I am curios if anyone on here has used and has experience with the Bavarian Technic Diagnostic software and cable (Bmw/Mini specific scan tool).

bavariantechnic is their website.

I am in the market for more than just a generic OBD scanner for my wife's car.

Thanks!

If Ross-tech only offered a BMW/Mini version of their VW/Audi package - I wouldn't be posting this question.

 

Check out our Launch Easy Diag tool. It works with an Android or Iphone device and is really cost effective. Does all the airbag, engine, abs diag.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/easy-di...stic-tool.html

 

I bought a Launch CRP123 from the Mac Tools guy that comes at work. Not really cheap, but it does engine/abs/srs, etc, as well as having free updates for all main car brands. Not that I recommend to buy it if you just want something to read codes, but Launch products are pretty nice and the Bluetooth one that Way showed you will most likely live up to its name.

The main thing I don't really like with the software ones is that you need a laptop. If you have one it's nice, otherwise it adds up to the cost.

 

IMO, bavtec was once the most popular MINI tool cause it was really the ONLY consumer one around....
But now there are more products that "do it all", with less restriction...like the Vin # LIMITS that the bav unit prevents you from helping a buddy....
The easy Diagnostic tool from WMW seems great...have not used it...

There is also a software package of IFFY (at best) provenance sold with a plug that connects to you laptop that lets you do all the dealer level stuff with actual dealer software....but it is ordered from an eBay seller in eastern Europe that changes his name...and who knows if the software has added malware..it is pirated after-all.....much less than ideal.... a couple folks got it...said it took weeks to get, but worked. Legal...almost certainly not....forget the package name, but it is mentioned every couple months with a link...
considering the fact the WMW product is legal, supported, and i'd go that route!

 

Check out Autoenginuity (you need to purchase both the basic scan tool plus the BMW/mini bundle). It has more functionality than the Launch easy diag and doesn't have the VIN restrictions of the Bavtech. It a little more expensive but still a lot cheaper than the fully loaded professional devices.

I'm with you on the Ross-tech thing. They were planning a BMW/Mini specific tool years ago but ultimately canned it. It's a shame.

 

Thanks to all that replied,

I should have been more specific - I am looking for an in depth diag tool with the ability to read specific codes/ modules and set / reset basic settings, and or change (turn on/off) modules etc.

Something for the enthusiast and not limited on one VIN(hard to believe one would buy something that was so limited)

OBII - another joke from the US DOT.

 

It seems that the only real option is to buy one of the cloned programs off eBay and a diag cable.

I've looked into the Bav tech, but the single car tool is so dumbed down it's not worth buying IMO. No programming options

 

Have a look at the Creator C110 tool. I'm expecting one, and will followup... Looks like it fits the bill for what you are looking for and not to expensive.
Kaveman

 

For only $50 how can you go wrong with the C110?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271202591039

BMW & MINI USB OBD Diagnostic cable INPA NcsExpert WinKfp DIS SSS Progman GT1

bmwfanatiq
Bucuresti, Romania
what I refered to before....should pop up with a "new" seller soon .....

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-MINI-USB-OBD-Diagnostic-cable-INPA-NcsExpert-WinKfp-DIS-SSS-Progman-GT1/271476323305?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D24642%26meid%3D14d472e255bc46379ba466263059584c%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D10413%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D271202591039
here it is....
$35\
Bucuresti Romania

 

Zippy, & nice feet


I appreciate the link - I may go that route. My target budget is sub $800.00usd for something similar to what I can do on my newer VW.

My hope is to hear from other hands on enthusiasts or techs - not from Vendors pushing their one size fits all scanner (I do appreciate the tech that posted earlier)

I have no "guilty feelings" in buying something pirated. In my view ALL the German auto parts companies (pretty much every parts manufacturer) are selling pirated "OEM" parts today - i.e. *** or Lemforder parts made in China instead of Europe. Chinese parts (or tools) are not allowed in my garage unless there is no other option

 

Does anybody have experience with the B200 or B800 Airbag Reset Tools?
They say they'll work on 1994-2001 BMWs. But I've seen comments that people use them for later models. I have a 2006 R50. Does anybody know if they will do the job?

 

I have it and use it on both of our MINIs and love it. We get the illusive lean bank error and the BavTek allows you to clear all the adaptive settings.

Also clears the airbags and allows you test many of the systems.

 

I disagree. The OBDII communication protocols dictated by the "gub'ment" forced all car makers to allow a non-proprietary scan tool access the engine ECU for full diagnostic capabilities. This is a win for car enthusiasts / shade tree mechanics everywhere.

 

Got the Creator C110 Today. Connected right up and read the SRS codes(have the passenger seat out...). Has a lot of menus and looks like can read modules directly to elaborate on set codes. Looks like it will be a very useful tool.
Kaveman

 

You're welcome to your opinion, even though the information is incorrect. Basic generic scan tools are close to worthless on most late model Euro cars. They in fact do not have "full diag capability". They access basic, very basic systems and are close to worthless in their diag capability
Most folks that go to a generic auto parts store for a "scan" of a CEL, SES, (insert whatever your preferred term for the idiot light is) find that the generic scan generates a list of codes that usually are not related to the actual fault.
I am seeking a full system tool, not just a reset toy.

 

I will throw in my $.02,

I am a mechanic by trade. We use a new Snap-on Verus, a new Launch xPad 431, and I also have a Launch CRP123 at home. We also have a Bluestreak pass thru programming module. I am pretty happy with the Lauch tool on European and Asian cars. For the money the Launch tools are the best option for a Euro car. I have not used any other of the scan tools mentioned here though. If you want to program any features in your car you are better off taking it to the dealer. Even with our pass thru device and using the BMW programming software from their tech site, I spent over a week trying to program my bmw and could not do it. BMW does not make it easy. I am not a fan of the PC based scan programs as it just one more piece of equipment to lug around the shop, but not such a big deal at home. The Launch x431 is windows based and has IE so you could use the Launch software and install a PC based program.

 

Received the C110 this week and cleared the airbag error on my 2006 Justa that came on after I vacuumed under the seats. Now I'm thinking I should've looked a little more and tried to find something that would enable me to do other things, like:

• Open/close windows and sunroof using the key

• Open/Close passenger side window with just a quick flick of the switch

At least I got rid of that annoying error light. BMW wanted $100 just to hook the car up to the computer.

 

I have the autoenginuity software and proprietary connector. I do have the supplemental BMW/Mini add-on that costs extra. I like it in general. It is able to read most sensors and display live meters or graphs. You can also do many of the "actuations" to reset things on BMW and Mini - on the Mini that includes resetting engine adaptations. On newer BMW's it includes resetting the adaptations when you replace the battery. Definitely can read multiple subsystems and clear codes that the basic code readers can't see or clear.

Customer support has been very helpful and patient. Even had a few tickets escalated to their programmers and was able to talk with them in great detail.

They say it is Windows, but I am using it on my Macbook under Parallels 7. There is minor confusion about which OS the USB-based connector gets assigned to, but I find that Parallels seems to remember which USB port it owned previously, so as long as I continue to use the same USB port on my Mac, it has been fine.