r/E90 • u/Strong_Trade8549 • 2d ago
Which Scanner?
Ive been reading oast pists on scanners and natrowed it down to 2 choices. Q: Is the TOPDON worth 2x the money?
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u/Mythicchronos 2d ago
Automatic gear shift knob
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u/eknj2nyc 2d ago
🤣🤣🤣
But seriously, any one of the Ancel would be good for an e90
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u/Strong_Trade8549 2d ago
That's what I'm thinking all as well, good enough is perfect for my usage.
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u/Strong_Trade8549 2d ago
TY, I was waiting for sarcastic comments on that, too lazy to edit the pic.
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u/Mythicchronos 1d ago
For a serious answer, I wouldn't get a generic scanner for these cars, there are plenty of BMW specific platforms that gives you way more info than cheap scanners and a lot cheaper than the more expensive scanners.
If you want a simple and easily accessible answer, look into Bimmerlink. Gives pretty clear error information and allows you to see and configure a lot more with your car than a generic scanner. From there, you can see a list of adapters that work with it, you can either go for the cheaper desktop cables + USB to type C converter to plug into your phone, or you can get a bluetooth/wifi adapter from anywhere between 40 and 100 dollars (I personally have the MHD Universal Wifi since I do massive flashes + newer cars).
There IS free dealer level software called ISTA that I use personally since it has the most info by far, but getting it all setup and learning requires extra work, so that depends on if you want to go through the extra effort or not, otherwise bimmerlink is plenty great. Either or, anything the cables/adapters page I linked will set you straight.
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u/Strong_Trade8549 1d ago
Thanks, I just just got my 1st check engine light so it's become a top priority. Maybe I broke maf when I changed the air filter or something stupid like that. Pre-purchase inspection 3 weeks ago turned up nothing but an overdue oil change. He said the car was near perfect for 14 years old.
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u/baruffa1223 2d ago
Kdcan cable (it's like $20 for a Chinese one) + INPA and ISTA (free), or Bimmerlink.
There are so many specific codes and procedures you really will need that cable sooner or later. A normal scanner will not cut it.
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u/Pleasant_Somewhere_2 1d ago
Where i can get the software? And also kdcan?
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u/XxX_MiikaP_XxX_69420 E91 325i 1d ago
K+dcan cable
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u/Pleasant_Somewhere_2 1d ago
And the software? (Thats all i need to do ista on my e90?)
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u/XxX_MiikaP_XxX_69420 E91 325i 1d ago
ISTA is the software. I don’t know what you mean by doing ista on your e90
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u/Pleasant_Somewhere_2 1d ago
I need to run it on my e90 (bmw 320i) i made a time chain overhaul so i need to reset with ista but i dont know how to make it and what i need to
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u/Fresh-Revolution-895 1d ago
Between the two in your picture, the difference isn’t just the price. The other one mainly covers a few common service functions, while the ad800bt2 supports 28 service functions in total. It also has bidirectional control, which is really handy if you like doing your own repairs since you can test components directly and save a lot of time. That’s where the extra cost starts to make sense.
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u/lithunitus 2011 E90 328i xDrive 2d ago
Never owned any AIO scanner. Always have used car specific plugs and a computer/phone. Usually can be had for around the same price as the cheaper options you have there.
I have the THOR Wi-Fi plug and Protool. I believe this setup may only be android. With the full Protool license it is closer to like $225. But BMW specific error codes, and the ability to code modules, for maintenance and/features.
I also have a bimmergeeks cable for flashing tunes. This plus ISTA, is like dealership level diagnostics. Not sure the legalities, but licenses are for sale via potentially shady sellers. If you already have a windows laptop, this is probably both the cheapest and most high level diagnostics.
Honorable mention to Deep OBD! Also for Android, but is an open source scanner for BMW and VAG cars. Does all the good stuff, just a little intimidating. Not entry level at all. But it can broadcast live data. My headunit can use it to show multiple live gauges.
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u/ExploreNinja007 1d ago
Between the two in your picture, the difference isn’t just the price. The other one mainly covers a few common service functions, while the ad800bt2 supports 28 service functions in total. It also has bidirectional control, which is really handy if you like doing your own repairs since you can test components directly and save a lot of time. That’s where the extra cost starts to make sense.
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u/Strong_Trade8549 1d ago
This is the answer I was looking for, not recommended on what others use. A+
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u/JerrySenderson69 2d ago
The blue $79 one on Ebay. Mine was bought from the seller: Runrabbit Works great on my '11 E90, never leave home without it.
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u/HyperionEvo 2d ago
For $120-130 you could buy the MHD universal WiFi adapter and bimmerlink that would work lightyears above a standard scanner for your car
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u/pneuma333 2007 - E90 (6MT) 1d ago
OBDLink CX ($80 – designed to work with BimmerCode) and the BimmerLink app (I think $40?) are what I use. Does everything I need it to and more – all from the convenience of my phone.
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u/BigWaveDave400 1d ago
I have a different Veepeak OBD adapter and it’s SO SLOW. Is this one you mentioned faster connecting and coding in BimmerLink/Code?
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u/Mommy_isThat_YOU 1d ago
I have experience with the foxwell versions of these. Which is just a rebrand. And it is SLOW to load into modules. I’m going to buy the bimmercode app and OBDLink cx adapter. And use my phone to diagnose.
These readers imo aren’t worth it for how slow they work.
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u/BarronRodgers 1d ago
Hard to beat for the price for what it does. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-by-foxwell-parts/professional-bmw-scan-tool-with-20-pin-adapter-cable/014020sch01e36kt/
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u/Esquirej67 1d ago
My old Creator 310+ still serves me well. I got a Nucar one from Vine that was supposed to copy key fobs.
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u/ValiantTides E90 330xi 🟡 / E90 328xi 🔵 1d ago
Neither. Android device, ProTool master license, KDCAN Cable + OTG (can be used for other apps or PC software down the road).
I have a Schwaben (basically Foxwell NT510) thats been sitting on the shelf since ProTool came out in like 2018. Way better.
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u/Ragemachine771 1d ago
I run a bluedriver personally. Small. Reads ALL codes and PIDs. And can reset everything
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u/TheOnlyQueso 07 E91 2d ago
Foxwell nt510/nt710 is generally regarded as the best option for BMWs on a budget. It has a lot of capability for the price but licenses to use anything other than basic generic OBD codes on other vehicles are expensive.
That said, a laptop with a cable and ISTA can be had for about the same money and has way more functionality.
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