What OBD Scanner
 

I have to pick up an OBD scanner for the 2002 X5 4.4. I know there are specific scanners just for the BMW and all the modules. Since I need to get one I'd like one that works with most cars (OBDII) and all of their modules without paying $500 or a lot more. Anything out there like this?

Update:
I spent around 4 hours looking at multicar scanners that would test things for American, Asian, and European vehicles. I couldn't find an inexpensive reader that would test all BMW modules. Engine, automatic transmission (A/T), airbag, and ABS were covered but of course I wanted more. So I bought a BMW specific reader. It's the iCarsoft i910-2 OBD2 Engine Vehicle Diagnostic Tool Code Fault Multi-System OBD-II Scanner & Oil Reset. $73 with 15% coupon and 1.5% for using the debit card. It'll be here by the end of the week. From jet.com. The cheapest on Amazon was $130 and $88 at my favorite auction house. I'll have to get a separate reader for my Jeep and Corvette.

I have a trans failsafe prog problem. It has a new battery and new alternator, I did a load test with positive results. The reason for the code reader.

For BMW, the best value is getting the cable/DIS/INPA/TIS bundle off eBay. There are a couple of Romanian sellers with sizable following. $35 or so. Reads and codes everything if you do your homework. Works on MINI's, but not useful for other makes outside the BMW group.

This is one:

BMW USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Inpa Ediabas Ncsexpert Dis V57 SSS V32 Progman GT1 | eBay

Garret got rid of his X5, but he had a laptop with the software and cable forsale.

Here's the posting.

http://www.xoutpost.com/1070147-post5.html

Anyone ever have any experience with the Schwabben one from ECStuning?? for 200$ its supposed to do some coding as well!!

This tool similar to foxwell nt510,it shows live vehicle sensors data in text and graph format and allows you to focus on any suspecious or symptom-specific data parameters. It's powerful graphing capability gives you the "real picture" of what's going on in the vehicle. You can view 2 parameter graphs simultaneously and merge them into one coordinate. So you can easily see how they affect each other, providing you with the most comprehensive and functional look at live data possible.
and it only $152 on obdexpress.co.uk, I have good success with 2006 BMW X3.2009 BMW z4 and 2002 F250 XLT.
by the way ,it's powerful with gt80 ,but if you workshop ,the best choice
still gt80


Add one thing ,foxwell NT520 PRO is also a good tool :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

The best solution is a dedicated laptop with the BMW dealer software. It's amazing with full diagnostics and repair guide built in. It's somewhat problematic to get it configured correctly. The latest package is called ISTA/INPA or Rheingold.

For easy simplicity with all the features most people need is BMW Scanner 1.4 on eBay for ~$20. It needs a laptop with XP. An old one is fine. This is what I use most of the time.

:thumbup:

:iagree:

I have INPA and the PA 1.4 scanner. I use the PA 1.4 Scanner most of the time. However there are somethings that INPA does better. Real time data for one.

Should I Purchase The INPA And Reader?
 

Sorry for a resurrection of an old thread, but my wife purchased a 2003 E53 X5 with the 3.0L motor a couple of years ago and I love the ease of working on the car compared to other cars I own.

I have been limping along making repairs with a generic OBDII reader and the internet but I am finally going to take the plunge on the BMW specific reader like the INPA.

But we are going to be moving this vehicle on soon as the it is well over 200,000 miles and was not taken care of prior to our ownership. We are looking to replace it with a newer X5.

So my question and reason for posting:

Will the INPA scanner work with a newer X5 or should I wait until we have made the car purchase and buy a different scanner that is more appropriate to later model X5?

Thanks in advance.

Chris Kearney

P.S. I will be scouring this site and others in the coming months, but in the meantime any years/models/motors of model X5's that I should avoid/look for?

Foxwell NT-510 or NT-520 will cover any BMW and even though it is a little slow it's a small, all in one unit that you can keep in the X5.

Mine has survived staying in the car with air temperatures hitting 57c which equals a thermonuclear detonation inside the car (I have no finger/palm prints in the summer) so you know they're tough....

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