BMW is a top-of-the-line brand renowned for iconic style and reliability on the road. No doubt BMW car owners like you invest top dollar for it.
However, there will be times when you need to diagnose problems with your car. For this, you will need a specific BMW diagnostic scan tool to do the job.
One of the best ways to monitor the health of your BMW is with an OBD2 scanner.
The OBD2 system has been the gold standard for all auto manufacturers since 1996. However, with several OBD2 code readers on the market, it might be difficult to pick one that’s best for you.
Get the lowdown on our 5 Best BMW scanners for 2021 based on performance, cost, and compatibility.
Also read : car diagnostic codes list
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK!  |
1. FIXD OBD2 Pofessional
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
BUDGET PICK!  |
2. LZLRUN INPA K+CAN K+DCAN
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
  |
3. Autel Maxidas DS808
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
  |
4. FOXWELL NT510 Automotive Scanner for BMW
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
  |
5. MAOZUA Latest V7.7 Creator C310
|
VIEW ON AMAZON |
Our Recommendations for BMW
1. FIXD OBD2 Pofessional
Our Rating
Plug. Play. Scan. With a FIXD OBD2 Professional scanner plugged in under the steering wheel, you are equipped to understand the language of your car.
All the cars manufactured in 1996 come with an OBD2 port. And, it is in this port where you are required to plug in the scanner. This fact translates into the ability of all vehicle owners to be updated about the health of their cars, maintenance requirements, and error handling without any need for technical knowledge.
The Fixd OBD2 Professional scanner is an easy-to-use DIY tool for fault diagnosis because you can connect it with your mobile phone via Bluetooth and stay connected via the OBD2 app. The scanner sends the data to your phone in layperson terms in English.
You may be a novice at car mechanics, but by using this scanner, you can tell a minor fault from a severe one and accordingly decide whether or not to take your car to a workshop. For instance, your car throws an engine check light error. The scanner indicates that the fault is minor.
The video tutorial in the app teaches you how to clear this light. So, without stepping into a workshop, you manage to avert an expense and a toll on your time. Even when you take your car to a workshop for repair, you enter the place as an informed customer who the mechanic cannot fleece in the name of major repairs. The user-friendly scanner not just tracks the maintenance schedule of your car but also reminds you of it.
There is no restriction on the number of scanners you can plug into vehicles owned by family members or belonging to an organization. There are two benefits here. One, you can maintain data about your vehicles for maintenance regimes. Two, you can save money by sharing the scanners.
You can say bye-bye to long queues at emission testing centers. Fixd OBD2 Professional lets you check the cars' emissions yourself before getting the official test and certificate. When purchasing a used car, an exciting benefit this scanner provides is that it shares information about the current owner, the health status of the car, and urgent maintenance requirements. Here again, you can make informed decisions.
- WHAT WE LIKE
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Wireless Connection
If you find a cheap OBD2 scanner, you’ll have to connect it to the car manually via a cable.
While this may not be a big deal, it does mean that you have to keep the cable handy and only check your vehicle when you’re parked and in the garage.
With this wireless adapter, you can keep the scanner plugged in at all times. That being said, there is a slight chance that it will drain the battery (typically if you leave it unattended for several days), so keep that in mind.
The wireless connection also means that you can monitor your car from your iPhone or iPad. This way, you can check up on it wherever you are, since your scanner is always in your pocket.
Also, installation is such a breeze, as all you have to do is download the app and sync the devices together.
Lite Version of App Enabled
Technically speaking, you have to purchase the Carly app to use this scanner, which is sold separately. However, the Pro version is usually best if you’re trying to perform preventative maintenance by yourself.
If all you want to do is see what’s wrong with your vehicle and run a check-up every once in a while, then the Lite version of the app is more than sufficient.
For BMW owners who just want to be in touch with their cars, this is an excellent way to do so.
Best of all, the app is updated automatically. That way you can be sure that you’re always ready to go, even if you switch to a newer make and model.
Video
2. Autel Maxidas DS808
Our Rating
As we mentioned, most OBD2 scanners are designed for all makes and models of vehicles out there. This unit from Autel is one of these, meaning that you can get diagnostics for a broad range of cars and trucks.
Overall, this system is designed for professionals, so you get a full suite of services that will allow you to keep your BMW in pristine condition.
However, if you aren’t in the market for something so comprehensive, it may be too much to sift through, so keep that in mind. It's one of the best obd2 scanners with abs and srs diagnosis, and definitely not a budget-friendly unit.
