Disappointed with Carly thinking of asking for money back

[Newbers]

I know Carly has fans here but I'm not overly impressed. I'm not fussed about coding, I'm more interested in diagnostics.

1. Giving the codes in Hex is an additional hurdle as few people quote these on the web so Google searches throw up a lot less useful content. I can't seem to find a site to convert - does anyone know a way around this?

2. The Parameters feature (data logging from a large range of sensors) doesn't work at all with my N52 (Coupe) engine - is that everyone's experience?

3. Having to send the codes to email is stupid. It's useful to have as a feature but I'd really like to see the info in my hand without a load of clicks.

Whilst I have some engine faults and I'm not very impressed with the app I'm feeling even more reticent to get involved with coding.

Am I just being grumpy or unlucky here? Could I do better for the £100 I've invested? Anyone had experience of asking for a refund?

 

[TempusFugit]

I've not used Carly, at least not the paid version. But I can see why you disliked those things.

I have used torque, for diagnostics and for resetting faults. It does the job quickly and easily, it did give me standard descriptions of the problems (though I'm not sure about more model/manufacturer specific codes). It was also 1/10th the cost of Carly.

I have been thinking about getting Carly, but only if I could do things that Dis57/INPA can do, I don't want to break out the laptop each time, something on the phone/tablet would suit me better.

 

[85genius]

I've not used Carly, at least not the paid version. But I can see why you disliked those things.

I have used torque, for diagnostics and for resetting faults. It does the job quickly and easily, it did give me standard descriptions of the problems (though I'm not sure about more model/manufacturer specific codes). It was also 1/10th the cost of Carly.

I have been thinking about getting Carly, but only if I could do things that Dis57/INPA can do, I don't want to break out the laptop each time, something on the phone/tablet would suit me better.

Torque can't read all the ECU just main one so Carly can find a lot more codes

 

[Monkeydonkeyratmagic]

Buy the carsoft i910. £89 and does all diagnostics. Srs / abs everything. Pretty hands piece of kit. Don't see the appeal of carly at all unless you want to outright remove a fault and never have it checked. Suppose it's handy for mot's

 

[Coffee331]

I am also very disappointed with it. On top of it their customer service is non-existent. This is my last mail to them after they ignored 3 others I had sent previously...

 

[Newbers]

Thanks for feedback - I'm pleased I'm not the only one. I don't mind spending money on stuff that works nicely but this isn't ticking enough boxes....

 

[GuidoK]

I know Carly has fans here but I'm not overly impressed. I'm not fussed about coding, I'm more interested in diagnostics.

1. Giving the codes in Hex is an additional hurdle as few people quote these on the web so Google searches throw up a lot less useful content. I can't seem to find a site to convert - does anyone know a way around this?

Giving hex codes for codes where a P code is present is indeed stupid.
If I look at how INPA can give codes and what info comes with that, its quite different:



These are some exotic codes out of INPA. Where there's a match they display the P code (although that can be highly manufacturer specific, but also the enviromental parameters (mileage and some other info). and they use another coding system. (but searching on a code like 28AD or 28AE still probably gives more hits)
Not that it has to be this way, but it shows whats possible.
Of course bmw inpa doesnt run on a phone and has a very steep learing curve and its dodgy software to install.
And of course having codes doesnt make you a mechanic, but having a very non descriptive code and a general description of the problem that could match multiple codes is pretty useless.

 

[Coffee331]

In the first (and only mail ) they sent me he tried to tell me that I had an engine from an E90 in my car and that’s why the live parameters didn’t work :roll: :rofl:

 

[MACK]

Their customer service is indeed sh!t. I'm still waiting for a reply to a query I sent them back in May! :headbang: :thumbsdown:

 

[Newbers]

I have requested refunds from both Amazon & Apple. I shall be in Germany twice in the next three weeks, but probably fortunately not quite close enough to Munich to drop in to iViNi-Tech, Bauerstreet 20, 80796 Munich to give them personal feedback...:thumbsdown:

 

[ph001]

I think one of the main reasons people go for Carly is the fairly intuitive interface for coding etc. I wouldn’t consider it a serious diagnostic tool.

 

[Chris_D]

For what it is i'm satisfied with it.
Ive recoded a few things. Ok not essential things admittedly but comparing to the costs icurred had i gone to a stealer then the app and dongle have already paid for themselves thrice over.
The live parameters feature, while somewhat clunky to get working, helped me diagnose and rectify an overheating issue.
While out and about its handy to diagnose any issues as i keep the dongle in the car.
Ista and inpa on-hand at home for the serious stuff.
Horses for courses.

 

[MACK]

For what it is i'm satisfied with it.
Ive recoded a few things. Ok not essential things admittedly but comparing to the costs icurred had i gone to a stealer then the app and dongle have already paid for themselves thrice over.
The live parameters feature, while somewhat clunky to get working, helped me diagnose and rectify an overheating issue.
While out and about its handy to diagnose any issues as i keep the dongle in the car.
Ista and inpa on-hand at home for the serious stuff.
Horses for courses.

Totally agree with Chris.

The only thing I would add is most of the inpa ista stuff available is some sort of bootleg copy and they all seem a real pain to install.
BM Cables customer service is also non existent. I managed to get all their software working but the reference data wouldn't. I emailed them back in January last year and guess what, I still haven't heard from them either! despite the fact they clearly have my email address as they keep littering it with one offer or another

I think if I got down the software route again I'll try the Rheingold stuff. A little more expensive but everything seems to work and they're customer service is actually decent by all accounts

 

[Gaffa22]

I have the Foxwell NT510 for diagnostics
I also have Carly which I have done some coding with and find it quite good

 

[Ducklakeview]

IMO, Carly has it's uses. I consider it "ok" for coding, for those that want to "add" things to their cars, in this scenario it can prove much cheaper than visiting a dealer/indy, especially as you can chop and change them to suit your requirements. It's also handy for a quick code read/clear when out and about, but useless for clearing SRS/airbag lights, even though it says it does.

However, for anything else I used to fire up the BM cables kit, which did the job, but I found that some of the German language was hard to get to grips with, and it's "clunky" and not exactly intuitive..

Nowadays I just use my Launch X431 Pro..

Mike

 

[Chris_D]

Launch X431 Pro

There's a commercial site which sells dongles and connectors offering a free download of the Rheingold package. It's a bit chunky at 114Gb tho.
Think I'm allowed to post the link as it's from a commercial site but if not please feel free to remove (mods).

http://blog.uobdii.com/new-bmw-rheingold-ista-d-4-03-31-free-download-for-bmw-icom/