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      07-10-2015, 05:20 PM   #1
flynscot
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Scan tool advice on what to buy

I did a search but did not find anything addressing the multitude of tools available.
There seems to be a wide variety of scan tools available for our cars and I am looking for advice on what one to buy. I am not someone who needs all the bells and whistles to redo coding etc, all I am looking for is to be able to read/clear codes, reset service intervals, register the battery etc. Any experience with these:
BMW FCX3-16 Scan Reset Tool by Peake Research 2001-2007
BMW Bavarian Technic Scan Tool Enthusiast Kit
Autoenginuity - OBD-II Scantool W/ Enhanced BMW Expansion
Launch CReader 7 OBD-II Diagnostic Fault Code Reader and Reset Tool with Oil Light Reset
Or recommendations for another one.
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      07-10-2015, 07:07 PM   #2
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Bavarian Technic is a great tool that will do everything you want and more, but you're paying quite a bit for that luxury. Other options would be a handheld scan tool for ~$85 will allow you to read and clear most codes; they're all pretty much the same as long as they support DCAN and mention BMWs, which would mean they would recognize at least some BMW-specific codes beyond the standard OBD set. There are also Bluetooth/WiFi OBD dongles that you can use with a variety of smartphone apps. It's possible the BavTechnic tool will read more of the proprietary codes than those aforementioned tools won't, but again it's a lot more expensive.

I use a coding cable and a free tool called BMWLogger to register a new battery, but I guess if you don't already have that cable, BavTechnic would cover you there, but there might be smartphone apps that will do that with a WiFi/BT dongle as well.

Resetting service intervals can be done on the dash:
.
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      01-01-2016, 04:34 PM   #3
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what is the best handheld tool (scanner) for our car?
can anyone point me to a specific tool? thanks guys.
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      01-01-2016, 04:46 PM   #4
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Carly apps I think works great (former BMWhat). Scan/clear codes, lots if nice coding possibilities and engine parameter log which I find useful.
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      01-01-2016, 05:19 PM   #5
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i'm looking for something that works with bmw's and other vehicles (nissan,toyota,honda)
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      01-03-2016, 10:55 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tony093 View Post
i'm looking for something that works with bmw's and other vehicles (nissan,toyota,honda)
You want something like Autoenginuity. You can buy additional packs for other makes/models.
https://www.autoenginuity.com/

You can also get a handheld scanner like Autel Maxicheck
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      01-04-2016, 03:27 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Helmsman View Post
Carly apps I think works great (former BMWhat). Scan/clear codes, lots if nice coding possibilities and engine parameter log which I find useful.
Agree 100%
The best tool on the market and a must have as an real BMW owner, for incredible little money.
For more info check out the vid in my sig!
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      01-04-2016, 10:00 AM   #8
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I just noticed that ECS is selling what is being billed as a BMW/Mini specific scan tool:https://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_M...oot/ES2975699/

Anyone have any thoughts/experience with this tool?
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      01-06-2016, 09:18 AM   #9
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^ I saw that scan tool from ECStuning as well and it looks like it can do most a DIY'er want. However, still undecided whether Carly is the best bang for the buck. I'm specifically looking for something that can also disable TPMS and Passenger airbag on top of reading and clearing fault codes. Anyone know?
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      01-06-2016, 10:43 AM   #10
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This: http://www.lemurmonitors.com/

You can buy it on amazon for $99 and works via blue tooth with your smart phone.

I have had mine for about 2 months and love it. In addition to that I have a cheap actron obd scanner which just provided the error code and has been serving me well for 7 years.

