Recommendations on BMW scan tool
 

Good Afternoon,
I have a Schwaben by Foxwell 14020SCH scanner. It has really lousy instructions. Question 1, Is there an online location that has a good user guide?
I am trying to resolve a Tire Pressure Monitor Inactive code on one of my BMW's. I'd like to be able to scan my e46, e90 and other models.
What would a good universal BMW scanner?

Schwaben scan tool is a Foxwell NT510 Elite, I think
 

As far as I could tell, at the time I was researching scan tools for BMW, in December 2020-January 2021 (I bought my NT510 Elite on Jan.16,'21), the Schwaben seemed to be known to multiple BMW & MINI forums as a clone of the Foxwell NT 510 Elite (at that time). Previously, there was conjecture about which NT model it was: 510, 510 Pro, 510 Elite, 520, or 520 Pro, depending on what forum you looked at and the time frame. To this day, I'm still unsure about which model does what, but andrewwynn says the NT5xx series and the NT710 work on the BMW's he's wrenched...good enough for me.


I decided on the Foxwell instead of the Schwaben (though I liked the grey color) because

• 1) the NT510 Elite was listed on Amazon (so I could use Prime, and the Amazon warranty),
• 2) I could buy it with General Motors programming already on it (I needed the GM programming at that time, and I wouldn't get the X5 from my neighbor for 4 more months, while he was working on the suspension...prior to our agreed-to, car-for-car swap),
• 3) it was $60-70 cheaper than the Schwaben (I could use the savings to buy the BMW software), and
• 4) I wasn't sure if the Schwaben was enough of a clone to accept the GM software from Foxwell, if I was to get the Schwaben instead of the Foxwell, first

Here's a link to Foxwelltech.us https://www.foxwelltech.us/, where I registered my scan tool at, and receive my software and updates from, and a link to the owner's manual download https://usa-guigu-public.oss-us-west...lish_V2.02.pdf. There is another site, Foxwelldiag.com https://www.foxwelldiag.com/, which says it's the official site, and has direct downloads of manuals and software, too. It seems that there is a bit of confusion internally at Foxwell, so if you buy from one vendor vs another, then you'll end up using a different website, later on.

The Quick Start guide that came with my Foxwell just got me started (barely), the downloaded Owner's Manual helped out a bit further, and reading this and other BMW forums helps me use the scan tool more effectively, but I've encountered problems along the way. Primarily by not allowing it time to finish an operation before moving on to another (it's slow...I'll get the faster NT710 in the future), and secondly, low battery power makes it lose functionality (automatic VIN scan goes away, and it won't scan all the modules if battery voltage drops below 12, in my experience...I hook up a 15 amp charger now, if I plan on an extended scanning session, or I run the engine). Otherwise, it's been really good, and has paid for itself many times, whether I'm working on the X5 or on my for GM vehicles.

I'm sure the Schwaben will be just as useful to you, once you learn all the features (and quirks). I'm still learning new things about my Foxwell, two+ years later.

When wife got her F10 2015 none of my scanning solutions would scan her ECU. I bought the 710 foxwell and it works but it's worth every penny mostly because it can update itself via WiFi!

I'd take a look at Pro Tool at Bimmergeeks.net

AM.

I bought this one out of necessity and not knowing any better, but it works. Clears all codes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0871TQR9J/

I use the OBDlink CX with BimmerLink running on my iPhone. Nice wireless setup and easy interface.


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That looks like a decent scanner. Does it do active tests? Eg. Roll up a window to determine if the motor works but the switch doesn't

Huh. Bimmerlink itself does not support the E53; I have it for my F30. Dang, had I known this I coulda saved some $ towards door locks!

And bimmercode also :/(.

When I searched and found them after getting e70 I was pondering why the hell didn't I have for the six years I had e53 and then I realized I did find them but discovered not compatible. When Carley can I was always confused why not?

Foxwell 520 Pro is my go to component activation scanner. I keep a smaller one for quick scanning in the glove box. andrewwynn's advice to get it saved me time. Time of having to get software, cables, and a working PC. I'm happy with it. Plus I can add three more manufacturers.

