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Old 06-03-2021, 02:42 AM
Clockwork Clockwork is offline
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Foxwell OBD II scanners, worth the upgrade?

Hi all,
I'm currently running a BMW laptop with an extreme amount of different diag/coding softwares but they do not connect to my newest vehicle. I say newest in both just bought and the most recent car in my small collection. a 2009 S Clubman.
I currently have 2 older Bimmers, a Silverado and now this Clubman.

I do have an old school Autel generic OBD II scanner that does work well on the Mini for reading and erasing codes, it always says this scanner does not recognize the maker specific code, even after I select Mini from the list.
So for example, it just says sometihng like P1638 or 1637 or 2102 (guess why I randomly chose those P codes?). So then I'm off to the internet searching.

I've been hearing, for years, about these Foxwell code readers/erasing hand held devices (similar looking to my old Autel device) but since I'm not looking to buy another $500 BMW software laptop with more updated software (and I don't want to fool around with my current laptop updating files only to potentially break something), I was looking at these Foxwell devices.
for example, I'm looking at the NT520 and newer NT530 and then see how another option is the NT530 WITH BMW pre-loaded... Can I ask what exactly that means? Does it show maker specific codes, where as the general NT530 would NOT?
For the same price, isnt it obvious choice to buy the BMW preloaded device to use on my 3 BMW/Mini cars? OR does it mean if I buy a BMW specific, I can no longer use it on another vehicle, like my Silverado?
Then I see another more expensive NT530 code reader WITH 2 Free Makes of vehicle...
I'm hoping someone could explain, what I already have a hunch about, but do not want to assume? Please
Their website is not as informative, as I'd have hoped it could be (comparing the models adn what one does that the others don't)...
I'm assuming a normal NT530 will scan/clear codes, but not give vehicle maker specific details? Thats why a scanner with BMW pre-loaded WOULD give you more indepth explainations of CEL errors?
and honestly, is it worth paying $200 for another scanner when my Autel can make do...
Appreciate your time reading this and any help in figuring out the Foxwells.
Cheers

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