Foxwell Nt510, NT520 or something else?
 

The intended use is primarily for a '14 BMW F10 (such as spinning back the rear brake pistons to change pads, feature codes, etc.) and on '04 Porsche C2 (for things the Bluetooth OBDII can't reach). There seems a wide range of opinions concerning which of the Foxwells is better and the price is similar. Or, should I look to a different device altogether? Thanks in advance -- all thoughts & comments appreciated.

I have the NT520 pro with the Porsche software. It reads Porsche specific codes and can clear them. Also it can do "active tests" on the car such as turning on engine compartment fans and testing the headlight system (but what is available to test and code is dependent on the car model). I bought it for bleeding the PSM and ABS comments but found out it does not have that function for my car (996.2). There is also no coding capabilities for my car.

I think NT510 and NT520 are the same, but the 520 can adapt more vehicle types. The price difference is small, so I went ahead with the newer 520 model. I also looked into the icarsoft but apparently it has difficulties reading/clearing ABS codes.

JJ_W, Thanks for the post. I also have a Mk2 and after ten years of driving it have only found the need twice to look to something other than a generic OBD2 reader - once to reset an airbag light (my bad, didn't leave the battery disconnected long enough before removing steering wheel) and once I wanted to look at some tiptronic codes. It's disappointing that the Porsche specific program won't assist with a brake bleed, although I read recently on the forum that it can be done successfully without purging the ABS.

cds72911, Thanks for responding, I'm encouraged that you found it to work well for your purposes. With the passage of time with an aging car it should come in handy and glad to know it works. My plan is to order it set up for the BMW and add the Porsche program - I may have to reach out if I get stuck.

Thanks again guys, I'll post my impressions once I've bought & used it.

Those of you that own the Foxwell NT510 or NT520, does it read the over-rev counts at all (Range 1, Range 2 ignitions in Durametric terms)?

Peter, there is some discussion concerning that here: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...-software.html , but relating to 997 models. I've been also looking at the possibility of the Foxwell NT650, which seems to have the functions of the NT510/520, but preloaded with a large number of vehicle software(including Porsche) and lifetime updates. It comes in at about $200. Interested to know the impressions of anyone that has used the NT650.

I was interested in one that would let the brakes be bled in a 996.2.

Thank you! That was exactly what I needed to know.

I have the NT520pro and cannot find that option for my 996.2. There are plenty of active tests available, but no coding, no PSM/ABS bleeding, no over-rev counts information.

That is disappointing. I would have thought that it would read over-revs on the 996.2 if it read them on the 997. Don't they both use the same DME version?

I picked up a NT520 this week with the MB module on it and am debating if I should purchase the Porsche module. The list of supported modules link is throwing a 404 now so I cannot see what is there. Can someone chime in who has this module on the 520 if it is worth the additional cost? IIRC it's $60 more so pretty cheap, I just would like to know what I am getting in return.

I have the 510 not the 520, but (being in the software biz) it is likely the same software. To me: for $60 (or even $160) it is a no-brainer - one airbag reset or code read/reset yourself rather than taking it to a shop and you are money ahead.

Did you ever reach resolution? I need to find a tool that will do the same so that i may power-bleed my '04 cab with PSM

If you are just looking to change your brake fluid, you won't need to activate the ABS/PSM module. If you've gotten air in the lines or you have another need to activate the system, a Durametric is probably your best bet.

OK, I picked up the NT520 Pro (ebay best offer $135 delivered) set up for BMW several weeks ago, but have had little time to use it. My initial impressions are that the device was easy to register & software was easy to update to latest version. I found it to be slightly quirky, such as randomly not automatically displaying the VIN when choosing that option, yet displaying it when manually entering year and series. I've so far only used for the brake service on the f10, which worked great and alone worth the price of admission. I plan on loading up the Porsche software sooner than later -- as ipman said it's a no brainer. If you avoid a shop visit once for, say an airbag reset, you're way ahead. On the other hand, according to the image below the 996 functionality per Foxwell seems a little lean and uncertain. The columns, L to R are for ECU info, Read Code, Erase Codes, Live Data, Active Test.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...196fee97dd.jpg