There are top 5 BMW diagnostic software for E90/E91/E92/E93 (2006 – 2013).
Top 1: BMW Standard Tools 2.12 and/or ISTA+
Top 2: Foxwell NT510 BMW scanner
Top 3: Carly Pro for BMW
Top 4: BimmerGeeks Pro cable
Top 5: Bav Tech cable
Here we go one-by-one.
Top 1: BMW Standard Tools 2.12 and/or ISTA+
Why not just get BMW Standard Tools 2.12 and/or ISTA+? Downloads are free (better from reliable source, if not judge, better pay for tested working one). All you need is a Windows based laptop and a $40 DCAN cable. Diagnose, flash, code, and program away
It’s good investment, the consumer cable can reset adoptions and CBS, do activations, and read and clear errors. I have one and its not even close to what you can do with the dealer level software I’m talking about.
BMW Tools 2.12 consists of NCS Expert (coding. feature changing, VO editing), WinKFP (module flashing, updating), INPA (diagnostics, activations, error reading-clearing), and Tool 32 (activations, short circuit resetting of modules). ISTA is just the next generation of diagnostic software also known as Rheingold. Googling both will give you a plethora of info. These aren’t tuning tools in any way.
They do everything incl. Diagnostics, Activations, simple reprogramming such as different battery type, Registrations, etc. — the type of things needed to diagnose, repair & replace as original (as opposed to changing DME code or “tinkering”).
The only limitation is that modules on the MOST ring require a ICOM to be programmed although I’ve heard of people using the BimmerGeeks Pro cable to do it.
The main negative used to be locating a good working software pkg in English but not any longer.
Top 2: Foxwell NT510 BMW scanner
Foxwell NT510 is a diagnostic tool and can code things like injector, steering angle calibration.
Foxwell NT510 BMW Review: even someone have no any experience with the Foxwell but they have heard good things about it.
– The included software is not native to Mac computers.
– win10 is compatible.
– Can can provide sensor data from the oil level system on an F82 M4, The M4 apparently can only read the oil level with the iDrive, which we plan on permanently removing for non-street use.
– Allow me to alignment and calibrate fuel injectors on a 2009 535i N54 engine
– Can read codes from a transmission control unit (TCU) on a 2003 e46 325xi.
– Can register a battery to an e90 328i.
– I have a 2007 328i Coupe, NT510 can determine which wheel speed sensor is bad.
– NT510 can read and reset airbag service light. I have an intermittent airbag service light on a 2004 X3 that BMW service cannot track down as it clears from memory before I can get it in for service.
– Have the ability on the 09 BMW E82 135 to scan for ghost codes, and any other stored codes. For example, example it will read codes that you did not get a scanner connected fast enough while the check engine light was on and it goes off before you know what the code actually was.
-Can code new injectors in the BMW 2010 335i.
-Can Re-program the Speed Governor on 2011 e90 328i LCI model, vin WBAPH7C52BE852716…please note: Performance software is required to manipulate top speed limiters.
-Can perform a throttle actuator adaptation on an e92 M3 after replacment
– Is capable of functioning as a universal OBDII reader for all makes in addition to it’s BMW/Mini/RR Specific functions.
– Can work with a 2012 mini cooper countryman s all 4.
– Have E36 OBD1, for OBD1 cars will require adapter ES2992111 to perform function, Available features will be dependent upon the cars abilities. Not all features are compatible with all models.
-Communicates via the obdII plug in the cabin on the E39 M5 2000, no extra adapters needed.
– Whether NT510 can read TPMS codes or not (Specifically to tell which TPMS receiver is malfunctioning), it depends on the vehicle,If your car has the ability to provide this information the tool will be able to pull this data.
– can read and reset O2 sensor readiness codes but will not code them off permanently.
– Updates can be skipped; sequential installation of updates is not required.
– Can reset “Right/Left Cornering light” warnings on 2011 335d caused by after-market halo installation. To properly clear the error code you need halos with proper resistance, this will cause the car’s computer to automatically reset the warnings.
– I own a 2011 335i N55. all functions are supported across the E93 series.
– Able to reset the (sas) steering angle sensor
– Ok to reset the Airbag/seatbelt light on Mini Cooper S R56.
– Ok to modulate the e-parking brake on a 2012 BMW F10 to enable a rear brake job with rotor replacement.
– Module recoding and programming is possible with this tool.
– Availability of features of this nature will vary heavily model to model and year to year.
– Can register new tire pressure monitoring sensors.
– Can do VANOS test, Idle Sync etc for e46 m3.
-Can activate the abs unit in order to bleed it on a 2008-011 m3.
– Can do battery registrations and coding on BMW and mini cooper.
– Be able to code a new battery on 08-2011 M3’s.
– To make NT510 is compatible with the early E36 (The car has ads modules for Abs and srs), need the 20 pin adapter ES2992111.
– Can reset the adaptations needed after an e46 m3 smg clutch change.
– Allow for line code changes when programming car options, such as automatic door locking.
– Enable auto rear window defogger for GM5 module on BMW E46. E46 general module coding is possible.
– Can perform the dynamic drive reset for a 2002 745.
– Reset the transfer case oil wear indicator on BMW e83.
– Be able to display the sensor’s output if this function is registered by the car’s dme.
– Can pull codes from the SRS system and reset the light once all issues are corrected-
– Able to reset transfer case adaptations after transfer case fluid change in an F32.
– Allow coding of the LCM and GM on BMW vehicles.
– Have the ability to program new ABS components to current vehicle.
– Can code for Xenon headlight conversions and also for activating *Sirius Retrofit Enable Code (FSC)* for Mini Cooper R56’s, but only some models not all.
– Can read BMW Specific (Shadow/Hidden Codes)
– Can code injectors and new battery on 2008 BMW 135i.
Top 3: Carly Pro for BMW
Carly for BMW is great for coding and has diagnostics in it.
Review: To the OP: I have both the Carly Pro for BMW (about $100), and the Professional Foxwell NT510 BMW Scanner. I think both are good. The Carly is a bit cheaper, so perhaps that is the logical first step. The Foxwell has some capabilities that are different from the Carly.
Top 4: BimmerGeeks Pro cable
The BimmerGeek cable can be used on ANY Exx BMW, E9x, E8x, E6x, etc. It has a switch that allows you to work on the newer or older E series.
The software for the F series and G series is the same and is available on their website as well, it’s called Esys, and uses a OBD ethernet cable. I’ve haven’t used it yet but it it’s more streamlined and handles coding, programming, and flashing.
BimmerGeeks have links to all the software on their website’s home page. Set up is as easy as following directions. Using it has a learning curve but there’s ton of tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere that can walk you through most anything. Like most things, you learn a lot just playing around wit it. It can be used with any E series BMW, Mini’s, and RR with the appropriate daten pkgs, all of which are available to download, but it will not work on non BMWs as neither will a BT cable.
I use the BimmerGeek cable. It’s well worth the $40. They’re also a great source of info. Those guys really know their stuff when it comes to this software and offer remote setup if needed.
Top 5: Bav Tech cable
I don’t use my Bav Tech cable anymore. It doesn’t do anything that I can’t do with this software. I probably break it out once a yr to make sure it still works and can be used as a back up.
That’s all
Thanks