I am also a fan of ones that work on multiple different brands not a brand specific one.
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      01-06-2016, 11:09 AM   #11
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I use the Carly app and it works great. Worth every penny!
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      01-08-2016, 12:49 PM   #12
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You couldn't find any? Wow
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      01-12-2016, 09:22 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flynscot View Post
I did a search but did not find anything addressing the multitude of tools available.
There seems to be a wide variety of scan tools available for our cars and I am looking for advice on what one to buy. I am not someone who needs all the bells and whistles to redo coding etc, all I am looking for is to be able to read/clear codes, reset service intervals, register the battery etc. Any experience with these:
BMW FCX3-16 Scan Reset Tool by Peake Research 2001-2007
BMW Bavarian Technic Scan Tool Enthusiast Kit
Autoenginuity - OBD-II Scantool W/ Enhanced BMW Expansion
Launch CReader 7 OBD-II Diagnostic Fault Code Reader and Reset Tool with Oil Light Reset
Or recommendations for another one.
What did you decide to buy? I'm also in the market for a scan tool to scan my 2011 M3 and 2010 X5
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      01-12-2016, 09:50 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rbembas_M3 View Post
What did you decide to buy? I'm also in the market for a scan tool to scan my 2011 M3 and 2010 X5
As anyone stated here, the BMW Carly OBD2 reader + app operated by your smart phone is the way to go.
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      01-12-2016, 09:57 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rbembas_M3 View Post
What did you decide to buy? I'm also in the market for a scan tool to scan my 2011 M3 and 2010 X5
I went with BMW Carly OBD2 reader + app, very pleased so far.
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      01-12-2016, 10:49 AM   #16
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sounds good thanks
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      01-15-2016, 08:44 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vsix View Post
As anyone stated here, the BMW Carly OBD2 reader + app operated by your smart phone is the way to go.
Can the Carly app code the computer when I replace my battery?
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      01-15-2016, 09:00 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Redline Bandit View Post
Can the Carly app code the computer when I replace my battery?
Yes it can!
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      01-16-2016, 09:14 AM   #19
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I've used AutoEnginuity with the BMW add-on which was OK. Had a lot of software problems and wasn't easy to use. INPA was in german (English versions are more plentiful nowadays). Bavtech was the easiest and most powerful tool. Ended up returning it since it couldn't do a lot of things with my LCI-330Ci.

I'm thinking I'll go with the iCarly app for routine use and then have INPA on hand for the heavy duty stuff.

Thoughts?
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      01-16-2016, 09:29 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigjae1976 View Post
I've used AutoEnginuity with the BMW add-on which was OK. Had a lot of software problems and wasn't easy to use. INPA was in german (English versions are more plentiful nowadays). Bavtech was the easiest and most powerful tool. Ended up returning it since it couldn't do a lot of things with my LCI-330Ci.

I'm thinking I'll go with the iCarly app for routine use and then have INPA on hand for the heavy duty stuff.

Thoughts?
Most of us use the Carly app.
Lifetime warranty on all electr. components of the OBD2 WIFI dongle is just one thing. Using it for battery registering and coding your car along with reading and clearing codes, the other.
But the main features that impressed me personally were two things:
* Exact motor oil reading value ( no more overfilling )
* Carly in app help feature ( car related issues ) that's for free from the second of your purchase.
Along of course with the 5 Euro savings when using the coupon code. ( check out my sig )
I'm a very long time in this car game but never had an scan tool device as Carly.
Iam very happy with it and definately not the only one
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      01-16-2016, 10:33 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vsix View Post
* Exact motor oil reading value ( no more overfilling )
That will make it worth it by itself! Do you know how much oil I've wasted so far from overfilling? 3L of 10w-60 and 2qts of Mobil 1.
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      01-16-2016, 11:55 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigjae1976 View Post
That will make it worth it by itself! Do you know how much oil I've wasted so far from overfilling? 3L of 10w-60 and 2qts of Mobil 1.
How are you wasting so much oil?
If you only fill with 8.5L of oil and do a drive cycle, you can add a bit later. The oil does not have to hit the max mark, just anywhere in between.

When it hits the low mark, it's 1L of oil.
Unless your oil sensor is shot.
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