Foxwell NT-530 tool: my experience

I purchased a Foxwell NT-530 in April with the high hopes this would be a great item to help with work on my 996. So far, this has been the biggest waste of money I've experienced lately. I don't recommend it. I've yet to get it to work other than basic (non-Porsche-specific) OBD reader functions. Issues: 1) Foxwell is based out of China. All support people seem to be there. So, shipping was from China and took forever (even though the ad suggested it was coming from the US). Responses to tech queries are slow, short, garbled, and generally uninformative. A typical response is that you'll get one quick blurb about how to start doing something, with no further instructions for the next steps. Then, no specific answer to subsequent questions. 2) If you are naturally talented at navigating software installation processes, in which online instructions don't match the reality you see, documentation is slim, interfaces are primitive and uninformative, so altogether you have to "wing it" - this is the product for you! (I read here or elsewhere that some are fortunate enough to receive one with Porsche software already installed. I was not). After over a month of back and forth with the shaky tech support, I have yet to get my Porsche software installed onto the tool. Basically, once you navigate some registration and further steps, the software is supposed to load from the PC onto the tool. I have yet to get that to work. 3) If you are a Mac user like me, look elsewhere. As above, you have to install software, and it has to be done with a PC. Fortunately, I have a backup PC laptop so I could try. But no luck so far. 4) Yes, I am aware there are all sorts of materials from Foxwell online, videos, etc. They haven't helped. Many appear out of date / oriented to prior product versions. In summary: I have an expensive paperweight. Man, I regret buying this POS. Buyer beware. Get something with the software already on it, or failing that, something sold and supported here in the US. This is the opposite of a plug and play product, or at least a well-supported product.

Look on eBay for a used Snap-on scanner with 17+ firmware. Make sure it covers European cars. My Snap-on Ethos Pro is my go-to scanner for my 996.(and all other makes and models) Snap-on works for most cars. Normally a version “17” will cover vehicles up to 2016...and some 2017s. It will reset airbags and can diagnose most ABS systems. I occasionally get out the Durametric, but not often. Durametric requires a PC and is only good for Porsche. The Durametric can do lots of coding for 997.1 and up. The 996...not so much.

I ordered a Foxwell NT510 from Amazon that is supposed to arrive tomorrow. It�s should come with the Porsche module installed, but I intend to buy the BMW module and install it as well. I�m running a Mac laptop and will setup a Windows VM for the update. I work on making software for a living, so we�ll see if I have better luck. I�ll follow up here later in the weekend.

counter point - i have an NT530 and so far it has been fantastic for use on my BMW's my cars range from 1997 - 2007 and it's a huge pain to have to deal with multiple scanners for this era of BMW as they transitioned from underhood diagnostic ports to OBD2 port (2 of my cars have both - crapshoot as to which works depending on module). This tool works with both, and has paid for itself already. I realize this is useless info to you - I'm simply saying that while the Porsche implementation might suck, the BMW software is great. (I am disappointed though - I'd hoped to add Porsche functionality to this tool for my 996 but will stick w durametric)

I have a 530. It works great on my Porsche's. You problem is that it doesn't work right out of the box. You need to use a PC, create your account, and update the software and firmware.

I recently ordered the Foxwell 530 and thought I ordered one without software. It came preloaded with BMW. I didn't plan to add the BMW software but since it did that was fine I just had to order the Porsche software. To add a second vehicle manufacturer it cost me $60, so not too expensive. Once you create an account and login with the Foxwell plugged in you can see what is installed on it and or what updates are available. My biggest complaint was that it took two days from ordering the software to being able to install it on my Foxwell. The unit I ordered was supposedly shipping from New Jersey but took 10 days to arrive. I have Carly for Porsche but it doesn't work at all for my 996, but works great for my BMWs so I was looking for a better tool. I used the Foxwell on the 996 and was able to see much more than my only other tool OBD Fusion, so it was a great investment for me.

