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  #1  
Old 06-03-2021, 02:42 AM
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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

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
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I swear, my cars are like a girlfriend.
Sometimes its a rough ride, sometimes its smooth motorin'.
Sometimes she doesnt like how i treat her and sometimes i dont like how she behaves.
BUT at the end of the day, she loves it when I am inside her.

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  #2  
Old 06-03-2021, 03:34 AM
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You can add other brands for $60 I have five brands in my 510 that started preloaded with BMW.

I haven't found anything that 510 can do that the thinkdiag can't and it's much faster with a much clearer interface (though there are some seriously annoying shortfalls that can all be addressed with software updates)

Fox is one and done: no subscription. Think is 1-2 years subscription included then $40 per brand after

They have one year to get their shit together software wise or I won't nenew.
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  #3  
Old 06-03-2021, 10:26 AM
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I will update on the 530 with BMW software after I try it. Just arrived yesterday to replace my 520 Pro with BMW software (which will be for sale soon).

Never had an issue with the 520pro on our BMW's. But it does not support the f chassis models. We just bought an f15 so had to upgrade.

Edit: They can be operated in generic scanner mode on any make vehicle. I've used the 520 pro on my Mom's infinitis. Or, as Andrew said, you can pay to add make specific software.
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Old 06-03-2021, 10:44 AM
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Have you ever heard of Rheingold? This is diag SW that the dealers supposedly use. Gives great details and instructions applicable to your VIN. Of all my BMW specific scanners, I never even came close to spending $200 for them. I also just got the ability to code F-cars too--which is neat! But back to Rheingold...if you want something that scans specific BMW/MINI cars, this is a good option.

Just my 2 cents.
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Old 06-03-2021, 10:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RocketyMan View Post
Have you ever heard of Rheingold? This is diag SW that the dealers supposedly use. Gives great details and instructions applicable to your VIN. Of all my BMW specific scanners, I never even came close to spending $200 for them. I also just got the ability to code F-cars too--which is neat! But back to Rheingold...if you want something that scans specific BMW/MINI cars, this is a good option.

Just my 2 cents.
I believe Rheingold is just a brand. They sell the different flavors of ISTA under their brand name, maybe slightly modified? I don't know exactly as I've never used it. But through reading that was the gist that I got.
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2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)


2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)
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  #6  
Old 06-03-2021, 10:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crystalworks View Post
I believe Rheingold is just a brand. They sell the different flavors of ISTA under their brand name, maybe slightly modified? I don't know exactly as I've never used it. But through reading that was the gist that I got.
I haven't heard of that before other than it being simply nomenclature. ISTA/D is commonly referred to Rheingold. The "D" designation I believe to be diagnostics while ISTA/P is for programming.

I dunno...when I boot up the SW, it does only say ISTA+ so...
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Old 06-03-2021, 12:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RocketyMan View Post
Have you ever heard of Rheingold? This is diag SW that the dealers supposedly use. Gives great details and instructions applicable to your VIN. Of all my BMW specific scanners, I never even came close to spending $200 for them. I also just got the ability to code F-cars too--which is neat! But back to Rheingold...if you want something that scans specific BMW/MINI cars, this is a good option.

Just my 2 cents.
Yes, I have Rheingold on my BMW laptop (along with INPA, SSS Progman, Dis 4.4 and 5.7, NCS Expert, NCS Dummy, etc) BUT for some reason, the laptop can't actually read/connect to my "new" 2009 R55 Clubman S so thats whats making me wonder if Its cheaper to buy another hand held OR pay someone to upgrade my BMW laptop (as I can't be bothers to spend years on how to do that).
I haven't even used Rheingold on the e53 as I found it a bit confusing, so I always fall back to Dis 5.7 or 4.4 (which has some programming capabilities).
AND in all honesty, the e53 is amazingly good to us and I rarely get CEL or need to modify anything, but the e31... thats the reason I bought the BMW laptop and that CONSTANTLY is connected to the laptop (and this new Foxwell with adapter, I BET won't get a connection to the old school ADS system, pre-OBD II system)
__________________
I swear, my cars are like a girlfriend.
Sometimes its a rough ride, sometimes its smooth motorin'.
Sometimes she doesnt like how i treat her and sometimes i dont like how she behaves.
BUT at the end of the day, she loves it when I am inside her.

_______________________
'91 850i
'05 X5 4.4i
'09 Clubman S
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  #8  
Old 06-03-2021, 12:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RocketyMan View Post
The "D" designation I believe to be diagnostics while ISTA/P is for programming.

I dunno...when I boot up the SW, it does only say ISTA+ so...
oh I had a dirty joke here about the "D" and the "P" but I'll back down... but yes thats the point of ISTA D & P
__________________
I swear, my cars are like a girlfriend.
Sometimes its a rough ride, sometimes its smooth motorin'.
Sometimes she doesnt like how i treat her and sometimes i dont like how she behaves.
BUT at the end of the day, she loves it when I am inside her.

_______________________
'91 850i
'05 X5 4.4i
'09 Clubman S
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  #9  
Old 06-03-2021, 12:38 PM
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PS: tihs forum is infinitely busier than any mini cooper websites. holy crap. I think those cars are so cramped in for engine space that most people dont want to work on them, so a lot less "community" for repairs.
__________________
I swear, my cars are like a girlfriend.
Sometimes its a rough ride, sometimes its smooth motorin'.
Sometimes she doesnt like how i treat her and sometimes i dont like how she behaves.
BUT at the end of the day, she loves it when I am inside her.

_______________________
'91 850i
'05 X5 4.4i
'09 Clubman S
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-03-2021, 01:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clockwork View Post
Yes, I have Rheingold on my BMW laptop (along with INPA, SSS Progman, Dis 4.4 and 5.7, NCS Expert, NCS Dummy, etc) BUT for some reason, the laptop can't actually read/connect to my "new" 2009 R55 Clubman S so thats whats making me wonder if Its cheaper to buy another hand held OR pay someone to upgrade my BMW laptop (as I can't be bothers to spend years on how to do that).
I haven't even used Rheingold on the e53 as I found it a bit confusing, so I always fall back to Dis 5.7 or 4.4 (which has some programming capabilities).
AND in all honesty, the e53 is amazingly good to us and I rarely get CEL or need to modify anything, but the e31... thats the reason I bought the BMW laptop and that CONSTANTLY is connected to the laptop (and this new Foxwell with adapter, I BET won't get a connection to the old school ADS system, pre-OBD II system)
You need to make sure you get the correct SP-Daten files loaded in order to get INPA to and all the associated things to function. Your R55 might fall under a R56. So get the R56 SP-Daten files.
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