BMW ICOM NEXT, ICOM A3, ICOM A2, ICOM A, which is the best? Here are BMW ICOM reviews related to this topic. Wish it’s helpful.
Icom next a+b+c price: € 295
Icom a3+b+c price: € 235
Icom a2+b+c price: € 415
Icom a+b+c price: € 165
ICOM NEXT vs the old ICOM
->much faster in BMW F and G series ..
-> supports gigabit Ethernet too to be future proof, there currently is not gigabit Ethernet protocol defined yet for autos. Also it has USB3.0 instead of USB2.0 and a better wifi card.
ICOM NEXT A vs ICOM A2
-> more stable during programming
-> be necessary for the future Gbit cars
-> faster start-up times and high throughput
-> through high-performance,low-power ARM SoC
-> improved handling
-> more flexible OBD cable
-> lighted button for logs
…
ICOM A vs ICOM A2 vs ICOM A3
Modified ICOM A2 for vehicles with OBD access receives a significantly more powerful processor and more storage capacity. And robust aluminium case will help to avoid damage when using in harsh environments. It works better in cooling, runs faster and works more stable, not easier broken than older ICOM A.
ICOM A3 can program all units for all BMW series expect media system, and work more stable and has stronger compatibility than ICOM A2, A1.
ICOM Next A, ICOM A3/A2 PCB Difference
BMW ICOM A3 (A3 PRO)
In summary, all BMW ICOM emulators (either BMW ICOM NEXT A or ICOM A3/A2/A1) share the same software for BMW obdii diagnostics, coding, programming:
The newest version: 03.2017 BMW software ISTA-D 4.04.12 ISTA-P 3.60.2.001
BMW ISTA-D (Diagnostic)
BMW ISTA-P (Programming)
BMW Group ISPI (the fourth generation of BMW diagnostic software client);
E-SYS (Engineer Software for F series, available for programming, coding, Customization, realize hidden functions, advanced features);
WINKFP (for E series: programming, upgrade and downgrade);
Ediabas Tool32 (enter key, import codes, delete certification, advanced features of BMW series);
INPA (read vehicle information, diagnosis, read and clear trouble codes);
BMW Coding (for E series: import data, change the code or realize hidden functions);
KSD2 (offer full vehicle repairing information for diagnosis or programming);
NCS-Expert tool (for E series: set codes, realize hidden functions and change settings);
Note: BMW software engineer version is the quick and easy diagnostic programming and coding system that German BMW engineers are using. The system is designed in English and German. The Engineer version is so practical and powerful that it can achieve professional features which all the original professional computers can realize, can change the language into Chinese through the OBD port for import cars (Europe regulation cars, the United States and the United States, Africa, etc.). Features mainly include: diagnosis, programming (incl. programming one module only), coding, realize hidden function, new features activation, the module system update
