Hi all,
I'm currently running a BMW laptop with an extreme amount of different diag/coding softwares but they do not connect to my newest vehicle. I say newest in both just bought and the most recent car in my small collection. a 2009 S Clubman.
I currently have 2 older Bimmers, a Silverado and now this Clubman.

I do have an old school Autel generic OBD II scanner that does work well on the Mini for reading and erasing codes, it always says this scanner does not recognize the maker specific code, even after I select Mini from the list.
So for example, it just says sometihng like P1638 or 1637 or 2102 (guess why I randomly chose those P codes?). So then I'm off to the internet searching.

I've been hearing, for years, about these Foxwell code readers/erasing hand held devices (similar looking to my old Autel device) but since I'm not looking to buy another $500 BMW software laptop with more updated software (and I don't want to fool around with my current laptop updating files only to potentially break something), I was looking at these Foxwell devices.
for example, I'm looking at the NT520 and newer NT530 and then see how another option is the NT530 WITH BMW pre-loaded... Can I ask what exactly that means? Does it show maker specific codes, where as the general NT530 would NOT?
For the same price, isnt it obvious choice to buy the BMW preloaded device to use on my 3 BMW/Mini cars? OR does it mean if I buy a BMW specific, I can no longer use it on another vehicle, like my Silverado?
Then I see another more expensive NT530 code reader WITH 2 Free Makes of vehicle...
I'm hoping someone could explain, what I already have a hunch about, but do not want to assume? Please
Their website is not as informative, as I'd have hoped it could be (comparing the models adn what one does that the others don't)...
I'm assuming a normal NT530 will scan/clear codes, but not give vehicle maker specific details? Thats why a scanner with BMW pre-loaded WOULD give you more indepth explainations of CEL errors?
and honestly, is it worth paying $200 for another scanner when my Autel can make do...
Appreciate your time reading this and any help in figuring out the Foxwells.
Cheers

 

the foxwell can be loaded with the 'special stuff' for BMW/MINI and/or OTHER makes



https://www.foxwelltool.com/wholesal...installed.html



p.s. I just hit the page I linked ... they have a live chat for questions . . .

 

But what are these other bundles?
that's what is a bit mysterious about Foxwell.
What ELSE do these bundles do/add?
I see the description says the BMW pre-loaded scanners can scan/erase and SOMETIMES program a module. But.no description has been given to what extent the coding is. Can it turn on and off DRL? Can it remove LED bulb errors...
So I'm just curious exactly it does that would entice a person to buy a Foxwell with BMW software instead of just using a generic OBD II scanner/eraser

 

The best reason to buy a Foxwell scanner is the ability to read DTC ( Diagnostic Trouble Codes). Your run-of-the-mill OBD scanner will not retrieve DTCs from BMW/Mini computers. Due to the way BMW/Mini stores codes, you may not always see a basic OBD code when you have an issue, but there could be a few DTCs stored that can help with troubleshooting issues.

 

hey Nik,
So using a generic scanner, say I get DTC P1638, would the Foxwell with BMW software (does that mean Code Recognition?) would it show you the description right there OR just stil that DTC still?
I will have to see if Youtube has any vids on how it is used and what it looks like... snap, why didnt I tihnk of that earlier

 

That P-code is a generic generic OBD code, and I would expect to see that come up on any reader. The Foxwell might tell you what it means. I don't have one to verify.

This is an example of a Mini DTC:



The above code will not show on a generic OBD reader. No "check engine light" for that code, either. The screenshot above is from the Carly app on my iPhone.

 

well thats a good thing
I found a few neat videos on youtube showing how it works and what it can do. nifty, but I think I'll stick to my current OBD II reader, for now.

 

If it gets you by for now, great. If you start having issues, however, its a great tool to have.

 

Nik, total side note, but your Signature car pic is what mine actually looks like (well besides the black wheels adn red mirror covers)
I may invest into one... will see.

 

Thanks! I'll send a PM where I had it done.

 

I have a Foxwell one and it was well worth the money. What is nice is that you can hit the help button and it gives details of what the issue may be. I have had codes where the details stated 'if code X also is listed fix that first' for example. There is allot of live data that it can display also. For example I was able to check both O2 sensors using the live data.

I purchased the one with BMW software preloaded. One line you can buy other manufactures for between $60 and $80 dollars. Once purchased they can be loaded on the same tool. I plan to purchase the other manufacturers as needed and add them.

I do have a few complaints but nothing that would prevent me from getting the tool again. First the cord is short if you are going to use it while driving. I prefer my passenger to watch the live data while I drive. It does not have an 'are you sure?' screen when clearing codes. Select clear and it does it, the option is just below read. Would prefer that the screen was larger.

 

Thanks for your feedback. Which model do you have?
I'm seeing the NT 530 model on sale for $170 with BMW pre-loaded (saves the hassle) but I also see the scanners for $130 and that's much nicer price tag, so I'm just slowly researching the difference and decoding if it's truly what I need to buy (on top of my generic OBD II scanner)

 

I have the Foxwell NT510 Elite. Normally it is $179 on Amazon. When I bought it there was a $30 coupon check box for it on Amazon to bring it down to $149. I see that as of today that is still there.

AmazonSmile: FOXWELL NT510 Elite Full Systems Scanner for BMW Automotive Obd2 Code Reader Bidirectional Diagnostic Scan Tool with SRS EPB SAS TPS Active Test Oil Reset Battery Registration: Automotive

 

I also have that one, it has been a great help to me!

 

Hello All,

Can the 510E do a ABS brake flush?

I took a screen shot of this in the tool.
Cheers!