OBD stands for on-board diagnostics, and the current standard is OBD2. BMW began installing the 16-pin OBD2 socket in its vehicles from 1996. Prior to this, the OBD1 standard was used. OBD2 has been mandatory in vehicles with gasoline engines since 2001, and diesel-engined vehicles since 2004.
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Will any OBD scanner work on BMW?
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.
How do you run diagnostics on a BMW?

Where do I plug in my diagnostic tool BMW?
The OBD port on any BMW 5 G30/G31 that are built from 2016 to 2020 can be found under the panel on the left side of the driver’s seat. Subsequently, remove the lid covering the OBD port and plug the Carly adapter into it. Get your OBD Carly Scanner here!
What software do BMW technicians use?
The ISTA-P obd software for BMW cars is one of the latest and most popular diagnostic tools for BMW vehicles. This software provides all the required scan, programming and repair functions. Its key features include a USB cable and Easy Install software. It is also compatible with various BMW models from 1995 to 2019+.
How do I scan a BMW code?

What kind of code reader do I need for BMW?
As a professional diagnostic scan tool for bmw full systems, nt510 elite codes reader is also a universal OBD code reader for checking engine light, reading and erasing codes on all brands cars’ OBD system.
Which OBD reader is best?
- Innova CarScan Pro Model 5610. The best OBD2 scanner overall.
- BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool for iPhone and Android. The best Bluetooth smartphone OBD2 scanner.
- FIXD OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool & Code Reader.
- Innova CarScan Advisor Model 5210.
- Autel MaxiDiag MD808 Pro.
Is Carly OBD worth?
Winner: If you are looking for a scan tool that can do more than just basic diagnostics, Carly is the one! The price for the Carly OBD2 scanner and app is affordable considering all the features that are available. It provides the best of both worlds: in-depth diagnostics (and more) for an affordable price.
How much does BMW cost to diagnostic?
The average cost for a General Diagnosis is between $110 and $139 but can vary from car to car.
Is BMW diagnostic free?
Does BMW do free diagnostics? Unfortunately, no, in most cases a BMW dealership will not run BMW diagnostics for free. In the case that car is within a few days of purchase, they may run BMW diagnostics at no charge.
How can I read my BMW code without a scanner?
Press the odometer’s Trip and Reset buttons while turning the ignition key ON. After turning the key ON, release the odometer Reset and Trip buttons to check if the Diagnostic Trouble Code or DTC appears on the odometer display.
How do I connect my BMW to OBD?
Plug in the adapter into the OBD port in the footwell on the driver side in your car. Enable the Airplane mode on the iOS or Android device. Turn on WiFi on the iOS or Android device. Open the WiFi settings on the iOS or Android device and connect to the “V-LINK” network.
Where is OBD port located?
The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard, beneath the steering wheel column (1 – 3 in the diagram below).
Does iCarsoft work on BMW?
iCarsoft offers professional diagnostic tools for BMW. The Icarsoft BMM series includes diagnostic software for BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce. There is an extensive software package for these brands. With other car brands, the BMM series can only be used for basic OBDII reading.
What do I need to code BMW?
BMW coding for beginners If you want to try coding your BMW yourself, you only need a coding interface cable (ENET or DCAN depending on your vehicle) and a BMW coding tool.
Which is better BimmerCode or BimmerLink?
BimmerCode is for all the features (seats, lights, windows, etc) and BimmerLink is more for diagnostics (battery registration, clearing faults, pulling trouble codes, etc.). They just just happen to overlap with the ASD feature but only BimmerLink can code out burbles and open/close valves.
What is BimmerCode used for?
BimmerCode allows you to code your BMW or MINI yourself, customize it according to your wishes and unlock hidden features.
Can I drive with check engine light on BMW?
A steady glow typically means something less serious but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle’s engine is in serious trouble and service is needed immediately. If your check engine light is flashing in your BMW, we highly recommend not to drive the vehicle and schedule BMW service today.
How do you clear a BMW fault?
You might try the Idrive: Vehicle Info > Vehicle Status > scroll down to the warning triangle and click on that, see if the errors show and you can reset. The faults ‘may’ reset on their own as you continue to drive the car. Some faults are ‘hard’, some are ‘soft’.
How do I find my BMW code?
- On the drivers side under the hood.
- By the strut towers.
- On the fenders edge.
- On the vehicle identification number (VIN) sticker in the driver door jam.
Is FIXD good for BMW?
FIXD is compatible with all gas-powered BMW models made in 1996 or newer and all diesel models 2008 or newer.
Does Carly work on BMW?
If your car was built in 2001 or later the Carly solution should work for your vehicle, as we work with almost all car brands worldwide. You’ll need the Carly Scanner and in case of a BMW older than 2001, you need the 20-pin scanner extension cable too. The app license works with both Android and iOS systems.
Does FIXD work on BMWS?
FIXD WORKS WITH YOUR CAR – FIXD OBD2 reader is compatible with all gas-powered vehicles made in 1996 or newer and all diesel vehicles 2008 or newer. Perfect diagnostic scan tool for Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, Nissan, Cadillac, Volkswagen, Lexus, and more.
What is difference between OBD and OBD2?
OBD is the abbreviation for on-board diagnostics. OBD2 refers to the second generation of the onboard diagnostic system. OBD or onboard diagnostics is the system in a car that controls and monitors all the important control devices, offering data access with the appropriate hardware and software.