The three apps I could find and ultimately am reviewing are Bimmercode, Bimmerlink and Carly BMW. Let's break down the price first:
which has higher transmission rate.
Carly BMWCarly BMW Gen 2 WiFi OBD (iPhone) - $88.55 (not the best price)
Carly BMW Pro App - $44.99
iDrive Coding Add On - $14.99
Service Reset Add On - $4.99
Battery Registration Add On - $9.99
Total for setup = $163.51 (plus local taxes)
Note* Now you can use Carly for BMW Pro cracked without special connector. Use default
Bluetooth or
WiFi OBD II adapter. Get the most out of your BMW by keeping it healthy, personalized and connected.
I will compare what the apps do not share in common (features only available in one app). I will give my final thoughts on each app and final verdict.
A key note is that buying BimmerCode and BimmerLink will land you at the same price as Carly BMW Pro + iDrive Coding Add on. $60 and the apps try to be identical. Both will code/diag. The Lite or Free versions of both apps are for testing compatibility only.
*If you are using an Android phone, your only choice is Carly BMW. The reviews today are based off the iPhone apps. Bimmercode is iPhone ONLY*General: Bimmercode
Bimmercode is unique in the sense that it splits its features into two individual apps. Both apps use the same OBD connector so no need to worry about purchasing another device. The interface is clean and easy to use. Cost savings can be had if you ONLY want to code. The BimmerCode app, codes, and thats about it. Unlike Carly BMW it does offer an advanced setting which looks to closely match the ability of dealership scanner. The modules turn to German text and the list grows very very long. Unfortunately, I am no expert, and really can't comment on how well Expert mode works or its ability to compete with a full PC/Software based setup. More on Expert mode later.
General: BimmerLink
The BimmerLink app does the Sensor Values, Dashboard Values, ASD, and Exhaust Flap. Its the services app. BimmerLink has no official website and BimmerCode's website is pretty much just a landing page for the app. The website offers no insight as to the future direction that the apps will be taking. Additionally, it only covers Fxx Series BMWs and above.
General: Carly BMW
Carly BMW packs all of its features into a single app. Ability to do everything via the Carly branded OBD connector. The interface is also clean and easy to use. The punch to the face comes when you purchase the Pro version only to find out that you must dole out more cash for Add-On packs. While you do get lifetime updates to both the connectors firmware and any features/packs you already purchased, it's fair to assume that any NEW Add-Ons will cost you. Carly BMW offers several additional features that Bimmercode does not(Service reset, Battery Programming, Used Car Check, Etc).
Unlike BimmerCode's website, Carly BMW's is full featured. Providing manuals, feature lists, and a spot that shows current projects/status. Carly promises to continue to update the app and the project list supports this claim. It covers both Exx and Fxx Series BMW's and above.
What the Apps do the same:Diagnostics: Both apps appear to do the same. However BimmerLink fails to sort or translate into English. Carly BMW takes quite awhile longer to scan for errors, but offers the benefits of being able to scan all or select a specific module/s for scanning.
Coding: I can't do a full side by side comparison of every single possible feature. Both company websites have the full coding lists separated out by BMW Model. They match what many of the "Remote Services" offer. They backup the current reading and then allow you to code what you like. This is done on a module by module basis. Each module controlling certain features. BimmerCode was a major let down, while claiming to offer full coding on my model, I was only able to access 4 modules. Carly BMW had no issues accessing and coding them. Here are some screenshots: (Using one Module on each app as a display)
Exhaust Flap: For models that have an exhaust flap that opens or closes based on how heavy your foot is, both apps provide the ability to manually open or close it. Device needs to remain plugged in and connected to your iPhone. BimmerLink reported this was not available for my car and Carly BMW did give me the option. No screenshots as it's really a ON/OFF toggle.
Parameters / Sensors & Dashboard: Both apps allow you to add and then track certain sensor values. However, (again) BimmerLink fails to translate in English. Carly BMW while limiting you to 6 parameters, does translate for you. Here are some screenshots:
What the Apps don't do the same:This section is going to lean heavily in Carly BMW's favor. For a price, Carly BMW can do alot more. Let's start with Bimmercodes app's unique features:
BimmerLinkASD or Active Sound Design is essentially using the speakers to create noise that sounds like your engine. I could not find this option in Carly BMW. However, the option was not available for my car using BimmerLink. I would assume it's just an on off toggle. No screenshots.
BimmerCodeOffers Expert mode which could be golden for the more technical coders. Unfortunately I don't know enough to give an in-depth analysis of this feature. But it looks to be a way to adjust the core values on each setting. However, this list is limited to the modules you can access, which was only a few on my car. Here is a screenshot: (Using coding module from above)
Carly BMWUsed Car Check: Essentially scans your car for parts that track miles. It will then analyze the miles vs your odometer. While no tampering was found on my car, it is a curious and potentially useful feature when it comes time to buy another car. Here is a screenshot:
Service Reset: Does exactly what it says. Offers a quick way to reset the iDrive service settings. Here is a screenshot:
Battery Reset / Programming: Does exactly what it says. Allows you to program in a new battery. At $10 this is extremely useful, even if you only replace the battery once while owning your car. That savings alone pays for the entire app.
DPF ($9.99): I did not purchase this option as I don't have a Diesel car.
OBD Functions: I did not run this function during testing, but I do hope it comes in handy when I replace those o2 sensors.
Final Thoughts:For my 2011 F10 535i, Carly BMW is the clear winner. Its easier to use and offers alot more functions than Bimmercode does at this time(For a price). While I assumed that Bimmercode will continue to get better, Carly BMW has a full company backing it. I don't see Bimmercode surpassing Carly BMW at anytime in the future. Overall I was disappointed with Bimmercodes apps. While the interface is cleaner and a cheaper setup, the non English translation and lack of available codings really hurts. Granted newer Fxx series may offer greater compatibility with BimmerCode, I cannot personally recommend it at this time. I still wanted to write the review since Bimmercode is cheaper and may do enough for some people at a much lower costs, it's just not as polished.
Suggestion:It really depends on what your budget is.The biggest issue I have with BimmerCode is that it lacked support for two of the 6 modules in my car. Carly BMW can code all 8. If you have the money, I would go with Carly BMW at this time. If you are looking for the cheapest possible route than BimmerCode is the way to go.
Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 OBDII scanner for Android & iOS
