Imagine your favorite BMW E series car is looking a little on the downside. The only way to know what is happening is to go to the nearest car mechanic probably. Going to the mechanic can cost a pretty big chunk of cash, so it isn’t the most economical option. Your best economical solution would be to do the checkup on your own.
An OBD2 scanner does just that, it diagnoses your vehicle for you. OBD2 scanners are different for different cars, so you’ll have to pick the right one for your car. If you’re looking for the best OBD2 scanner for BMW E46, go through our list to cut down on some research time.
Top 5 Best OBD2 Scanners for BMW E46 Review
| Photo | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
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INNOVA 6100P OBD2 Scanner ABS SRS Transmission | Check Prices |
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OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner for iPhone | Check Prices |
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FOXWELL NT630 Plus OBD2 Scanner ABS SRS | Check Prices |
For transparency, please note that some of the links on this website are Amazon Associate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. The use of such links comes at no additional cost to you.
1. INNOVA 6100P OBD2 Scanner
For transparency, please note that some of the links on this website are Amazon Associate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. The use of such links comes at no additional cost to you.
Compatible with: All 1996 and later OBD2 cars
User Experience
The Innova 6100P OBD2 scanner is designed for all beginners to pros. The scanner comes with a diagnostic cable, but there’s no connector cable in the package. The scanner works with most android USB type A cable and is compatible with iOS and AOS. The Innova scanner has its app for better control.
Innova’s most significant advantage is its user interface. The scanner comes with 9 buttons for easy operating and has a detailed instruction manual to guide the user through it. The diagnosis regime for this scanner is bigger than other basic function scanners, and the Bluetooth connectivity is another plus point.
Innova OBD2 scanner has another unique feature of emergency level that tells you how vital that warning you’re getting is. Green means something you should check later, yellow means its best to check the issue right away, but it can wait, and red means immediate attention.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Detailed user manual
- Versatile connectivity
- Can control with phone apps
- Free update for life
Cons
- Keys need deliberate pressure to work
- User manual only available on the internet
- It doesn’t come with a connecting cable
Our Take
If you’re looking for a user-friendly option and want something you can manage with your phone or tab, go for this one.
2. Aidixun OBD2 Scanner for BMW
Compatible with: BMW chassis E38, E39, E46, E53, E83, E85
User Experience
Aidixun is one of the most compact options for OBD2 scanners. The scanner is around 7 inches, and it comes with a USB cable and a CD driver. The Aidixun scanner officially works with Windows XP only, but you can get it to work with your latest operating system. You’ll have to look a little harder to do that, but not all of us still use Windows XP.
The biggest pro of this device is that it comes ultimately “unlocked,” so you won’t have to disassemble or do something extra to get it up and run. The scanner is very easy to connect and does most of the essential functions you’d look for in an OBD2 scanner.
The Aidixun scanner is a good option if you’re okay with only basic indicators. The scanner will show you live data only and doesn’t have any moment-specific graph option. If you’re using an operating system above Windows XP, then you’ll have to look on the internet for the drivers, and the installation process for that can get complicated. Hardware errors are common in this scanner, but this is the best for low-budget options.
Pros
- Easy to work with
- No extra unlocking
- Good budget option
Cons
- Small display
- Works on a very old operating system
- Only basic identifiers
Our Take
This is good if you’re a beginner and want a budget option. We recommend looking for compatible software options before getting the scanner if you don’t use Windows XP.
3. iSaddle for BMW Scanner
Compatible with: BMW chassis E38, E39, E46, E53
User Experience
iSaddle is another compact BMW OBD2 scanner in a lower price range. The design is sleek, and it comes with a CD with software and a USB cable. iSaddle is another Windows XP-only scanner. But like Aidixun, you can work with it with other systems. You’ll have to look for a compatible driver if you’re using it with a later version than Windows XP.
The scanner doesn’t come “unlocked,” and you’ll have to set the device up, so get your soldering machine ready if you’re getting this. It has more indicating functions than other scanners of the same price range, and it can select chassis number, model, engine, gearbox, and other features on its own.
The iSaddle scanner identifies more components and has a live data graph so you can pinpoint when the problem is happening. It clears DTC code like Aidixun and does equipment correction so you can resolve most of the issues without going to a mechanic. The driver setup can be complicated, and you’ll probably have to try multiple times to get it running. We think you’ll be good if you’re a tech-savvy person and on a tight budget.
Pros
- Cheapest option
- Diagnoses more features
- CD comes with instructions
Cons
- Less compatibility range
- Hard to set up
- It doesn’t come with a user’s manual
- Small screen
Our Take
We would recommend the other budget option if that’s your focus, but if you know your way around technology and want more than basic features, search for your car, then go for this one.
4. OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner
For transparency, please note that some of the links on this website are Amazon Associate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. The use of such links comes at no additional cost to you.
Compatible with: All 1996 and later OBD2 cars
User Experience
Compact, wireless, and versatile- the OBDLink MX+ scanner is all three. The package doesn’t come with any extra user manual, and it uses one battery to operate. The scanner works with iOS, AOS, and Windows, so you won’t have to scramble for compatible devices or drivers.
OBDLink MX+ does most of the essential functions of an OBD2 scanner. You’ll get to diagnose the primary issues, and it works like a charm for that. It isn’t different from other basic scanners except for the user interface and updated OS. The scanner comes from a small business, and their customer service has stellar reviews, so you’ll get all the help you need with this scanner.
Pros
- Compact and easy to carry
- Works with all three operating systems
- Communicates with all the car computers
Cons
- Doesn’t have any stand-out benefit
- Leans toward the higher price range
Our Take
If you’re specifically looking for a compact, wireless unit and don’t care about the diagnostic indicator range, this is for you.
5. FOXWELL NT630 Plus OBD2 Scanner
For transparency, please note that some of the links on this website are Amazon Associate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. The use of such links comes at no additional cost to you.
Compatible with: All 1996 and later OBD2 cars
User Experience
Yes, we saved the best for the last. Foxwell NT630 OBD2 scanner is an all-around winner for BMW OBD2 scanners. The package comes with a connecting cable and a scanner. The user manuals are available on the internet, and you can find a driver for this pretty quickly.
This scanner is easy to operate, even for beginners. It has buttons to make the user interface smoother and has a huge diagnostic regime. The FOXWELL scanner can help you detect if your problem is caused by a different element’s influence on the issue with the live dual graph feature. It is easy to connect and update. It works with Windows, iOS, and AOS, so it is versatile.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works with Windows, iOS, and AOS
- Bidirectional scan
Cons
- Doesn’t work with the MAC system
Our Take
If you need something easy to use and have the budget for it, this is what we’d recommend you pick.
Conclusion
And that’s our list of the best OBD2 scanners in 2022. If you want us to pick the best OBD2 scanner for BMW E46, our pick would be the FOXWELL NT630 Plus, but if you’re on a tight budget (or a beginner), the Aidixun scanner is a good option.
Make sure you research a bit before getting an OBD2 scanner to know exactly what you’re looking for, and you’ll be good to go!
As a mechanical engineer, it’s easy for David to explain the functionality of the tool. David test most of the tools before writing a review. its help him to learn something new and suggest the best product for you.