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As we all know, BMW is one of the most popular car manufacturers globally. They have some of the best cars on the market! If you are one of the BMW owners, you must find a suitable scanner to check any hidden issues before they worsen.
Here are BMW scanner tool options we found that are worth checking out - each with its pros and cons. So, whether you are looking for a basic scanner or something more advanced, we've got you covered!
Comparison of the Best BMW Scanner Tools
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Best Overall
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Runner-Up
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Best Overall:
FOXWELL NT510 Elite
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This scanner tool is easy to use, according to the buyer. Another customer praised this product because it works well for reviewing and clearing BMW codes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The FOX NT510 elite is a powerful tool for any professional mechanic. It can read and clear trouble codes of all major systems, including engine airbag transmission, ABS, TMPS, and more. It also supports chassis and power train control modules check.
You don't have to worry about getting broke with an expensive repair because this diagnostic scan reader can determine the car’s issue before anything gets worse. It also supports advanced features including reset control service interval, deactivate brake, active ABS, register battery, ABS bleeding, reset oil light service, and many more.
What’s best about this scanner tool is the ability to turn on and control a vehicle system for active testing which allows you to acquire accurate data about troubleshooting and diagnosing issues. It also lets you recalibrate, adapt or configure specific details after making repairs or replacements.
Who Will Use This Most
The Foxwell NT510 Elite is a tool that any BMW owner can use. If you are a professional or DIYer, this car scanner is perfect for you.
Runner Up:
Launch Creader VII+/ X431
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to the buyer, this scanner is easy to use and provides helpful details. The buyer used the reader to troubleshoot the car's ABS issue and successfully eliminated various components.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like the Launch Creader VII+/ X431 scanner because of its simplicity and affordability. Many people have proven that it's simple to use and could do code read in 20 minutes. This car scanner is easy to use, with simple menus that provide many data, including freeze frame information, which can be extremely useful when troubleshooting specific issues.
The device also comes with free software updates for life. Although its airbag functions don't work on all models, this is a minor issue that only affects you if you plan to do airbag coding as part of your job. And most importantly, it supports a live data stream allowing you to monitor your car's data as you drive.
Who Will Use This Most
This scanner is perfect for professional mechanics or even enthusiasts who want to work on their cars. It's a great tool if you're looking to save money on expensive repairs.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
"This is the best bargain for chassis like BMW/Mini," the buyer said. Another buyer mentioned that it works great for troubleshooting and SRS airbags, but you can't make any adaptations because it does not support coding and programming.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The C310 Plus code reader is a professional diagnostic scan tool for BMW vehicle owners. It supports features including reading, erasing trouble codes, and turning off ABS lights with the press of a button.
In addition, this sleek little device supports live data streams, making it easier to determine what is causing your engine light to illuminate and tell you what is wrong with your car engine.
The Creator C310 is also affordable, making it more desirable to purchase this product over other expensive scanners available in the market. Although some users mentioned having difficulties using Creator C310, this doesn't make this car scanner fall behind its competitors.
Who Will Use This Most
This scanner is perfect for professional mechanics and people who often fix their cars. This is also best suited for people looking for affordable car scanners.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to a buyer, this scanner tool for BMW is a little finicky to get it connected to your phone for the first time. But once paired, it's super easy to use in the app.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro scanner is a handheld device that can read and clear codes. It's one of the most popular scanners on the market because it offers real fixes without going to a mechanic.
Plus, you don't need any cords to use this scanner as it connects wirelessly to your phone via Bluetooth. You may even view live data while you're scanning the codes! This scanner may also understand and clear more codes than other scanners on the market, making it an excellent option for BMW owners.
However, keep in mind that this scanner does take a little longer to scan all of the vehicles' codes. Although it's not the cheapest option out there, it is still more affordable than paying for a mechanic diagnostic professional that costs a lot.
Who Will Use This Most
This scanner is ideal for BMW owners who want to diagnose and clear the check engine light independently. You can also use this at work if you are a professional mechanic.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the buyers stated that this is a great product for a DYI person who wants to save time and money! Another shopper liked it and noted that it is a great product to reset your check engine light.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Ancel BM500 is an excellent scanner for BMWs and has more than enough features to diagnose any problems your car may have. We also liked how affordable it is in comparison to other scanners.
