For BMW owners, especially those working on older models, having the right diagnostic scan tool is crucial. If you’re searching for an “Auto Store That Carries Foxwell Scan Tool”, you’re likely on the right track, particularly if you’re dealing with systems that use the older ADS protocol in BMWs from the E36 and E38 era.
One user’s experience highlights the effectiveness of Foxwell scanners in accessing systems that can be tricky with other diagnostic approaches. They used a Foxwell NT510 scanner with the BMW module and found it capable of pulling codes from the EDC (Electronic Damper Control) module in an E38. Interestingly, while the Foxwell scanner worked, the user encountered difficulties using ISTA-D (a more comprehensive BMW diagnostic software) to even recognize the same EDC module, with ISTA-D reporting it as offline.
This situation points to the nuances of diagnosing older BMWs. These vehicles, like the E36, might utilize the ADS protocol for certain modules. Although BMWs from 1996 onwards were intended to be OBDII compliant, some systems in models like the E36 and E38 may still rely on ADS. The presence of a 20-pin port with pin 15 in these models can be an indicator that ADS is in play for some components, even alongside the standard 16-pin OBDII port.
The user suspected, and rightly so, that modules requiring access in older BMWs, such as the EDC module in their E38, might need ADS protocol communication. It appears the Foxwell scanner they used inherently supports this ADS capability. However, when attempting to use ISTA-D with a generic 20-pin to OBDII adapter and a K+DCAN cable, ADS support was lacking, preventing communication with the EDC module.
For those needing ADS support for BMW diagnostics, there are a couple of primary paths:
- Choose a Scanner with Built-in ADS Support: Brands like Foxwell and Autel, among others, offer scanners that already incorporate ADS protocol compatibility. This approach appears to be more straightforward, as evidenced by the user’s positive experience with the Foxwell NT510.
- Utilize an ADS-Aware Adapter with INPA/EDIABAS/ISTA-D: This option involves using a specific ADS adapter in conjunction with BMW diagnostic software suites like INPA, EDIABAS, or ISTA-D. However, this route can be more complex. Older versions of EDIABAS (prior to 6.4.x) are reportedly required for ADS support. This necessitates setting up an older software suite and configuring it correctly. Adapters like the “Gert’s adapter” or the ADS adapter from One Stop Electronics have been mentioned, with the latter often requiring a serial port connection. Given that modern laptops frequently lack serial ports, a docking station with a serial port might be necessary for this older, serial-based approach. A more modern, albeit potentially expensive, method for ADS with ISTA-D could involve using an ICOM Next A module and an ICOM Next C adapter with a newer ISTA-D software suite.
While the ICOM option presents a technologically advanced solution, the cost, especially for non-professional DIYers, can be significant. Cloned or copied ICOM units are available at lower prices than official versions, but even these represent a considerable investment for occasional car tinkering.
For weekend DIY enthusiasts who occasionally work on their older BMWs, a Foxwell scanner, readily available from many auto stores, emerges as a practical and cost-effective solution. Its built-in ADS support simplifies the process of diagnosing systems in older BMWs that rely on this protocol, offering a less complex and more budget-friendly alternative to setting up ADS communication with ISTA-D. When looking for diagnostic tools, consider visiting your local “auto store that carries Foxwell scan tool” to explore your options and get your BMW diagnostics covered.
