There's no actual overview but I can try to summarize.

OBDFusion: Reads fault codes in a PXXXX format. Good for engine faults but not much else.

INPA/ISTA: BMWs own tools for diagnosis and scanning of modules. Extremely powerful and can read any module in the car.

NCSExpert/Dummy: Rides along with INPA for coding purposes. You can code things like used modules with this, check the link in my sig for an example. You can also modify some settings. Tricky to learn but extremely powerful.

BMWScanner/PASoft 1.4: Scanning and coding with little learning curve. Probably the place to start since it's its own cable and software, can read any module and has a GUI for coding thibgs like DRLs and auto locks. Can't code new modules to the car however.

I'd get PASoft and INPA/ISTA. The link in my sig has the info ablut what kind of cable you need for INPA/ISTA.

 

Cool, I'll get a BMW Scanner/PA Soft first. Is there an overview somewhere of what all the buttons in PA Soft do -.- ?
I want to recode for instance that all locks lock and unlock together w acoustic feedback, DLR etc.

Thanks

 

Start here fanatichuman. Good thread on PA Soft features

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1067835

 

You really should have both OBD Fusion and BMW Scanner 1.4 to maintain these cars. Can have both for less than $40.

 

Jup. I paid 5$ for my elm327, 5$ obd fusion app, and just now 14$ for bmwscanner

Sent from my MI 5 using E46Fanatics mobile app

 

So, in which cases (for example) would I need INPA? Cheers

Sent from my MI 5 using E46Fanatics mobile app

 

Pa soft doesn't have as many features as inpa and ncs-expert. For instance, if you want to recode a module for a touring, pa soft doesn't have that option but ncs-expert does

 

Is there any point of getting PA Soft if you already have INPA?

 

It has a couple useful functions (like reading eeproms off various modules and changing vin on LCM), but generally no IMO. For most diagnostic tasks, INPA gives you more information, and for most coding tasks, NCS gives you more control.

 

I agree INPA/NCS will do more but BMW Scanner can be had now for $10-$20 on fleaBay. It is worth having both in your toolbox for that little of an investment.