RM European Auto Parts
Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Best Diag/Reset/Scan/Actuation Tool to buy?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Fairfield CT
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    320ix

    Best Diag/Reset/Scan/Actuation Tool to buy?

    Hello All,

    Was wondering if anyone can suggest the best economical tool for scanning for codes, resetting alerts and actuating components such as brake ABS etc.
    I've looked at Foxwell and also the PC based Cable. Looking to you guys who have used these tools and can recommend tohe one(s) with these features.
    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    12,462
    My Cars
    36 Cylinders
    Copied my reply from the other thread:


    Specifying for which exact cars you intend to use it on will help a lot. Also your level of computer/mechanical expertise.

    There is no perfect one size fits all.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Fairfield CT
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    320ix
    For a 2015 320Xi. I am familiar with the laptop software for my other car, and am computer and mechanically savvy.
    Thanks




    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    Copied my reply from the other thread:


    Specifying for which exact cars you intend to use it on will help a lot. Also your level of computer/mechanical expertise.

    There is no perfect one size fits all.

  4. #4
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Grafenwoehr, Germany
    Posts
    14,483
    My Cars
    16 220i 05 325it 05 M3
    The only PC based program is ISTA, and that is really expensive IMO for a DIYer.

    Foxwell have good rating, and should do everything you want, for about a 1/3 of the price for ISTA. For you car, INPA will not work, so do not go that route.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    12,462
    My Cars
    36 Cylinders
    Technically INPA works, even with MY 2020 models and even the new Toyota Supra.. the challenge is getting hold of the English data files.

    Carly for smartphone is OK for code reading, as the Foxwell tool may be.
    ISTA is the gold standard, but it's a pro tool. Many people out there selling pirated versions, so I wouldn't trust everything you see/search.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  6. #6
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Grafenwoehr, Germany
    Posts
    14,483
    My Cars
    16 220i 05 325it 05 M3
    Yeah, that is true I do agree, finding the DAT files is the challenge.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Hemingway, SC USA
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1998 BMW 740iL 4.4L V8
    I have an 1998 E38 740iL and I ordered and received the 20 pin round cable and the USB/OBD cable with a disc that has INPA. I see that some of you speak of ISTA and the respective data sets and I have access to download those tools. What is the current version of ISTA that I should be looking for? I'm and IT guy for 40 years and basic DIY mechanic and worked on Volvo's and others.

  8. #8
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Grafenwoehr, Germany
    Posts
    14,483
    My Cars
    16 220i 05 325it 05 M3
    With your car, it does't matter, get any version you can if it's free. The version start to matter if you are working on the newest BMW's, not a 20 year old one. You should be fine with the 20-pin connector with USB, and shouldn't need anything else.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    Can’t find the English dat files? Learn German. Problem solved!

    Edit: try google translate!

Similar Threads

  1. Obd1 engine code reset/scan without tool
    By christiandoy in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 12-30-2022, 10:27 PM
  2. reset scan tool, where to???
    By danubo49 in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-30-2004, 08:41 PM
  3. Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-04-2003, 02:31 PM
  4. Reset/scan Tool...?
    By Racko in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 09-25-2002, 06:24 PM
  5. WTB Peake R5 FCX reset/scan tool
    By Cosmo in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-16-2002, 08:48 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •