This article is available with top 7 best BMW code scanners based on our research and tests of their features, price, functions, and reliability.
A BMW OBD2 code scanner is a must-have for any DIY mechanic or BMW car owner. All of them can diagnose engine problems in your home garage. Many also give you access to programming and calibration tools that can spare you the expense and hassle of a visit to the dealership.
Although a professional automotive diagnostic scanner is expensive, a home mechanic can save themselves a lot of money by buying a scanner specific to your manufacturer. All the BMW code scanners reviewed here are well within the budget of a hobbyist, and you’ll be surprised by some of the professional features they offer.
Top 1. Vident iLink400 full-system BMW / Mini / Rolls-Royce Scan Tool
Price:129usd
Advantages:
1). iLink400 is able to perform full-system OBD diagnostic & service functions. It is able to read codes, freeze frame data, erase codes, ECU information, live data, component activation, physical HW etc.
2) It can access to full systems incl. Engine, Auto Trans, ABS Brakes, Steering Angle, Seat Mem. Pass, Auto HVAC, Cent. Elect. Digital Radio etc.
3) Allow user to add up to 5 car brands or more (one for 70usd).
4) Hand-held code scanner, plug and play, no need to install the driver on one computer which usually confuse some users.
5) Free update online for 3 years.
6) Available with Multilanguage.
7) Vident iLink400 BMW / Mini / Rolls-Royce function list
For BMW: http://www.uobdii.com/upload/pro/20031915846037365702.xls
For Mini: http://www.uobdii.com/upload/pro/20031915846037413642.xls
For Rolls-Royce: http://www.uobdii.com/upload/pro/20031915846037458457.xls
Disadvantages:
Not support online programming.
Top 2. Creator C310+ Code Scanner for BMW
Price: 52.99usd
Creator C310+ Advantages:
1). BMW Creator C310+ is a simple plug-and-play OBD2 code scanner that will meet the demand of DIYers.
2). Creator C310+ Functions:
Read trouble codes
Clear trouble codes
Displays live data stream and graph display and vehicle version information
Clear adaptation
Engine oil reset
3). Car list:
1 Series: 1’_E81/E81/E87/E88
3 Series: 3’/Z3_E36,3’_E46,3’_E90/E91/E92/E93
5 Series: 5’_E39,5’_E60/E61,5’_GT(F07),5’_F10/F11
6 Series: 6’_E63/E64,6’_F12/F13
7 Series: 7’_E38,7’_E65/E66,7’_F01/F02/F03/F04
X Series: X3_E83,X5_E53,X5_70,X6_E71,X1_84
Z Series: 3’/Z3_E36,Z4_E85/E86,Z4_E89
MINI: MINI_R50/R52/R53,MINI_R55/R56
Include : Drive , Chassis and Body all system
4). Languages: English and German, you can update for more languages later
5). C310 scanner software can be updated online for free.
Download from our website: http://www.szcreator.com/download.html or use the CD
6). For BMW model from 1997-2000, you need an additional 20-pin to 16-pin extension diagnostic connector plugged to under-hood port.
7). C310, C110 and C100 scanner are built with different software and hardware, C310+ support newer BMW and oil reset, C110 and C100 cannot.
Top 3. Creator C110 V6.0 BMW Code Reader
Price: 44.99usd
Advantages:
1). Creator C110 BMW Code Reader V6.0 supports BMW between 2000 to 2013 years.
2). Function include read trouble codes, clear trouble codes, displays live data stream, clear adaptation and vehicle information.
3). Coverage: BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 series, 8 series, X series, Z series and Mini
4) Systems: All systems.
Top 4. Creator C501 BMW & OBDII/EOBD Multi-System Scanner
Price: 64.99usd
1). Creator C501 Cover BMW between 2001 to 2016
1 Series: 1’_E81/E81/E87/E88,1’_F20/F21
2 Series: 2’_F22/F23,2’_F45/F46,2’_F87
3 Series: 3’_Z3_E36,3’_E46,3’_E90/E91/E92/E93, 3’_F30/F31/F34/F35,3’_F80
4 Series: 4’_F32/F33/F36,4’_F82/F83
5 Series: 5’_E39,5’_E60/E61,5’_GT(F07), 5’_F10/F11/F18
6 Series: 6’_E63/E64,6’_F06/F12/F13
7 Series: 7’_E38,7’_E65/E66,7’_F01/F02/F03/F04, 7’_G11/G12
X Series: X1_E84,X1_F48/F49,X3_E83,X5_E53,X5_70,X6_E71,
X6_E72,X3_F25,X5_F15/F85,X6_F16/F86,X4_F26
Z Series: 3’/Z3_E36,Z4_E85/E86,Z4_E89
I Series: I’_I01/I02
MINI: MINI_R50/R52/R53, MINI_R55/R56/R57/R58/R59/R60, MINI_F55/F5
2). Compatible ECU systems: Drive , Chassis and Body all system
3). Read trouble codes, clear trouble codes, display live data stream and graph display and vehicle version information.
Clear adaptation, reset Engine oil
4) C501 BMW software language available: English, Chinese(Traditional), German
5) C501 OBD software language available: English, Chinese (Traditional), Spanish, German, Vietnamese.
Top 5. Carly for BMW Wifi OBD Adapter
Price: 79.90usd
The Carly BMW Wifi Adapter lets you connect an app installed on your phone with your car’s computer. While there is no adapter with the pro app, you can still view the error codes.
However, once you get the upgrade for the app Carly for BMW coding, you can reset the error codes. At the same time, you can also get access to advanced functionalities and diagnostic data as well.
The Original Carly BMW scan tool is suitable for various models:
BMW models starting from 1996
Toyota models starting from 2005
Renault models starting from 2004
Mercedes models starting from 2004
Porsche models starting from 2001
Top 6. BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner for BMW
Price: 99.95usd
BlueDriver is a convenient way for drivers to stay on top of their vehicle’s health. Once it’s plugged into your OBD2 port, you can leave it there full-time without draining the battery. You’ll know the instant a code triggers, and it continuously monitors emissions, alerting you to developing issues.
When a code does come up, BlueDriver’s Repair Report function shows both the code definition and suggested fixes for your specific vehicle. Saving data and code reports to your phone is simple, and you can send them via e-mail when you want to share the reports with mechanics.
BMW is one of the manufacturers supported for BlueDriver’s enhanced codes. This allows scanning of all electronic systems, including ones often neglected by hand-held scanners, such as climate control.
The BlueDriver adapter and app pair together into one BMW diagnostic tool that runs through your smartphone or tablet.
Conclusion:
Price:
Choose the BMW scan tool you think is right. You can pick an expensive tool that allows programming, or you can use a simple and affordable one.
How much you should spend on this tool comes down to your budget and how frequently you’ll be using it. If you have more frequent use, then you can invest in it. Otherwise, a cheap one that has all the features you need will work too.
Compatibility:
Not all BMW scan tools work for all models of BMW cars. Therefore, read the compatibility of the tool first before you purchase it.
Basic diagnostic functions:
It should read and clear trouble codes and perform special functions as well. These include I/M readiness, O2 sensors test, text live data, and graph live data.
Advanced Functions – Multi-system scan:
It should be able to diagnose trouble codes from various systems like transmission, Airbag, ABS, and engine. Additional features to look out for include oil service reset, coding and reprogramming, DPF, SAS, and EPB.
Enjoy!