Exclusively built for BMW group vehicles, the Ancel BM500, Ancel BM700, and Autophix 7810 are all a BMW car owner or mechanic would ever need.
These scan tools feature a wide variety of diagnostic functions. They also have a few reset features compatible with not only BMW but Rolls Royce and Mini vehicles. They are versatile and quite affordable, making them great recommendations.
As far as value for money goes, the Autophix 7810 is the best buy. It offers similar features as BM500 and BM700 on top of other exclusive features such as ECU reset. Additionally, it is the cheapest of the three going for an average price of $88.99.
In this article, we will focus on their key differences, similarities, and exclusive features to help you make the best purchasing decision.
Contents
ANCEL BM500 vs. BM700 vs. AUTOPHIX 7810: Complete Comparison Table
 ANCEL BM500 |  ANCEL BM700 |  ANCEL AUTOPHIX 7810 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating |  | |  |
| Price |  |  | |
| Weight of item | 12.6 ounces | 1.3 pounds | 1.26 pounds |
| Dimensions | 9.13 x 6.38 x 1.54 inches | 6.1 x 4 x 1.2 inches | 3.5 x 1.2 x 6.5 inches |
| Vehicle compatibility | 1. Most BMW Group of vehicles (BMW, Rolls-Royce, Mini) produced between 1998 and 2001, and all models after 2001. 2. 12V OBD2 cars when it comes to engine system diagnoses alone. | 1. Most BMW Group of vehicles (BMW, Rolls-Royce, Mini) produced between 1998 and 2001, and all models after 2001. 2. 12V light trucks and cars (non-electric) from 1996 and newer 16-pin OBD2 compliant vehicles (only engine system diagnoses). | 1. Most BMW Group of vehicles (BMW, Rolls-Royce, Mini) produced between 1998 and 2001, and all models after 2001. 2. 12V light trucks and cars (non-electric) from 1996 and newer 16-pin OBD2 vehicles (only engine system diagnoses).. |
| The operating system for updates | Windows 7/8/10 | Windows 7/8/10 | Windows XP, 7/8/10 |
| Life-time software updates | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oil reset | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Battery registration | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| TPMS reset | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| EPB reset | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SAS calibration | NOT ALL CARS | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic throttle position reset | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| EGS adaptation | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| DPF regeneration | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel injector coding | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| PCM clear adaptations | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Engine system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| EKPS system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transmission system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| HVAC system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| TCM system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SAS system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ABS system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SRS system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Read and clear codes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| I/M Readiness | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Freeze frame data | -- | -- | ✔ |
| Emissions test | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| EVAP system test | -- | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vehicle information | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Turn off check engine light | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Read DataStream | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pros | - Offers battery testing. - Reads and clears DTCs. - Battery management and registration. - It can reset the PCM and EPB. | - Has a one-click quick access ‘Read DTC’ button. - Can perform all-system diagnosis for BMW vehicles. - 20-pin OBD2 vehicles from 1998 can use this device using an adaptor. - Has added reset functions than the BM500. | - It is cheaper than the BM500 and BM700. - It can be used to diagnose and read data on 103 systems. - It has a variety of reset functions. |
| Cons | - It cannot work with older 20-pin OBD2 vehicles. - Does not have a one-click I/M readiness key button on interface. | - No adapter included to help connect to 20-pin OBD2 vehicles. | - Does not include a TPMS reset. - Does not support bi-directional control or ABS bleeding. |
Design and interface
Ancel BM500 and Ancel BM700 look very similar when observed at a glance. The Autophix 7810, though a different color and aesthetic design, has the same size aspect ratio as the rest. They all have narrow width and taller height dimensions. This design gives them a compact hand-held design with very lightweight.
They all employ similar buttons but with different button placement locations on the Autophix 7810. The button interface is intuitive and the exterior differences are subtle. A quick-access I/M readiness key is also present in all of them. Unlike some other scan tools, they all employ the use of a battery as the power source. This is great as it reduces the dependence of plugging it into a car or laptop to get it started.
Supported protocols
The Ancel BM500, BM700, and Autophix 7810 support all the five OBD2 protocols. These include; SAE J1850 VPW, ISO 9141-2, KWP2000, SAE J1850 PWM, and CAN networks.
The lack of any support for OBD1 protocols may be disappointing to others. However, to most this is a non-issue since these scan tools can still be used in a wide range of vehicles.
Software installations and updates
The standard support that comes with a majority of scan tools is free, life-long software updates. These three scanners are no exception. They all come with free-for-life software updates on the companies’ respective websites.
All of the updates can be installed on the scanners by just connecting the OBD2 scan tool to a Windows 7/8 or 10 computer. It is important to note that you cannot perform the updates on any other operating system such as macOS, Linux, or Android.
As far as features go, these scan tools share more functions than they don’t. Apart from the standard supported protocols, these three scanner models also work with 12-volt OBD2 compliant vehicles.
They can all read codes; current codes, permanent codes, and pending codes from your vehicle. You do not need any updates for the system before you start using these scanners, they are all plug and play right out of the box.
You can also use these models to clear diagnostic trouble codes from your system. Other similar features include an oil reset feature in addition to battery registration and management.
