OBD2 Scanners is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Diagnosing problems with a BMW is almost impossible due to their complicated systems, but it can be relatively easy if you make use of a specific diagnosing BMW scan tool.
BMW cars usually have an unusual configuration in the OBD-II serial parts, so they cannot work consistently with a non-BMW scan tool.
In this guide, you can read about the best BMW scan tools and make an informed decision of which one to buy along with what recent buyers think and what features to look out for.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for BMW Scan Tools
- OUR TOP PICK: FOXWELL NT510
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Carista OBD2
- MAOZUA Latest V7.7 Creator C310+
- Autel Maxidas DS808
- Creator V8.0 C310 Plus C310+
Comparison Chart of the Best BMW Scan Tools
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Best Budget Option  | Carista OBD2
| |
 |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
 |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
 |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
What is a Scan Tool and What is it Used For?
A scan tool, more commonly known as an OBD2 scanner, is a device that allows car owners and technicians to understand and perform a diagnostic exam on the vehicle. The onboard diagnostics 2 is a standardized system present in cars and trucks and is used mainly for self-diagnosing the vehicle. This OBD2 sends commands to the different systems in order to maintain the overall health of the car.
In order to find out about your vehicle's health, you can scan this software using a scanning tool. This tool allows you to find data about the road speed, throttle, crankshaft and camshaft position, engine RPM, air temperature, and coolant. There are two types of these tools; code reader and scan tools.
Code readers are inexpensive devices that can read and clear the codes from the vehicle. However, these are limited and cannot access some types of data. Scan tools, on the other hand, are slightly more expensive than code readers, and they provide extensive access to live and recorded data.
These scan tools and code readers both allow you to perform a self-diagnostic exam to your vehicle in order to figure out the problem and avoid a trip to the mechanic.
Can Any Scan Tool be Used on BMWs?
The answer to this is no. BMW vehicles are made with uncommon configuration present inside the OBD-II serial ports. Therefore, they won’t work consistently with non-BMW scanning tools. Such a system present in these vehicles provides them with extra information readable only by scanners that have special BMW software integrated inside them.
In simpler words, a generic OBD-II scan tool can work for BMW, but it will require special software in order to handle the different pin configurations. Also, a generic scanner will not be able to read all the data that is received. A BMW specified tool will solve this problem without any problem.
How to Choose a Scan Tool
When choosing a scan tool, there are certain features that are needed in order for it to work properly. These features help in making the scanner different from the rest, such as:
Live Feed
In some cases, a live feed is incredibly helpful in determining the nature of a problem. Therefore, it is a smart idea to select a scanner where you get real-time information in a simple way, making it easy to understand. Also, the information provided must be accurate; otherwise, it can be difficult to find the root of an issue.
Application
Usually, when you buy a scan tool, they have an application that can be used along with the scanner. Through the application, you can monitor more than one vehicle at a time and even learn what each code stands for. The app makes it easy to use the scanner and understand the core problem and is a very good feature have access to.
Functions
There are basic functions, and then there are advanced functions. It is important that you have basic functions as a beginner, and if you get advanced functions, then this is a plus point for you. Some basic functions include the clear reading of trouble codes and performing functions, such as O2 sensor tests, graph live data, I/M readiness, and text live data.
Advanced functions allow you to diagnose trouble codes from different systems such as ABS, engine, transmission, and airbag. Some extra features to search for are DPF, EPB, SAS, oil service resetting, reprogramming, and coding.
Quick Take - Best BMW Scan Tools
In a hurry? Here's a snapshot of the best BMW scan tools:
- FOXWELL NT510
- Carista OBD2
- MAOZUA Latest V7.7 Creator C310+
Review of the Best BMW Scan Tools
In order to help you find the best BMW scan tool on the market, we have compiled reviews of the top five products. Mentioned below are their main features, along with their pros and cons. You can also find out why a specific scanner stands out, what recent buyers claim, and if it is suited to your needs.
Best Overall:
FOXWELL NT510
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who bought this recently find it to be the best BMW diagnostic tool on the market. It's worth every penny as it helps in finding and diagnosing an issue. The interface is incredibly intuitive and easy to read, and you simply have to plug it into the car without reading the manual and you can put it to good use right away. It can reduce your visit to the mechanic to zero and thereby save you a lot of money.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scanner stands out because of the advanced features it comes with. These features include data stream viewer, ABS module activation, light service reset, and even DPF regeneration. These extra features make DIY maintenance headaches vanish. Overall, the tool is simple and practical to use on a daily basis.
Who Will Use This Most
This tool is the perfect buy for people who want to save money in diagnosing problems with their car. It comes with advanced features such as manufacturer-specific error codes and more, which makes it the ideal tool for a BMW owner. Moreover, the special range of functions present in this makes it a must-have for people who like to service their cars on their own. Services include battery registration, oil light information, and brake deactivation.
Bottom Line
This is a high-level scanner that reads and clears the codes in your BMW’s systems. These include the transmission, engine, SRS, and ABS system. Moreover, it provides you access to live data and even graphs. It is the perfect buy for beginners and professional car owners who want to work on their BMW on their own.