I think you can add four. I have bmw Chrysler GM and Toyota and think I can add one more.

I've heard a rumour I can get those brands imported to 710 and that would be amazing but I haven't found out how to get that to happen.

I have BMW and land Rover in my 710


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If you're asking about the Ancel unit I bought, I don't think so. I'll have a look at the manual when I get home from this trip.

more Foxwell info (or mixed messages)
 

When I bought my NT510 Elite from Amazon, I thought it said I could have 5 brands software, but I can't verify that. I have BMW & GM, and will get Toyota/Lexus, soon.

Here's a link to foxwelldiag.com, where it says you can transfer software to the 710 https://www.foxwelldiag.com/blogs/ca...8aAqGHEALw_wcB


I gave that info in an earlier thread, which I also can't verify, now.


That website is different than what I've read in this graphic I found
Attachment 83779
which indicates that if you bought different scanners you might have to go to different sites for updates Note: the NT710 isn't even listed here.


also, there seems to be no differences on each site shown, both sharing the same contact info:
Attachment 83777

and
Attachment 83778

Funny, though, foxwelldiag.com isn't shown at all, though it has the same address in China.


I'm confused! I have the NT510 Elite, use FoxwellAssist to update, and it works fine, though from what I've read elsewhere, new NT510 Elite's aren't supported, except for software downloads.

In any case, they all seem to work, no matter which vendor or model, but be sure you get a bi-directional model, because Foxwell model nomenclature is very confusing.

Only the 5xx and 7xx are worthy scanners as far as I can tell.

Thanks for the link above I thought I sent email as described but will soon as I can.


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I bought the NT710 after it was suggested tho get the NT510. Why?


Bigger screen, older eyes and wifi that connects t either the home or my mobile hotspot. I also cut a deal with the eBay seller and bought it for less than the 510 anyway.


Best tool I ever bought and I am inching closer to zero faults. Only have two cars on it, the BMW and C Class Mercedes. I trimmed out stuff I didn't want, such as mini, Bentley etc, and E, S and Maybach.

Thar's a good idea to purge the list of unused brands.

I was able to get foxwell to unregister my 510 software and unlock for the 710.

At first they said they don't do that then I copy n paste from the website where they said they do and next day all the cars showed up when I did an update


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purge the unneeded software?
 

At this time, I only have GM software (a lot of vehicles included, as you can imagine) and BMW-MINI-Rolls Royce software loaded on my 510, but intend to add Toyota-Lexus-Scion software as soon as I need to work on the wife's Lexus (or sooner, if I buy a 710). All that data stored in the scan tool must slow it down at some point, I'd think, so I'm thinking along the same lines as you guys, and try to delete excess data for vehicles that I don't have, if possible.

Questions:

• 1) will deleting portions of the Foxwell software packages enable faster functioning?,
• 2) did you (andrewwynn) query Foxwell re:deleting portions of the software, or did you (Spartan) find a way to do it at home (not sure if I read both statements correctly)?, and
• 3) if done at home, how did you read the TF/SD card to tell what's what?

Inquiring minds want to know! (from National Enquirer ads)

Recommendations on BMW scan tool
 

No change the 510 is pokey and the 710 takes way too long to start up because it scans for new modules in the car every time.


For the 510 you just mount the SD card on your computer and delete the software you'll never need. You could just move to a different folder. The 710 has a spot to uninstall vehicle software in the settings

I'm not sure if you can re-download for a model you remove but as a test I deleted rolls Royce and when I look at updates it's in there to update so I am pretty sure I can bring it back


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Recommendations on BMW scan tool
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...508da31ad8.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...0eaf80db7e.jpg

Two consecutive emails from foxwell.

If you have 5xx and bought 710 I wrote the email above with serial numbers from both units. They first said the y don't do it then I sent them copy/paste from the FAQ on the website and they did it. It's fantastic to have all my car brands on the 710 there's no comparing the two.