The registering battery function allows you to register replacement batteries that exhibit the same characteristics in your car as the original battery. This process can be done in simple steps;
- Remove the original battery and find a replacement one.
- Proceed to replace the original battery with a similar type of battery. The replacement battery can be of the same capacity or larger than the original one.
- Turn your car’s ignition on and let the engine stay off.
- Finish the process by inputting the new battery’s 12-digit code in the scan tool to register it.
They can all request a vehicle’s VIN, calibration verification numbers (CVN(S)), and calibration IDs. The calibration ID will help in identifying the software version in the control modules of the vehicle.
Warranty and the user manual
The only guarantee these manufacturers offer the customer is free for life software updates and customer service alone. As far as their packaging goes, you do not get any warranty. All you receive is a paper user manual, USB to micro-USB cable for your updates, and the device itself.
In case you misplaced your user manual, you can go to the technical specifications section of the product page and download the PDF user manual. This applies to all the models here.
ANCEL BM500 vs. BM700 vs. AUTOPHIX 7810: key differences explained
Design and Specifications
Both the Ancel BM700 and Autophix 7810 have an I/M readiness key button on the interface whilst the BM500 does not. The one-click I/M readiness key button is used to perform quick state emissions readiness test. The button is the only difference in this area since the Ancel BM500 can still perform an emissions test.
Another difference lies in the colors of the scan tools. Autophix 7810 comes in an orange and black color mixture while the Ancel scan tools have a blue and black color mixture.
The screen display is slightly larger on the BM700 with the BM500 having the smaller display. Regardless of the size, all of the color displays are functional and easy to use.
Features and Functions
The Ancel BM500 can perform a battery voltage test to help in diagnosing your vehicle’s starting issues. The Ancel BM700 can perform the same functions as BM500 with added elements such as battery tests an extra OBD2 functions.
Extra features on the Autophix 7810 include its ability to diagnose 103 vehicle systems. Some examples of these systems are the airbags, engine, SRS, CAS, CBS, ADS, transmission, and anti-lock braking (ABS) system.
A unique feature in the Ancel BM700 is the one-click ‘Read DTC’ button. This extra feature allows you to read engine diagnostic trouble codes much faster. Moreover, after you diagnose your car for the first time, the BM700 can automatically record the data preventing the need for any manual input.
Supported Vehicles Makes
Ancel BM500 and Ancel BM700 can be used in many BMW, Rolls Royce, and Mini vehicles. For the Ancel BM500, you can diagnose many of these vehicles that came out after 1996 (such as the BMW 1 series and BMW 2 series). The BM700 can also be used with these vehicles if they are non-electric 12V cars or light trucks manufactured after 1996. They also have to be OBD2 compliant by using a 16 PIN.
Autophix 7810 on the other side can service a wide range of BMW vehicle models. The list it supports has most BMW models manufactured between 1998 to 2001. It can also be used for BMW, Rolls Royce, and Mini models made after 2001 with a 16 PIN OBD2.
Which should I take?
The Autophix 7810 is by far the best value for your money, a clear pick for those looking to save a buck. It offers all the OBD2 functions the average user or mechanic would use plus more. Despite its features, the scan tool is relatively well priced at a cheap cost of around $88.99 depending on where you buy it.
Ancel BM500 offers the bare minimum functions at a close price to the Autophix 7810. If all you need is the basic OBD2 functions with only a handful set of extra features, then the BM500 is for you.
The champion between the three is the BM700 which offers the most functions and features. It includes one-click quick access ‘Read DTC’ button that the other two do not have. Also, it works on 20-pin OBD2 compliant vehicles but does not include the needed adapter.
For a hobbyist or beginner, the BM500 will suit you well. The Ancel BM700 is specifically tailored for professionals who are working on BMW vehicles.
FAQs
1. Can the Ancel BM500 or BM700 work on motorcycles?
Most motorcycles do not have OBD2 connectors, which means that you will need an adapter to diagnose the bike. Needless to say, you won’t be able to access the most advanced features depending on your motorcycle.
2. Can these BMW exclusive scan tools work with other car models?
As much as these scan tools are made exclusively for BMW, Rolls Royce, and Mini vehicles, they can also work with other vehicles. Users have reported them working on vehicles such as Dodge. Despite their versatility, some functionalities may not be accessible if the device is used in a vehicle, it was not intended for.
3. When I’m I supposed to update the software to the Autophix 7810?
You should only be compelled to update it if the device becomes slow or fails to perform a certain task. You do not need to update the software straight out of the box.
4. How do I update the software on the Autophix 7810?
For getting updates, go to the website and look for your scan tool’s model number. Use the model number to download the correct software updates or update tools when they are available. Proceed to decompress the download file before installing it on your computer.
Go ahead and install the update by just connecting the OBD2 scan tool to a Windows 7/8 or 10 computer.
5. Why is the Ancel BM700 not clearing the fault codes?
There are two possibilities for this happening. The first is if you have a poor connection between the connectors. The second reason might be because you haven’t fixed the problem that caused the system to store the fault codes.
Read more: ANCEL VD500 Vs. ANCEL VD700 Vs. AUTOPHIX AP7610: Review and Comparison
