[JCBimmer]

I’m after a decent but reasonably priced BMW fault code reader, can anyone recommend one? I’m in the U.K.

[therealdb1]

For price (software can be downloaded for free!) and functionality nothing beats INPA / ISTA. All you need is a suitable lead to connect to your car and an old laptop (nothing too fancy required).

Only issue with it is depending where you source the software you might need to be a bit computer savvy to install it but for a small fee (£30 ish) there are offers around where you can buy a lead and you get the software sanitised to include an installation executable file and some instructions.

[JCBimmer]

I will look that up thank you

[Silver Streek]

Foxwell do pretty good code readers that also give live data readout if all you need is to be able to read and clear fault codes. Plug and play and much easier to use than ISTA and inpa.

Its another option to look at.

[JCBimmer]

I’ve seen a foxwell one but it was about £350!don’t know if they do cheaper ones,looking at the AUTOPHIX 5900 for £80,the reviews sound alright you can find and clear faults and also register new batteries etc so might go for that one

[therealdb1]

Yes Foxwell do cheaper ones similar to the Autophix you have looked at.
Be aware that you get what you pay for and the model you have selected can only read certain modules as stated in its description. There is a slightly more expensive Autophix 7910 which can do more (not that I can recommend it because I have no experience of the unit).
Carly comes recommended by many and you can run that app on a smartphone but unfortunately I believe that is now on a subscription so works out quite expensive in the longer term.
You will also find that many of these hand-held readers are for fault diagnosis and cannot programme things like how the running lights or folding mirrors behave which can be done with more expensive models or the INPA software suite.
It depends what you want to do with the tool and how much you wish to spend but since you appear to have a 320D I would advise you to get one that covers diesel functions. Unless I missed it the 5900 does not cover the DPF, for example.

[ozziewizzle]

Bimmergeeks Protools with their latest wifi adapter. Its a very powerful tool like INPA but has a notice and advanced mode to protect the car and the user from messing things up.

[JCBimmer]

I really only want it for fault diagnosis so I don’t get ripped off by garages and also to clear faults, I currently have an alternator fault that the garage couldn’t clear and I wanted to find out what it actually is and perhaps clear it myself,if the alternator itself is faulty I can get them to replace it as it’s only just been fitted, my stop start isn’t working and I think it’s due to that fault

[Silver Streek]

I use Carley, but I bought it in the old days where it was just a 1 off payment. I've used it to clear fault codes and do things like make my mirrors fold in when locking the car, alter daytime running lights and some other stuff. Very easy and you can't stuff any of the modules like you can with the inpa and ISTA when you don't know what you are doing.

You can find Carley subscriptions for free on the internet... Not that I would condone that of course.

[rasa bmw]

ive just bought another foxwell that does f series and cars to 2019 and some 2020 models,,also any bmw from 1999 etc,,£104 delivered its a nt 530,great bit of kit,can register batteries..read adaptions on gearboxes,regens on dpf moniter all sensors clear codes etc etc etc bmw software included

[jacbo]

I have just got round to sorting ISTA and it does take quite a lot of messing about to get it installed and working right. But for me it will be useful as I do all work myself so the instructions, torque values and more advanced diagnostics will be invaluable to me.

I also have the creator C310 scanner which is pretty good if you just want to read and clear codes (about 35-40 on ebay). Gives you the full codes and hidden codes as well unlike the generic code scanners.

The foxwell probably looks the best and easiest option if you don't want to use ISTA.