Aside from that, this BMW scanner tool has powerful special features, including battery registration, oil light service reset, and many more. In addition, the Ancel BM500 car diagnostic tool is easy to operate because it is a plug-and-play device.
The most significant advantage of this scanner is the features for all system diagnostics, including the airlock brake system, SRS system, transmission system, and many more. Furthermore, with the silicone keypad, you can easily access each menu option making it easier to understand every trouble and figure out what you need to do.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a perfect scanner for mechanics looking to get into the automotive industry. Also, if you have more severe car issues, this will be your go-to tool. This is also perfect for DIYers.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyer Report
The buyer was pleased with this scanner and said that this works great and is easy to use! Another one said that this tool has been helpful to him by erasing fault codes and registering new batteries.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Ancel BM700 scanner has many features that a reliable scanner must-have. This car scanner can diagnose engine systems, support chassis, powertrain control modules, and read data streams.
In addition, it is also Bluetooth-compatible, so you don't have to worry about connecting cables which can be pretty annoying if they aren't long enough or break off altogether! Another great thing about this scanner is the ability to work with non-BMW vehicles and perform engine diagnostics such as read /clear fault codes.
Who Will Use This Most
This is suitable for both beginners and professionals because it has a colored display LCD which makes the data easy to understand.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of buyers were thrilled with their purchase because this scanner worked perfectly with their mini cooper. Another customer noted that this is a great product because he was able to read the trouble codes with his BMW.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This diagnostic scanner is a good value for the money. It's not as expensive as some advanced scanners on the market, but it still has most of the features that you would want in a BMW scanner tool.
For its functionality, this scan tool may perfectly work for mini coopers and other models of BMWs. It can diagnose engine trouble codes, transmission trouble codes, airbag codes, and more. Plus, it has oil light reset and throttle support.
Aside from all those features, this OBD2 code reader also displays real-time live data from the ECU, engine temperature, O2 sensor readings, and so on. Even if you're a novice, you may use this diagnostic scanner to identify the problem without making any assumptions.
Who Will Use This Most
This scan tool is best for you if you have an automotive shop. This device is simple and easy to use, so even a DIYer will benefit from this without breaking a sweat!
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the buyers bought this to reset and register a new battery with the same capacity and type for the 2007 BMW X3. He mentioned that it works well as a generic scan tool.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Autophix Enhanced BMW 7910 is a not-so-expensive tool that any car owners with tight budgets can afford. In addition, we are also impressed with the set of features this scanner can offer. The battery registration feature is a real bonus that not many scanners have.
Like any other expensive OBD scanner, this also has unique features that would be very helpful, such as oil light reset, idle speed adjustment, fuel injection rate, and many more. For people who wonder if this one is easy to use, yes, it is! Its 2.8" TFT 262K LCD screen helps to see the test results clearly.
Furthermore, it can read and clear trouble codes that cause problems with your vehicle's emission so you can address the issue before bringing it to the emission test.
Who Will Use This Most
This scanner is perfect for people who want a BMW scanner that will last long and serve them well. It's not only perfect for personal use but can also be used in a business setting. If you're an auto mechanic or just someone who likes to take care of your car, then this scanner is the one for you!
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The customer said that this is straightforward to use and worked flawlessly with his mini cooper. Another buyer said that it is suitable for battery registering.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Autophix 5900 BMW car scanner has many features worthy enough to stand out. These include its ability to support all OBD2 compliant vehicles and works with other car brands aside from BMWs, including VW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Seat, etc. It can connect via Bluetooth or USB cable, making it convenient, especially if you are always on the go!
Aside from being highly portable due to its lightweight body, another reason why this is worth considering is that almost everything about this product screams quality! Aside from the features mentioned above, this scan tool also supports some other functions including ABS, transmission, BMS, PCM, EPB, TPMS, PCM, SAS, oil reset, CBS reset, and more.
Who Will Use This Most
Autophix 5900 BMW is perfect for people looking for a reliable BMW scanner. It would be an ideal addition to any car owner's toolkit.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to a buyer, this scanner read and showed trouble codes in real-time. Another buyer said they liked it because it is simple to use; however, the update was tricky.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When it comes to BMW scanners, the Ancel FX2000 is one of the best options on the market because it can detect a complete range of ECU issues and read and clear fault codes in real-time. Plus, it offers a live data stream for all four systems (engine, AT, ABS, SRS) that appears as graphs on the screen.
