As a car repair expert at carcodescanner.store, I’ve had my hands on a variety of OBD2 scanners and coding tools. Recently, I decided to try out the Carly coding unit for my BMW, and I wanted to share my honest experience. Like many BMW owners, I was looking for a way to handle some common issues and personalize my car without the hefty dealership fees. My initial need was simple: clearing a couple of airbag fault codes after removing the front seats.
Initial Need and Cost-Effectiveness: The Carly unit caught my eye due to its affordability and same-day delivery option on Amazon. At around $50 for the unit and another $50 for the app (subscription-based), the price seemed reasonable, especially when compared to dealership charges. I was quoted $120 just to clear fault codes, a process that takes mere minutes. Knowing I often tinker with my car, investing in a tool like Carly seemed like a smart move to avoid future diagnostic costs.
Easy Setup and First Use: Setting up Carly was incredibly straightforward. Downloading the app and plugging the unit into the OBD port was all it took. The Bluetooth connection was almost instantaneous, making the initial setup hassle-free. My first task was to clear those airbag fault codes, and Carly accomplished this within about 5 minutes. For me, this single action justified the cost of the unit. Everything else would be a bonus.
Exploring BMW Coding Options: With the fault codes cleared, I ventured into Carly’s coding capabilities. I experimented with a few settings to personalize my BMW to my preferences. The first thing I coded was setting the iDrive system to turn off as soon as the driver’s door opens. This simple change addressed a personal annoyance and, honestly, felt worth the price alone.
Convenience and Personalization Features: Beyond the iDrive, I explored other coding options. I enabled the feature to automatically fold and unfold the mirrors when locking and unlocking the car – a feature that should arguably be standard on luxury vehicles. I also coded the windows to roll up and down by holding the remote buttons, and set the doors to unlock automatically when the vehicle is turned off, eliminating the need to pull the door handle twice.
Final Verdict: Is Carly Worth It? For me, the Carly coding unit has been a worthwhile investment. It easily paid for itself by clearing the initial fault codes and has since enhanced my BMW ownership experience through simple yet impactful coding modifications. The user-friendliness and flawless execution of the coding functions make Carly a tool I would readily recommend to any BMW owner looking to personalize their vehicle and handle basic diagnostics themselves. If you’re looking for an accessible and effective BMW coding solution, the Carly app and unit are definitely worth considering.
