BMW ICOM Next vs Super ICOM Pro N3+

 The Super ICOM Pro N3+ is the 2023 new BMW ICOM alternative since all ICOM A2/Next clones are discontinued.

Here comes a brief comparison between ICOM Next clone, ICOM Pro 1st generation and 2nd generation (N3+).

 

ICOM Next vs Super MB Pro N3 vs ICOM Pro N3+

	BMW ICOM Next	Super MB Pro N3	Super ICOM Pro N3+
Image
Solution	various solutions, usually use VXDIAG solution	Original ICOM Next solution	Original ICOM Next solution
Connection	USB, WiFi WiFi password: 12345678 No need for DHCP server or router, it’s build in.	USB WiFi WiFi password: 12345678 No IP setting (only 1st time). Easy to connect	USB WiFi WiFi password: 12345678 No IP setting (only 1st time). Easy to connect
Vehicle Model	BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce	BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, BMW motorcycle	BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, BMW motorcycle
ICOM Software	BMW ISTA-D BMW ISTA-P E-sys WinKFP Tool32 INPA BMW Coding tool Ncs Expert KSD2	BMW ISTA-D BMW ISTA-P E-sys WinKFP Tool32 INPA BMW Coding tool Ncs Expert KSD2	BMW ISTA-D BMW ISTA-P E-sys WinKFP Tool32 INPA BMW Coding tool Ncs Expert KSD2
Software update	By HDD/SSD	By HDD/SSD	By HDD/SSD
USB	Type-C USB	USB 3.0	USB 3.0
Heat Dissipation	No	Dual Heat Dissipation	Dual Heat Dissipation
Firmware version	1.9.3.1	ApplicationImage:147 BootImage: 130	ApplicationImage:147 BootImage: 130
Firmware Update	Via VX Manager FW Update Guide	Yes, same procedure as the original ICOM Nexthttp://192.168.92.38.60080/, user name: root password: NZY11502 FW UPDATE GUIDE	Yes, same procedure as the original ICOM Nexthttp://192.168.92.38.60080/, user name: root password: NZY11502 FW UPDATE GUIDE
Compatible HDD/SSD	Compatible with vxdiag HDD/SSD only	Compatible with both ICOM Next (SS220 series) and VXDIAG HDD/SSD	Compatible with both ICOM Next (SS220 series) and VXDIAG HDD/SSD
fiber programming	No	No	No
20-PIN Vehicle	No	Yes, with an optional 20-pin adapter for older BMW	Yes, with an optional 20-pin adapter for older BMW
10-PIN BMW Motorcycle	No	Yes, with an optional 10-pin adapter	Yes, with an optional 10-pin adapter for motors
One-key switch button	No	No	Yes
DoIP protocol	No	Yes, Support Benz, VAG, JLR DoIP vehicles	Yes, Support Benz, VAG, JLR DoIP vehicles
J2534	No	No	Can be used as J2534 passthru device. Compatible with Honda HDS, techstream, JLR SDD, VAG ODIS etc
BMW App	No	BMW BimmerCode, Bimmerlink, MHD, Bimmergeeks, XHP Flashtool, XDelete, M Flasher etc	BMW BimmerCode, Bimmerlink, MHD, Bimmergeeks, XHP Flashtool, XDelete, M Flasher etc
Price	$269 without HDD	$435 without HDD	$259 without HDD

 

In Sum:

ICOM Next is a specific BMW dealer level diagnostic scanner. The clone uses different solution, so it cannot scan non-OBDII olders models nor motorcycles.

Both Super MB Pro N3 and ICOM Pro N3+ are multi function devices. They adapt original ICOM solution which allows firmware update from ICOM server.

Apart from BMW ICOM function, the ICOM Pro N3+ can be used as DoIP and J2534 device as well.

N3+ has a one-key switch button to freely switch between ICOM software and J2534/DoIP software.

 

To use N3+ as a DoIP device:

Connect N3+ with laptop via USB cable, long press the one-key switch button on the N3+ main unit, if USB and WiFi indicators on the main unit flash, search N3+ ICOM wifi and pair with password: 123456789, starts ODIS/Xentry/ICOM software to scan DoIP models.

To use N3+ as a J2534 passthru for HDS TIS ODIS SDD etc:

First install the corresponding software driver, then install monogoose j2534 for super icom pro n3+.

Select passthru as ISO J2534 device.

Connect N3+ with USB cable, long press N3+ switch button for 3s, if USB and WiFi indicators on the main unit flash, software is ready to use.