ISO quality scan tool for 1998 and up BMW's

[Imissmyvet]

I am on the prowl for a scan tool, that would be used by a BMW specialty shop or dealer that wont cost an arm and a leg. Used is what I am thinking. I dont need it to do any models above say a 2010 as I am mainly working with prior years. I just want to be able to diagnose potential purchase cars and some repair options. I am not a shop!

[shadowpuck]

well, that's a wide range of vehicles (especially across several model lines) - also, any thoughts as to budget? how computer savvy are you, or willing to become?



this question, FYI, has been asked and answered many, many times on BFC - check out the diagnostic software forum. Also, in this forum look for posts from Abel (328 Power 04) on this topic. In the diagnostic forum, David Mc is a great source of knowledge...

[Imissmyvet]

Lol. Thanks shadowpuck! Maybe I shold have been a little more specific in my needs. How about from 1998-2010. Does that help?

[shadowpuck]

again, there's a variety of models in that range - and, within that range (98-2010) there's a change in tools that work with certain vehicles, etc.

also, budget? you skipped that part. what's expensive to you might be cheap to me, or someone else, or vice versa....

also, what do you plan to do with these tools? i mean, we can talk about just basic OBD-II stuff all the way up to dealer level (or somewhere in between).

as i mentioned, i would do research as this has come up hundreds and hundreds of times - both in this forum and in the diagnostic software forum.

oh, also, how computer savvy do you want to be or are you now? (i feel like i'm repeating myself).

[328 Power 04]

Hmm, probably a Foxwell Tool from ECS, or a higher end Autel would be good.

[bmwdirtracer]

I agree with Abel; for $200 you can get a lot of information from all the modules. You will need the additional cable ECS has, to connect to the BMW 20-pin port underhood, for cars '98 to '~01.

[shadowpuck]

Yup that is definitely one of the options.
Smartphone and tablet users can look at Carly - although I only recommend it for cars without the 20 pin connecter.
But, as I mentioned - do some research - lots of good info out there.

[ben4bama]

Schwaben or foxwell nt-510 are same and get the 20 pin connector. Awesome tool