It also supports all OBD2 diagnoses such as DTC search, performing smog tests including I/M readiness, O2 sensor test, etc. These functions may keep you from worrying about emissions data exceeding default values. It also reads freeze frame data, runs EVAP system tests, retrieves vehicle information, and much more.
While this scanner doesn't have an instruction booklet included, it's still relatively easy to use – especially if you're familiar with OBD2 scanners in general. The only potential downside we could find was that some buyers found the update process tricky. But overall, this is an excellent option for those who want a reliable BMW scanner tool.
Who Will Use This Most
Ancel FX2000 is perfect for professional mechanics and enthusiasts who want a comprehensive scan tool. It's also great for technicians to diagnose problems with emission control, fuel systems, onboard diagnostics, and more.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A buyer was very pleased with this scanner and stated that it works perfectly as described and had no issues! Another shopper said that it is handy and a user-friendly tool.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Foxwell NT604 car scanner is one of the best BMW scan tools. This scanner may scan ABS, SRS, engine, and transmission on BMW models made from 1996 onwards. It has a reliable car health monitor, so you won't be confused about what happens when the check engine flashes.
In addition, this scanner may help you do a thorough scanning and detection for your cars and pinpoint the problem, saving time and money. Its small and lightweight size is easy to hold and store in your toolbox. Most importantly, this scanner is easy to operate that even a beginner won't struggle using it.
Who Will Use This Most
This scanner is designed for DIYers, car mechanics, and technicians. It's perfect for those looking for a reliable scan tool that can help them detect problems in their cars.
BMW Scanner Tool Buying Guide
Accuracy
The accuracy of the scan results will ensure that it can help you detect problems in your vehicle easily without any pain or hassle. Many scan tools claim to be consistent regarding the accuracy, but some are not legit. It would help if you read some reviews before purchasing one.
Compatibility
The second would be its compatibility with other BMW models. You should be looking for one that is compatible with the specific model of your BMW car. Some scanners are compatible with BMW models but not with the specific one, so before purchasing, make sure to do your research.
Quality
This factor is also essential when buying a BMW scanner tool. It should be durable enough for long-term use and serve its purpose well even after several years of service.
Customer Service
If ever there's an issue with your BMW scanning tool, you will indeed have questions regarding fixing this problem or finding out what went wrong. So make sure that they provide excellent customer service when dealing with customers' issues and concerns, so it would help you if something goes wrong while using their product.
Price
This is always an important consideration when purchasing anything, especially if it's something as expensive as a BMW scanner. You should look for one that fits well within your budget without compromising quality and features.
BMW Scanner Tool FAQ
1. Do you need a special scan tool for BMW?
To identify problems, you'll need a scanner that can read and clear fault codes from all BMW components, including the engine (DME), gearbox (EGS), anti-lock brake system, and many more.
2. Does a BMW scanner work with other vehicle models?
Some BMW scanners are designed to work with other car brands as well. Make sure you purchase a scanner that is compatible with your vehicle model.
3. What do I need to know about using a BMW scanner?
When using any scan tool, it's essential to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Failing to do so may result in further damage to your vehicle.
4. Can a BMW scanner be used on a laptop or PC?
A BMW scanner must be used with a dedicated scan tool device. Laptops and PCs are not compatible.
5. What are the benefits of using a BMW scanner?
Using a BMW scanner allows you to read and reset all of the error codes on your vehicle. This will save you money by revealing any problems that need fixing before they become more serious.
Conclusion
The FOXWELL NT510 Elite stands out among those eleven scanners because of its superior performance, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. It is one of the best BMW scanners on our list, with all features you would need to work on your car.
Our second suggestion is the Launch Creader VII+/ X431. With its free software updates, you can assure that the functionality of your scanner tool will help you through the years. If you are traveling, you can still monitor your vehicle’s status via the live data stream.
If you're the proud owner of a BMW, then you know that it's a special car. It's essential to take care of your BMW and ensure it's always running in top condition. That's why it's crucial to have the best BMW scanner tool at your disposal.