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Carly the new BMWhat app...anyone use it?

57K views 106 replies 37 participants last post by  AR424 
#1 ·
Figured I'd start a new thread on this? Anyone have experience with the Carly app and what adapter you are using? I'm interested in the iphone version. You can use it the same way as BMWwhat app (code, read codes, etc.)...I'm assuming its an updated/better app
 
#4 · (Edited)
How do you like it? Supposedly you don't need the "Carly" branded adapter and people have used some other brands. What exact adapter did you get for iPhone...can you link me? Have you tested all functionality with the adapter ie reading codes and coding things out like LED signals etc.?

So total cost was like $50 for the app and like $20 for the adapter? You only need to buy the software once correct...not purchase every add on feature?
 
#5 ·
I've been using it for the past 3 years with my X5M. Excellent app. You buy the app, buy their wifi obd2 dongle from amazon, and that's it. It also does not vin lock, which is nice. I used just last week on the M5. Coded the lcm module for all the led lights. Worked like a charm. It also gives real bmw codes and clears them, a must have in my book. Best part is just screen shotting the codes so you permately have them on your phone for later. For someone like myself who has no interest in getting a xp laptop, acquiring the three softwares, and learning how to code, this app has been perfect. I would recommend it. It's a perfect glove box purchase. :thumbsup:
 
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#6 · (Edited)
M5guy. Thanks for your review. I also like the idea of this because i Don't want to get into the "code" and risk bricking something. Any idea if one of the cheaper fobs on Amazon would work? Carly's fob is pretty exoensive for what it is.

What model dcan cable do I need to look for to use with iPhone. Wifi or Bluetooth?
 
#7 ·
If you guys told me an idea for a phone app my company could build it. Anything?
 
#9 ·
#10 ·
It depends on what platform you have. Android or Apple? It appears the android dongle is still in stock at Amazon, but the Apple one is not right now. The reason you want Carly's dongle over the others is do to the coding. Specifically you want the gen 2 dongle as that will code the idrive module, which was not possible until recently.

I can't say whether or not a 3rd party dongle will work, but I figure why take the chance. Plus the cost of it and the app is still comparable to paying a one time coding meeting with a coder. The vendor you want to search for on Amazon is Carly.
 
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#12 ·
Great Tool , i am using it 9( iPhone) diagnosed and coded a few cars with it already ( E39 , E60, E90 )...
Post and Pre Facelift .
 
#17 ·
#18 ·
Welp....just bought the gen2 from amazon. I get 5% CB on amazon so I feel a little better about it haha. Downloaded the Carly "lite" version so I will try that first when I get the dongle to make sure it syncs up with the app etc before buying the "full" version at $45.
 
#20 ·
Yes and yes from what I read... You are right, the app is a bit expensive for 54 or so, but I think it's worth it.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Does the BMWhat app do all of the stuff that INPA, DIS, etc are supposed to do? I bought a USB cable and the preconfigured software in virtual machine format but haven't gotten it to work yet. If this will the same stuff and be idiot-proof, I may get it.
 
#22 ·
No it will not do what DIS and INPA does , it can read code, some other light features for now , some minor coding but that's about it .
On their website , browsing to diagnostic/ coding features by model , you will see what is available for E39 using Carly , keep in mind that they usually on yearly basis adding features by pushing updates .
But it's far from being like DIS/ISTA/ICom....
 
#24 ·
That option in itself is worth it! For some reason, when I try to code this in my car (2006), there is no option for it. Dunno why. I've successfully coded many other things, like AUX in, so I get the process. But just no option present to do this with mine, for some reason.


Wonder if it will work on my 2006...
 
#25 ·
I use Carly for my Sept 2006 M5. Works a treat for fault code reading and basic coding of bits and pieces. They offer an option for registering a new battery etc as well!

I have the Gen 2 adapter.
 
#31 ·
I downloaded Carly last night. Not bad. Datalogging capabilities though are subpar...not many parameters you can datalog.

Great for reading fault codes and also coding features into your car though.
 
#37 ·
downloaded the full version last night....can't wait to play with it tonight.

What are the "must haves" everyone is doing?

my firsts are:
- coding out the LED headlights signals (not sure how to do that...if i have to turn off both hot AND cold monitoring?)
- coding out the LED reverse lights
- turn off welcome message if I can
- auto fold mirrors when car is turned off or locked (not sure what the options are here)
- digital speedometer
 
#40 ·
Can someone domain please why would you take led signals out? Doesn't it look better with them on?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 
#38 ·
First thing I would do is check for codes. There are a bunch of codes that soft trigger and don't affect operations at all. Just screen shot them before clearing.

Coding wise you should be able to do all of those no problem. There are a ton of little features. If you don't understand one of the options just change it and then put it back. Doing this prompts a description of the option at the bottom of the app. It will even tell you if you have to disable another option in a different module in order for the desired function to work.

Remember the app seems to work best with everything on but the engine. Also disable your cellular just in case while coding. Don't want a call to come in mid coding. :thumbsup:
 
#44 · (Edited)
e-mailed iCarly support through the app about getting tilt mirror with lock/unlock for e60 or if it's in the works/will be offered. They responded with some run-around that I didn't have a a diagnositc log attached and told me how to sync the adapter with the car etc. No Shi Shirly...I know how to do that since I also included coding I already did in the email and I didn't have an "issue" so no log needed.

I hope this isn't a sign of how their support is. Also from what I can see they offer this feature for other models already....not e60 though.
 
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