7 Best BMW Diagnostic Tools 2024 [Review & Comparison]

Tim Miller

Looking for a scanner for your BMW can be challenging, and it’s common to be concerned about its reliability.

Our testing team has carefully evaluated and tested 12 different scanners. After a thorough process, we have selected the top 7 scanners that work reliably on BMWs and cater to various purposes.

TesterOBD Advisor’s Testers
Testing dateOct 15th – Oct 29th, 2023
Number of tested products12
Number of tested cars7

7 Best BMW Scan Tools: Comparison Chart

[Mobile users: Swipe left for full table]
Product
Score
Quick review
Foxwell NT510 (for BMW)
9.8
[Fit home mechanics/ DIYers]
• Full diagnosis + Active tests
• 18+ service functions
Check Price
OBDLink CX + Bimmercode
9.5
[Fit professionals]
• Car customization
Check Price
FOXWELL NT710 (for BMW)
9.5
[Fit DIYers/ Professionals]
• Full diagnosis + Active tests
• 30 service functions
• ECU Coding
Check Price

Foxwelldiag ➝
(Save $120)
Carly

10% OFF Code: OBDADVISOR23
9.3
[Fit all levels]
• Full diagnosis
• 6+ service functions
• Car customization
Check Price
ANCEL BD300

9.0
[Fit home mechanics]
• Full diagnosis
• Common service functions
Check Price
Autophix 7910 (for BMW)
9.0
[Fit home mechanics/ DIYers]
• Full diagnosis
• 10+ service functions
Check Price
ISTA+ & K+DCAN cable
8.5
[Fit DIYers/ Professionals]
• Full diagnosis + Active tests
• 31+ service functions
• Car programming
Check Price

Click HERE to see the Full Comparison Chart (PDF, Free download)

Here are my quick recommendations:

  • Foxwell NT501 Elite is the best BMW diagnostic tool for the price.
  • OBDLink CX + Bimmercode is the best combination for BMW coding for under $100.
  • For the best BMW code reader and reset tool, I recommend Autophix 7910.
  • But if you want to find the cheapest BMW diagnostic software, consider ISTA+. Get it for free by purchasing K+DCAN cable.

7 Best BMW Diagnostic Tools

#1. Foxwell NT510 Elite

Foxwell NT510 Elite

Foxwell NT510 for BMW

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4/5

Price: Under $200

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • 11+ service functions
  • Active tests supported
  • Durable design

Cons

  • Poor-translated manual
  • Slow to connect

If you’re looking for a well-balanced option between price and functionality, Foxwell NT510 Elite is the best among the tested products.

This scanner is specially designed for BMW cars, so it covers a broader range of BMW models than any universal scanner. 

After researching and testing the Foxwell NT510 Elite, we found that most of the functions advertised by the manufacturer worked well with the car we tested, especially battery registration.

In addition, Foxwell NT510 Elite offers functions that we only see at double the cost, like active tests and full-system diagnostics.

However, the scanning speed is a bit slower than we expected, taking about 3-4 minutes for a complete full-system scan. 

Also, the user manual is poorly translated. Our advice? Skip the manual and check out YouTube or learn as you go. It’s not too complicated, and considering the price and features, it’s a minor hiccup.

Today’s best Foxwell NT510 Elite price:


#2. Autophix 7910

Autophix 7910

Autophix 7910

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4/5

Price: Under $200

Pros

  • Cheap price
  • Easy to operate
  • Full system diagnosis
  • 16+ service functions
  • Lifetime free update

Cons

  • Update software is challenging
  • Some compatibility issues

If we were to sum up the Autophix 7910 in one phrase, we’d say it’s like a “close cousin to the Foxwell NT510 Elite”.

It mirrors almost everything the Foxwell NT510 can do, from comprehensive system diagnostics to nearly 20 useful reset functions tailored for BMWs. And that’s why we’re giving it a solid 8/10 for versatility.

Now, there are a couple of drawbacks to be aware of. The bidirectional control on this scanner is a bit limited, supporting only some service functions like ABS Bleeding or EPB reset. It won’t let you actuate the door lock as the Foxwell NT510 can. So, it’s fair to say that its bidirectional control capability doesn’t quite match up to what’s advertised.

On the bright side, it comes at a price tag that’s $50 cheaper than the Foxwell NT510. And considering what it can do, we think it’s a worthwhile investment.

Today’s best Autophix 7910 price:


#3. OBDLink CX + Bimmercode

OBDLink CX + Bimmer

OBDLink CX

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6/5

Price: Under $100

Pros

  • User-friendly
  • Reliable Bluetooth connection
  • ECU coding supported
  • Cheap

Cons

  • Need BimmerLink for basic functions

Both Bimmercode and OBDLink CX are made to work seamlessly with all BMW cars. This is a big plus when we consider this combo one of the top 3 choices for solving BMW problems.

However, what truly sets them apart isn’t just their individual capabilities but rather how remarkably they work together.

Bimmercode is your go-to app for all things BMW coding and customization. And OBDLink CX is custom-made to maximize Bimmercode’s potential. Together, they form an unbeatable team that 99% meets all your coding needs.

Another thing we love is Bimmercode’s user-friendliness. Even if you’re just starting with customizing your car, you’ll succeed in 5-7 minutes on your first try.

But remember, this combo is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it’s great for coding and customization, it’s not as versatile. 

If you need deeper diagnostics or more detailed service functions, you might need to use the free OBDLink app or consider investing $40 in BimmerLink for a lifetime subscription.

