Best 5 OBD scanners for BMW in 2021

OBD scanners are a great tool for reading, analyzing and for clearing diagnostic error codes on your vehicle on your own, without the need to visit an automotive repair shop. In this article we list the 5 most popular OBD scanners for BMW in 2021.

When connected to your vehicle, an OBD scanner will read and display error codes recorded by the electronic control units on your car. A quick google search will then tell you what the code stands for and what you can do to solve the issue.

To begin with, OBD scanners are of two types, OBD I and OBD II. OBD I is pretty old – it was introduced in the 1980s. OBD II was introduced in 1996 and it became mandatory for all cars and light trucks in the United States. OBD II is today’s standard. Nowadays, whenever you hear or read OBD, OBD II or OBD 2, know that it refers to the same thing: the currently used OBD II standard.

With standardized OBD ports, error codes were also standardized. This means that any OBD scanner can read and display standard error codes from any vehicle. However, besides standard error codes, each manufacturer also uses additional, proprietary codes. The proprietary codes offer manufacturer specific information about the functioning of your car.

An OBD scanner that can read and interpret all types of codes from all manufacturers is not cheap, though. Therefore, to keep the cost low, one would be better off buying a BMW specific OBD scanner, if it’s only gonna be used on BMWs.

An OBD scanner for BMW will read the standard OBD error codes along with BMW proprietary codes. They are not expected to read codes from other manufacturers, though. If they do, that’s just a bonu, not a requirement.

What is OBD?

OBD or On-board diagnostics is a built-in diagnostic system for your vehicle. It gathers warning and error messages from your car’s electronics and notifies you in case something is wrong. For example, the popular engine warning light is a visual manifestation of OBD warning signals.

Without OBD, in case of malfunctions, a mechanic might have to take apart large portions of your car while troubleshooting to find the cause of the problem.. But now, one can simply plug-in an OBD scanner and have the car itself report the problem through a diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).

Since error codes today are standardized and OBD scanners have simple UI, it simplifies considerably the diagnosing of problems, to the point that regular can owners can perform this operation too.

Most popular OBD scanners for BMW in 2021

Let’s now have a look at 5 of the most popular OBD scanners for BMW in 2021.

Note- The following list is based on sales, uses, practicality, and user reviews while the choice of “which is the best” totally depends on the reader’s requirements.

1. Foxwell NT510

The very first scanner on our list is the Foxwell NT510. A standalone tool, specifically designed for BMW vehicles. Being a handheld unit, it doesn’t require any additional device and its compact size adds to its practicality.

The Foxwell NT510 is also one of the most compatible OBD-II scanners, supporting both modern as well as older BMW models from 1987-1996 with OBD I ports. With a paid patch, the tool can also be made compatible with vehicles from other manufacturers making it incredibly versatile.

When it comes to functionality, the NT510 is a real bliss. Along with the standard OBD-II features, it offers advanced features like manufacturer-specific error codes and datastream viewer with a variety of additional features like Battery registration, Brake deactivation, oil light information, etc.

Foxwell NT510 features:

• ABS/SRB/EPB
• Live data graphing
• Reset oil service light
• Read and store data
• Run test on system and components
• Freeze frame data
• Special functions, coding, and security access
• Playback Live sensor data
• Diagnoses EPB caliper
• Request and record live sensor data
• Get transmission code

With a user-friendly UI, compact design, and an affordable price, the NT510 is an ideal tool for both BMW owners and mechanics.

Foxwell NT510 pros and cons

Pros:

• Easy to use
• EBD compliant
• Displays live sensor data
• Multilingual
• Lifetime update

Cons:

• Paid support for non-BMW models
• Complex graph
• No support of Coding

2. Autofix 7810 OBD Scanner

The Autofix 7810 is another great tool for reading and erasing error codes in BMW. Compatible with all BMW models from 2001, the tool supports the full range of OBD II functions including I/M readiness, EVAP system test, read data stream, and can also display vehicle information (VIN, CVN CID).

The 7810 also offers a fleet of useful features like CBS Reset, ECU Reset, EPB, SAS, Battery Management, DPF, EGS, DME/DDE, etc.

Autofix 7810 features include

• CBS Reset/CBS Correct
• ABS/ASC/DSC service
• DME/DDE
• IKHA
• EGS
• Steering Angle Correction
• EMF Electronic Parking Brake
• ACSM airbag reset
• Battery Management
• CAS System
• RDC tire pressure system reset

Just like the Foxwell NT510, the Autofix 7810 can also work as a universal OBD II scanner compatible with all vehicles between 1998-2017 including Mini and Rolls Royce with 16-pin OBD II ports. The 7810 is also incredibly cheap and is easily available in both the online and offline markets.

