Best diagnostics equipment for amateur use at a sensible price

[sew]

OK, I manged to get my USB-FTDI serial drivers issue sorted and now I can "see" the car in INPA. Not that that helps me a great deal as it's *so* complicated I have no idea how to make it do anything except read a few codes! I don't suppose there's some handly downloadable guide to using these BMW tools anywhere, is there?

[Helihover]

Originally Posted by sew

OK, I manged to get my USB-FTDI serial drivers issue sorted and now I can "see" the car in INPA. Not that that helps me a great deal as it's *so* complicated I have no idea how to make it do anything except read a few codes! I don't suppose there's some handly downloadable guide to using these BMW tools anywhere, is there?

I have never seen a guide for INPA. I'm kind of just teaching myself as I go. It's not really that hard to find what's wrong, but really hard to mess something up... You can't code with INPA so your not going to brick the thing. Just keep playing with it and you will become better. It is one of the most powerful diagnosis tools for bimmers.

I'll try my best to answer any direct questions you might have about INPA.

[sew]

Thanks; I'm getting there slowly. I had to work out that I had to short pins 7&8 in the OBD-USB cable to more working, but it's looking good now. I also made a bit of progress with NCS Expert but am treading very carefully indeed there for obvious reasons! Carly seems very good and I'm sure it's going to be useful, but more on the E46s where it reads lots of modules, it seems very limited on my old E53 X5 but at least Carsoft (and presumably INPA when I get the DLC adapter) will talk to the other modules on the X5. It's been a bit of a frustrating day -- I prefer computers just to work! -- but I think I'm getting there.

Thanks to everyone who's helped here for the various advice and assistance.

[Helihover]

Carefull with nsc! Just don't execute anything until your 100%

[jfoj]

Originally Posted by sew

Thanks; I'm getting there slowly. I had to work out that I had to short pins 7&8 in the OBD-USB cable to more working, but it's looking good now. I also made a bit of progress with NCS Expert but am treading very carefully indeed there for obvious reasons! Carly seems very good and I'm sure it's going to be useful, but more on the E46s where it reads lots of modules, it seems very limited on my old E53 X5 but at least Carsoft (and presumably INPA when I get the DLC adapter) will talk to the other modules on the X5. It's been a bit of a frustrating day -- I prefer computers just to work! -- but I think I'm getting there.

Thanks to everyone who's helped here for the various advice and assistance.

If your E53 only has the 20 pin round DLC connector under the hood, then you will need to get a 20 pin round DLC to 16 pin EOBD/OBDII adapter cable. Only the DME and EGS is available via the 16 pin EOBD/OBDII port on vehicles with the 20 pin round DLC connector under the hood. Carly will need this as well because it will not be able to see other modules in the vehicle just connected under the dash if there is a 20 pin round DLC connector under the hood.

I am working my way through the Schwaben/Foxwell NT510 BMW scan tool and so far I have been relatively impressed. OBDII for more than just BMW protocol along with BMW specialized/proprietary codes and Bi-directional control for many modules and systems in the vehicle for testing and troubleshooting purposes. Everything from rolling windows up and down, turning lights on and off and controlling the HVAC/IHKA. Also Live data from many of the subsystems in the vehicle, so switch inputs can be monitored and on newer vehicles with a true TPMS with individual wheel sensors you can see the tire pressure.

So for around $200 USD, the Schwaben/Foxwell tool looks very promising. There is a newer update expected out around the end of 1st Quarter of 2016 that is supposed to offer coding capability as well. Unclear what coding capabilities will be released, not sure if it is more personalization of modules and lighting changes or something more in depth.

[Helihover]

Does this new tool allow sensor calibration?

[jfoj]

Originally Posted by Helihover

Does this new tool allow sensor calibration?

I have only had about 1 hour hands one so far and I have still digging around the MANY layers and menus. For the size and cost it does do quite a bit.

I have MANY Pro level scan tools so I am aware of what to expect from a Pro level scan tool.

What specific sensors and you looking for?

I believe it can calibrate or reset the Steering Angle Sensor.

I will try to check a few things on my E70 in a few moments, my E46 is not handy at the moment.

[Helihover]

Steering angle sensor was one I was just courious about.

INPA will not calibrate a steering angle sensor on my Z (ista will), but will on my X. Haven't tried the acellerator sensor yet or anything else.

[sew]

@jfoj Many thanks, yes, I have a DLC-ODB adapter on the way. I assume it'll give me all the remaining modules both with INPA and Carly...
Thanks to everyone here it looks like I'm going to end up with a fairly complete arsenal without having spent a fortune. Now just need to learn how to use it!

[laladffds]

hi， guys,I just received one Foxwell NT510 scan and coding, I am working my way through this scan tool and so far I have been relatively impressed.


Played around on my BMW E70 for a bit, covers ABS, Airbag, Electronic Parking Brake, some EWS/CAS, Active Suspension, Service Resets for $179.


ON my E70 I have use Foxwell NT510 codes all sorts of convenience features for things like door locks, windows, tailgate and lighting.

Moreover, OBDII for more than just BMW protocol along with BMW specialized/proprietary codes and Bi-directional control for many modules and systems in the vehicle for testing and troubleshooting purposes. Everything from rolling windows up and down, turning lights on and off and controlling the HVAC/IHKA. Also Live data from many of the subsystems in the vehicle, so switch inputs can be monitored and on newer vehicles with a true TPMS with individual wheel sensors you can see the tire pressure.


Foxwell NT510 can be updated to include AU FORD, BMW, Chrysler, Fiat, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Holden, Land Rover, OPEL, Toyota and VAG for approximately $70 for one brand. These updates are manufacturer specific.

this adress:Software Authorization Service for NT510 Multi-System scanner





With a tool like the Foxwell NT510 Scanner for BMW, all you need to do is keep and interface in the car and you will always have at least an OBDII tool at hand when out on the road.



So for around $179 USD, the Foxwell tool looks very promising. There is always newer update that is supposed to offer more coding capability as well. Unclear what coding capabilities will be released, not sure if it is more personalization of modules and lighting changes or something more in depth.