Today’s best OBDLink CX price:


#4. Carly

Carly

Carly

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.3/5

Price: Under $150

Pros

  • Straightforward to use
  • No additional app
  • Frequent software updates
  • Can be used on BMW bikes

Cons

  • High yearly subscription fee
  • Free app only lets you view engine codes

We’re really impressed with Carly’s all-in-one solution. Their app covers all essential functions – diagnostics, service functions, and coding. This versatility sets it apart from the Bimmercode and OBDLink combo. No need to juggle multiple apps, which means less hassle and more time saved! This convenience and versatility deserve 10 points from us.

Now, here’s something we’d like to clarify – the annual subscription. While the website mentions it, the exact cost isn’t as clear as we’d like.

So, we’re here to tell you that every year, you’ll be looking at a minimum of $119 to keep your subscription active and enjoy Carly’s fantastic features.

We understand $119 isn’t pocket change for most of us. So, it’s essential to factor in this cost when deciding.

And hey, if Carly’s the scanner for you, remember to use the exclusive discount code ‘OBDADVISOR23’ just for OBDAdvisor readers. That’ll get you a nice 10% off. 

Today’s best Carly price:


#5. FOXWELL NT710

FOXWELL NT710

FOXWELL NT710 (for BMW)

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.3/5

Price: Under $500

Pros

  • ECU coding for BMW
  • Bi-directional control
  • 30 service functions

Cons

  • No wireless connection

We find that the upgraded Foxwell NT710 addresses some of the drawbacks of the Foxwell NT510 Elite. 

First off, the scanning speed boost is noticeable. Waiting times have been cut down to just 1-2 minutes,  a noticeable improvement.

What really caught our attention, though, is the Coding and Customization feature. It covers nearly 90% of the coding needs for BMWs. And with the user-friendly touchscreen interface, customization becomes a breeze. 

One thing worth mentioning is the battery life. It’s advertised as 4000 mAh, but in practice, it delivers about 1.5 hours of continuous use. 

All in all, the Foxwell NT710 is another trusty companion for BMW enthusiasts, especially if you’re a fan of touchscreen features or if ECU coding is high on your list.

Today’s best FOXWELL NT710 price:


#6. ANCEL BD300

ANCEL BD300

ANCEL BD300

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4/5

Price: Under $100

Pros

  • Strong Bluetooth connection
  • Quick and accurate

Cons

No major cons

Looking for a budget-friendly scan tool that covers the basics? The Ancel BD300 is your go-to option.

The Ancel BD300 offers a full system scan and the four most essential service functions. Specifically, it handles battery registration, EPB reset, Oil reset, and Throttle relearn.

In a nutshell, it’s a COST-EFFECTIVE choice that gets the job done.

While the Ancel BD300 is great, the ANCEL app isn’t the most intuitive. We did spend some extra time finding the BMS reset feature and using it.

If you’re willing to overlook this minor inconvenience, you’ve got a perfectly decent product at a price of less than $100.

Today’s best ANCEL BD300 price:


#7. ISTA+ Software with K+DCAN Cable

Taotao K+CAN Cable

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.2/5

Price: Under $50

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Come with free ISTA+ software
  • Programming function
  • Coding
  • Tons of service functions for BMW

Cons

  • Hard to install
  • Only support Windows

If you’re on the lookout for an affordable ECU programming solution, the K+DCAN package is a real gem.

Inside, you’ll discover a CD stocked with valuable BMW software, including ISTA+, NCS Dummy, and NCS Expert.

In our testing, we started with the ISTA+ software on a Win 10 laptop, and admittedly, it wasn’t the latest version. We quickly found and installed the most up-to-date version, and the software meshed seamlessly with our K+DCAN cable. It’s safe to say, this cable is compatible with any software version.

Now, let’s talk about the cable itself. It’s a solid performer. Throughout 2 hours of coding sessions, we didn’t encounter a single connection hiccup. It’s reliable, stable, and can handle quite a workload.

Sure, the installation process on your laptop might need a bit of patience. But at around $30, the ISTA+ and K+CAN Cable combo is an absolute winner for programming BMW cars.

Today’s best K+DCAN cable price:


7 Best BMW Scan Tools: Full Comparison Chart

[Note for mobile users: Swipe left for full table]

Foxwell NT510
Autophix 7910
OBDLink CX
Carly
ANCEL BD300
FOXWELL NT710
ISTA+

DIAGNOSIS
Full-system diagnosis

(BimmerLink)
Live data
Active tests
Topology Map
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Reset functions
18+
10+
7+
(BimmerLink)
6+
6+
30
Depend
Battery registration

(BimmerLink)
EPB Reset
ABS Bleeding
Throttle Relearn
Crankshaft Relearn
Key Programming
Customization
(ECU Coding)

(BimmerCode)
ECU programming
VEHICLE COVERAGE
BMWs
BMWs
BMWs
BMWs
BMWs
BMWs
BMWs
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Connection type
Wired
Wired
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Wired
USB
Screen size
2.8″
2.8″
5.5″
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
0 year
Lifetime
Lifetime
Lifetime
Warranty
1 year
6 years
3 years
Lifetime
Lifetime
3 years
N/A
Update fee
$0
$0
$0
$113/year
$0
$0
$0
Customer service
7/10
8.0/10
8.5/10
7.5/10
8.0/10
7/10
8.5/10
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price
Check Price

* Reset functions, Active tests: Vary by vehicle models.


Conclusion

I loved the ease of use of Foxwell NT510 Elite and would like to recommend it to newbies or DIYers

But really the one that I prefer to use is the FOXWELL NT710 as it provides all the necessary accessories and functions that will make my job a lot easier. 

I hope that you found this review post for BMW scan tools helpful. 

I would love to know:

  • Which tool did you decide to go with?
  • Are there any other scanners for BMW that you would like me to review?

Don’t hesitate to share in the comments section below!

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