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Having used dealer-level diagnostic and programming software, this device is an absolute must for the enthusiast. It makes complex programming a doddle - what would normally take 30 mins now takes around 3 minutes. Before reading this short review, a couple of must knows - check your vehicle is compatible before buying on the CARISTA website. For example, this device only had basic functions on a 2015 Mercedes E Class. But it had full functionality on a 2008 BMW 3 series, and also a 2018 VW Polo.
For those who think this is the 'ONE STOP SHOP' of diagnostic scanners out there - it comes pretty damn close. It's plug and play, no need to connect to wifi (iOS ELM 327), simply launch the app and it connects to the Carista seamlessly every time.
Picture shows activation of ‘Real-time MPG’ on an e90 BMW M3 which can improve your driving style helping you to understand how to save fuel when not driving these cars at their full potential. This option was activated in 2 minutes on the CARISTA and not normally activated from the factory on these vehicles.
A quick lesson in On Board Diagnostics:
Most cars have several 'modules' (ECU's) which control all functions of the vehicle. Do a google search of 'BMW Module Tree' to see what this looks like on paper.
Your £5 - £50 scanners can normally interrogate ONLY THE ENGINE (ECU) module, as this is most commonly responsible for the 'Check Engine' light. A £50 scanner might give you live data of engine parameters with graphing etc. for fault finding, and the £5 scanner will simply give you a fault code. These scanners rarely let you code/program anything on the vehicle.
The more expensive scanners £50 - £250 work to interrogate additional modules including ABS, Airbag, Transmission etc. which can also cause the Check Engine light to illuminate. Decent scanners have better compatibility with a wider range of vehicles and some explanation of the fault codes built in (google is normally best for interpretation of codes anyway). These are still 'scanners' and permit very limit coding/programming to the vehicle, unless otherwise stated (steering angle sensor, battery programming, TPMS reset etc. are common features built-in). These scanners work for 50% of vehicle problems.
The expensive £400+ scanners usually allow interrogation of all vehicle modules, or atleast as many as are compatible with the device. Common faults often occur in auxiliary modules such as Footwell, Light, Car Access System, Radio etc. which normally only dealer-level OEM software can interpret, interrogate and program properly. These scanners offer varying levels of compatibility, but work for 90% of problems on cars, most independent garages use these and they often require some sort of subscription service.
The amazing thing about the Carista is that it is actually interrogating several modules in the car which normally only the £400 scanners would do. In order to do complex customisations it needs access to read and write to these auxiliary modules. To enable features like real-time mpg, driver door unlock on one-click, and increasing brightness of rear lights would normally require 30 mins of downloading module data to a laptop, interpreting through dealer-level software, editing string values, and re-uploading to the module, all in a careful and timely manner. The Carista takes care of this whole process and does the coding in seconds. It's quite unbelievable (although not the first on the market to do this, it seems to be the first multi-vehicle, cross-compatible device).
So in having access to all vehicle modules, Carista is able to report back detailed error codes within these modules. The caveat is it only works if the Carista scanner is compatible with the vehicle. A 2015 Mercedes E Class W212 with the 'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' error was not picked up by the Carista, nor was it recognised by a trusty £200 scanner. It's likely that to read this error in more detail, a £400+ scanner would be required, or dealer-level software with a USB cable and laptop.
The 2007-2013 BMW 3 Series E9x vehicles are very well covered, as are VAG group vehicles. Compatibility seems to be improving regularly and is already very good for a device at this price. Carista have a Beta Test Team which are constantly working to add functionality and compatibility. You can join this team from their website.
All in all, an excellent little scanner, worth every penny.
Hints for use: Keep a record of the customisations you carry out. Carry out customisations one-at-a-time with the IGNITION ON but ENGINE OFF. Ensure your car battery is in good order, if in doubt connect a battery charger if doing a long session as a battery failure during programming can be fatal for the module. End all other apps on your phone/tablet and disconnect all other bluetooth devices. Do not operate things in the vehicle whilst coding/diagnosing/using the Carista, modules should be idle during read/write. Opening / closing doors and windows and operating the radio can affect coding.
WARNING on BMW E9x vehicles: Activating the 'Engine can be started only when car is in Neutral/Park' is for AUTOMATIC MODELS only. Activating this customisation on a Manual vehicle will prevent it from starting! - There are a number of issues like this, where the customisation needs to be carefully considered before activation.
Wish list for future updates:
More powerful diagnostics - adaptations, activation of ABS pump for bleeding, O2 sensor testing, live data streaming, sensor readouts, graphing, etc. Save/Restore feature - after making some customisation 'mistakes' you have to go back and undo those customisations by guessing. Increased vehicle compatibility list, especially Mercedes and other popular cars. Also fixing functionality with other diagnostic apps which are classed as compatible, could not get these to recognise and connect to the Carista. Also, some information on each customisation, quite often it's a case of guessing what each thing does. Grouping customisations into a 'custom list' would also be handy. For example, you don't need to look at customisations relevant to the sunroof when the vehicle does not have one.
Thanks Carista for a device that everyone has been waiting for. Enjoy your car, your way!
| Manufacturer | Carista |
|---|---|
| Brand | CARISTA |
| Model | Carista |
| Package Dimensions | 9.9 x 7 x 3.7 cm; 120 g |
| Item model number | COBD-EVO |
| Manufacturer part number | COBD-EVO |
| Item Weight | 120 g |
