For BMW owners looking to personalize their vehicles or diagnose issues themselves, several coding and diagnostic tools are available. Among these, Carly for BMW has gained considerable attention. This review shares a firsthand experience with the Carly unit, specifically focusing on how well it performs BMW coding and if it’s a worthwhile investment.
Initially, the primary reason for purchasing the Carly adapter was straightforward: to clear a couple of airbag fault codes. These codes appeared after removing the front seats without disconnecting the battery – a common mistake for DIY enthusiasts. A trip to the dealership to resolve this simple issue seemed unnecessary and expensive.
The Carly adapter was purchased online for a reasonable price and arrived promptly. The Carly app, essential for using the adapter, requires a subscription, which is an additional cost to consider. While some might hesitate at the subscription model, the potential savings compared to dealership service and the added functionality made it seem justifiable. The local BMW dealer quoted a significant charge simply to clear fault codes, a task that should be quick and easy. For someone who enjoys working on their car and anticipates encountering similar situations in the future, a tool like Carly presents a practical solution.
Setting up Carly was incredibly user-friendly. Downloading the app and plugging the Carly adapter into the OBD port was all it took. The Bluetooth connection was established almost instantly, making the initial setup process seamless and hassle-free.
The first test was to clear the airbag fault codes. Using the Carly app, this process was completed in mere minutes. This single action alone arguably justified the cost of the unit, providing immediate value and avoiding a potentially expensive dealership visit. Everything beyond this point would be considered an added bonus.
Curiosity led to exploring Carly’s coding capabilities. Experimenting with various customizable features, several coding adjustments were made, and each one was executed flawlessly. One of the first and most appreciated coding changes was setting the iDrive system to power off as soon as the driver’s door is opened. Accidentally leaving the car with the stereo still playing was a frequent annoyance, stemming from the habit of exiting the vehicle without pressing the start/stop button twice. This simple coding tweak significantly improved daily usability and convenience.
Another coding enhancement involved configuring the side mirrors to automatically fold in when the car is locked and unfold upon unlocking. It’s perplexing why this feature isn’t standard on luxury vehicles, as it adds both convenience and a touch of sophistication. Carly effortlessly enabled this desirable function.
Further customization included coding the windows to operate with the remote key fob. Holding the lock button now rolls up the windows, and holding the unlock button rolls them down – a particularly useful feature in warm weather to vent the car before entering.
Finally, the door locking behavior was modified to unlock all doors immediately when the vehicle is turned off. Similar to the iDrive and start button habits, the standard double-pull door handle to unlock and open the door felt counterintuitive. Coding the doors to unlock automatically upon engine shut-off streamlined the exiting process and aligned with personal preference.
These coding adjustments, while seemingly minor, collectively enhanced the overall driving experience and tailored the BMW to individual preferences. The coding process itself was remarkably straightforward, and as mentioned, each function coded without any issues.
In conclusion, based on this user experience, Carly proves to be an effective and user-friendly tool for BMW coding and diagnostics. For anyone looking to clear fault codes, customize vehicle features, and gain a deeper understanding of their BMW, Carly is a worthwhile investment. It offers a practical and cost-effective alternative to dealership services for common tasks and opens up a range of personalization options, making it a valuable tool for BMW owners seeking greater control and customization of their vehicles.
