So, you’re looking to customize your BMW 750Li and are diving into the world of coding apps. Chances are you’ve come across Carly and Bimmercode, two of the most popular options for BMW owners. If you’re anything like many BMW enthusiasts, you’re wondering which app is the right choice to unlock hidden features on your prized 750Li. Let’s break down a comparison based on real-world user experience to help you decide.
Many users find themselves in a similar situation, wanting to enable convenient features like automatic mirror folding when locking their BMW. The original poster of the experience owned both Carly and Bimmercode, offering a direct comparison. They initially purchased Carly for an older BMW X5 and later ventured into Bimmercode for their 2015 750i, highlighting the nuances of each platform.
One key point of contention often raised is Carly’s subscription model. While the original user experienced a one-time purchase years ago, it’s important to note that current Carly subscriptions are typically annual. This contrasts with Bimmercode’s one-time purchase model, which can be more appealing to users wary of recurring fees. However, the features offered and user experience can justify the cost depending on your needs.
The adapter compatibility also presents a hurdle. The user discovered that the OBD-II adapter for Carly isn’t compatible with Bimmercode, and vice-versa. This is a crucial consideration, as purchasing both apps might mean investing in two separate adapters, increasing the overall cost. The experience with Bimmercode’s recommended Wi-Fi adapter being problematic, leading to a slower Bluetooth alternative, further emphasizes the importance of adapter selection.
In terms of user feedback during coding, Carly tends to be more subtle. Typically, the only noticeable feedback is when coding the iDrive system, which restarts. Bimmercode, on the other hand, gave the user a jolt by completely shutting down the car during coding, which can be initially alarming, although ultimately part of the process.
When it comes to features, Carly is often perceived as offering a broader range of coding options compared to Bimmercode. The user listed a comprehensive set of features they coded on their BMW with Carly, including mirror folding, unlocking doors upon engine shut-off, adjusting stereo volume limits, disabling start/stop by default, window and trunk operation via key fob, disabling legal disclaimers, customizing startup animations, enabling video playback in motion, displaying tire temperature, and changing phone ringtones.
Bimmercode was acquired specifically for a feature not available on Carly at the time for their 2015 750i: disabling the stereo when the door opens. While Bimmercode can handle many of the common coding tasks, users looking for the most extensive customization options might lean towards Carly. It’s always recommended to check the official support sites for both Carly and Bimmercode to verify feature compatibility with your specific BMW 750Li model year.
For a simple task like enabling automatic mirror folding on a BMW 750Li, Bimmercode is likely sufficient and potentially more cost-effective due to its one-time purchase. However, if you envision yourself exploring a wider array of coding possibilities and are comfortable with a subscription model, Carly could be the more comprehensive tool. Ultimately, the best choice between Carly and Bimmercode for your BMW 750Li depends on your budget, desired features, and comfort level with subscription services versus one-time purchases.
