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Thread: Opinions/thoughts on this FCP Euro scan tool?

  1. #1
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    Opinions/thoughts on this FCP Euro scan tool?

    https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-icarsoft-bmii

    Will this allow me to scan deep enough to diagnose AC, Trifecta, and vacuum issues? Or is there a better option?

  2. #2
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    An obd to usb cable that can run inpa can usually be had for less than 50 bucks. Couple that with a laptop that runs windows and you’re all set. If you don’t feel like tracking down all the components then bcables.com sells a comprehensive kit for less than 100 bucks


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
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    INPA has been a life saver for me and I bought my cord on amazon. Been a great diagnostic tool.

  4. #4
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    What you want is something that reads true BMW diagnostic info, not just generic OBD stuff. That device seems to do it. Dunno if anyone has one of those specifically but I know guys with those general devices and they usually work "fine" but the key is if its REALLY giving you the BMW info which can include extra information and pending & shadow codes etc.

    Pros / cons for INPA alternative:
    + Cheap
    + Factory so you know it is working properly and listing the right descriptions
    + Lists that 'extra' data that many of even the BMW-compatible tools don't (i.e. # of times code seen, last RPM code seen, last engine temp code seen, etc.)
    + If you have INPA working you also have NCSExpert for coding and WinKFP for flashing ECU's etc. which is a ton of stuff that the devices wont do
    + Reads ALL the modules in the car, full stop
    - Fumbling around with a PC all the time, charging, booting, etc.

    Pros for that device:
    + No dinking around w/ computers to set it up
    + Small / portable / handheld easier to tote around, run out to the car with etc.
    + Fast - probably boots up in 5 seconds vs a PC, probably menu selections are faster than starting INPA
    + Looks reasonably durable for knock-around purposes vs the unweildyness of an unfolded laptop etc.
    + FCP so you can use it for 3 years then return it cuz you "don't need it anymore" I suppose (ntrly, don't do that...)
    - May not give you all the info and special functions (ex: EWS re-sync) that INPA will
    - Almost certainly won't read all the modules in the car (ex: will it read and code a rear E39 Touring air suspension module...)
    - Definitely won't do everything in terms of special functions that the whole BMW software package will

    Option 3 - cheaper "BMW compatible" devices just like that on eBay and other "OBD diag / tuning gear" websites:
    + Like FCP unit but cheaper
    - Who knows how good the "BMW compatibility" really is re: special functions and extra data

    Honestly I'm huge INPA/NCSExpert user but I've been thinking about getting one of these for pure simplicity / expediency purposes, when I want to check codes really fast. I even do use an ELM327 'generic' code reader for that already now but it'd be much better to have a portable version that was a little more BMW sophisticated and didn't just give crappy PeePee codes. I used to suggest Carly to people (smartphone software plus an OBD dongle) but some guys have reported poor luck with support on our cars so I guess that's not a great option...
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  5. #5
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    Ok...I have a Windows 10 PC...can someone point me to the INPA download for the 530i? When I google INPA...there seems to be just a lot of download options that I'm just not understanding.

    I'll also need to purchase a cable to connect to my OBD2 port correct?

  6. #6
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    Don't know if INPA works in Win 10. Anyone?

    I don't know of any tool that will help you troubleshoot vacuum leaks.

    The FCP tool is amazing for the price, if it really does do all that stuff.
    Last edited by edjack; 12-09-2017 at 12:17 PM.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  7. #7
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    I have it working on windows 10. I bought the bmcables set up. They package a decent set of tools on some discs and make it all work nice without too much hassle.

    http://bcables.com
    98 540i 6, 525 whp, 120 mph 1/4, V3 Si S/C'er @16 psi, W/A I/C, Water/Meth, Supersprint Headers, HJS Cats, 3" Custom Exhaust, UUC Twin Disc, Wavetrac LSD, GC Coil Overs, Monoball TA, AEM FP, Aeromotive FPR, AEM Failsafe AFR/Boost, Style 65's w/275's, M5 Steering Box, Eibach Sways, M3 Shifter, Evans Coolant, 85 Deg Stat, PWM Fan, 10" Subs, B.A. speakers, Grom Aux/BT, Still Rolling as my DD!

