Is buying an obd scanner a waste of money?

[DnovanL]

I last purchased an obd scanner from this site below and only used it twice to check the engine, I paid $149 to use it only twice, is there a better way to not spend this money?

Autel Scanner Diagnostic Tools Dealer In USA - DiagMart

DiagMart is an Autel Authorized Dealer In USA, Online Auto Diagnostic Tools, Autel Scanner store. Autel MaxiSys Ultra, MaxiCOM MK808BT Pro, MaxiSys MS906 Pro, MaxiDas DS808S-TS, MaxiDiag MD806 Pro, MaxiCheck MX808S,etc. We offer Vehicle Diagnostic Scanners, TPMS Diagnostic Tools And OBD2...

www.diagmart.com

product type: Autel Maxicheck Pro

 

[Torgus]

Yes, Autozone etc. will read codes for you for free.

MHD and many flasher apps will now read codes.

That being said having a reader in your garage can be VERY helpful if you DIY.

 

[Traf]

Yes, buy a K+Dcan cable, use MHD or INPA, which is easily found on the net.

 

[TheFixer]

I have PA Soft, INPA, mhd and a foxwell scanner. All very handy to have.

 

[martymil]

If you have an android phone buy protools best scanner and app to have for your bmw

Cable is like 20 bucks

 

[Nick380]

I've got the Carly adapter V2 , was a back in the day beta tester, so I've got the license for life. Used it for just about every diag on any BMW to quickly read codes, and do simple coding (lights, doors, turn signals, etc). paired with inpa/ ista-D for everything else. Programming/coding ncsexpert, work32, and ista-P. Can find a Virtual machine on e90post (look up BMWcoding V3) with all software required. Free with a K+Dcan cable. MHD if you wanna use your cellphone for code reading/ adaptation resets. I've had the autel maxi pro, "rented" it off amazon for a little under a month, literally just uses same functions as ista-D provides...so no real benefit in my opinion. I did like the real time graphing though. Was good for analyzing MAF on a 328i.

 

[Torgus]

carly license for life is literally 'for the win'. No way would I pay retail for that thing now! $173.79 every year? Highway robbery.

 

[Nick380]

carly license for life is literally 'for the win'. No way would I pay retail for that thing now! $173.79 every year? Highway robbery.

Yea I’ve seen that. Never thought it would be so expensive . It used to come with the license then. After the 80 dollar adapter purchase of course lol.

 

[doublespaces]

Pro Tool is basically the new INPA for mobile. It doesn't do everything but it's more robust in many ways than any other app.

Pro Tool is a @BimmerGeeks! Product, aka Dylan.

 

[martymil]

Protools is the biggest pita.

The thing cam really mess with your car.

I seen many people come to my mate to get t hair cars fixed after they really screwed them up.

For diagnosing faults it's not bad, coding i wouldnt trust it.