[jh_f30]

Looking into getting a code reader that's more BMW-specific than the generic free apps available in the app store.

Wondering how BimmerLink compares to a full-function scantool like the Foxwell (or rebranded Schwaben). Any specific advantages to paying the $100 or so premium for the standalone unit as far as code reading is concerned?

I understand that both can register batteries, BimmerLink adds exhaust flap control which would be cool, (and ASD control, but that's moot for me as I have a CIC headunit). Speaking of the flap control, what happens when you disconnect BimmerLink from the car? Does the flap function return to normal or does it remember the last setting it was on until you reconnect? I'm not sure if that function is a selling point for me if you have to have the app running at all times, but possibly better than dropping $200 for something like the VSC-1 by CG Precision, imo.

Do either have logging capabilities? Any input appreciated. Thanks!

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

Looking into getting a code reader that's more BMW-specific than the generic free apps available in the app store.

Wondering how BimmerLink compares to a full-function scantool like the Foxwell (or rebranded Schwaben). Any specific advantages to paying the $100 or so premium for the standalone unit as far as code reading is concerned?

I understand that both can register batteries, BimmerLink adds exhaust flap control which would be cool, (and ASD control, but that's moot for me as I have a CIC headunit). Speaking of the flap control, what happens when you disconnect BimmerLink from the car? Does the flap function return to normal or does it remember the last setting it was on until you reconnect? I'm not sure if that function is a selling point for me if you have to have the app running at all times, but possibly better than dropping $200 for something like the VSC-1 by CG Precision, imo.

Do either have logging capabilities? Any input appreciated. Thanks!

ISTAD (software) and the BMW ICOM (hardware) system is the way to go.

[sspade]

Good question... interested in hearing responses to this as well...

So far BimmerLink has served me well and not once have I wished I had or needed a more advanced scan tool, yet.

To answer your questions:

No data logging capability with BimmerLink. Although there is sensor values which can be quite helpful.

BimmerLink must be connected to vehicle in order for it to control exhaust valve. It wont stay open after app is disconnected.

[rjd_F30]

Sub'd. Interested to hear what people think.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

Speaking of the flap control, what happens when you disconnect BimmerLink from the car? Does the flap function return to normal or does it remember the last setting it was on until you reconnect?

You have to keep the dongle plugged in for ASD and exhaust valve control to retain memory. The car 'forgets' the settings and goes back to default when unplugged and off.

If you want ASD to be permanently off, you need to change the parameters with Bimmercode. That's the only way it memorizes your settings.

You can't permanently change the exhaust valve behavior by coding. You need a flash tune for that..

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by Poochie

You have to keep the dongle plugged in for ASD and exhaust valve control to retain memory. The car 'forgets' the settings and goes back to default when unplugged and off.

If you want ASD to be permanently off, you need to change the parameters with Bimmercode. That's the only way it memorizes your settings.

You can't permanently change the exhaust valve behavior by coding. You need a flash tune for that..

I figured that was the case. I do have the flap programmed into my tune, always open in Sport/Sport+, oem functionality in Eco/Comfort, but it would still be nice to be able to control it on the fly. Just not important enough to spend that much on the VSC-1. Haha. But who knows, I may end up eating my words and wind up getting it, or something similar, anyways.

[DarkStarBimmer]

Originally Posted by sspade

Good question... interested in hearing responses to this as well...

So far BimmerLink has served me well and not once have I wished I had or needed a more advanced scan tool, yet.

To answer your questions:

No data logging capability with BimmerLink. Although there is sensor values which can be quite helpful.

BimmerLink must be connected to vehicle in order for it to control exhaust valve. It wont stay open after app is disconnected.

Originally Posted by sspade

Good question... interested in hearing responses to this as well...

So far BimmerLink has served me well and not once have I wished I had or needed a more advanced scan tool, yet.

To answer your questions:

No data logging capability with BimmerLink. Although there is sensor values which can be quite helpful.

BimmerLink must be connected to vehicle in order for it to control exhaust valve. It wont stay open after app is disconnected.

I don't leave BimmerLink connected or the OBDII connector connected, but my flap stays open as well as ASD stays off. Just checked the flap to make sure.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by DarkStarBimmer

I don't leave BimmerLink connected or the OBDII connector connected, but my flap stays open as well as ASD stays off. Just checked the flap to make sure.

Ive never personally check to be dead honest buy I did email developer and he said the app must be connected to keep it open all the time.

Id like to permanently open mine but not positive of the most straight forward, reversible solution?

[sspade]

^

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by sspade

Ive never personally check to be dead honest buy I did email developer and he said the app must be connected to keep it open all the time.

Id like to permanently open mine but not positive of the most straight forward, reversible solution?

Permanent open is pretty easy. Just wait til it's open, then either disconnect the actuator or pull the fuse(s).

[sspade]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

Permanent open is pretty easy. Just wait til it's open, then either disconnect the actuator or pull the fuse(s).

Do we know exactly which fuse controls the flap actuator?

Is that fused relied on for anything else?

I think this would be the best way if we can answer those questions.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by sspade

Do we know exactly which fuse controls the flap actuator?

Is that fused relied on for anything else?

I think this would be the best way if we can answer those questions.

I think they're on here somewhere in one of the threads, I don't know which ones exactly.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by sspade

Ive never personally check to be dead honest buy I did email developer and he said the app must be connected to keep it open all the time.

Id like to permanently open mine but not positive of the most straight forward, reversible solution?

bootmod3

Search golf tee mod and you'll see hundreds of threads about how to keep the flap open.

[supermarket]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

bootmod3

Search golf tee mod and you'll see hundreds of threads about how to keep the flap open.

...for an E90.

[DarkStarBimmer]

Originally Posted by sspade

^

weird. My eyes and car says he is incorrect.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by supermarket

...for an E90.

The term "gold tee mod" originated with the E90, but applies to almost any BMW with a valved exhaust for the most part, F30 included.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

The term "gold tee mod" originated with the E90, but applies to almost any BMW with a valved exhaust for the most part, F30 included.

Was done with the E46 prior to E90.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by John in VA

Was done with the E46 prior to E90.

Rephrase: popularized by the E90 crowd. Anyway, even better. Been around for decades apparently lol tons of info on how to keep the exhaust flap open.

[Gen13 F36]

Me and my brother bought Autel Maxicom, we got lots of different cars ranging from, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, BMW and Hyundai. My cousin just bought a 981 Cayman S used. Used it to check it out before buying. I was going for the foxwell but you need to buy each software for the other cars so it will end up expensive.

[RichardSwe]

I purchased a Foxwell NT520 code reader in Dec 2018 from the Foxwell webiste and installed the latest BMW software per the Foxwell site.

However, it then could not read the BMW F30 codes. It could read the generic OMBD codes, but not the BMW codes (this is a menu choice). Foxwell support told me that the NT520 has a known hardware problem and cannot read the the F30 BMW codes. They are testing a new hardware version but it is not yet available.

I have asked to return the NT520 either for a refund or for an exchange with another model which does work on the BMW F30.

Waiting for their reply ---

[Astone22]

So in order for the valve to stay open all the time with bimmerlonk, I have to keep it plugged in and open the bimmer link app on my phone?? Right now I have the bm3 module to control it but was thinking of selling it and get the app instead

[bk335ilci]

I have a issue with the PDC system I purchased the Foxwell nt520. Prior to purchasing it I asked the eBay vendor if it supports pdc diagnosis he said yes. But unfortunately it does not. So stuck with it for now. I was wondering if any one can confirm if Bimmerlink will diagnose pdc related problems?