- WHAT WE LIKE
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Scanner and Tablet
The first cool thing about this scanner is that it comes with its own tablet. Rather than using a computer or your smartphone, you get a proprietary piece of equipment to monitor your vehicle.
This is both a good and slightly bad, however. The reason we like it is that all of the apps are pre-installed, so you don’t have to worry about syncing.
The negative aspect, however, is that Autel is not a tablet maker. Thus, this device may be slower and more glitchy than if you used an iPad or something similar.
Still, it works, and it offers a lot of features for the price, so we believe that you can get a lot of use out of this system.
Live Scanning Available
With most scanners, you can only diagnose problems when your check engine light comes on. However, with this model, you can check your vehicle while it’s running, meaning that you can check on things like power and performance.
The benefit of having this feature is that you can track your car’s performance over time and make adjustments as needed.
Also, since this system monitors other aspects of your vehicle (like oil and tire pressure), you can stay on top of these things much easier.
Finally, because newer BMW models have an onboard computer, you can access and make adjustments to the ECU with this scanner.
If you want to maximize your car’s performance, this device will enable you to do that quickly and efficiently.
Video
3. FOXWELL NT510 Automotive Scanner for BMW
Our Rating
For the most part, OBD2 scanners are handheld devices that plug into your car and tell you what’s wrong with it. This model from Foxwell operates the same way, but because it’s designed for BMW, it’s better than most other scanners out there.
- WHAT WE LIKE
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Works on Older BMWs (Pre-1996)
One of the best things about this device is that you can get access to OBD1 codes as well as OBD2. The original version works on BMWs that were made after 1987, so if you have a more “classic” model, you aren’t out of luck.
While accessing older codes is nice, you can still get free updates so that if you have a brand-new BMW, you’re covered as well.
Image Credit : www.foxwelltool.com
Diagnostics for All Car Systems
Although OBD2 scanners are designed to check your drivetrain (anything covered by the check engine light), this one can also monitor other systems, such as tire pressure, oil levels, and brakes.
Having access to all of your vehicle’s systems means that you can do more to keep your BMW in top condition.
Rather than having to take it into the mechanic when a different light comes on, now you can see what’s up beforehand.
Active Testing Available
The other reason why having access to other systems is excellent is because you can monitor them in real-time as well.
Run your car and see how it performs so that you can make adjustments as needed. Maintaining your BMW has never been easier.
Video
4. MAOZUA Latest V7.7 Creator C310
Our Rating
So far, we’ve been looking at OBD2 scanners with a host of functions and features. However, if you’re looking for something simple and easy to use, then you may prefer this model from MAOZUA. Let’s see what it can do for you
- WHAT WE LIKE
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Plug-and-Play Design
This scanner is ready to go out of the box. No syncing, no downloading, and no updating required. You can plug it in and see what’s happening with your BMW as soon as it arrives.
If you’re looking for simplicity and efficiency, this is the best deal for your money.
BMW-Specific
As we’ve mentioned, it’s usually better to get a scanner that works for your automaker specifically. The reason we like this option is that you don’t have to spend so much time searching through different makes and models to find the right one.
Also, this system will work for all BMWs, although you will have to buy an adapter if your car was made before the year 2000.
Video
5. LZLRUN INPA K+CAN K+DCAN
Our rating
Our final model is another simplified OBD2 scanner.
This model is only ideal for those who want to be able to check their codes on a bigger laptop screen, rather than a small device. Otherwise, this unit doesn’t offer much beyond simple check and reset options.
- WHAT WE LIKE
- WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Works on Most Computers
This unit comes with an installation CD and a USB cord, so you should be able to get it up and running on your laptop.
Setting up is relatively easy if your computer is compatible, although you may have to contact support to make sure it’s all working properly.
BMW-Specific Software
The best thing about this scanner is that it’s designed solely for BMW. Thus, looking up codes is a breeze because there aren’t any others from different brands on here.
Free Updates
The latest version of the software is available and free to download. If you have a newer BMW, you’ll have to use this version to check your car.
The company also provides free updates.
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FINAL VERDICT
Since we’re focusing on OBD2 scanners that are best for BMWs, we have to say that the Carly is the ideal choice for any BMW owner.
This small and convenient device gives you the power to diagnose and reset engine lights in the palm of your hand. This is the easiest and most effective scanner around, which is why it’s our top pick.
Check out our store now and get your hands on some of the latest Scanner Products.