New owner - Carly, top tips, first mods, etc

[vstrong50]

Hello everyone and happy new year!

I just purchased a 2012 X5 i35 premium. I've been reading the forum for a few days trying to absorb what I can. Few questions though :

What is this magical Carly and where do I get it? Is it a device or an app? Google searches are mixed!

What would you go back and tell yourself when you purchased your X5 based on what you know now?

What are the first few things you'd modify for look/performance?

Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to contributing what I can here!

[Poppyboy]

Carly is a dongle (adapter) you plug into your OBDII. Together with an app on your phone, you can quickly unlock lots of factory options unavailable via the iDrive menu. It’s definitely worth it. Do a web search to see all the functionality and cost. I bought my dongle on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Carl.../dp/B00X3UYXM0

[vstrong50]

Ah, thank you!! I will be making that purchase now.

Any one else have any other general tips/tricks?

[dnjc]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Carly is a dongle (adapter) you plug into your OBDII. Together with an app on your phone, you can quickly unlock lots of factory options unavailable via the iDrive menu. It’s definitely worth it. Do a web search to see all the functionality and cost. I bought my dongle on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Carl.../dp/B00X3UYXM0

Does the Carly app allow you to check the engine temperature accurately? I have a diesel and want to monitor the dreaded thermostat issue...

[fsd350]

Unfortunately, it does not since the last update over a year ago.

[socale39]

Not true at least for my Carly which I bought about 9-10 months ago. I’ve been able to easily read temps on my 35d. I just keep the Carly in my glovebox so when I’m going on road trips where my speed is consistent, I hook it up and I’ve been able to determine my thermostat is slowly failing.

[fsd350]

Interesting, many forum members (including myself) report readings of 16091.00 as an engine temperature and erroneous boost readings. Better options for cheaper IMO. Love your handle, love my 2 d's but sure miss my e39's.

[socale39]

If I remember correctly “engine temperature” is the wrong selection as I was having the same issue. You have to select another parameter that will give you the correct readings. When I get home I’ll see if I can find it as I don’t remember off the top of my head.

Haha yeah I miss my E39 M5. Been playing with the idea of picking one up again as it was just a great handling car with plenty of power.

[dnjc]

Originally Posted by socale39

If I remember correctly “engine temperature” is the wrong selection as I was having the same issue. You have to select another parameter that will give you the correct readings. When I get home I’ll see if I can find it as I don’t remember off the top of my head.

Haha yeah I miss my E39 M5. Been playing with the idea of picking one up again as it was just a great handling car with plenty of power.

Yes, if you could confirm, that would be great. The engine temperature is the main thing I want to check so if there are cheaper and easier ways to do that (other than going through the secret menu - which I find a pain in the ass), I'm open to those options. However, if the Carly app can do it accurately, I might as well pick it up since it offers some other functionality as well.

[omgboost]

I only use Carly for reading DTC, coding and battery registration. I use Torque Pro to monitor all other parameters.

[fsd350]

Great! thanks Socale

[socale39]

Ok so I was able to confirm the parameter last night and you guys need to use “motor temperature” to get the correct reading.

Let me know if there is anything else I can check for you guys.