I've had a 520 for over a yr and have had good luck with it. I've added GM and VAG software to it and it never misses a beat. Mine has been well worth the money. The process for adding software hasn't been bad for me. It sucks the OP has had such a negative experience.

I have the 530, loaded with Porsche software. It works well on my 996, can reset airbags (my car had a bagless wheel, since replaced) I thought I read somewhere it could reset key remotes, but I can't find that. It did work right out of the box, and I have not registered it yet, should I?

Can you see cam deviation values with the 530? I think I was previously told that you can�t...

The 520 shows cam deviation values. I would think the 530 would as well.

The 530 definitely shows cam deviations. Happy with mine (the 530, not the cam deviations but those will be fixed soon). The software update needs to be done on Windows, and the install program is a little wonky. First tried doing it via a Windows emulator on my chromebook, and that was a lost cause.

Ugh. My experience with my Foxwell NT510 Elite is off to a bad start. First of all, I can't access it from the Windows VM on my Mac (using VirtualBox) to update it, because it the Mac doesn't even recognize it. Worse yet, they sent me the Chrysler version, so it won't work on either of my cars. I guess I'm returning it and looking for something else. I know everyone says go with Durametric, but it's expensive and I'm worried it's going to be a nightmare to run in a VM because it requires an old version of .NET to run. Also, it irks me that it only works with Porsche when there is a company obviously selling a port of this for BMW (Bavarian Technic).

I also had back luck with durametric and VM (and without VM, FWIW). In general, I don't think those diagnostic tools work well with VMs. They seem to be overly particular about their connections. You can pick up some pretty cheap Win machines for garage use.

I'm considering what to get, the Foxwell seems like a nice choice given it can also serve my 2 older BMW's. I had a VAGCOM for my Audi and I found having to use a laptop really cumbersome in the car, hence I like the handheld nature of the Foxwell. It seems like among the handheld scanners, the foxwell is the best for Porsche? Basically seems to come down to Durametric or Foxwell (or sometimes both). Does anyone know if the Foxwell can code out the seatbelt chime in a 996.2? I have a 50m drive to my front gate which I then have to hop out and open, the chime is really annoying in that situation. Thanks

It seems to me that the fastest and easiest thing to do is find a family member or friend with a PC and borrow it for 30 minutes. Follow the reasonably good Foxwell directions on setting up your account and downloading the app. From there you update the 530. Done.

I got the NT530 a few weeks ago. I'm a PC user. A couple things that I found: 1. Make sure you have installed the correct software. There is a foxwell US site. It has the NT530 software. There is also a non-US site. Don't use the non-US site. (I did this the first time). I know once I got the correct software, it all worked. 2. With respect to the MAC, I know that many times when we virtualize servers or even PC's on intel platforms, we often get usb errors with a lot of difficulty accessing the usb. I would suspect that a MAC is no different. Borrow somebodies machine.

Update: I have tried the process on a buddy's PC as well as my spare PC at home. I can see my list of software including Porsche. We get to the point of clicking on the download and the page turns white. Nothing downloads. The (or a) problem seems to be their website. If anyone has done something special at this point of the process, please let me know.

Not sure if this will help, but this seems to work for me. Open up the FoxAssist app/program on your PC, then connect your Foxwell 530 to your PC. Select update on your Foxwell 530. The app/program will populate whatever is loaded/licensed under the download tab. Then select the file to download by checking the dot on the left. The update button at the top will be grayed out until you select at least one package. All the while keeping the Foxwell 530 connected to your PC. After selecting update at the top of the screen, it should load and then show your current version the same as the upgradeable version.

No problems at all with the 530 I bought earlier this year, primarily for reading cam deviations, which it does nicely. I recall updating the scanner with the Porsche software, and on my Windows 10 PC, that went smoothly. I later acquired Durametric, which has obviated most uses of the Foxwell for me. But it will come in handy on my wife's Infiniti QX80 and my '54 Chevy 3/4 ton (JK).

