OBD II Scanner Advice - BMW/Mini

[da Vinci Dan]

My stable is aging and requiring a bit more DIY. The German electronics are becoming annoying with all the uncessacary fault codes. Wifie’s daily is a 2016 BMW 5 series. My 16 year old son has a 2010 Mini. BMW is still under factory Warranty for another year but the Mini is driving me crazy with a new light every week.

Any recommendations for a quality code reader? Would like to be less than $100 but will pay more if it makes sense.

[95avblm3]

I recently upgraded from a $15 eBay special to a $150 Launch CRP123 because I needed something that was compatible with my Volvo. It seems to work pretty good so far and has been used on several friend’s cars as well. It reads generic OBD codes and also has Make specific scanning capabilities. Maybe a little more that you’re looking to spend but well worth considering, IMO.

[stevej37]

I bought this one...works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-Scanner-Engine-Diagnosis-Automotive/dp/B07GS3JMQB/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=AUTOOL+CS320+OBD%2FEOBD% 2BCAN+Diagnostic+Tool+OBDII+Code+Scanner&qid=1554042010&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1

[Tobra]

As that is a BMW product, does it require a device more specific to the vehicle?

[VincentVega]

Not for generic troubleshooting. Get the $$ software if/ when you need it.

[Icemaster]

If all you're looking to do is pull/clear codes, any reader should work. You can pick them up cheap - 10 -15$, they interface with a smartphone via bluetooth and will need an app.

Lots of options.

Knowing what to do with the codes is where the money lay.

[RANDY P]

I had this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/C110-Multi-System-Engine-Code-Reader-Airbag-ABS-SRS-Diagnostic-Scan-Tool-for-BMW/222275678132?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SI M%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D3c02a93 c456242c99785d53a78d08193%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6% 26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D272582257619%26itm%3D22227567813 2&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

It worked fine on my 03. Reads not only OBD but BMW specific codes and also gave live data streams

[Porchdog]

I have the Schwaben as sold by our host. I originally bought it for a VW, I was able to buy the BMW software for my Mini.
I think that it's great.

[Jims5543]

All scanners cost $130.

You will first buy the $30 one, thinking you beat the system and saved a buck.

Then it will crap the bed.

Then you will buy the $100 one that actually works and does not crap the bed.

[Porchdog]

Just to expand on the Schwaben - The Mini had developed a "service engine" light separate from OBD. I couldn't diagnose it without the specialized scanner.
The Schwaben let me know that it was low manifold pressure. After some research online I was checking wastegate function and found a loose clamp on and intake hose. Problem fixed.
It also lets me check and reset the maintenance records. It can check all systems as near as I can tell - including HVAC, displays/entertainment, safety, etc.

Pretty cool tool at a reasonable price. Plus it works well as an OBD tool - including on a couple Fords that I had trouble scanning with my other tools.

[Icemaster]

Genuine curiosity - what's the difference between spending the coin on one of these vs. a plug-in one and an app?

[RedBaron]

Bavtechnic (made by the same company who makes durametric) or carly.

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by Porchdog

Just to expand on the Schwaben - The Mini had developed a "service engine" light separate from OBD. I couldn't diagnose it without the specialized scanner.
The Schwaben let me know that it was low manifold pressure. After some research online I was checking wastegate function and found a loose clamp on and intake hose. Problem fixed.
It also lets me check and reset the maintenance records. It can check all systems as near as I can tell - including HVAC, displays/entertainment, safety, etc.

Pretty cool tool at a reasonable price. Plus it works well as an OBD tool - including on a couple Fords that I had trouble scanning with my other tools.

I have the Foxwell NT510 which is the same as the Schwaben. Got it off Amazon or eBay for about $120. Reads/clears codes, live data...

[da Vinci Dan]

Thanks all. I definitely want a unit that will provide more info than just the code. That is why I am in the $100 range. As I am a DIYer I am sure it will pay for itself with in the first few uses. After reading Amazon comments for an hour I am now more confuzed than ever. I can tell many of the comments/favorable reviews are bogus paid-for reviews. Any more insight is welcomed.

[908/930]

I picked up a Foxwell NT510 for the 2004 530i, works well, needed to reset pass side airbag. I am pretty sure that generic code readers won't do much with these cars, there is a NT520 now.

[Porchdog]

Originally Posted by Icemaster

Genuine curiosity - what's the difference between spending the coin on one of these vs. a plug-in one and an app?

I haven't had much luck with bluetooth "Dongles" and Android Apps (Torque Pro, Car Gauge Pro) for auto diagnoses/ resets beyond OBD functions. There may be better brand specific Apps out there but I haven't found them for VW/Mini/GMC/Ford.

As mentioned earlier, for some reason these are especially flakey with Ford/Mazda (as is will not read/communicate). The hardwired "Code Readers" seem to work more consistently.

As stated above, the "Schwaben" is the Foxwell unit - I don't know if there are any differences beside branding. I didn't find the Foxwell a few years ago when I bought the Schwaben. I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to add the BMW/Mini software via download for a $60. fee.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by Porchdog

I haven't had much luck with bluetooth "Dongles" and Android Apps (Torque Pro, Car Gauge Pro) for auto diagnoses/ resets beyond OBD functions. There may be better brand specific Apps out there but I haven't found them for VW/Mini/GMC/Ford.

I have the Carly for BMW Android app + bluetooth OBD plug, and it's been great so far.
Pretty user friendly and includes several BMW-specific features (i-drive coding, battery coding/registration, gearbox adaptation reset/check, service light/interval reset, etc.).

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

We've had some great feedback for these from the BMW/MINI crowd - (thanks for the feedback
Porchdog).

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_STGEN1_pg3.htm

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

I have the Foxwell NT510 which is the same as the Schwaben. Got it off Amazon or eBay for about $120. Reads/clears codes, live data...

Drop the coin for this or the Schwaben.

Pro scanners are in the high 4, low 6 digit range but they are made for all cars and are comprehensive. Stupid unless you have a shop.

You need the maintenance clear capability. That will pay for it in two or just a few "clears".

Parameter ID's (PID's live data) is awesome.

Fuel trim can be a really good friend.

Not saying it's intuitively obvious to use but once you have access to the data you can get your search on with the help of an OBD code to push you in the right direction.

[Icemaster]

Originally Posted by Porchdog

I haven't had much luck with bluetooth "Dongles" and Android Apps (Torque Pro, Car Gauge Pro) for auto diagnoses/ resets beyond OBD functions. There may be better brand specific Apps out there but I haven't found them for VW/Mini/GMC/Ford.

As mentioned earlier, for some reason these are especially flakey with Ford/Mazda (as is will not read/communicate). The hardwired "Code Readers" seem to work more consistently.

As stated above, the "Schwaben" is the Foxwell unit - I don't know if there are any differences beside branding. I didn't find the Foxwell a few years ago when I bought the Schwaben. I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to add the BMW/Mini software via download for a $60. fee.

Thanks. So far, my luck's been the opposite - I bought a Kobra for $10 and use either Dash Command or Car Scanner, but again all I'm doing is a diagnostic to pull/reset codes. Occasionally watch basic performance monitoring. Had no issues with it on the Ford, Audi's or Merc. YMMV.

Thanks for the answer.