Sorry for what is likely a recurring question on the forums. I've searched and have only found references to Foxwell and Durametric. From what I can tell, the Foxwell does most of what the Durametric does, in a hand-held easier interface tool, and the Durametric is hooked to a laptop? The Foxwell needs some sort of update to add the Porsche features for coding, otherwise it can only read/clear codes? Seems like OBDEleven vs VCDS in the VW world. Long story short, what's the preferred tool to get, and why?

 

I have the Foxwell NT530. I bought it from Amazon and it already had the up to date Porsche software on it. Either way, it's VERY easy to update / add software. With it, I have changed some coding (headlight / DRL functionality because prior to my ownership, the PCCM was removed and discarded in favor of an aftermarket screen). Also I've checked/cleared codes / including an airbag code that was on due to a low battery condition.

I whole heartedly recommend it, it's absolutely work the price.

Also, I added the Mercedes Benz software for it, and it works equally well on my W212 E350 Wagon.

 

Ditto to SemperRex’s recommendation on the Foxwell. Being able to add additional models besides Porsche (I added BMW) makes it a no-brainer over the Durametric cable.

 

Can the NT530 reset service interval notifications on our 997s? I've had difficulty with this task using other tools.

 

I much prefer the PC interface.osnrhe Durametric vs a handheld scanner. Being able to track more live data values at the same time, do screen captures that are then directly stored on my PC, look stuff up while pulling codes, etc just feels like a more complete tool. I don't need one for other cars - they're mostly all Porsches.

 

yes

 

2009 C2S 202K miles

I have a Durametric and find it very valuable to me. Unfortunately, I have not seen a head-to-head comparison between Durametric and the newer alternatives. When I purchased mine, it was the only game in town... there may have been a Chinese clone out there at the time but I read about issues with this... but this was a long time ago.

I suspect, that if my needs are lite and I was buying today, I probably would have chosen a Foxwell or similar because of its use on other brands and lower cost. But if you are going to use the device to diagnose running issues with your engine, the Durametric is a very sophisticated tool... per Pete's comments above. Further, having the large screen of a PC is really helpful for all of this live value tracking. It is pretty amazing on what it can track, compare, graph, all in real time as you are driving your car. Another plus for the Durametric is it gives you longer descriptions of the codes thrown... well most of the time. Ideally, if I had complete information about these tools capabilities, a clone of the Porsche tool would be the best... I would think... this is speculation as we just don't have good comparative analysis of these tools.

Regarding coding... .2 cars have been limited by Porsche... even when the tool has an option... say auto door locking... it doesn't hold. It works once then Porsche flips the bit back in the computer... unless you have Sport Chrono option as this option enables door locking. But then you can use the menu in the PCM system to do this as this option appears in the PCM menu when you ordered Sport Chono. Anywho, there is no pat answer as to which tool is more powerful over the other regarding coding. I was able to code auto-window drop via my key.

There are a few other items that I know Durametric can do that (at least as a few years ago) Foxwell can not. A fellow Rennlister had a Foxwell and a .1 car, and modded his headlights and was getting an error code. He came over to my home, and with the Durametric we were able to solve the issue by resetting/rebooting a particular computer module. So score one for Durametric here... but if you aren't going to dick with your car, you may not need this. Sometimes, rebooting modules can clear problems as, I suspect, our cars age this becomes valuable... maybe. Durametric's manual is incredibly weak and only really addresses how to get it running with instructions for reading over-revs and resetting the service light (as I remember).

So... what does this all mean? If all you want to do is read codes and turn off the service light, I would choose the cheapest alternative out there. If you are going to do more sophisticated analysis of engine performance and will be dicking with modifications to your car (another would be replacing your rear lid for say a duck tail), then you will want a more sophisticated tool. For this stuff, I know Durametric is very good... but so may a Chinese clone. On top of that, I suspect that a real clone of the Porsche system is really the best way to go although I know of no real in-depth analysis of these clones. So... little information out there.

I hope this helps... and I am interested in reading what others post here. Durametric is expensive and they should have dropped their price as the market became competitive, or offered a cheap version that did only the top 10 features, but they didn't.

BTW, floatingkiwi developed a spreadsheet of Durametric capabilities... read up here: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...ns-manual.html

Oh, take a look at iCarsoft too.

Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)

 

I’ve got both; an NT530 and the Durametric enthusiast edition, the model that costs £299 and is limited to 3 vins. My Durametric is now effectively locked to my 2 997’s and doesn’t have a secondhand value unless sold with one of my cars. If I want to diagnose another Porsche I can’t, unless I upgrade to the Pro version and pay the difference in the retail costs. The Pro version has other features not included in the enthusiasts version but costs considerably more.

The NT530 will do practically all what the Durametric can and doesn’t need a laptop. It also has a value as it is not locked to a car. You can add other manufacturers to your console too. Mine has Mercedes and Porsche.

My view is that the Durametric is not a particularly customer centric solution. Locking the tool to vins, at £300, is not the best approach to doing business but I can see why they’ve done it.

Given the choice between the 2, I’d go with the Foxwell.

 

Really great thread... Was thinking about it. Will try the NT530, as I just need to read code and reset them (like a fog light that works but the light on the dash is still there...

 

Sunseeker, this post shows service reset procedure using the Foxwell…
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...ice-light.html

 

Just N of 1 here, but I find the iCarsoft interface to be pretty maddening. I finally got the service light reset in my 997, and I've done it in our Macan once before as well, but it's super janky. I may look at Foxwell for something a bit more polished. Anyone tried both?

 

Another vote for the NT530.

I have the Porsche and BMW software on mine. Used it to reset the service light on both after oil changes. Reprogrammed my older BMW for a new battery too.

As mentioned above, it has utility if you're ever changing manufacturers as you can just pay for additional software licenses.

 

Can someone enlighten me why I would need this tool to "work on my brakes" or "reset my battery". As I have replaced the calipers, rotors, and pads on m 2008 C4 without issue.

I also replaced the battery, and besides manually resetting the window/sunroof up/down function and steering angle sensor, the only other issue I had was the Radio/PCM is now saying "can't communicate with amplifier/CD". it is connected to a Dension aftermarket audio interface installed by previous owner, and I am thinking that maybe it needs to be "registered" as a CD changer or something.

I used a phone app and Bluetooth/OBD dongle to investigate and reset a bad cam sensor code (replaced the sensor) so I'm not clear on what more one of these scanners can do.

 

Ì can't find the NT530 on Amazon in Europe but 510(pro) and NT630 and the website states 530 only allows 1 brand.

Any recommandation?

 

You do not need any type of tool to work on brakes or battery... that is bad information.... you just need some wrenches. Regarding the PCM system, I never heard of anyone having this issue relating to maintenance. IMO, it is your add on stuff causing a problem... most likely. To diagnose, just remove all that stuff and see if the problem goes away. If the PCM does need some coding such as when you replace the system for another PCM unit, I am unaware of any tool that can do this coding outside of a dealer.

Regarding what more can a scanner do... it is tons of stuff not going into here. If you work on your car and you want to read codes, you need some sort of tool. What they tell you and in how much depth will vary by tool. Further tracking live values of say cam deviation or fuel trims can only be accomplished with a tool.

Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)