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      06-05-2018, 01:48 PM   #1
Billfitz
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Why you need a Foxwell NT 510

The NT 510 is a diagnostic tool that plugs into your OBDII port. The Schwaben BMW/Mini Scan Tool is a repackaged version. Right now both are available for around $150.

Yesterday I started my F34 and got a dash warning for an ABS failure. A minute later a chassis stabilization warning came up, then the cruise control wouldn't work, finally my spoiler was declared non-functional. I feared the next thing would be limp mode. Even though I'm a mechanic all of this would have normally pointed to a dealer visit ASAP. Easier said than done, he's 90 minutes away.

A bit of searching on line pointed to the likelihood of a speed sensor on a wheel being the cause, since the ABS and all the rest need to have speed information from all the wheels to function. I even found a few videos on how to diagnose the problem with the Foxwell.

Today I hooked it up, did a scan, and all of the faults came up, the first traced to the left rear speed sensor. It said the problem was intermittent. I cleared the codes and all the dash warnings went away. I did an operational test of the speed sensors and they were all working. I took a drive, no new warnings. If the problem comes back I'll order a new speed sensor, changing them is easy.

If I couldn't have diagnosed and cleared the warnings myself it would have been a full day to take it to the dealer to have them do the same thing I did. Even if it was a no-charge warranty item time is money, so that saved trip saved me twice what the Foxwell cost. If you can't change a light bulb and/or your dealer is within walking distance then you can live without one of these, but I'm a real believer now, because all of the on-board diagnostic tools in the iDrive said the same thing: get to the dealer.
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      06-05-2018, 04:25 PM   #2
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Does the foxwell actually say which speed sensor it is on there or is it like any other scan tool that just gives a code/tells you what the problem is but not where. Example miss fire but doesnt say which cylinder
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      06-05-2018, 04:49 PM   #3
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It tells you which sensor triggered the fault, and it allows you to test them by driving the car, showing the speed at each wheel. If one of the sensors is out it won't register any speed. It only takes 1 MPH to show up, so I was able to confirm operation in my driveway driving maybe 20 feet. The fault on mine was registered as an intermittent. What happens with the iDrive is that once a fault is triggered the warnings, and their consequences, remain until they're cleared, even if the problem went away. With the NT 510 you can clear them yourself, making sure that there really is something broken before you make a trip to the shop to fix it. Less expensive scanners are as you describe, they don't necessarily pinpoint the fault source or let you clear the fault.
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      06-05-2018, 06:44 PM   #4
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Where did you get it?
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      06-05-2018, 09:28 PM   #5
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I got mine direct from Foxwell. Supposedly it was to come from their US warehouse, but it shipped from Hong Kong. I still got it in 5 days. It doesn't come with the software loaded, you have to download that. Typical of Chinese products the documentation and instructions are horrible, but thanks to youtube you can find videos of everything you need to know, from installing the software to every operation it's capable of.
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      06-06-2018, 07:05 AM   #6
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I get the same diagnostic code interpretation and clearing capability from the Carly for BMW app (installed on my Android device) and their bluetooth OBDII adapter - plus coding and several other capabilities. Total cost under $100 for the "pro" software version and the adapter. As with your experience, it has saved me trips to the dealer and also detected a defective auxiliary cooling fan that caused limp mode (replaced under warranty). More info on this and other similar products can be found in the "DIY and Coding" section of this forum.
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      08-16-2018, 10:37 AM   #7
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Update: Ten weeks later no repetition of the ABS sensor fault. Glad I didn't have to waste a day at the dealer for what was probably just a system glitch.
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      08-16-2018, 11:05 AM   #8
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I just received my unit on Monday. Amazon, 2-day Prime shipping... Works great.
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      08-16-2018, 11:40 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by roundel335 View Post
I get the same diagnostic code interpretation and clearing capability from the Carly for BMW app (installed on my Android device) and their bluetooth OBDII adapter - plus coding and several other capabilities. Total cost under $100 for the "pro" software version and the adapter. As with your experience, it has saved me trips to the dealer and also detected a defective auxiliary cooling fan that caused limp mode (replaced under warranty). More info on this and other similar products can be found in the "DIY and Coding" section of this forum.
Doesn't the Foxwell allow coding injectors and other more in-depth functions that Carly doesn't support?
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      08-16-2018, 11:42 AM   #10
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Knowing from experience that a false-positive code can really mess up your day I now keep mine in the car, just in case I get a repetition a few hundred miles from home.
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      08-16-2018, 12:46 PM   #11
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Another vote for Foxwell NT 510 code reader. I bought the same code reader / Schwaben from Turner Motorsports. Highly recommended.
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      08-16-2018, 12:56 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Doesn't the Foxwell allow coding injectors and other more in-depth functions that Carly doesn't support?
Not that I'm aware of. To do engine-related coding, I've used INPA (E-chassis) and ISTA (F-chassis) with a Windows laptop and an OBDII cable.
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      08-16-2018, 02:13 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Doesn't the Foxwell allow coding injectors and other more in-depth functions that Carly doesn't support?
Yes, it can code injectors, prime the fuel pump, reset transmission adaptation, etc.

I have both Carly and the Foxwell NT510. For diagnostic, I always use the Foxwell.
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      08-16-2018, 02:49 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kwstandard View Post
I just received my unit on Monday. Amazon, 2-day Prime shipping... Works great.
MUCH cheaper on eBay than Amazon.

In fact one can find the NT520 Pro cheaper than Amazon NT510 on eBay.

And if you purchased on day of eBay 15% - 20% off sale....

No brainer.
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      08-16-2018, 06:59 PM   #15
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Wouldn't Bimmerlink be sufficient?
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      08-16-2018, 07:20 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Doesn't the Foxwell allow coding injectors and other more in-depth functions that Carly doesn't support?
Yes I did that on my Z4 N54. My experience with the F30 is that Foxwell is lagging on functionality with the later models. Attached is the NT-510 function list.
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File Type: pdf Nt-510 function list.pdf (2.04 MB, 1540 views)
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      08-18-2018, 10:03 AM   #17
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Foxwell was having a flash sale last night, but I ended up with the NT520 Pro for BMW from an eBay seller with 100% feedback. Will be interested to learn more about what it can do for me!
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      08-18-2018, 10:49 AM   #18
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I just have one question as you are a mechanic....can this tool be use on different car....ie Mitsubishi, honda, ford, toyota and audi . I have all those cars😂
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      08-18-2018, 10:53 AM   #19
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      08-18-2018, 11:15 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gen13 F36 View Post
can this tool be use on different car...
http://www.foxwellsupport.com/tag/foxwell-nt510/
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      08-18-2018, 11:29 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
I just found what i need but thanks for the link. $60 each for additional brand software..ie toyota, honda , audi and mitsu😁
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      11-18-2018, 08:43 AM   #22
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Update: before going in for my state inspection I ran a scan to see if there was anything there. It was totally clean. Whatever caused all those codes to get thrown five months ago hasn't reoccurred.
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