Last Updated on March 29, 2025
Ancel is a reputable brand in the automotive diagnostics industry, known for producing reliable and user-friendly OBD2 scanners. Their tools are popular among both DIYers and professional mechanics due to their affordability, functionality, and ease of use.
In this article, we’ll compare two of Ancel’s most popular models — the Ancel BM700 and Ancel BM500 — both specially designed for BMW vehicles from 1998 to 2019. So if you’re trying to decide between Ancel BM500 vs BM700, this in-depth comparison will help you find the right scanner for your BMW diagnostics needs.
Ancel BM500 vs BM700: Core Feature Comparison
| Feature | Ancel BM500 | Ancel BM700 |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Vehicles | BMW/MINI/Rolls-Royce (1998–2019) | BMW/MINI/Rolls-Royce (1998–2019) |
| OBD2 Functions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Read/Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Live Data & Freeze Frame | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| One-Click I/M Readiness Key | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Vehicle Info Retrieval (VIN, CID) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Emission Readiness Test | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Voltage Monitoring | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| TPMS Reset & Services | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| DPF Regeneration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Injector Coding | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| EGS (Transmission) Adaptation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| SAS (Steering Angle Sensor) Calibration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| O2 Sensor Test | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| CAN Bus Compatibility | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Display | TFT Color Display | TFT Color Display |
| Speaker for Audible Alerts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Software Updates | ✅ Lifetime Free | ✅ Lifetime Free |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 7/8/10 | Windows 7/8/10 |
| Connection Type | USB (via car port) | USB (via car port) |
| Size (Approx.) | 9.13 x 6.38 x 1.54 in | 6.1 x 4 x 1.2 in |
| Weight | 12.6 oz | 20.8 oz |
| Portability | ✅ Lightweight & Compact | ✅ Lightweight & Compact |
| User Level | Beginner to Intermediate | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Pricing | Check Today’s Price | Check Today’s Price |
As you can see, the BM700 offers more advanced functions, making it ideal for users who need deeper diagnostics, while the BM500 remains a solid budget-friendly option for basic code reading and clearing.
Is Ancel a Good OBD2 Scanner Brand?
Yes — Ancel is a trusted name when it comes to automotive diagnostic tools. They offer a wide range of products, including:
- TPMS tools
- Auto-lock card readers
- OBD2 CAN code readers
- Diagnostic reset tools
All their products come with a 1-year warranty and 24/7 customer support, available via phone or email — ensuring help is always available, no matter where you are.
Ancel focuses on producing high-quality, affordable tools using durable components. Each scanner is tailored to meet specific customer needs, and today, we’ll focus on two of their bestsellers: the BM500 and BM700.
Comparison: Autophix 7910 vs. ANCEL BM700 vs. Foxwell NT510
Ancel BM700 BMW Scanner – Quick Overview
The Ancel BM700 is a feature-rich diagnostic tool that stands out for its ease of use, portability, and deep diagnostic capabilities. It’s especially popular in the U.S., Europe, and Asia due to its compatibility and efficiency.
🔧 Key Features of the BM700:
- Reads and clears trouble codes (DTCs)
- Supports DPF regeneration, injector coding, EGS adaptation, and SAS calibration
- Displays freeze frame and live data
- Checks emission readiness and battery status
- Compatible with OBD2 systems on BMWs from 1998–2019
- Small and portable — easy to carry and store
Even if you’re a beginner, this device is easy to navigate. It connects to the car via USB and uses physical buttons for control. The battery status monitoring feature is especially useful, along with other functions like power supply check, audio system diagnosis, power steering status, and engine brake control.
It’s not just a code reader — the BM700 can also clear OBD2 monitoring data from memory, and help monitor engine performance and emissions.
The scanner comes with:
- 1 × Ancel BM700 OBD2 Scanner
- 1 × User manual (clear and beginner-friendly)
📘 The included manual guides users through resetting systems, reading codes, and fixing common issues — making this an excellent tool for BMW owners looking for DIY diagnostic solutions.
Ancel BM500 Mini BMW Scanner Review
After covering the BM700, let’s now dive into the Ancel BM500, a compact and reliable OBD2 scanner primarily designed for BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles from 1998 to 2019.
The Ancel BM500 supports CAN bus protocol and features a user-friendly interface with a TFT color display and built-in speaker for sound alerts. One of its standout features is the one-click I/M readiness key, which allows users to quickly check emissions status.
Ancel consistently focuses on delivering high-quality diagnostic tools that cater to both beginners and professionals. The BM500 is a great example of this, offering essential features in a compact and budget-friendly package.
With this scanner, users can:
- Quickly perform road tests
- Review emissions readiness
- Access PCM data stream, freeze frame data, and more
- Turn off the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
- Easily spot engine-related issues using color-coded alerts
The BM500 is plug-and-play, powered directly through the vehicle’s OBD2 port — no internal battery or charging is needed. It also includes lifetime free software updates, allowing you to keep your tool current without extra cost.
Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to store and carry, especially for BMW owners who need a handy diagnostic tool on the go.
Similarities Between Ancel BM700 and BM500 Scanners
Both scanners are designed specifically for BMW OBD2 vehicles and share many core features:
| Feature | BM500 | BM700 |
|---|---|---|
| OS Compatibility | ✅ Windows 7/8/10 | ✅ Windows 7/8/10 |
| Lifetime Free Updates | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Full OBD2 Diagnosis | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Read/Clear Trouble Codes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| One-Touch I/M Readiness Key | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Freeze Frame Data | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Live Data Display | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| View Vehicle Information | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Powered via OBD2 Port | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Portable & Lightweight | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
These similarities make both scanners ideal for DIY diagnostics, especially if you’re working with BMW or MINI vehicles and want something reliable and easy to use.
Ancel BM700 vs BM500: Key Differences
While they share many core functions, a few important differences set these two models apart:
📏 Size and Portability
- BM500 Dimensions: 9.13 × 6.38 × 1.54 inches
- BM700 Dimensions: 6.1 × 4 × 1.2 inches
➡️ BM500 is slightly larger, but both are compact enough for easy handling.
⚖️ Weight
- BM500: 12.6 ounces
- BM700: 20.8 ounces
➡️ BM500 is lighter, making it a bit more convenient for mobile use.
💰 Price and Budget
- If your budget is under $100, the BM500 is a great entry-level option.
- If your budget is around or over $150, the BM700 offers more advanced features.
➡️ BM700 is more expensive, but provides functions like injector coding, DPF regeneration, TPMS, and EGS adaptation.
🔧 Advanced Diagnostics
- BM700 supports oxygen sensor monitoring, SAS calibration, and other advanced functions.
- BM500 focuses on core diagnostics but lacks advanced service features.
✅ Conclusion: Ancel BM500 or BM700? Which Ancel Scanner Should You Choose?
Both the Ancel BM500 and BM700 are great tools for BMW owners, offering accurate diagnostics, ease of use, and free lifetime updates.
- Choose the BM500 if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight scanner with essential diagnostic capabilities.
- Choose the BM700 if you need advanced service functions, such as injector coding, TPMS, DPF regen, and EGS adaptation.
Either way, you’re getting a high-quality scanner from a trusted brand with excellent customer support. Plus, both models are Windows-compatible, easy to update, and perfect for home mechanics or car enthusiasts.
In the end, the choice between Ancel BM500 vs BM700 comes down to your budget and diagnostic needs—both are solid tools, but the BM700 offers more advanced features for professional-level scanning.