Foxwell NT510 BMW Scanner

[Jack Ratt]

Has anyone invested in a Foxwell NT510 code reader/scanner/diagnostic tool? I'm having problems trying to get INPA to load onto my old laptop so I've been doing a bit of research. This Foxwell scanner supposedly supports all BMW's from 1987 onwards, OBD1 and OBD2.

It's around £170ish on ebay but if it does everything it says it does I think it's not too bad.

https://obdstation.com/foxwell-nt510-bmw/

 

[Jack Ratt]

Well guys, I have written to Foxwell and asked them a few questions including whether or not this tool would be able to access my ABS module to tell me which wheel sensor may be faulty. I have received a reply from them with a recommendation to get the NT520 model. They say it will access all modules on both of my 1997 Z3's.

http://www.foxwelltool.com/wholesale/foxwell-nt520-pro-bmw-software-20-pin-cable.html

They are available from UK stockists so you don't have to wait for trans Atlantic shipping

 

[Jack Ratt]

I've recently taken delivery of my new NT520 Foxwell diagnostic scanner. My purchase experience didn't quite go to plan but we got there in the end.
I paced my order and duly took delivery of my scanner. When I opened the package all looked good, all cables were present, and all leaflets, booklets were as expected. Next thing was to try it on my car. My black zed has the ASC/ABS lights on and I bought this tool because I was assured that it would diagnose the problem.

Anyway, plugged it in, turned on the ignition and waited for the icons to appear on the screen.

BMW icon didn't appear but GM (General Motors) did,........ "bo****ks" I thought, well not really.... Jill said she heard me from inside the house.

Got my paperwork out and looked for a UK phone number, because it was posted from a "UK warehouse". Couldn't find a UK number so did an email.

Had a reply a couple of hours later from a Chinese address.

After a few email exchanges I was told it was an oversight on their part and that they could sort it online. I just needed to register my scanner with Foxwell, and then download their app. They would then be able to remotely remove the GM software and replace it with the correct BMW software.

I said I wanted to return it and exchange it for the correct item but for some reason they seemed reluctant to give me the address of the UK warehouse. I paid by Paypal so knew I had decent protection. So I gave in and agreed to try it their way.

I registered my scanner and downloaded the app as requested but the connection wasn't brilliant and I had problems completing the sequence. The GM software disappeared pretty quickly but for some reason it started to reload so I had to abort the download and get back onto them.

As they were in China the time difference made communication pretty slow. I was not a happy bunny.

It took nearly a week to sort.

I was away from home working so couldn't try it until I got home so yesterday was the moment of truth. Will it work?

YES ............ plugged it in, turned on the ignition, started to communicate with the car ECU, confirmed the VIN and went into auto scan mode.

It went through a diagnostic sequence, found a couple of faults with my central locking, anti theft and .......wait for it ...... ABS, ASC.

I wasn't aware of any problems with my central locking or security and my thoughts are they could be old codes left over from my loom of doom repair a while ago but I was eager to see what the problem was with my ABS so opened the file and there it was,

"Front left wheel sensor, electrical fault"

So I'll get this sorted and see if the lights go out.

First impressions of the scanner are good now I've got the proper software loaded.

I'm a happy bunny again ....... for now anyway.

I'll put some pics up later

 

[ktnez99]

Interesting read @Jack Ratt please keep us update.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Interesting read @Jack Ratt please keep us update.

Both my cars are running good at the moment with no stored codes on either of them so my new scanner is currently redundant. I hope I haven't tempted fate by writing that last sentence

 

[ktnez99]

Both my cars are running good at the moment with no stored codes on either of them so my new scanner is currently redundant. I hope I haven't tempted fate by writing that last sentence

I know exactly what you mean: fingers crossed all remains good!

 

[Lee]

Good to hear. I’m looking to buy another simple code reader. Since Carly have done a load of updates I’m struggling to get it to connect to the zeds every time.

 

[VetteDude]

I recently received a NT520 scanner with the BMW pre-load and was unable to read the ABS codes on my 98 z3. It can connect to the engine module but gives a connect error on the body codes. Since the car has the ABS light on I tried it on a parts car that I have that does not have the ABS light on (and runs) and it could not read there either. Any one have any ideas on what might be wrong? I would love to get this scanner to work but otherwise will have to return it. I assume one of the sensors is bad but would like to confirm before I start replacing parts. Since it is a track car (read not street legal) I cant easily take it to the dealer. IE emailed the manufacturer of the scanner and they said that the would look into it but that it would be several weeks before a they had an answer. Jack what exact steps did you take on the NT520 to get the codes?

 

[Jack Ratt]

I recently received a NT520 scanner with the BMW pre-load and was unable to read the ABS codes on my 98 z3. It can connect to the engine module but gives a connect error on the body codes. Since the car has the ABS light on I tried it on a parts car that I have that does not have the ABS light on (and runs) and it could not read there either. Any one have any ideas on what might be wrong? I would love to get this scanner to work but otherwise will have to return it. I assume one of the sensors is bad but would like to confirm before I start replacing parts. Since it is a track car (read not street legal) I cant easily take it to the dealer. IE emailed the manufacturer of the scanner and they said that the would look into it but that it would be several weeks before a they had an answer. Jack what exact steps did you take on the NT520 to get the codes?