I got mine on stupid sale like $240 with tax. I saw it on sale $280 it's for sure with that.

Sorry I am so slow, takes time from Aus to get there :rofl:.


As I have the 710 it first upgraded the software. That made the manual redundant as everything was different. It still had the same functions but like a SatNav, it is all about how you get there.


So, in a day of exploring the thing I found I could delete the unwanted models direct from the unit. It does boot up faster, but as Andrew says, each update the silly thing is looking for modules that don't exist. Bit of a PITA, but as I refine things I find it is getting better as far as the time it takes to scan first time.

The 710 has an SSD drive, so everything is sealed except for the cable for charging, which doubles as a computer port connection. It connects directly to my WiFi printer as well, so I think it would be rare to connect the 710 to the computer as far as I can tell.


That is also an issue, if the vehicle manufacturer software updates, all these annoying extras may or may not re appear.


I guess the beauty of it all is if I remove to much, I can always download it again, so I keep a simple log of what I do and don't remove.


Hope this helps you somehow.


Andrew sort of gave me a lot of what I know with his posts too, so he is the man :thumbup:


Jeff

You're welcome. It took me hours of research to finally land on 5xx and then the 710. I know of about ten people that followed my lead and are happy they did.

Foxwell moved my license from 510 to 710 but as the 510 has no "phone home" mechanism the installed software works for all the installed brands now I can have a split set of scanners that work with all four brands!

Andrew, how does it work with your Toyota(s)? I just fixed up a 262k mile Prius that I am going to use as a third car. Was wondering if it could read the Toyota-specific codes from that era (2010) or especially the hybrid codes. But nobody seems to use them for Toyotas. I may just pay for the software and try it.

I didn't have the 710 yet when I scanned my buddy's hybrid rav4.

I haven't had to scan it since he bought it. Scanned pre purchase but don't remember details such as which modules.

I've found that the level of detail is much higher on the BMW modules vs. other makes especially regarding 2-way control such as rolling windows up and down but always has been helpful with every brand.

any recommendations for tools to code out fog led lamps?

BMW software with laptop. My new car is e70 I used bimmercode bit doesn't work with e53 [emoji45]


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sounds good thanks, what software would be best?

options other than Foxwell for Toyota, et alii
 

On the Club Lexus site, in the 6th-gen ES 350 forum https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-es-350-a.html, another member asked if anyone used a Foxwell, and I stated that I was going to do so, later, but other members all showed preferences fo the Carly and Carista apps.

In other threads, in most of the "specific models" sub-forums, there's a strong preference for using the Toyota-Lexus-Scion
factory-backed diagnostic software Techstream https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfo...rog&_nfpb=true, which I personally can't see purchasing, due to initial and subsequent follow-up subscription prices (though you could take a chance on ebay or a Chinese vendor site to get an older version (here's one listed on DHGate)https://www.dhgate.com/product/2018-...EaAnC4EALw_wcB

Carly scanner/dongle with the premium package (with coding) is usually $159, but here's a Xmas sale for $52 (if I'm reading it correctly), with additional options available. I didn't see a subscription price listed, but I think there is one. https://www.mycarly.com/?utm_source=...stmas_campaign

Carista requires an $80 adapter/dongle and a $50/year subscription, which looks OK to me, if or when I need/want to do coding on my wife's Lexus. https://carista.com/en

I'll just take my chances adding the Foxwell software for Toyota-Lexus-Scion to my 510 later, but then, I don't intend to do any coding in the foreseeable future. YMMV

Yep, I am mostly wondering if the foxwell might be a workable alternative to techstream, which is either a cheap chinese dongle and pirated software, or a $170 dongle and $35/day subscription. NO THANKS TOYOTA!

PA Soft (BMW Scanner) is pretty easy to use for simple coding changes.

This is an official-looking site but there's a ton of useable clones around too: -

https://bmwpasoft.com/

I've got both the Foxwell 710 and a Launch CRP919x unit, the Launch does pretty much every car and I haven't found anything the Foxwell does over the Launch.

Price is a bit different though....