Carly or Bimmercode?

94jedi · 05-20-2019, 07:40 PM

Hopefully this hasn't been beaten to death but I think it's time to invest in something to read diag codes and code features. Between these two, which one is better, less expensive, easier to use, etc? I assume both require a BT dongle for the OBD2 port? Which one will be more useful, more trouble-free?

My X5 is already coded but my M5 hasn't been touched. Would like to code a few features, including the gentleman feature. Any thoughts?

SapphireM5 · 05-20-2019, 08:30 PM

I use Bimmercode and have no complaints. Never used Carly so cant say anything about it. But Bimmercode is easy to use and just need OBDII adapter for about 30 bucks from Amazon and you are good to go.

pcohen15 · 05-20-2019, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Hopefully this hasn't been beaten to death but I think it's time to invest in something to read diag codes and code features. Between these two, which one is better, less expensive, easier to use, etc? I assume both require a BT dongle for the OBD2 port? Which one will be more useful, more trouble-free?

My X5 is already coded but my M5 hasn't been touched. Would like to code a few features, including the gentleman feature. Any thoughts?

And here's a vote for Carly. I've never used another system, so I can't compare. But I can't imagine anything easier than Carly. Check their website for a full list of codable features. I did a bunch on mine and use the diagnostics module every couple months to keep an eye on everything.

There are a few threads on this board about Gentleman's feature. Not sure if the coding required can be handled by Carly or not. But -- as you likely know at this point -- it requires some hardware that replaces the driver's door switches.

Here's one thread, in case you haven't seen it yet: https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499940

GiddyAssassin · 05-21-2019, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcohen15

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Hopefully this hasn't been beaten to death but I think it's time to invest in something to read diag codes and code features. Between these two, which one is better, less expensive, easier to use, etc? I assume both require a BT dongle for the OBD2 port? Which one will be more useful, more trouble-free?

My X5 is already coded but my M5 hasn't been touched. Would like to code a few features, including the gentleman feature. Any thoughts?

And here's a vote for Carly. I've never used another system, so I can't compare. But I can't imagine anything easier than Carly. Check their website for a full list of codable features. I did a bunch on mine and use the diagnostics module every couple months to keep an eye on everything.

There are a few threads on this board about Gentleman's feature. Not sure if the coding required can be handled by Carly or not. But -- as you likely know at this point -- it requires some hardware that replaces the driver's door switches.

Here's one thread, in case you haven't seen it yet: https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499940

Also interested in feedback on this. Carly seems like it checks all the boxes but it wasn't clear to me what it would cost me to be able to use the app to do the things I want to do.

schrickm5 · 05-21-2019, 04:28 AM

I also have started using Carly, trying to find the Tire Pressure/Temp coding function....has anyone done this one - and where is it??

Boosted M5 · 05-21-2019, 08:56 AM

I use BimmerCode, works well but sometimes doesn't take the coding and you have to do a bit of research to get it to code correctly. Also expert mode seems to be the best way to really customize to your liking so long as you know what you're doing. There's a lot on the web to guide you through most of it too.

pcohen15 · 05-21-2019, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schrickm5

I also have started using Carly, trying to find the Tire Pressure/Temp coding function....has anyone done this one - and where is it??

Works like a charm:

Tires
Tire pressure menu in iDrive 1/3
• off
• pressure
• pressure and temperature
Tire pressure menu in iDrive is shown with pressure and optionally temperature. Displaying values only works if the tires have tire pressure sensors installed. (codable in NBT)
Tire pressure menu in iDrive 2/3
• on
• off
Only change this function with ‘Tire pressure menu in iDrive 1/3’. (codable in NBT)
Tire pressure menu in iDrive 3/3
• on
• off
• off (alternative)
Only change this function with ‘Tire pressure menu in iDrive 1/3’. (codable in NBT)

pcohen15 · 05-21-2019, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiddyAssassin

Also interested in feedback on this. Carly seems like it checks all the boxes but it wasn't clear to me what it would cost me to be able to use the app to do the things I want to do.

The OBD dongle is different prices for iOS or Android. I bought mine on eBay since there's nothing to wear out and no harm in buying one used that somebody bought and is done coding. The app is $60 a year.

GiddyAssassin · 05-21-2019, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcohen15

The OBD dongle is different prices for iOS or Android. I bought mine on eBay since there's nothing to wear out and no harm in buying one used that somebody bought and is done coding. The app is $60 a year.

Do you find yourself using it continually to justify paying for it a year at a time?

M3EATERS · 05-21-2019, 06:09 PM

I just purchased and tried bimmercode. The only thing that worked for me was getting sports display on my screen. It only goes up to 80kw and doesnt even work......

schrickm5 · 05-22-2019, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcohen15

Works like a charm:

Tires
Tire pressure menu in iDrive 1/3
• off
• pressure
• pressure and temperature
Tire pressure menu in iDrive is shown with pressure and optionally temperature. Displaying values only works if the tires have tire pressure sensors installed. (codable in NBT)
Tire pressure menu in iDrive 2/3
• on
• off
Only change this function with ‘Tire pressure menu in iDrive 1/3’. (codable in NBT)
Tire pressure menu in iDrive 3/3
• on
• off
• off (alternative)
Only change this function with ‘Tire pressure menu in iDrive 1/3’. (codable in NBT)

Thanks! Unfortunately I dont have the TPM sensors installed on my car.

