USB drive into your computer and then press Download / Update on the Fox Assist app. Everything will download on the USB within a few minutes.
6. Once the Fox Assit app. says that the update / Download is completed then remove the USB and the SD card within the USB and plug the SD card back into your Foxwell NT530.....Everything will now be updated and or downloaded to your Foxwell scanner.

If you run Windows then this is the best way to do this as plugging your scanner directly into the computer to update and or download might work the first time but after that you will have issues almost every time.
It would have been nice if Foxwell had included this instructions with the NT530 or even have these instruction on their web page but their Customer Service is pretty bad to say the least. Hope this helps someone.