Choosing between Autophix 7910 vs. Autophix 7810 vs. Foxwell NT510 Elite, which one is the best?
Buying a BMW scan tool is a great way to save yourself some money. First, you’ll be able to know what repairs your vehicle needs before you go to the mechanic. Brand-specific OBDII code readers also tend to cost less than more widely-compatible versions.
So what are the best BMW scan tools out there? Let’s take a side-by-side look at the Autophix 7910 vs. Autophix 7810 vs. Foxwell NT510 Elite. In the end, you’ll see which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
Autophix 7910 Vs. 7810 Vs. Foxwell NT510 Elite comparison chart
| Editor's Pick | |||
 |  Foxwell NT510 Elite |  |
|
| Customer Rating |  |  |  |
| Price range |  | |  |
| OBD2 functions | Full OBD2 Functions | Full OBD2 Functions | Full OBD2 Functions |
| System diagnostics | All systems | All systems | All systems |
| Advanced service functions | Oil service, ABS Bleeding, Battery Registration, etc. | MIL Reset, Oil Reset, TPMS Services, ABS Bleeding, ABS Services, EPB service, etc. | Oil Service, ABS Bleeding, Battery Registration, etc. |
| Bi-directional Controls | -- | ✔️ | -- |
| Coding/ Programming | -- | -- | -- |
| Update | Life-time Free | Life-time Free | Life-time Free |
| Vehicle Compatibility | BMW 1998 and later, Rolls-Royce RR Series (1-56 | BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce 1987 and later | BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce 1996 and later |
Let’s dive into the details now!
All three of these OBDII scan tools offer impressive functions and features for the price point. They go beyond basic OBDII diagnosis, also scanning systems like the airbags and anti-lock brakes. With the Autophix 7910, Autophix 7810, or Foxwell NT510 Elite, you’ll get a more complete picture of your engine’s performance.
The basic use of these three car diagnostic tools is similar, as well. Both Autophix units use the same intuitive menu layout, and the Foxwell NT510’s interface isn’t much different. You can use any of these OBD2 scanners right out of the box with a plug-and-play operation.
Read more: BMW dashboard symbols: What are they telling you?
Autophix 7910 Vs. Autophix 7810 Vs. Foxwell NT510 Elite: Key differences
Design and specifications
While these all have a similar design, the Foxwell NT510 Elite feels the most robust of the three. It fits nicely in your hand, too, with a rubberized housing that makes it less likely to be dropped. The design of the Autophix 7910 is similar.
If you want the most portable BMW OBD2 scan tool, you’ll love the Autophix 7810. It’s the lightest and smallest tool on the list—definitely a tool you can carry in your pocket. On the other hand, Autophix 7810 could be too small for some. The screen can be hard to read if your eyesight isn’t great.
Autophix 7810
Foxwell NT510 Elite
Autophix 7910
Diagnostic features and functions
The Autophix 7810 is perfect as a home diagnostic tool for BMW owners. It reads codes from all systems, in addition to testing the EVAP system through OBDII. The Repair Solutions function is helpful, too, showing step-by-step, verified repairs for your problem.
Both the Foxwell NT510 Elite and Autophix 7910 can do the same diagnostics as the Autophix 7810—just a little bit better. A faster processing speed lets you conduct your diagnoses faster. The Foxwell NT510 Elite also supports active component testing, making it easier to isolate the source of trouble codes.
Additional features and functions
The Foxwell NT510 Elite and Autophix 7910 offer similar functions beyond diagnosis. All standard repair functions are supported, including oil light, DPF, ABS, and battery maintenance.
The Autophix 7910 offers slightly more in this category, including ECU reset and other special functions like clearing adaptations.
Beyond diagnostics, the Autophix 7810 is the most limited. It does support battery maintenance, SAS calibration, and parking brake functions like the models above. For more advanced repairs, you’ll need a more complex unit.
Supported protocols and vehicle coverage
The Autophix 7810, Autophix 7910, and Foxwell NT510 Elite all support all OBDII protocols used by BMWs. This includes ISO 9141, KWP 2000, and CAN networks.
All three of these OBD2 scan tools are compatible with the vast majority of BMWs on the road, as well as select Rolls-Royce and Mini vehicles. The most significant difference between them is in the model years they support.
The award for widest compatibility goes to the Foxwell NT510 Elite, which can diagnose even OBDI-era vehicles. The Autophix 7910 has relatively broad compatibility, as well as supports all BMWs made after 1998. If you have an older car, you don’t want the Autophix 7810—it’s reliably compatible only with BMWs made after 2001.
