Best value scanner/software to read and clear codes

[Bob123]

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice as to which is the best value scanner/software to read and clear codes. I'm happy to buy a scanner or install software onto a Windows laptop to achieve this.

I'm bewildered by the number of options out there and it seems that not all scanners or software can read and clear all the codes that our cars can have. From the look of it I'd be needing an ODB-II level scanner/software to achieve this, any programming ability would be nice but my main aim is to be able to scan codes and reset them when necessary.

Thanks for any advice received.

 

[BumpyZ4]

As far as a handheld scanner I use the Creator 310+ and have been very happy with it. I also have INPA and BMW Scanner 1.4. both work good in their own way and both are dirt cheap.

 

[Bob123]

Thanks [ref]BumpyZ4[/ref], are INPA and BMW Scanner 1.4 programs that you install on a laptop? It sounds as if the Creator 310+ and the two software packages do slightly different things, or is it that they have the same functionality but it is accessed differently?

 

[colb]

Agree with BumpyZ4, have the same software and handheld Creator 310+. For a beginner the Creator 310+ is a good start as it can do most stuff, only thing I found that it can't do but is in its menu is resetting Transport Mode which can crop up on the Z4 when battery issues bring it on. It may become functional on future software updates. BMW Scanner 1.4 is preety good and can reset Transport Mode as well as some other coding functions. It is far easier to use than BMW INPA and to set up on a laptop. BMW INPA is however a very detailed diagnostic tool but a pain to set up and some of the pages will still be in German despite being set to English.

 

[Zulu4]

Ponchi101 has done some detailed reviews of different scanners if you scroll down this section a page or two.

 

[Rockhopper]

For those with BMW scanner - how do you get to the coding option? I have no menu on mine that seems to give access to that kind of thing. All it seems to do is read and clear fault codes.

 

[Bob123]

[ref]Zulu4[/ref], [ref]colb[/ref], Thanks for the info, I'll have a look at [ref]Ponchi101[/ref]'s reviews too.

 

[Jakg]

The best value is going to be an DCAN USB cable (£10) + INPA etc (free online).

It can do everything you can really do, unlike the generic code readers.

It's more complicated, obviously, but the request was best value.

 

[colb]

BMW Scanner 1.4 has some coding options, to access those modules that can do coding with it you select the module you want. When that modules menu opens you will see a number of buttons with options that you can do with the module explore those buttons and you will find what you can do. Without it open on a screen in front of me thats the best advice I can give.

 

[ponchi101]

For those with BMW scanner - how do you get to the coding option? I have no menu on mine that seems to give access to that kind of thing. All it seems to do is read and clear fault codes.

Click on the CODE (left most column) or the DESCRIPTION and you will see a new menu with options. You can do a lot of programming for a Z4, but be careful. As there is no bloody manual for these diagnostic tools, one is pretty much left to yourself in order to find how to work out things.
I don't have it installed yet (I simply don't have the space anymore in my HD) but it seems that the real deal is ISTA+. The guys at bimmerdiagnostics.com claim you can download and have a ONE CLICK installer. For anything in the E-series you will need a DCan cable, for F and G you will need a ENET cable (the same DCan cable but with a RJ45 connection (ethernet) because, you know, they could not figure out that most new laptops don't have that one).
I gather that for us, Scanner 1.4 is the best option. Easy to install, just get the cable, software is free, it does run on W10.
Here is my review for the scanner.

 

[Bob123]

ISTA+

Thanks for the extra info. I've just had a look at the ISTA+ webpage but it doesn't list any Z4's as being compatible with it unfortunately.

 

[Zulu4]

NCS Expert and INPA have done all the coding and fault scans I have needed on my car. About £25 from BCables.

 

[BumpyZ4]

Thanks [ref]BumpyZ4[/ref], are INPA and BMW Scanner 1.4 programs that you install on a laptop? It sounds as if the Creator 310+ and the two software packages do slightly different things, or is it that they have the same functionality but it is accessed differently?

INPA is the factory diagnostic software that loads on a laptop. You can do just about anything with it. Although most of it is still written in German but after a while you get used to it. BMW scanner 1.4 also is loaded on a laptop and is basically a better version of the Creator 310+ with coding options. I keep my Creator 310+ in the car just incase something happens on the road I can do a little trouble shooting and clear codes if need be.

 

[Bob123]

Thanks [ref]BumpyZ4[/ref], that's a very clear and succinct comparison.

 

[thecremeegg]

I mean you can buy a £10 cable and use a cracked version of Carly to read codes?