Code Reader Recommendations

[ChiefRider]

What code readers have you had good luck with for our E53's? Budget options preferred...

I have a misfire under load and figure I should start there

Thanks!

[andrewwynn]

Foxwell nt-510 check eBay I've seen them low as 75 just make sure already has latest update of bmw as the serial number will be tied to the owner account.


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[ChiefRider]

Just looked at them on ebay- I am seeing new units advertised for $49.99, advising purchaser to download the appropriate single (BMW) mfg.

Does that sound right?

[andrewwynn]

They usually come with one free download. You need windows and a micro SD reader to make account and install the bmw module. NT510 is the goldilocks model the higher numbers don't perform the needed functions (other than 710 which i upgraded to and highly recommend)


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[haigha]

NT520 Pro is also a good option... here's the Gemini Pro summary of the differences:

While the software functions for a given car are the same, the NT520 Pro introduced several quality-of-life and compatibility improvements over the older 510 hardware:

Upgraded Hardware: The NT520 Pro features improved internal processing hardware designed to make boot times and scanning slightly more efficient compared to the early NT510 platform.

Easier Updates: With the original NT510, updates usually required physically removing the MicroSD card from the device and plugging it into a PC card reader. The NT520 Pro allows you to update the machine directly through a standard packed USB cable connection to your computer.

Expanded Vehicle Brand Support: The NT520 Pro expanded the registry of downloadable software modules, adding deeper coverage for brands like Mercedes-Benz, Lancia, and PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) that the original NT510 struggled to support or didn't offer.

Legacy Mercedes Support: The NT520 Pro configuration opened up compatibility with a proprietary 38-pin analog adapter configuration to read older chassis (like the W210 Mercedes), which the standard NT510 hardware pinout couldn't talk to properly.

[ChiefRider]

I just picked up an NT710 on Ebay for a decent price. Should have done so years ago...

[Effduration]

Yeah you outbid me...that was a decent buy....

[ChiefRider]

Sorry-

If you had outbid me, I was going back to look at the 510 and 520's. Hope you find one at a good price too!

[haigha]

Good find on the NT710!

I ordered the Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT PRO for $262 when they had it on sale about a week ago. They have it on Amazon for more than $500!

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809945481694.html

I also ordered their compatible battery tester BT506, which apparently can test on the terminals in the engine bay.

[80stech]

A laptop with BMW diagnostic software, INPA, DIS 57, or ISTA etc. is by far your best bet but takes some time (and can be frustrating) to set up unless you can find a laptop with everything already loaded.