Protool by BimmerGeeks: The Ultimate OBD2 App for BMW Coding and Diagnostics

Are you a BMW owner looking for a powerful, user-friendly tool to unlock your car’s hidden potential and diagnose any issues? Look no further than Protool by BimmerGeeks. This review dives deep into why Protool is hailed as the best BMW coding and diagnostics app available, a must-have for owners of BMW F, G, E, and I series vehicles. Whether you’re interested in simple customizations or advanced modifications, Protool, offered by Bimmergeeks Obd2 solutions, provides comprehensive control right in your pocket.

Protool offers a modular licensing system, allowing you to tailor your purchase to your needs. You can choose a Diagnostics license ($89.99), a Coding license ($79.99), or maximize your value with the Master License ($149.99), saving you $19.99. Explore these options and learn more on the Bimmer Geeks website: https://www.bimmergeeks.net/.

What makes Protool stand out? It’s essentially a mobile version of the renowned ESYS software. Yes, you read that right – Protool boasts coding capabilities comparable to ESYS, handling both FDL and VO coding, and much more. The only function ESYS retains an edge in is ECU flashing, a feature rarely needed for most users. For the average BMW enthusiast, this means unparalleled coding freedom: customize everything from convenient features like remote window control and disclaimer removal to performance-enhancing tweaks to the steering feel (EPS module), differential (GHAS), and traction control (DSC module). If you’re familiar with tools like Thor flasher for adjusting these dynamic settings, Protool brings that level of customization back into your hands.

Step-by-Step Coding Guides Using Protool:

To get you started, here are helpful guides demonstrating Protool’s capabilities for advanced coding:

EPS Module (Steering Feel): https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…4#post29968214
DSC Module (Traction Control): https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…8#post29968208
GHAS Module (Differential): https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…7#post29968227

Protool’s coding prowess surpasses other mobile apps on the market, making it the definitive choice for BMW coding. It truly eliminates the need for ESYS for most BMW owners.

Beyond coding, Protool excels in diagnostics. It reads genuine BMW fault codes, not just generic OBD2 codes, enabling accurate and in-depth diagnostics for your vehicle. Battery management is also simplified with Protool, offering proper coding and registration for battery replacements, even allowing for different battery capacities, perfect for those considering lightweight lithium-ion upgrades.

The combined coding and diagnostic capabilities of Protool solidify its position as an essential app for any BMW owner. Let’s delve into a more detailed review.

Important Disclaimers:

Before proceeding, it’s crucial to acknowledge these disclaimers:

Damage/Injury Disclaimer: Use all information, guidance, and advice provided in this review at your own risk. The author is not liable for personal injuries, damage to your vehicle, or property damage resulting from the use of this information.

Monetary Disclaimer: The author receives no commission, profit, or monetary gain from the sale of Protool software by Bimmergeeks.

Sponsorship Disclaimer: This review is sponsored by Bimmergeeks. However, the product selection and review process are independent, based on the author’s genuine belief in Protool’s quality and utility. The author initiated the sponsorship request after determining Protool to be the best product in its category.

Time of Writing Disclaimer: Information in this review is accurate as of the writing date and may not reflect future updates or changes.

Bias and Comparison Disclaimer: This review strives for unbiased comparisons to other products, but inherent subjectivity is unavoidable.

Mistakes and Inaccuracies Disclaimer: While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, errors may occur. Please report any inaccuracies for correction.

Subjective Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this review are subjective and based on the author’s evaluation criteria. Individual preferences may vary.

Information Disclaimer: This review draws upon years of accumulated knowledge and research. Sources may not always be explicitly cited due to the breadth and depth of information gathered.

Image Credits:

Images and videos in this review are used for illustrative purposes and remain the property of their respective owners, credited below each image. Removal requests from image owners will be honored.

Reviewer Disclaimer:

BimmerGeeks has sponsored this review, but the review remains unbiased. The author sought sponsorship due to genuine belief in Protool as the leading coding tool at the time of writing. Personal coding modifications on the author’s BMW M2 were performed using Protool, highlighting satisfaction with features like M2CS DSC, GHAS, and EPS coding, previously inaccessible with other apps or free ESYS versions.

Understanding BMW Coding:

BMW coding involves modifying parameters within your car’s ECUs (Electronic Control Units) to activate or deactivate pre-programmed features. This isn’t software development; it’s akin to toggling existing switches within the car’s software. Coding is generally safe as these features are designed by BMW, but caution is advised. Incorrect coding or unforeseen issues like battery drain can lead to problems. Always ensure you understand the coding process and the implications of changes before proceeding.

There are two primary types of BMW coding: VO Coding and FDL Coding.

VO Coding (Vehicle Order Coding): This method activates or deactivates features based on BMW’s pre-defined vehicle options. Each BMW has a Vehicle Order (VO) code list, reflecting its factory-installed options. VO coding is ideal for retrofitting factory options. For example, adding option 6NS (Enhanced Bluetooth and USB) involves replacing the original 6NH VO code. After hardware retrofit, VO coding simplifies enabling all related features across ECUs.

FDL Coding (Function Data Line Coding): FDL coding offers granular control, allowing direct modification of individual ECU parameters, bypassing VO limitations. For instance, you can enable 6NS features without the full hardware retrofit by FDL coding specific ECUs. FDL coding also unlocks hidden features not available as factory options, such as disabling legal disclaimers or seatbelt chimes.

