>

Foxwell NT510 / NT530 Question

J

javis20

Active member
Hershey, PA USA
I currently have ISTA+ on an old laptop. Not very user friendly, but I can usually find my way around to get what I need done. Laptops battery charger no longer works, so it has to stay plugged in, which is a big inconvenience. Wondering if it would be worth adding a Foxwell 530 so I have mobile diagnostics. Otherwise I would have to upgrade to a newer Win10 laptop, that I have laying around. Though, I cringe at the thoughts of getting ISTA working again on another laptop. Anybody here have both ISTA and Foxwell?

Also, is there a difference between Foxwell and Autophix?
 
I had ISTA on a laptop, what a pain to use.
Sometimes it would never connect, gave up on it.
The Foxwell is much simpler.
So far has been great for solving issues.
 
Yes, you can watch in real time each sensor switching.
I keep meaning to make a video of it if only for my own benefit so that i can compare to any future faults.
I solved my salmon relay fault has it came up as not operating on the Foxwell reader.

Think i paid around £130 with BMW specific software, comes with generic also.
Best 130 quid i ever spent on car kit, a must really if a diy'er.

Good example;
1.jpg
This was a broken wire in roof panel. I bypassed the wire pair by soldering new wires to sensor and running back to a known good section.
 
Nevertheless, it only presents fault codes or displays a single sensor status.

From my experience, many roof faults are timing related ones, never stored as fault codes. And for a broken sensor wire, a sensor fault gets stored, which is not correct and leads most of the garages including BMW into the wrong direction (aka replacing a sensor, not a broken wire).

To summarize, it's not that easy DIY tool as suggested. A lot of roof experience instead is required.
 
Well it was an excellent starting point for fixing all my roof faults using the Foxwell.
It's not an idiots guide, you have to think things through.

For instance the Foxwell told me i had several sensor faults when the salmon relay problem appeared.
I knew that was nonsense.
I replaced relay, cleared codes and all worked fine.
 
flybobbie said:
Well it was an excellent starting point for fixing all my roof faults using the Foxwell.
It's not an idiots guide, you have to think things through.
Click to expand...
Correct. :thumbsup:
That's the only reason I want to warn against false expectations.
 
I see the same incompetence with aircraft mechanics. Like BMW techs, they don't see how a system runs on a daily basis.
What little niggles that don't get reported but add up to future problems.
Bit like someone giving you a computer you have never seen and told to fix it because it doesn't switch on.
Logical pattern of checks is needed and that is when tools like multimeters and obd readers come into use.
 
I think I add the Foxwell 530 to my fathers day list. I like the convenience. And save the ISTA for the difficult work where I need their troubleshooting steps and schematics.
 
Ah Fathersday, there is a good excuse :wink: :thumbsup:

But which is the one to get ?
In the Foxwell shop there is not a huge price difference between the NT510, NT630 elite , NT650.
The NT530 seems to be not listed anymore :dizzy:
 
https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FXNT530B.html

Not a bad price, think i paid about £130 6 years ago.
I originally ordered the 510, but they sent the 520pro.
 
Take a look at the ThinkDiag instead of the Foxwell. I have both and for the money the ThinkDiag is a better option
 
Mister T said:
Take a look at the ThinkDiag instead of the Foxwell. I have both and for the money the ThinkDiag is a better option
Click to expand...

If you are going to spend that level of cash on an app based version then Bimmergeeks Protool is arguanly the best.

Unlike ThinkDiag they only eat and and breathe bimmers and have a deep and long history of support..FWIW :thumbsup:
 
Well how about the Foxwell 530 vs the Protools Master License? I like the advantage of being able to do some coding without NcsExpert. Can the Protools do everything the Foxwell 530 does?
 
javis20 said:
Well how about the Foxwell 530 vs the Protools Master License? I like the advantage of being able to do some coding without NcsExpert. Can the Protools do everything the Foxwell 530 does?
Click to expand...

I have a Foxwell 510 and used Carly and now have the full ISTA/ISTP laptop suite and Protool.

Protool can do everything that Foxwell can do plus so much more…reset most modules / code options you will never need / do detailed analysis / offers a NCS expert door etc..plus the tech support is first class..
 
javis20 said:
Will ProTools work with a third party blue tooth dongle?
Click to expand...

It works with a variety of data links you need to check with them ..it’s more fussy on its connection than some due to the way it interacts with the OBDII port…I use both a DCAN cable with a USB adapter cable and a wi-fi dongle..I use the same set ups for MHD and xHP..
 
B21 said:
tech support is first class
Click to expand...
whereas its not with Foxwell. I bought the 530 with 2 add on modules. its been fine for the Z4, but pathetic with my suzuki and no help other than initial "please send more info " type responses, then nothing, just ignoring me.

If I can help put others off buying from them, I feel a little happier.. :D
 
clarker63 said:
B21 said:
tech support is first class
Click to expand...
whereas its not with Foxwell. I bought the 530 with 2 add on modules. its been fine for the Z4, but pathetic with my suzuki and no help other than initial "please send more info " type responses, then nothing, just ignoring me.

If I can help put others off buying from them, I feel a little happier.. :D
Click to expand...

I tried to use it on my Jeep TJ and the paid for module was sh!te…

Volvo version was OK but limited on the few issues I used it for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom