Need recommendations for hand held obd2 scanner

F

Fyreball

Member
 California
In my last thread you saw I was having a problem with roof and as it turned out it was the micro switch that my son diagnosed with his high tech scanner, I don’t want to bother him every time, so I please need recommendations for a good hand held obd2 reader that will work with 2009 e89, and that can register a new battery, and open the boot if it locked down because of a roof/sensor problem and hopefully also have some other functions.
 
Bimmergeeks ProTool if you have and Android phone or tablet. Otherwise Foxwell, but not sure if that can open the boot in an emergency.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B21
I am also an Apple user but have thought that I should get an Android device just for the Protool app - seems like the sensible option.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B21
Bimmergeeks Protool or Foxwell..I’m normally an apple user
 
What ever you get, keep it in the glove box. If your convertible top fails, it won't do you any good in the boot.

I have ProTool on my android phone, but I also have a cheap 10" Android tablet in the glove box running ProTool. It's interfaced with a cheap Ebay OBD2 cable.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: B21
Just bought my first one about a month ago. Had a hard time deciding which one. Went with the Launch Creader Elite 2.0. It works very well on my 2012 e89 35i. Finds faults, removes them when I try, and has some reset functions along with the battery registration. I bought it mostly for the battery registration and it worked perfectly.
 
Thanks for replies, I was wanting a wired one(if there is one) that doesn’t have to be interfaced with iPhone or iPad.
 
Fyreball said:
Thanks for replies, I was wanting a wired one(if there is one) that doesn’t have to be interfaced with iPhone or iPad.
Click to expand...
Foxwell 510/520 is a proven version for E89s.. not as good as Bimmergeeks Protool but you've stated your preferences..I have the Foxwell/ISTA/Protool

Tried Carly Carista Bimmercode etc
 
Fyreball said:
Thanks for replies, I was wanting a wired one(if there is one) that doesn’t have to be interfaced with iPhone or iPad.
Click to expand...
Creator 410 is another option for a cheap, hand held device that can register batteries, as well as show live data and all the fault code stuff.
Not sure about opening the boot, though!
 
Pondy said:
Creator 410 is another option for a cheap, hand held device that can register batteries, as well as show live data and all the fault code stuff.
Not sure about opening the boot, though!
Click to expand...
It doesn't AFAIK

The rankings are (for diagnostics and maintenance)

ISTA 100%
Protool 80%
Foxwell class devices / Creator 60%

In my experience

Carly 50% FWIW
 
B21 said:
It doesn't AFAIK

The rankings are (for diagnostics and maintenance)

ISTA 100%
Protool 80%
Foxwell class devices / Creator 60%

In my experience

Carly 50% FWIW
Click to expand...
So for a hand-held stand alone scanner it's Foxwell or Creator? Is that what I am reading?
 
Pondy said:
So for a hand-held stand alone scanner it's Foxwell or Creator? Is that what I am reading?
Click to expand...
Yup..I'm assuming Creator is on a par with Foxwell..not used Creator..can't see it being 'better than'..
 
I don't believe Creator can open the boot during a convertible top fault. Which should be a number one concern for the Z4 E89.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B21
I might go with the foxwell nt510 elite which is the upgraded 510 model and is bi-directional or the nt530 pro is an upgrade having WiFi connectability and some functions that the 510 elite doesn’t have. The 530 pro only about $15 more.
 
Last edited:
I would go with the 530 elite. Remember one visit to the dealer or Indie will cost cost you $150 to $200 to run diagnostic scan.

I always say, "if you can't afford a good BMW specific scanner, you can't afford a 2nd hand BMW".
 
Also in the same boat, was looking at the Foxwell 530 elite as don't want to rely on a phone, has anyone used or experienced the ANCEL BM700 PRO?
 
It was tough going through all the Foxwell’s figuring out the differences between models and it gets confusing with the elites, pros and the plus, I looked at many reviews. Going by reviews and recommendations here I ordered the 530plus which is an upgrade of the 530. The 530 plus was $6 more on Amazon at $169. What was interesting I could have bought one on ebay for $25 less, but the ebay ones say you have to register it with Foxwell before use—-the ones from Amazon are ready to go out of the box, I trust Amazon more than ebay and didn’t want to go through registration. Thanks to all for your replies and input.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B21
Wouldn't be without my Foxwell in the car.
I look for boot open option, but can't find any.
Still i fitted a separate switch for that. Had to use that a few times.
 
flybobbie said:
Wouldn't be without my Foxwell in the car.
I look for boot open option, but can't find any.
Still i fitted a separate switch for that. Had to use that a few times.
Click to expand...
Tell us about the separate switch, how and where? I guess different than the boot opening button by the kick panel ?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom