Scan tools with full BMW functionality

[allinon72]

Figured I'd ask the group on recommendations for a scan tool that will do full BMW functions including the service functions. I also want one that is robust enough to do basic functions on other vehicles as well. I'm willing to spend up to $400. Purpose is for convenience (getting the laptop out for ISTA is a bit of a pain) and also for advanced diagnosis on other makes and models occasionally. I've always wanted something beyond the basic code scanner I've had for years.

I keep circling back to the CReader Elite by LAUNCH but it seems to be euro specific, screen is small and reviews are mixed. Not enough of an all arounder for what I'm looking for.

Then I get into the Topdon Artidiag Elite and Autel Maxicheck, but then it becomes unclear what BMW-specific functions they will do.

Does anyone have a mid-level professional scanner that will do all the BMW stuff they can recommend?

[Brandoch]

BimmerGeeks Protool

[Randall V]

BMW ICOMM NEXT A with ISTA for the old stuff

This is dealership level code reading..

I have some/little experience with Mercedes on this stuff.. I suspect it is similar.

There are hacked versions and such, but I am not sure if the mods will allow such discussion.

We need right to repair legislation.

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

BimmerGeeks Protool

Seconded.

[tdott]

You are not going to get advanced functions for every make in 1 scanner for $400.

BimmerGeeks Protool is great for BMWs and is the best app that is closest to ISTA/BMW Tools functionality. But it doesn't do other makes.

Most shops have over $10k invested in different scanners and they still probably don't do everything. My advise is just to buy vehicle specific ones when you need them. There is no all in one that does everything.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by tdott

You are not going to get advanced functions for every make in 1 scanner for $400.

BimmerGeeks Protool is great for BMWs and is the best app that is closest to ISTA/BMW Tools functionality. But it doesn't do other makes.

Most shops have over $10k invested in different scanners and they still probably don't do everything. My advise is just to buy vehicle specific ones when you need them. There is no all in one that does everything.

To be clear I’m only looking for full BMW functionality, and basic stuff for other makes and models.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by allinon72

To be clear I’m only looking for full BMW functionality, and basic stuff for other makes and models.

Comments still stands, BimmerGeeks Protool + any generic scanner that covers the makes you think you'll need for other "basic stuff".

[zx10guy]

Here you go:

Ivan from Pine Hollow Diagnostics is a genius with computer controls and electrical diagnosis. All of his videos shows exactly how he goes about troubleshooting issues with vehicles to include BMWs. He's the reason I bought my Thinktool Pros scan tool. While it's more than your $400 budget, I decided to spend the money because of the work I do on various makes and models of vehicles along with the functionality it has.

In that video above, he does go over more budget level scan tools. Prices are probably a bit higher because he did the video as a Black Friday special.

[pbonsalb]

It is hard to choose the best one for a certain price because there is no consensus. Foxwell is a pretty good value. Bimmerworld had a little tablet version, the i53BT, on sale recently. You get one free brand specific software but can pay extra to download other brands.

With some fancier scan tools there is an annual subscription that can be hundreds of dollars.

Some tools are easier to use than others, especially the few made specifically for BMWs.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

It is hard to choose the best one for a certain price because there is no consensus. Foxwell is a pretty good value. Bimmerworld had a little tablet version, the i53BT, on sale recently. You get one free brand specific software but can pay extra to download other brands.

With some fancier scan tools there is an annual subscription that can be hundreds of dollars.

Some tools are easier to use than others, especially the few made specifically for BMWs.

That's why I go with reviews from actual mechanics that work on all different makes/models covering a wide range of issues over what I see on the forums. Ivan has been able to run his business off the same scan tool I purchased for my own use. If it's good enough for Ivan, it's definitely good enough for me. And per the review video I posted, he's used other scan tools of varying price ranges and capabilities. Same goes with the folks over at Royalty Auto Service.

The Thinktool Pros has done everything I've needed to do the DIY projects on my E82. And depending on what happens with some things my next scan tool will probably be a Top Don unit. Ivan and Royalty Auto have switched over to this brand. As far as subscriptions, the Thinktool Pros came with two years of unlimited updates which were very regular covering a wide range of makes and models (Asian, Domestic, and European).

[pbonsalb]

Yes, there are competing brands with supporters. TopDon, Thinkpro, other newcomers, old guard like Autel, Launch, etc. I don’t work on all cars and functionality varies among car brands so if you just work on one brand you can choose what is best for that brand if you can find it, rather than compromise on one that does many brands.

I have a Launch x431 PAD V, but it has a hefty subscription cost so I would not recommend it to most people.

[zx10guy]

Ivan just did a review of the Kingbolen K7.

It's currently on sale for under $400 on Amazon. The Kingbolen comes with free lifetime updates and has bidirectional capability. Ivan found a couple of bugs and a limitation with displaying graph data with it. But it got hs endorsement for a full feature/function scanner for a DIYer.

[allinon72]

Just to follow up with this thread - ended up ordering an Autel MK900BT. We will see how that does on the ole M5.

[ApexEight]

If I want to code Ikon style headlights to my 2016, can I just buy the $100 Bimmergeeks coding access and make the changes through the app on my phone plugged into the OBD port with an ethernet adapter?

[M-technik-3]

I have one of the i53BT and it's not bad for a simple handheld unit does a good job.

[Plimmie]

I have the OTOFIX D1 Lite Car Diagnostic Tool
It is a subbrand of Autel and uses the Autel software. It is relatively cheap (I paid $287 for it incl. shipping ). So far so good for me.

[andrewrock]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

BimmerGeeks Protool

I agree