Which Diagnostic Scanner?

[Reamesy]

I’ve been using BimmerLink recently but this will not give live data for basics like wheel speed sensor.

I have used INSTA, INPA and found them to be ok but not that intuitive.

I would like a balance between cost and functionality.

I’ve had which was brilliant a Topdon Phoenix lite2 but very expensive and software updates only last a year.

Also tried the MP808BT. Again not bad but expensive.

Ideally I would like bi directional and live data logging on all sensors.

Any suggestions from experience please?

 

[matsmith749]

Budget?

I settled on autel mk808bt - bidi, wireless, about £300

 

[Reamesy]

I’ve just pulled the trigger on a Launch X431 Pro Elite.

I will provide a review here later. Cost me £519. It’s a lot but it covers every car I will ever encounter. I have three brands to look after in our house hold.

 

[B21]

Will be interested in your review…

My local garage has the Snap On version which costs £2,500 s year on subscriptions..and it still struggles with certain Volvo and BMW issues..

 

[Reamesy]

I will run through as many functions as I can. The Topdon which is very similar had more functionality than my sons snap on he he uses at work.

 

[Reamesy]

The Lauch also does coding as did the Topdon This was useful When I had my SLK. I could do all sorts of stuff which usually requires expensive interfaces and software.

At the end of the day it all comes down to individual needs

 

[B21]

I’ve never got on with ISTA/ISPA….simething that replaces that in a user friendly manner would be great..

Protool goes quite a way and for the money is pretty good..but..it doesn’t go all the way..

On my N20 I had a boost sensor controller fail…ISTA could work it out but Protool couldn’t..

The Foxwell series struggle beyond the mundane areas..

 

[javis20]

If you contact BimmerGeeks, usually they can direct you to something in expert mode to do what you need. They respond very quickly. Once they are aware of any short coming, they will add it to the easy menu's. I had that situation with retracting the parking brake for service and they took care of it.

 

[Reamesy]

That’s good to know. Cheers Javis20

 

[Reamesy]

I’ve never got on with ISTA/ISPA….simething that replaces that in a user friendly manner would be great..

Protool goes quite a way and for the money is pretty good..but..it doesn’t go all the way..

On my N20 I had a boost sensor controller fail…ISTA could work it out but Protool couldn’t..

The Foxwell series struggle beyond the mundane areas..

I will go through as much as I can. If anyone has any specific requests just ask. I’m more than happy to assist

 

[javis20]

Well, my favorite was ISTA. However my install got corrupted and I've not been able to get it working again. I like how it did almost anything and guided you thru the diagnostics with the maintenance manual. I was tempted by the Foxwell NT530, since I could also get Jaguar software for my wife's car. But couldn't confirm if it could open the boot when there was an active error. In the end I went with ProTool for convenience and because it could open my boot in the event of a dreaded convertible top failure. As long as I can open the boot, I can get around almost any convertible top problem as long as I have access to the CTM module in the boot..
It would be nice to confirm if some of the other suggested systems can open the boot when there is an active convertible top error/ sensor malfunction, ie bong and blinking light.

 

[Reamesy]

I will try it on the boot but I don’t want to cause a fault to do this

 

[Reamesy]

So I received my scanner ordered from Amazon. Getting it out the box I noticed the quality assurance sticker was pealing off. Then when I looked at it the screen protector had a scratch and the history revealed it was used in June 2023.

Suffice to say it’s gone straight back.

I’ve decided to go to a company I’ve used before and gone for the MP808BT with endoscope and battery tester which will come in handy with my VW camper leisure battery.

The original Launch product looked good but it’s finding a trader that sells original products and also not re boxed units that have been used and returned.

 

[davep10000]

Wondering how you are getting on with your MP808BT?
They are on amazon special today at £424 (The MP808BT PRO 2024 version).
I see the non BT version is about the same price.

I need to cover a few makes at home (VW, BMW, Fiat, Mitsubishi....!)
Cheers
Dave.

 

[Reamesy]

Wondering how you are getting on with your MP808BT?
They are on amazon special today at £424 (The MP808BT PRO 2024 version).
I see the non BT version is about the same price.

I need to cover a few makes at home (VW, BMW, Fiat, Mitsubishi....!)
Cheers
Dave.

I ended up going with Topdon Phoenix Plus as I got £100 discount. Does everything I need and has a 10” screen. Also does coding and is very quick.

The MP808BT is very good. I prefer the Bluetooth versions as you can view the display from outside the car. Great if you are working in the boot and need live data.

 

[davep10000]

Thanks,
The topdon looks very good, but probably a bit beyond my budget. I am assuming yearly updates for all these (Autel, Topdon etc) are around the £100 mark..
Cheers.
Dave.

 

[Reamesy]

I think it a lot more than that. You will only need the updates if you work on newer cars that it currently doesn’t support. Normally you get two years free.