I know the consensus is to get NCS Expert, however I have a Mac and am not too keen on setting up a Windows just for this along with the learning curve of the software.

In general the OBD Scanner market seems like a huge racket. There are bunch of scanners that charge astronomical prices and promise the world, but don't deliver. BlueDriver does diagnostics only. Bimmercode/Bimmerlink should be one app, and it's BMW Group only. OBDeleven seems like the closest to what I want.

Is there an all-in-one scanner or software that reads diagnostic error codes AND can code features for all models brands?

Edit: Sorry should've posted in General Talk.

 

Somewhat universal coverage is available but you will pay a bundle for it.

 

I think the "can code features for all models" might be the feature that won't be available, depending on what you mean by "all models"....

 

To read trouble codes yes. To actually code features no and there never will be due to proprietary stuff for all the different brands.

 

All diagnostic functions must be standardized according to U.S. regulations, so that's why blue driver can support virtually everything. Coding is a different story - different manufacturers use different pins on the obd reader which is why you won't see a universal coding software available for cheap / available at all, especially if you're using mac.

But to answer your question OBDeleven / Carly (which is a ripoff but easy) is kind of what you're looking for

 

Any names or model numbers of devices that do this?
Ah I hadn't thought of that, makes sense regarding coding across brands. Kinda makes OBDeleven even more appealing. Do you know how it compares to Bimmercode in functionality?

 

Below is just one example of a high-end scanner, programmer, coder. Lower-end versions are also available depending on your specific needs.

 

See this is what I mean about all this being a racket. Like what is the basis for the Autel costing $4000? OBDeleven is nice but even that is a $150/year subscription for coding.

The most cost efficient setup I've found thus far is the iCar Pro adapter and Car Scanner app for diagnostics and Bimmercode app for coding.

 

I've tried a variety of options, and if you want full functionality I'd suggest going with Protool from Bimmmergeeks. It can do all the OBD diagnostics as well as all the programming of NCS Expert, it's just much easier to use than NCS Expert. The master license is $160 (lifetime) and then I'd suggest getting their K-CAN adapter for $70 (there are cheaper options but from personal experience theirs works more consistently. My generic one had issues coding the radio, IIRC).

You'll need an Android device to run it. I'm all Apple so I bought an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet and jaiibroke it to install Google Play store: it's a cheap and easy way to get access to the Android ecosystem. I paid like $45 on Prime Day a few years ago (which is actually tomorrow so I bet they'll have a deal on the Fire). So for about $300 all-in you can have full OBD and coding capabilities for Minis and BMWs with no renewal fees.

 

What exactly does OBDeleven offer you for $150/year?

The scan tool that I posted offers advanced diagnostics and coding for all major vehicle makes, as well as advanced programming for BMW and Mercedes.

 

None of that is worth $4000. Microsoft charges like $200 for a whole operating system.

 

How does ProTool compare to BimmerCode for coding functionality?

 

Your original post asked about a tool with universal diagnostics and coding. This $4000 scan tool gets about as close to universal diagnostics and coding as you will find.

Would I buy this $4000 scan tool? No way, because I don't need a scan tool with universal diagnostics and coding.

Do you need a scan tool with universal diagnostics and coding?

 

I see, point taken. I was just emphasizing my original take about how all this OBD business is a racket. Thanks for the link.

 

You're empowered to decide the value of anything. I wouldn't say that the OBD business is a racket. It's just a business. Nobody can make you buy anything you do not want.

What you need to do is decide on the specific scan tool functions that you require and what specific vehicles (makes and models) on which the scan tool will be used. This should help you identify the best scan tool for your budget.

 

I think I was just hoping for an all encompassing solution at a reasonable price, something I probably already knew didn't exist based on the amount I time I've spent looking hah!

Knowing now the proprietary nature of coding across brands, I think it makes more sense to tackle NCS Expert for coding and use an OBD scanner for diagnostics only, since that's a (mostly) universal standard.

With that said, where can I locate the most up-to-date INPA/NCS/WinKFP bundle? I know there are various usage guides floating around but is there a particularly comprehensive one out there?

 

I am also currently shopping for Mini scan tools. I recently ordered two: Foxwell NT710 for BMW/Mini ($220) and LAUNCH X431 Elite 2.0 PRO for BMW/Mini ($140). Both have good reviews. When they arrive, I'll compare the available features on each and keep the one that offers the most for my 2012 Mini.

 

That Autel tool is not meant for most people. It's meant for Techs who repair vehicles as a job/business. Is $4k a lot of money. Yes. But a business can use that tool to make money either by diagnosing issues that they couldn't without the tool, or by spending less time diagnosing issues and thereby being able to work on more vehicles in a day. It's the same for a lot of products. Most people don't buy a RED camera to shoot video of their kids playing sports. That doesn't mean that RED cameras are a scam because they cost 10s of thousands of dollars.

That being said, I really wish there was a reader that can read the proprietary codes for my 10+ year old car that doesn't use a subscription model.

 

Well I’m not saying it’s a scam. They obviously have utility and a market. The problem is this is the market we get because there’s barebones regulation on consumer rights. The regulation we do have barely came about because of environmental concerns and industry pushback. Consumer rights are an afterthought.

 

If you go the Bluetooth route with either Bimmerlink/code or Protool look at which ODBII BT device you get. Some work with both (Thor Wifi adapter) most do not. I find myself in this situation. I have Bimmerlink/code and I might purchase Protool on Black Friday for a function Code doesn't have.

I have muddled with NCS Expert but read every bit you can on it. The two sticky threads in the GEN2/Modification/Electronics are a good starting place.

 

@HAMnMINI : Getting a scan tool for inexpensive that will work across the board is pretty easy, and that's the whole point behind the OBD connector. The OBD (On Board Diagnostics) connector was defined as the universal access point for vehicle diagnostics. There are plenty of inexpensive tools that are available that will pull DTCs from multiple vehicle brands.

However, the requirement for "Coding" across multiple brands and platforms is not as easily accessible. This is because there is no universal protocol defined for accessing these features. These "features" are something that has to be "hacked" for access. This is why you are having a hard time finding a tool that will do what you think you need.

As mentioned, you have to figure out what you actually want / need out of the tool, then pick the one that will work best for your wants / needs.

 

I've never used BimmerCode, but ProTool has all the functionality of NCSExpert as far as I've seen. I've had no trouble coding modules.

 

AFAIK Bimmercode can't code VO, but ProTool can. I think the convenience is worth the dough vs NCSExpert.

 

Yeah, I was able to code VO with ProTool. As far as I can tell it's just NCSExpert, just nicely packaged and MUCH easier to use.

I started out with NCSExpert but it's super clunky to set up and use, and after getting ProTool I doubt I'll ever use it again.

 

What specific OTG compatible Android device and connection method do you guys use to run ProTool?