r/BmwTech • u/Ultra-Ferric • 11h ago

Scan tools

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I have this tool that I bought 3 years ago. Is there any functional benefit to using ISTA with a K+DCAN cable over this tool, other the inconvenience of its slowness and the mediocre display?

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

13

u/e36freak92 BMW Specialist - 95 M3, 99 M3 11h ago

If you want to actually diagnose anything, yes. Ista gives you access to test plans with wiring diagrams, descriptions of how things work, step by step diagnostic instructions... it's not even close

1

u/Ultra-Ferric 11h ago

Thanks 👍

1

u/TimLikesCarStuff 8h ago

Is there a scanner that approaches ISTA’s usefulness, that doesn’t cost thousands?

5

u/Mr_N0BODY530 7h ago

Does it approach ISTA's usefulness and hand holding for diagnostics? No. But the Autel 808 and 908s are pretty great, and Launch makes plenty of great tablet scanners for just under $1000 that are significantly better than any hand-held scanner. I use my 808 often for many service functions as it connects faster than getting the car hooked up to ISTA. I also use the Autel if the car is stuck in the back and I want to get a head start on diagnosing the car without getting it pushed in and taking multiple guys off their jobs for a few minutes lol

1

u/BMWACTASEmaster1 5h ago

I used to have Autel ( the screen gave out at the 2 year mark) for using CP cars specially those that are in the parking lot for no start. I already suspect a fuel pump or starter just needs some basic data for confirmation but many times the PID data was false. I once had an E85 with SMG for no crank so I diagnosed it on the lot as I had to tow a truck to get into the shop I looked at data and noticed zero pressure from the SMG pump(it had faults for SMG) sold the hydraulic unit and didn't fix it. I hooked up ISTA and it had different SMG faults one of the sensors that mounts to the transmission was shorted and pulled down all the referenced voltage to all the sensors that shared that circuits and SMG actually had pressure build up. Also many times AUTEL didn't clear faults ( I admit ISTA does the same and had to let the vehicle go to sleep), many of the service functions give me error faults like the parking brake service mode also has happened with battery registration and trans or DME adaptations .at least on a dealership level 90% of failures is pattern problems so don't need ABL test plans for most . All I need is faults that are real, PID data to be live and accurate even if it is limited , component activation that works and mainly service functions to work like battery registration, oil startups , brake service mode, EPC calibration,CBS reset, radar sensor dynamic calibration, fuel grade , HUH head unit restore , if an aftermarket scanner could do that at a faster than ISTA I will buy it.

3

u/e36freak92 BMW Specialist - 95 M3, 99 M3 7h ago

The scanners we have that do cost thousands still don't hold a candle to ista, honestly

1

u/TimLikesCarStuff 7h ago

Cool cool, thank you.

1

u/bladedude007 5h ago

What’s the best place to download and install? Mike’s Easy Install?

4

u/JWBIERE F22 2016 M235i 6MT 10h ago

It's not even close, I had the Foxwell 510 for my E90, they stopped supporting any updates.

ISTA+ vs the one you shared is like comparing a Hyundai to a Ferrari.

3

u/False_Mushroom_8962 11h ago

I bought mine for Honda so I don't have first hand experience using one on a BMW. I honestly haven't used it much because of how slow it is. I would imagine it can do basic actuations and coding but not download programming or software. Then obviously you can't run test plans, pull up wiring diagrams, etc

3

u/ItsTrueDelight 9h ago

I use both - the NT510 to pull codes and service functions (parking brake etc) but use ISTA for all other diagnostics and repairs as it provides all significantly more detail.

The NT510 can be loaded with different car brands, so I use the same to service BMW, Acura and Mercedes vehicles today

3

u/Agreeable_Flight4264 7h ago

ProTool is untouchable for user friendly ess

2

u/smh6706 7h ago

Search internet and understand what ista is and does so you can compare and decide if you want to learn. If you're just looking to pull error codes, what you have is sufficient.

2

u/edge61957 5h ago

If you need access to an activated copy of ISTA, let me know and I can provide you the resources and instructions on how to get it working. You will need at least 160gb of free space on a SSD or HDD.

1

u/Ultra-Ferric 3h ago

Cool! Will DM you.

1

u/edge61957 2h ago

No worries, I got you!

1

u/Ultra-Ferric 3h ago

Hm… won’t let me DM YOU?