I received my NT 530 about 7 weeks ago and only began opening the box last week. The process of getting it up and running is challenging. First of all it came loaded with BMW software and I ordered one with Porsche. I had to register a profile to begin with on one of their websites. Next I had to download Foxassist program which did not come through their traditional registration page but another page which I had to search for. Once I was able to download foxassist it made it easier. I had to fork out 60USD to buy the porsche software. But since i have been able to use it well. Checking and clearing codes, resetting service reminder and able to read over revs reports.

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We've had Foxwell NT530 and have Durametric, and neither of those nor even Porsche factory tools I think can turn off 996 seat belt annoyer. I think need to take out seat and install a resistor on belt buckle wires, will try that when have seat out someday. We found many needed features Dura had but not NT530, which is why we returned Foxwell and got Dura. But something very useful NT530 has that Dura does not is ability to see actual position of microswitches in doors, this will tell you which door is malfunctioning when you get the double beep when unlocking vehicle. Also another big drawback of Dura is requirement to use laptop this is unwieldy have to set it in passenger seat, and also at least ours locks up frequently so have to restart computer and go through initial set up over and over while trying to monitor functions and avoid crashing.

Thanks for that, the hardware solution for the belt-annoyer sounds like the way to go, I'll look into that. I think on balance I will go ahead with the NT530 purchase, it should cover much of the basic stuff I need to do on all 3 cars for which the small form factor makes it very convenient. The Durametric sounds like it has some flaws but is the best Porsche specific option and I suppose I'll need one of those at some stage also.

After getting shipped two different NT510 Elite scanners with the wrong software, and discovering I couldn�t update them with a Mac VM, I was going to give up. However I found a good solution. There is a seller on Amazon that updates and loads the correct Porsche software on the NT530 before shipping called Quick Ship Auto Parts. I received my NT530 from them today, and it worked right out of the box on my �99 C2. It read and cleared my airbag fault code and showed me that the radio alarm switch is open, causing my alarm error. I�m pretty happy with it so far. Those are both Porsche-specific systems that I couldn�t read with the generic OBD Fusion app scanner.

There has been mention that the Foxwell tool can do cam deviation, over rev and micro switches. I can not find this in the menus. Can someone post pics of menus? I have updated the nt530 with Porsche software and can do things like test cluster, turn on rad fans, engine fan etc. thanks in advance.

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Thanks for that info. This is the one? FOXWELL NT530 for GM Multi-System OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner Read Erase Error Codes Amazon Amazon

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Not sure about the micro switches, but cam deviations are under DME / Actual.

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hmm didn�t see it. Engine running or just with key in on position?

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I'd have to go back and plug it in to get the exact path of how I got there... but it was just key in on position. It gave me a list of items I could log with check boxes; check the boxes for cam deviation and then start the logging. What year 996 do you have? I suspect there may be some differences in options and behavior between the model years.

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Yes, that�s it. If you look at the description it says it will be registered and updated before it is sent to you.

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That is what I did too. Didn�t see it tho. I looked at all the menus. Would have thought under DME. I have a 2003.

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Here�s the sequence I used. Sorry they are sideways.

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I will try this and let you know. Thanks for the info!

Thanks for this information everyone. As I am 3 hours away from the nearest Pcar mechanic, its nice to have the tech to work on things myself. I had originally thought of the Durametric for the 996, but since I also have a 2001 BMW 3 series I figure the foxwell may be the best bet to cover both (and who knows maybe I can also get it to work for the SooB and the Tundra) jb

Can this show the oil temperature in actual values as well for the 996?

In case any owner missed it, Foxwell published today one of their periodic updates for the 530 and Porsche.

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I have the same scanner - yes, along with ATF oil temps etc. It's quite good although not perfect - esp after the latest specific Porsche updates (used to be a bit buggy).

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thank you!