Runner-up
Carista OBD2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this product works perfectly well for your BMW. It is not only simple to set up, but it is also easy to understand and make use of. It does come with some hidden costs, but even with this extra expense, it is worth investing in and is cheaper than a full scanner.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its integration of advanced features and Bluetooth connection certainly does not disappoint. With this product, you can carry out various tasks, such as clearing and reading engine codes, airbag codes, and ABS. Carista also helps in diagnosing problems with the wheel and resets the oil light on the dashboard of your BMW.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is very easy to use for mechanics, and car owners who tend to work on their BMW regularly and also have other products to complement this device. Since it is simple to understand and comes with advanced features, it is a good item for professionals as well as beginners.
Bottom Line
Carista is compatible with the new models of BMW and with the 1996 model along with other vehicle brands such as Mini, Toyota, Scion, Lexus, Audi, and VW. It is supported by iPhone and Android phones both and works perfectly for beginners and is worth investing in.
Best for the Money:
MAOZUA Latest V7.7 Creator C310+
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyer reviews suggest that people who own this scanner love the way it works for the airbag resetting and the service lights. It diagnosis the issue right away and provides you the code to fix it. It’s easy to use the feature, and a good grip makes sure that it does not break down due to occasional falling on the ground. The hardened plastic case is another reason why you should invest in it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out due to its ability to get to the bottom of any issue within a time span of seconds. If you have a BMW model, then this product is ideal for you. Many generic scanners cannot pick the right code for BMW, and some scanners designed for BMW are unable to perform a complete diagnostic, but this is not the case with this scanner. It provides you with a complete scan to get to the bottom of the problem.
Who Will Use This Most
This Maozue BMW code scanner is ideal for all the cars that can support it. If you own a BMW model that is compatible with this scanner and you don't want to spend a lot on it, then this is an excellent choice. It is clear to read and provides you with specific fault codes. If you're on a strict budget and do not want to spend too much money, then this is a highly affordable option.
Bottom Line
This is a scanner designed to meet the needs of the BMW driver. It is a narrow product that aims to identify and find the trouble codes stemming from your BMW. It is affordable and lightweight, which makes it worth investing in. It also has a bright LCD display that is very clear under sunlight, and the tactile buttons help in navigating the settings easily.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers state that this product allowed them to carry out variant coding on different vehicles and had a lot of useful features at this price point. It is able to access all the modules on BMW, Ford Ranger truck, and Toyota Sienna and performs adaptations, live tests, and actuations. It also resets the settings to default where needed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not only does this scanner come with amazing features, but it also allows you to customize settings and change the windows, roof, and doors comfortable and make the vehicle incredibly unique. Moreover, with features like DPF for the engines, you can clear the particular filter responsible for the blockage and fix this issue right away.
Who Will Use This Most
This scanner is a professional automotive tool that is created for professional car mechanics. This device is very user-friendly, so if you are a car enthusiast who wants to take their mechanic skills up a notch, then it is for you. Even though the price point of this can be high for some people, with the features it comes with, it is worth it.
Bottom Line
The Autel Maxidas is an upgrade from its previous model and provides you with better features and clearer visibility. It is an excellent device and provides customers with more advanced features. Its easy-to-navigate design makes it ideal for any user, so if you are an expert or a beginner looking for a professional-grade tool, then this is the one to buy.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Owners of this scanner found it to be way better than paying a diagnostic fee to the mechanic and a labor cost fee as well. It is easy to understand for beginners and allows you to become an expert at handling the issues in your BMW without visiting the mechanic for problems.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out as it provides you with all the functionality that you can expect from a basic code reader but is tailored to the needs of BMR owners. It helps in checking the engine light and also the airbags, air braking system, and the SRS. Once the diagnostic is clear, you are provided with the option to get rid of the error code as it has been fixed.
Who Will Use This Most
This product provides you with basic features, which makes it ideal for car owners who own a BMW. It assists in reducing the visits to the mechanics for small issues, but since it lacks an in-depth diagnostic checkup, it is not ideal for experts and professionals.
Bottom Line
This is a good scanner with a compact feel and look. It has a small screen that is bright enough to display the data you have to see, and the buttons are laid out normally for easy access. It is the perfect scanner for beginners and provides you with basic functions you will need.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before buying the best BMW scanner, there are certain aspects you must keep into consideration. These include:
What to Do With it
Many scanners have the ability to provide you with the basics of clearing and reading the engine codes. If this is what you're looking for, then you can save your money and buy a cheap model easily. However, if you need ABS codes, live data, transmission codes, or emissions testing, then you need to search for a scan tool that is able to provide this function for your BMW.
What Model it Covers?
Keep in mind that just because it is a BMW scan tool, it does not mean that it will work for all BMWs. Some older models are sometimes not compatible with some scanners, so it is a good idea that you contact the manufacturer of the scan tool in order to find the right compatible tool for your vehicle.
How Many Accessories Will You Need to Purchase With It?
Many scanners also make use of updates, which can cost money. Some come with additional cables that extend easily, whereas some have applications that you have to buy in order to get access to advanced features. Be sure that you find the complete cost of the scanner you are getting and also find out everything that you have to buy, such as additional accessories, before you spend actual money on it.
Conclusion
Having your car checked or repaired in an automobile shop is more expensive than doing the repairs and checkup yourself. Keep in mind that not all car issues are severe, nor do all car issues require you to take the vehicle into the garage; some can easily be resolved at home. The OBD2 system can enable you to solve plenty of minor issues, such as the check engine light.
Therefore, investing in the right kind of scan tool can help save you money and time. Make use of this guide in order to find the best device on the market and enjoy troubleshooting on your own.