Why does BMW coding exist? It’s a cost-effective manufacturing strategy. BMW uses shared components across models and uses software to differentiate features based on trim levels. Coding allows customization, like adjusting steering feel in M models via software. This enables enthusiasts to potentially code features from higher-spec models if hardware permits.

Safe Coding Practices:

Before coding your BMW, prioritize safety:

Create Backups: Always back up your car’s coding before making changes, enabling easy restoration to factory settings.
Research Thoroughly: Understand the coding modifications you intend to make, their effects, and the correct procedures for your car model and software.
Maintain Battery Voltage: Use a reliable battery charger to prevent voltage drops during coding, which can cause ECU damage (“bricking”). Some coding procedures allow the engine to run, but never code while driving.
Use Quality Adapters: Employ high-quality cables or wireless adapters to ensure stable and fast data transfer. Avoid cheap, poorly constructed adapters that can cause communication failures or electrical shorts.

ESYS: A Traditional Coding Tool

ESYS is BMW’s factory software for FDL and VO coding, as well as ECU flashing. It requires: a Windows laptop with ample RAM, up-to-date PSdZData files (ECU data), an ENET cable, and a launcher (like Launcher Pro or Bimmer Utility) for FDL coding.

ESYS is powerful but has drawbacks: higher cost (laptop, software licenses), longer coding times, complex interface, and a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners. Numerous online tutorials, like those from Tokenmaster, are available to guide users through ESYS coding processes.

Protool: Mobile Coding and Diagnostics Revolution

Protool offers a mobile alternative to ESYS, running on Android devices (version 4.1 and up).

Protool Quick Highlights:

Flexible Licensing: Choose Diagnostics, Coding, or the Master License. Upgrade licenses later as needed.
Free Lifetime Updates: BimmerGeeks provides ongoing updates to support newer BMW models, unlike some older ESYS launchers.
No VIN Lock: Use Protool on unlimited BMWs; license is linked to your Google account.
Free Feature Exploration: Download the app and connect to your car to explore available coding options before purchasing a license.
Versatile Adapter Compatibility: Protool supports various adapters, likely eliminating the need for new hardware. Use quality adapters for reliable coding. BimmerGeeks offers high-quality cables with optional lifetime warranties. Consider adapters compatible with tuning software for future flexibility, such as the MHD ENET WiFi adapter.

Currently Supported Adapters:

USB K+DCAN Cables (E-series): Requires OTG adapter.
BimmerGeeks Bluetooth Adapter:
Thor WiFi Adapter:
Orange MHD WiFi Adapter (Discontinued):
ENET Cables: Requires OTG Ethernet adapter.
MHD Black ENET WiFi Adapter:
Newer MHD WiFi Adapter (Potentially Supported – Unconfirmed):
BM3 New WiFi Adapter:

For detailed app information, consult the Protool user guide within the app menu or contact BimmerGeeks support.

Protool Features and Capabilities:

Protool’s feature set is extensive:

Basic Coding: Includes common customizations like remote window control, mirror folding, and disabling warnings.
Advanced Coding (ESYS-Level): Codes features comparable to ESYS, including DSC module (M4 GTS MDM mode), EPS (F87 CS steering feel), and GHAS (F87 CS differential settings). Ideal for users previously using Thor flasher. Supports FA/VO coding for easy retrofits.
Backup and Profile Management: Create full car coding backups and save profiles to easily switch between different coding configurations.
Diagnostics: Advanced BMW-specific diagnostics, battery coding/registration, injector coding, adaptation resets (GHAS), and module recalibrations. Includes hardware actuation controls similar to ISTA for component diagnostics (e.g., G8X brake service mode), as demonstrated by Kies Motorsports.
Data Logging: Logs extensive parameters, suitable for performance monitoring as a pre-tuning solution.
Remote Backups: Cloud storage for profiles, backups, datalogs, and diagnostic codes accessible via the BimmerGeeks website for easy computer access and data security.

For detailed coding examples, refer to the linked guides in the overview or the “Advanced Coding” section.

Protool vs. ESYS: A Practical Comparison

Comparing Protool and ESYS highlights key differences:

Ease of Use: Protool is significantly more user-friendly with an intuitive mobile interface, categorized menus, and readily accessible common coding options. It lacks the “trap buttons” and overwhelming complexity of ESYS. ESYS, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve and a less forgiving interface, even for experienced users. The menu system can be overwhelming, and misclicks can lead to serious issues like ECU bricking.
Portability and Device Flexibility: Protool is linked to your Google account, enabling use across multiple Android devices simultaneously. ESYS launchers are often device-locked, limiting portability. While some newer launchers offer account-based licensing, ESYS generally lacks the device flexibility of Protool.
Cost-Effectiveness: Protool is considerably more affordable.
- Protool Setup Estimate: ~$190 (tablet, ENET cable, coding license)
- ESYS Setup Estimate: ~$375 – $425 (launcher, ENET cable, Windows laptop)
Protool offers savings of ~$185 and allows tablet repurposing for in-car gauges, whereas a cheap laptop might become dedicated solely to ESYS.
Portability: Protool’s mobile nature offers superior portability for quick adjustments, like track-side coding changes. ESYS requires a bulkier laptop setup, making quick changes less convenient (10-15 minutes vs. minutes with Protool).

For most users, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts, Protool is a more than adequate ESYS replacement. ESYS is primarily needed for expert or professional users requiring ECU flashing and extensive remote coding capabilities.

Advanced Coding Examples:

Protool unlocks advanced coding possibilities. For a 2017 BMW M2 (ISTEP level F020-19-07-539), examples include: