Best Scanner?

Mouse · #1 09-24-2018, 11:42 AM

I know this gets beaten to death, but every year, more and more companies come out with new scanners/programmers for individual manufacturers. Is Foxwell the best overall scanner? Anyone using something that they would recommend? I know Autel makes some affordable scanners now and wondering if it's worth the money. I've even seen some carsoft handhelds that look interesting but kinda sketchy on chinese knock-offs.
Not really looking to go full ISTA or INPA, (already have on laptop) I would just like a more convenient tool to use for basic scanning as well as ABS/SRS/battery registration, ect. Not interested in phone apps nor do I care about coding, but if coding is included, that's just a plus.

TIA

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mr_robot · #2 09-24-2018, 12:15 PM

PA Soft for $20 and it's very straight forward for basic DTCs and other stuff.

I had to transition from Carly App that was actually pretty damn good for my E70 but useless on my E53 due to lack of support and found myself using PA Soft 1.4 as I think it's pretty UI friendly.

But sucks to have to drag my old laptop that I use every time, weights a ton LOL and do wish there was an app instead with more in depth functions for the E53.

Mouse · #3 09-24-2018, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_robot

PA Soft for $20 and it's very straight forward for basic DTCs and other stuff.

I had to transition from Carly App that was actually pretty damn good for my E70 but useless on my E53 due to lack of support and found myself using PA Soft 1.4 as I think it's pretty UI friendly.

But sucks to have to drag my old laptop that I use every time, weights a ton LOL and do wish there was an app instead with more in depth functions for the E53.

LOL Exactly what I'm trying to avoid.

andrewwynn · #4 09-24-2018, 01:59 PM

I spent months on research and zeroed in on foxwell NT-510. Very happy with it. Love that I can add car brand modules and activate devices for testing: eg. Engage AC clutch.

Most important factor in my decision: no shitty old laptop

Mouse · #5 09-24-2018, 03:03 PM

Hmm...didn't know you could add car brand modules, that's a plus. I'm leaning towards the 510/520 anyway.

andrewwynn · #6 09-24-2018, 05:59 PM

520 adds Mercedes optional so factor that in. $60 per module up to five at once. Need to use shitty windows software to load but works with emulated software (I use Mac)

crystalworks · #7 09-24-2018, 09:04 PM

Can confirm: Carly has limited functionality on e53. It's good... But can't do live data or code all options in all modules. That said, it is super convenient... And I bought in before the subscription business model. It works awesome on the e70 though.

Mouse, you're my guinea pig... I'll probably pick up the same thing

andrewwynn · #8 09-24-2018, 09:45 PM

NT510 will register battery I've done that. It will adjust idle rpm. I've done that too. It will not code any convenience things like doors lock at xx speed. Carly is the go-to for that.

I was able to read live data on my transmission switch to get indications that the pins were closed when supposed to be open indicating not likely the switch but external and it was.

The 520 I think I like the form factor better but I don't know any difference in the capability. Based on availability I think they might be phasing out the 510 for the 520

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Mouse · #9 09-24-2018, 10:06 PM

AFAIK, 520 has slightly better hardware. But for an extra 20 bucks or so, worth it.

CVX20 · #10 01-01-2019, 01:28 PM

Bought the NT510 when I bought the 02 X5 for the wife.Had the software added for my 2015 Ram Hemi as well.I've used a lot of different scanners over the years on different vehicles and I was very surprised at what this tool does for the price.Haven't needed it for either vehicle(had it for approx 10 months) and hope it keeps up this way.

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