Diagnostics: Mobile App! Carly for BMW

[rebel.ranter]

Diagnostics are a must for any DIYer these days in order to avoid spending money needlessly replacing parts or guessing wrong.
There are lots of alternative solutions like INPA, DIS or ISID. These are all really great for diagnostics but sometimes you just need something much more convenient and easy to use.

There are generic code readers available but the Carly for BMW app & WiFi dongle is BMW specific and goes in to way more detail and allows you to complete service resets, coding and more besides.

There is also a VAG, Mercedes & Porsche version.

Link:

http://www.ivini-tech.de/en

Discount code:
6D8L4Q

Use the discount code for both the App and the dongle purchase.


This app started out being call BMWhat and I bought it a while back as a back up diagnostic solution to my back up diagnostics solution! I find now that I usually just plug this in first as its good enough in most cases!
It covers every module in the BMW and now they gave recently announced coverage back as far as the e36! (When using their Gen 2 wifi dongle).
There is both an Apple and Android version of the app. While it's not a cheap app and the dongle is also a few quid it probably still comes in cheaper than some genetic code readers that have limited functionality.
Below are some screen shots showing some of the views in the app.























As you can see from above there are new features added to the App including Battery Registration, Service item reset and DPF regeneration.

There is also some (limited) coding functionality depending on the model of car that you're plugged in to. They are adding functionality all the time and the F Series of cars is also covered.

The interesting news is that the people at Carly (for BMW and soon Merc plus VW!) have contacted me to me an evangelist and trainer for the app in return for access to Beta versions of their products and the means to provide input to the next versions!

So what's in it for you guys?

Well, I have been given a discount code that gives €5 off the price of the WiFi dongle. Simply enter the code below in to the website at checkout when buying the dongle.

http://www.ivini-tech.de/en

Discount code:
6D8L4Q

I'll add to this as I discover more!

EDIT: Since I originally posted this thread the application has undergone a complete overhaul so I decided to update the screenshots.

[Foxhole Norman]

The Dongle only supports 2007 cars and up is it? I'd have to get the cable for an E39?

[rebel.ranter]

The Dongle only supports 2007 cars and up is it? I'd have to get the cable for an E39?

Hey, the dongle supports 2001 cars and upwards. If your car has the large round diagnostic port under the bonnet then you also need the cable. In the e39 this changed in the face lift models.

[HealyC]

To what extent are the coding capabilities Mark?

[JohnH]

To what extent are the coding capabilities Mark?

I have it, got it when I had the e92. Fault clearing & diagnosis is pretty comprehensive.

For coding it has the option which can be turned on/off easily eg: Key coding, unlocking beeps etc, welcome lights etc, digital speedo display, seatbelt warning, auto lock on drive off etc etc

[JohnH]

Here's the full list of all the coding that is possible
http://support.mycarly.com/knowledge-base/code-bmw-what-is-possible/

[RobH]

how much is it working out at? about €100 all in?

[rebel.ranter]

how much is it working out at? about €100 all in?

The App comes in at: ~€44
The dongle (Generation 2): €49.90 (with the €5 discount)
The Adapter for round pin connector: €9.90 (only needed for 2001 or older cars)
Dongle delivery to Ireland €8.90

So it is about €100 - 110 all in. Not cheap, but a generic code reader is about €50 but doesn't cover any module beyond the DME (engine management).

This app is very easy to use compared to the INPA/DIS/ISID, however it doesn't have some of the drill down & guided troubleshooting that DIS/ISID has.

Coding Options:

As John has said most of the Car Key Memory functions are code-able using the Carly app. From what I have seen is that the coding feature range is model dependent with the e9x having the broadest range with e6x close behind. However as you can see from the first image new coding capability is being added with each release, this version added e36, e34, e46, 39, etc.

Additional point: I had a vLink WiFi dongle with the app initially and the coding function didn't always work. Also, I think as functionality is added the requirement for the "official" Generation 2 dongle.

[Foxhole Norman]

Hey, the dongle supports 2001 cars and upwards. If your car has the large round diagnostic port under the bonnet then you also need the cable. In the e39 this changed in the face lift models.

Perfect, both mine are 2001 and up and facelift so I take the the Dongle will work away? Must pick one up.

[rebel.ranter]

Hey, the dongle supports 2001 cars and upwards. If your car has the large round diagnostic port under the bonnet then you also need the cable. In the e39 this changed in the face lift models.

Perfect, both mine are 2001 and up and facelift so I take the the Dongle will work away? Must pick one up.

Let me know if you want to try my one out before you take the plunge!