  8. #8
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    I have had BMW Scanner 1.4 (aka PASoft), INPA/etc, and a simple ELM dongle running.

    PASoft and INPA are far more useful than the ELM dongle. Out of the two, I'd recommend PASoft; easier to get up and running. PASoft is running on my Mac's Win10 x64 partition. Setting up the cable drivers (and yes, unfortunately PASoft requires a separate, unique dongle) is an odd process; it basically requires the drivers to be set up twice, in the proper order, but once it's up and running, it's the fastest and easiest to use BMW software that I've yet seen.

    There is another option, and that's the Carly interface. I have a friend (Ryan from E39Source) who has successfully used it on his father's E60 and F10 M5s, but from what I've heard, it's not as useful for our older E39s.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
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  9. #9
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    Yeah, PASoft is nice in terms of its user friendly "scan entire car" function, and lack of translation issues (my INPA E39 setup has now firmly decided to speak german so I always have to translate the error codes..) Its coding tick boxes are a bit of a mixed bag... they are pretty awesome A. when they work correctly, and B. for cautious smart users. For the non-cautious click-explorers used to "try whatever, you can't hurt anything ,right?" perspective of smartphones etc., there's a bit of a hazard there...

    There are sometimes a few bugs too (like its EWS sync doesnt work on my car properly, while INPA or WinKFP is fine..., and some aforementioned coding bugs...)

    But just like INPA, there's still room for a standalone device like an ELM or Foxwell or that FCP device that's quick and handy and doesn't require a bag of computers and cables and booting and oops the computer battery is going dead...
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  10. #10
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    I have a basic scanner is all ....just gives me pee pee codes....I really need to make the leap here and get with the times.

    Gotta go put a thermostat in the wagon, and fix an igloo for my lighted penguins in the front yard....you guys keep talking....

    "two wrongs don't make a right...only three lefts do...."
    '79 Euro 635csi - gone and regretting it...
    '89 gsxr-750 - former traffic knife
    '97 528i sedan - holding on strong...(just sold after 16 years of ownership - sad day)
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  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by philly98540 View Post
    I have it working on windows 10. I bought the bmcables set up. They package a decent set of tools on some discs and make it all work nice without too much hassle.

    http://bcables.com
    Thanks all...I'm leaning towards INPA from the source listed above for now. I've got some crazy issues going on that I need to address, and this looks ,like the quickest way to pull the deeper codes.

  12. #12
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    Cool. There's no right answer, its pros/cons/best-for-your-situation deal (which is why I have INPA / PASoft / ELM327 and still considering a handy handheld).
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  13. #13
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    Interesting thread and good to see some current info on NCSExpert,PASoft and INPA. I need to set up a used laptop for my touring. I still need to do my euro tails
    among other things.


  14. #14
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    What works better for NCSExpert, PASoft Windows 7 or XP ? I recall reading to go with XP yes,no ?


  15. #15
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    Win 7 works fine, is a more robust op system, and is still supported. XP is slow and sucks and all your programs will say "waahhhh no longer supported" constantly.

    This is from a guy who clung to an XP box for his BMW/Audi diag/coding computer for ages... Win 7 Pro works mint with everything, and I probably have 50 programs loaded that you'll never even consider needing...
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by geargrinder View Post
    Win 7 works fine, is a more robust op system, and is still supported. XP is slow and sucks and all your programs will say "waahhhh no longer supported" constantly.

    This is from a guy who clung to an XP box for his BMW/Audi diag/coding computer for ages... Win 7 Pro works mint with everything, and I probably have 50 programs loaded that you'll never even consider needing...
    Thank You,I need to do this


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