The first time I connected it to the car it automatically went into "auto scan" mode. It read and confirmed the VIN and checked all the cars modules. It took a few minutes to complete the scan and at the end of it's cycle it showed 3 errors, which were central locking, anti theft device?? and ASC/ABS. I opened the ASC/ABS field and it said that the problem was electrical fault on front left brake sensor. I fitted a new wheel sensor and the ABS/ASC lights went out after driving only about 50yrds. I cleared the other codes and as yet they haven't returned. I haven't needed to use it again since.

I have 2 x 2.8 prefacelift Z3's and it has done full scans on both my cars.

I have tried other scanners but none of them would read my ABS module until I got my Foxwell scanner.

Have you registered your scanner with Foxwell? If you have you should be able to refresh the program online. It's easy to do, you just need to download the Foxwell app and have a good internet signal.

Try this link if you haven't registered your scanner. I registered with Foxscanner section

https://www.foxwelltech.com/support/item-217.html

 

[Jack Ratt]

Good to hear. I’m looking to buy another simple code reader. Since Carly have done a load of updates I’m struggling to get it to connect to the zeds every time.

You can try mine Lee next time we meet

 

[Bampz]

@Jack Ratt what year are your zeds please , mine is a Nov 1998 build with twin vanos engine and can only read about 5 modules with most code readers

 

[Jack Ratt]

@Jack Ratt what year are your zeds please , mine is a Nov 1998 build with twin vanos engine and can only read about 5 modules with most code readers

Mine are both 1997 (R reg) single vanos 2.8. One is manual, the other is auto. You are welcome to try my scanner if we can find the time to meet. I'm coming to Wales for a long weekend to see Hugh and Sarah @miller1098 at the end of October so may be we can sort something.

 

[mrscalex]

I recently received a NT520 scanner with the BMW pre-load and was unable to read the ABS codes on my 98 z3. It can connect to the engine module but gives a connect error on the body codes. Since the car has the ABS light on I tried it on a parts car that I have that does not have the ABS light on (and runs) and it could not read there either. Any one have any ideas on what might be wrong? I would love to get this scanner to work but otherwise will have to return it. I assume one of the sensors is bad but would like to confirm before I start replacing parts. Since it is a track car (read not street legal) I cant easily take it to the dealer. IE emailed the manufacturer of the scanner and they said that the would look into it but that it would be several weeks before a they had an answer. Jack what exact steps did you take on the NT520 to get the codes?

Where are you plugging it in? It needs to go under the bonnet on the 20-pin connector (with converter cable) not dash for ABS module reads.

 

[Bampz]

Mine are both 1997 (R reg) single vanos 2.8. One is manual, the other is auto. You are welcome to try my scanner if we can find the time to meet. I'm coming to Wales for a long weekend to see Hugh and Sarah @miller1098 at the end of October so may be we can sort something.

Cheers , will keep that in mind nearer the time

 

[VetteDude]

Thanks! I tried both but understand under hood is the right place. These are both US based cars. When I plugin I choose the BMW module and then have to choose the model or do a VIN search. if I do a auto search via VIN it cans not find the VIN and asks me to enter it. I have not seen anything about a full scan. Is it an option?

 

[Jack Ratt]

I'm working away from home but will be back home on Friday. I will try my scanner and will advise the sequence it follows. I can't recall from memory but I found it very easy and straight forward to use. Did you buy your scanner from a Foxwell agent and have you registered it?
I had a problem with mine when I first bought it as detailed above but the suppliers were pretty quick onto it. My problem would have been sorted quicker if I was at home but I was away working and the wifi at my hotel wasn't good.

 

[VetteDude]

Bought on Amazon but was not going to register it since I plan to return it if I cant get it to work. I also have a c310 that cant get into the abs codes.

 

[Nodzed]

Good to hear. I’m looking to buy another simple code reader. Since Carly have done a load of updates I’m struggling to get it to connect to the zeds every time.

Yep same here Lee, Carly has become a pain in the arse, been looking at the NT530 as it also covers the e89.

 

[Lee]

Yep same here Lee, Carly has become a pain in the arse, been looking at the NT530 as it also covers the e89.

I'm talking with Carly at the moment, trying to sort it out. Seems there might be an issue with the software.

 

[VetteDude]

Ok things get stranger. I plugged back in this afternoon and did the VIN search and it pulled the VIN connected ok and I could see the ABS codes. Here is what I had after clearing and restarting the car:
52 DTC speed signal front right (electrical fault)
D1 Throttle Potentiometer electrically faulty
52 is pretty obvious a sensor issue (have a new set on their way) but anyone know what a D1 is? Is a D1 a reason for the ABS light to be on or ABS to not work?