AutoLingo for BMW vs BimmerLink and BimmerCode
BimmerLink (diagnostics and live data) and BimmerCode (coding) are two apps from the same developer. Each is a free download with a one-time purchase for the full version, and both work with a range of third-party adapters you buy separately.
AutoLingo for BMW does diagnostics, live data, service functions and coding in one free app, with its own adapter. The biggest difference is the cars: BimmerLink's and BimmerCode's lists start around the mid-2000s, while AutoLingo for BMW also covers the older E-chassis models such as the E36, E39, E46, E53 and E83.
| AutoLingo for BMW | BimmerLink and BimmerCode | |
|---|---|---|
| Apps | One app: faults, live data, service functions and coding | Two apps: BimmerLink for diagnostics and live data, BimmerCode for coding |
| Cost | The app is free; the adapter is $119.00 at launch ($189.00 after) | BimmerLink full version $39.99 and BimmerCode full version $49.99, one-time (App Store, October 2026), plus an adapter |
| Adapter | AutoLingo for BMW's own Bluetooth adapter, ready to use | A third-party adapter from their list (OBDLink, vLinker, ENET and others); not every adapter works on every car |
| Older BMWs (E36, E39, E46, E53, E83) | Yes: for example 38 of the 42 modules an E46 can have, 29 of 34 on the E39 | BimmerLink's list starts with the 1 Series 2004, 3 Series 2005, 5 Series 2003, X3 2010 and X5 2006; BimmerCode's 3 Series list starts with the E90 and its X3 list with the F25 |
| G-chassis BMWs (2017 on) and MINI | Not supported | Supported |
| Service functions | Service reminder resets, battery replacement, the parking brake's service mode, component tests and more, on each model once we've confirmed it on a real car | BimmerLink: battery registration, service reset, the parking brake's service mode, DPF regeneration and more |
| Coding | E-chassis, module by module once confirmed on a real car; F-chassis still to come | BimmerCode: many ready-made options per car, on E-, F- and G-chassis BMWs it supports |
Choose BimmerLink and BimmerCode if
- You drive a G-chassis BMW or a MINI, or you want BimmerCode's ready-made coding options on an F-chassis car.
- You already own an adapter they support.
Choose AutoLingo for BMW if
- You drive an older E-chassis BMW (E36, E38, E39, E46, E53, E83, E85 and others) that BimmerLink and BimmerCode don't list.
- You want diagnostics, service functions and coding in one app, and an adapter that works out of the box.
Find your BMW: what AutoLingo for BMW does on it, module by module.
Sources
Checked October 17, 2026: prices and features change, so check theirs before you buy. Spot something out of date? Email support@autolingo.app and we'll fix it.
- BimmerLink
- BimmerLink on the App Store
- BimmerCode: supported BMWs
- BimmerCode: adapters
- BimmerCode on the App Store
Carly, BimmerLink, BimmerCode, INPA, ISTA and NCS Expert are trademarks of their owners. AutoLingo isn't affiliated with them or with BMW.
More comparisons: Carly INPA, ISTA and NCS Expert Generic OBD2 apps
Coming soon
Enter your email address to hear when AutoLingo for BMW is ready.