PA Soft vs Off the shelf scan tool (Schwaben)

[Bdc101]

Hi all,



I am still trying to get my head wrapped around how to get into coding my car as well as getting diagnostic functions beyond what ODBII provides.



I have googled and read a few good threads and understand the difference between PA Soft and INPA (I don't think I want to go as far as INPA). But what I don't understand is whether I can get everything INPA gives me without the hassle of splicing a cable, getting the 32-bit program to work on my Win10 laptop, by buying an off-the-shelf product like the Shwaben Elite ($195). For a $95 premium over PA Soft it seems like a no brainer.



It seems like this product has the same functionality as far as coding modules and changing settings. Am I understanding that right?



Lastly, are there any other comparable products that are more cost-effective?


For reference, I would like to code my lights, as well as add some functionality such as heated seats and possibly add an OEM towing module.



Thanks in advance.



https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...020sch01a~scf/
Schwaben Function List:
http://bd8ba3c866c8cbc330ab-7b26c6f3...ction_List.pdf

[oldskewel]

The Schwaben product is functionally identical to the Foxwell NT510, which is almost functionally identical to the Foxwell NT520 and NT520 Pro, in case you want to research those. Foxwells are generally available on eBay, coming straight from the manufacturer in China via various eBay distributors, for about $150-160. Very popular on this forum, so you'll be able to find many reports here.

The PA Soft BMW Scanner thing is available on eBay for about $14, including cable and CD. Very easy to get it running on a modern, updated Win10-64 laptop, using instructions from 7 years ago. I've got a post on here regarding programming the temperature gauge on here, confirming that, and with some more details.

I have the Foxwell NT520 Pro and the PA Soft.

My idea of upgrading or pimping my ride is to blow the crumbs out of the footwells with a leaf blower. So I have no idea about programming lights or anything optional like that.

Recently I had a central locking issue to debug that appeared to be difficult (very easy after I know the answer of course - thread on that too). I very carefully used both of those tools (PA Soft and Foxwell) and the information coming back from those was very different. Not contradictory, but more like each one giving more information on the bigger picture.

So I would expect that once you get beyond the most basic uses, you may find differences in features between the two.

Considering the extreme low cost of PA Soft and ease to get running with it, I would get that without hesitation. Then you can think about doing further stuff.

But again, I have no idea or interest in programming lights, so maybe feedback from someone with similar interests to you will have more relevant info for you.

[Overboost]

So the Schwaben you listed is a Foxwell NT-510 and is available for half the price. I bought mine brand new off fleaBay a month ago for $115. I would not pay the $195 ECS is asking.

Secondly, the Foxwell does not do any coding but has some fantastic features for scanning and activating that neither INPA or PA Soft 1.4 can do.

At the price of the laptop based programs (PA Soft and INPA, NCS Expert, etc), I would also recommend getting those up and running, I have all 3 and there are things each can do exclusively that the others can not.

[CVX20]

Originally Posted by Overboost

So the Schwaben you listed is a Foxwell NT-510 and is available for half the price. I bought mine brand new off fleaBay a month ago for $115. I would not pay the $195 ECS is asking.

Secondly, the Foxwell does not do any coding but has some fantastic features for scanning and activating that neither INPA or PA Soft 1.4 can do.

At the price of the laptop based programs (PA Soft and INPA, NCS Expert, etc), I would also recommend getting those up and running, I have all 3 and there are things each can do exclusively that the others can not.

I haven't played with my 510 much but I thought that I'd read that it would do some coding.So you're saying it does no coding at all?Not a big deal to me,just curious.So far I'm pretty happy with what it does do for the price.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by CVX20

I haven't played with my 510 much but I thought that I'd read that it would do some coding.So you're saying it does no coding at all?Not a big deal to me,just curious.So far I'm pretty happy with what it does do for the price.

The NT510 will do some limited coding such as programming/calibrating the SAS after a change. But noting along the lines of PA Soft or INPA.

You will probably get more use from the Foxwell than the PA Soft unless you really want to get into doing a lot of custom coding.

[Bdc101]

Thanks for your replies.



So it sounds like PA soft is what I want, since I want to code as well as activate things.


What's the easiest way to get PA soft working on a Win10 laptop? Build an XP VM and use it that way? I have more money than time at this point in my life (toddlers) so I am fine with spending a few bucks to get something that is plug and play.

[oldskewel]

Nothing at all complicated about getting PA Soft running on Win10.

Here is my post on the temp re-code, with installation comments at the end:
https://xoutpost.com/1163383-post52.html

[Overboost]

Just to be clear. The Foxwell is best for activating functions and PA Soft and NCS are best for coding. Eventually you should have them all.

Here is a link for the drivers needed for Windows 7+ PA Soft
https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpo...72&postcount=1

[Bdc101]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

Nothing at all complicated about getting PA Soft running on Win10.

Here is my post on the temp re-code, with installation comments at the end:
https://xoutpost.com/1163383-post52.html

OK, I've followed this guide from FTDI and the thread below:
https://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Doc...ndows%2010.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZLhlfDmmog

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...dows-10-a.html


I've been beating my head against this for an hour and I can't get the drivers to be recognized by Windows. I've downloaded them but Device Manager won't recognize them as applicable to this device. Since this was so simple for you, do you have any ideas for me to try?

[oldskewel]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

OK, I've followed this guide from FTDI and the thread below:
https://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Doc...ndows%2010.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZLhlfDmmog

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...dows-10-a.html


I've been beating my head against this for an hour and I can't get the drivers to be recognized by Windows. I've downloaded them but Device Manager won't recognize them as applicable to this device. Since this was so simple for you, do you have any ideas for me to try?

There is a lot of bad, wrong, almost right info out there on the interwebs.
I don't know about those other links you cite, but the one I cited:

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpo...72&postcount=1

Did it for me, when read carefully and followed exactly. Since it was posted in 2012 and worked for me in 2019, I expect it is still valid. Also, those instructions refer to Win7, and I did it on Win10-64-bit, further suggesting they are rock solid.