Overall, the Autofix 7810 is a really practical and affordable tool for BMW owners looking to save time and money.

Autofix 7810 pros and cons

Pros:

• Simple to use
• Expert level functionality
• Compatible with Rolls-Royce and Mini
• Bigger screen
• Affordable price
• Lifetime Update

Cons:

• Not so friendly updates
• Fails at performing advanced functionality

3. Creator C110 and C310+ OBD Scanners

The Creator V6.2 C310 is the most affordable alternative for people looking for basic OBD-II features.

Capable of reading and erasing codes for basic BMW systems like Engine, ABS, DCS, SRS, etc. the C310 is compatible with the BMW model between 1994-2014. Whereas, the C110 supports BMW models between 1997-2008.

Creator OBD Scanner Features:

• Read and Clear trouble codes
• Live stream data
• Steering angle sensor
• Graph Display
• Display Vehicle info.
• Engine oil reset
• Clear adaption

Designed with portability in mind, both the C310 and C110 are blessed with small form-factor, a user-friendly UI, color LCD, and are extremely easy to use.

Creator OBD Scanner pros and cons

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Compact design
• Supports both English and Germany
• Free software updates
• Well explained errors

Cons:

• No battery registration
• Unable to code injector on engine
• Random communication errors

4.Carly universal adapter for BMW

The Carly universal adapter is the modern kind of OBD scanner. Based on Bluetooth technology, the Carly adapter sits right under your dashboard feeding all your OBD data to your mobile phone.

Compatible with all cars including BMW models after 1996, the Carly mobile app supports both android and ios platforms. Despite being wireless, Carly doesn’t sacrifice any functionality.

From standard OBD features like diagnostics and emission checks to coding, service reset, Battery registration, DPF, and NOx, Carly offers it all.

Carly Universal Adapter features:

• Emission Check
• Live Datastream
• Manufacturer level diagnostic
• Enables Coding
• iDrive
• Exhaust Flap
• Service Reset
• Multi-protocol support
• Program Features
• Battery Registration
• DPF
• NOx
• Parking brake reset
• Used car check

The only drawback is that the advanced features are limited only to subscription buyers while basic OBD features are free for everybody.

Carly Universal adapter pros and cons

Pros:

• Wireless functionality
• Supports both iPhone and android
• Compact and sleek design
• Simple yet advance UI
• Over-the-air updates
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Requires pro version for full functionality
• Unable to clear codes

5. iCarsoft i910

Last but not least is the iCarsoft i910 OBD II scanner. Better than the generic OBD II scanners, the i910 offers a full range of OBD II functionality, does a multi-system diagnosis, meaning it can diagnose any BMW system, and reads and clears codes like any professional OBD scanner.

The i910 is capable of clearing trouble codes from transmission, engine, chassis, Airbag, ABS, and body modules along with supporting CANBUS, ISO9141, KWP 2000, and J1850 protocols.

iCarsoft i910 features:

• Read and Erase codes
• I/M readiness
• Datastream
• Freeze frame
• Freeze Data
• O2 Sensor Test
• On-board monitoring
• Evap system test
• Vehicle information
• Full coverage for BMW and Mini
• Module coding
• Free software updates
• Compound test and calibration
• Error code explanation
• Complete diagnostics of all system

The iCarsoft i910 supports BMW from 2005- 2014 along with Mini and Rolls Royce. While the i910 is also compatible with older BMWs than 2005, the company still asks buyers to first confirm the compatibility.

iCarsoft i910 pros and cons

Pros:

• Incredible accuracy
• Fast processing
• Highly portable
• Affordable price
• Full OBDII test modes
• Buzzer alarm system

Cons:

• Bad English instructions

Conclusions

While all OBD scanners on our list are the first pick for their buyers, the most suitable for you may still depend on your needs.

If you own multiple vehicles from different manufacturers and need a scanner to support all, the Foxwell NT510 would be your best option. Whereas if you are looking for something cheaper that can get the job done, the Creator C110 or C310+ would be a good choice.

You prefer accessibility over affordability, Carly universal adapter is the perfect fit. As for versatility, you can consider both the Autophix 7810 and iCarsoft i910.

And that would be all for our list of 5 popular OBD scanners for BMW in 2021. Don’t forget to tell us which OBD scanner was the right fit for you. If your preferred one is not in our list, let us know in the comments section below.