Autophix 7910
Software and updates
One negative against the Autophix 7910, Autophix 7810, and Foxwell NT510 Elite is that they can only be updated through Windows. While this isn’t uncommon among OBDII scanners, it’s unfortunate for Mac users.
Updating is easy with both the Autophix 7910 and Autophix 7810. In both cases, you can go through the company’s website, and updates are free. Updates are also free with the Foxwell NT510 Elite, though some users report difficulty with the software crashing during updates.
Reliability
Of the three, the Autophix 7810 is, unfortunately, the flimsiest. Some users report having issues reading through their vehicle’s OBDII port after only a couple of uses. While this wasn’t a universal experience, it’s worth noting that you may need to treat the Autophix 7810 with more care than most scanners.
Aside from the occasional issue with updating mentioned above, the Foxwell NT510 Elite has positive long-term reports from users. The cable and connector are solid and won’t be damaged by everyday wear and tear. The Autophix 7910 gets similarly positive reports on its long-term reliability.
Pros and cons of Autophix 7910
Pros
- Read and clear codes from all major systems
- Includes all the most-used reset and repair functions
- Easy to navigate and update
- Supports ECU reset
- Compatible with all BMWs made after 1998
Cons
- All service functions not available for all compatible vehicles
- Doesn’t support bi-directional testing
Autophix 7910
Pros and cons of Autophix 7810
Pros
- Best value
- Diagnoses engine, airbag, brake, and other system codes
- Includes repair functions like battery registration and DPF regeneration
- Ultra-portable
- Repair Solutions provides verified fixes for trouble codes
Cons
- Vehicle compatibility is more limited
- More limited service and reset functions
Autophix 7810
Pros and cons of Foxwell NT510 Elite
Pros
- Full four-system diagnosis with all 10 OBDII modes
- Performs active tests on select components and systems
- Robust array of reset and maintenance functions
- Widest compatibility for BMW model years (1987-present)
- Rugged, durable build
Cons
- More expensive
- Advanced functions aren’t supported on all model years
Foxwell NT510 Elite
Who should buy them?
The Autophix 7810 is recommended to BMW owners. While it’s missing some advanced features, the diagnostic functions are plenty if you just want to read and clear codes. You can’t beat the price, either—it’s the best BMW scan tool in the under $100 category.
The Autophix 7910 and Foxwell NT510 Elite would be equally at home in the hands of an advanced DIY-er or a BMW-specific shop. Both offer factory-level diagnostics and customization options. Their portability also makes them great options to take on the go.
FAQs
Q: Will the Autophix 7910, Autophix 7810, and Foxwell NT510 Elite work on non-BMWs?
All three of these tools can function as a basic OBDII code reader for most modern vehicles. However, you will not be able to diagnose non-OBDII systems like airbags, transmission, and computer issues. The reset and maintenance features are also limited to BMWs.
Q: What should I do if I have trouble updating my scan tool?
Both Foxwell and Autophix have reliable and helpful customer service departments. If you have issues with the updates on any of these scanners, it’s recommended to reach the company website. They’ll set up a call to resolve the issue.
Q: Do the Autophix 7910, Autophix 7810, and Foxwell NT510 Elite read manufacturer-specific codes? What about pending codes?
All of these scan tools will read all OBDII codes for the support vehicles. This includes BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce specific trouble codes. However, if you use this as a basic code reader for cars from other manufacturers, it may not read those codes.
Q: Will these OBDII scan tools work on hybrid, electric, and diesel engines?
All three of these models will read codes and diagnose diesel engines made by the supported manufacturers. Similarly, they will work well with all BMW hybrid vehicles.
Electric vehicles are a bit of a trickier proposition. You should be able to access the most relevant functions using the Autophix 7910, Autophix 7810, or Foxwell NT510 Elite. The notable exception is battery maintenance, which does not work on electric car batteries.
Q: Will these OBDII scanners work on BMW motorcycles?
Unfortunately, no. Motorcycles are not equipped with the OBDII diagnostic port; these scanners need to read vehicle information. These scan tools are designed for passenger vehicles only, including cars, SUVs, minivans, and pick-up trucks (no commercial vehicles).
Q: Are the Autophix 7910, Autophix 7810, or Foxwell NT510 Elite protected by a warranty?
The Foxwell NT510 Elite comes with a 1-year warranty, with product servicing and no-question returns anytime within that first year. Autophix also offers a 1-year warranty on their 7810 and 7910 models. You should register the device with the company to take full advantage of the warranty in all cases.
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