Beast27 · 05-22-2019, 08:06 AM

Another vote for bimmercode but my guess is both will work fine...I was easily able to:

Tire Pressure and temperature display
Gentlemen Function
Turn Signals in HUD
Closing rear trunk from inside
UK Voice Navigation

I'm sure I could do more but those were the important ones for me.

pcohen15 · 05-22-2019, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiddyAssassin

Do you find yourself using it continually to justify paying for it a year at a time?

I'll probably use it for diagnostics right up to the end of my first year, then renew when I need it. I really bought it for the coding, and I did the 10 or so things I wanted to do.

The Android version is more expensive than the iOS, so all in it was $120.

1er_vert · 01-22-2020, 11:28 AM

Carly for me too. After seeing how complex downloading ISTA-D to a Windows PC was... I felt annual subscription is better than Pirate software.

texsn95 · 01-23-2020, 08:40 AM

I messed around with Bimmercode yesterday and got some coding done, like remove the nag screen, mirrors open with CA, tire pressure, HUD turn signals.

But I wanted to turn off ASD and it would only give me an option to go to Expert. Then opened up about 9 different category selections. In the Demo mode, it gives an option "active sound design deactivation" with only 2 choices, on or off. When connected, that option is not there. Options are Model Range, Engine, Audio Level, Power Class, Comp. Paket, Country Variant, Construction Stage, UNBELEGT. What to change to turn it off?

05-20-2019, 07:40 PM	#1
94jedi Major 829 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Carly or Bimmercode? Hopefully this hasn't been beaten to death but I think it's time to invest in something to read diag codes and code features. Between these two, which one is better, less expensive, easier to use, etc? I assume both require a BT dongle for the OBD2 port? Which one will be more useful, more trouble-free? My X5 is already coded but my M5 hasn't been touched. Would like to code a few features, including the gentleman feature. Any thoughts? __________________ 2009 E92 M3 build thread: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1754875 Follow me on IG - www.instagram.com/the_driven_enthusiast
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05-20-2019, 08:30 PM	#2
SapphireM5 Major 711 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 Sapphire Black Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (3)	I use Bimmercode and have no complaints. Never used Carly so cant say anything about it. But Bimmercode is easy to use and just need OBDII adapter for about 30 bucks from Amazon and you are good to go. __________________ '13 Black Sapphire Metallic - BPM Stage 1 Tune - RPI Exhaust - KW HAS Kit - 12mm spacers all around- Carbon Fiber front lip - High Kick Trunk Spoiler - Rear Roof Spoiler - IND Kidney and Fender Grills - 20% Tint all around 50% Front Windshield - PPF
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05-21-2019, 04:28 AM	#5
schrickm5 Second Lieutenant 76 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 2013 M550d xdrive touring Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Sweden, (Europe) iTrader: (0)	I also have started using Carly, trying to find the Tire Pressure/Temp coding function....has anyone done this one - and where is it?? __________________ 2015 M5 CP Blue [SIGPIC] Previous Cars:- 2015 GTR > 2014 M5 CP > 2006 M6> 2007 M5 E61 > 2014 F31 328xi >2001 E39 530i > 1995 E34 M5 > 1999 Alpina B8 > 1992 E34 M5 >
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05-21-2019, 08:56 AM	#6
Boosted M5 Private First Class 69 Rep 193 Posts Drives: F10 m5 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Sf bay area iTrader: (0)	I use BimmerCode, works well but sometimes doesn't take the coding and you have to do a bit of research to get it to code correctly. Also expert mode seems to be the best way to really customize to your liking so long as you know what you're doing. There's a lot on the web to guide you through most of it too.
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05-21-2019, 06:09 PM	#10
M3EATERS First Lieutenant 90 Rep 383 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 E89 Sdrive35i/M6 F13 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	I just purchased and tried bimmercode. The only thing that worked for me was getting sports display on my screen. It only goes up to 80kw and doesnt even work......
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05-22-2019, 08:06 AM	#12
Beast27 Lieutenant 358 Rep 428 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Alpine White/Black CP Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (3)	Another vote for bimmercode but my guess is both will work fine...I was easily able to: Tire Pressure and temperature display Gentlemen Function Turn Signals in HUD Closing rear trunk from inside UK Voice Navigation I'm sure I could do more but those were the important ones for me. Last edited by Beast27; 05-23-2019 at 08:21 AM.. Reason: .
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01-22-2020, 11:28 AM	#14
1er_vert Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si; 2010 BMW X6 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Palm Desert, CA USA iTrader: (0)	Carly for me too. After seeing how complex downloading ISTA-D to a Windows PC was... I felt annual subscription is better than Pirate software.
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01-23-2020, 08:40 AM	#15
texsn95 Private First Class 56 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2014 Frozen Silver M5 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	I messed around with Bimmercode yesterday and got some coding done, like remove the nag screen, mirrors open with CA, tire pressure, HUD turn signals. But I wanted to turn off ASD and it would only give me an option to go to Expert. Then opened up about 9 different category selections. In the Demo mode, it gives an option "active sound design deactivation" with only 2 choices, on or off. When connected, that option is not there. Options are Model Range, Engine, Audio Level, Power Class, Comp. Paket, Country Variant, Construction Stage, UNBELEGT. What to change to turn it off?
	Appreciate 0 Quote