Jean's BMW OBD2 Tools

March 24, 2025

Super ICOM N3+ and BMW ICOM A2 Which to Buy

The newerSuper ICOM N3 Pro+and the older BMW ICOM (A2/A3) are two devices widely used for diagnosing BMW vehicles. Below is a detailed comparison of these two models based on their connectivity, performance, and ease of use.

1. Hardware Design

Super ICOM N3:Featuring a USB port and OBD connector, the Super ICOM N3 is compact and modern. It includes adual heat dissipation system(fan and heat sink) and a one-key switch button for toggling between BMW ICOM software and J2534/DOIP modes, enhancing its versatility. The firmware version observed during testing was 1.52, suggesting it’s relatively up-to-date out of the box.
Older ICOM A2/A3:The older model uses an Ethernet port and a separate OBD connector, reflecting its dated design.It lacks wireless capabilities and additional features like J2534 or DOIP support, limiting its compatibility with newer vehicles and protocols.Its bulkier build also makes it less portable compared to the N3.

2. Connectivity

Super ICOM N3: Supportsboth USB and Wi-Ficonnections, offering more flexibility in terms of device compatibility and mobility.ThisnewermodelusesaUSBconnectionbydefault,makingitplug-and-playwithmodernlaptopsandtabletsrunningWindows10orearlierversionslikeWindows7.Additionally,itoffersawirelessmodewithaWi-Finetwork(SSID:N3+ICOM-****,password:123456789),allowingforcable-freediagnosticsonceconfigured.TestingshowedthattheSuperICOMN3connectsseamlesslyviaUSB,anditswirelessmodeactivatesautomaticallywhentheUSBcableisdisconnected,providingflexibilityinworkshopsettings.

Old BMW ICOM (A2/A3): Primarily relies on anEthernet connection, which can limit mobility and requires wired access.TheoldermodelreliesonanEthernetcableforconnectivity,whichrequiresmanualIPconfiguration(e.g.,endingin.33or.45)toestablishaconnectionwithtoolslikeI-ToolRadarorEasyConnect.Whilefunctional,thismethodcanbelessintuitiveandoccasionallyunreliable,asseenintestswherethedevicetooktimetoappearonthenetworkorrequiredpowercyclingtostabilize.

3.Ease of Configuration

Super ICOM N3: Has amore straightforwardconfiguration process, allowing users to connect via Wi-Fi without needing extensive setup.On a Windows 10 laptop, connecting via USB instantly registers the device in I-Tool Radar with an IP ending in .38 (e.g., 169.254.92.3 . Switching to wireless mode requires minimal setup—just connect to the N3’s Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Tests confirmed that locking and unlocking the device via Easy Connect worked flawlessly after adjusting the IP settings.

Old BMW ICOM: Requiresmanual IP configuration, and users may face connection delays when switching between devices.The Ethernet-based setup demands more effort. Users must access the laptop’s network adapter settings, right-click the Ethernet properties, and manually set an IPv4 address (e.g., ending in .33 or .45) to match the device. Testing revealed occasional delays or failures in detection, requiring patience or troubleshooting, such as disconnecting and reconnecting power.

4.Performance & Stability

Super ICOM N3: More stable in operation, with improved firmware that reduces connection dropouts and lag.
Old BMW ICOM: Can sometimes take longer to establish a connection, and users have reported intermittent connectivity issues.

5.Firmware & Updates

Super ICOM N3:Comes with updated firmware,reducing the need for frequent updates while ensuring compatibility with newer BMW models.
Old BMW ICOM: May requireperiodic firmware updates to stay functional,which can be cumbersome for users unfamiliar with the update process.

6. Software Compatibility

Super ICOM N3:Fully compatible with BMW’s latest diagnostic software (ISTA-D, ISTA-P, E-Sys),the N3 also supports J2534 and DOIP protocols, making it a multi-brand diagnostic tool for vehicles beyond BMW, such as Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen.the N3 is a versatile all-in-one tool for modern diagnostics.It can even replace an ENET cable for coding tasks, broadening its utility.Its firmware can be updated online via BMW’s official servers, ensuring long-term relevance.
Older ICOM A2/A3:Limited to Ethernet and BMW-specific diagnostics, it’s less adaptable to newer vehicles or non-BMW brands, making it a narrower tool in today’s diverse automotive landscape. It lacks native support for J2534 or DOIP, restricting its use to older BMW models with OBDII or earlier diagnostic ports. Firmware updates are possible but less streamlined compared to the N3.

7. Performance and Stability

Super ICOM N3:Testing showed consistent performance across both wired and wireless modes. The device appeared instantly in I-Tool Radar via USB, and wireless connectivity remained stable after initial setup.Its active cooling likely contributes to reliability during prolonged use.

Older ICOM A2/A3:The Ethernet connection worked but was less reliable,with blinking indicators in I-Tool Radar and occasional detection issues. Power cycling or waiting improved connectivity, but this inconsistency could disrupt workflows, especially on time-sensitive tasks.

Practical Insights from Testing
During hands-on testing, the Super ICOM N3 outperformed the older ICOM A2/A3 in ease of use and connectivity. On a Windows 10 laptop, the N3’s USB connection was plug-and-play, requiring only minor IP adjustments in Easy Connect (from .33 to .3 to lock/unlock the device. Its wireless mode was a game-changer, enabling diagnostics without cables after a simple Wi-Fi setup. Conversely, the older ICOM A2/A3 demanded more fiddling—Ethernet IP settings had to be manually aligned (e.g., .45 or .33), and detection wasn’t always immediate, even with power supplied via OBD.
The older model worked reliably once connected, but its dependency on Ethernet and lack of wireless support felt outdated. The Super ICOM N3, with its modern features and stable performance, proved more practical for real-world use, especially for technicians needing flexibility across multiple vehicles and software platforms.

Conclusion
The Super ICOM N3 emerges as the superior choice over the older BMW ICOM A2/A3 for most users. Its USB and wireless connectivity, ease of setup, and broader protocol support make it a forward-looking tool suited for modern BMW diagnostics and beyond. The older ICOM A2/A3, while still functional for legacy BMW models, struggles with cumbersome Ethernet setup and limited versatility, making it less competitive in 2025’s automotive repair landscape.
For professionals or enthusiasts planning to work on a range of BMW vehicles—or even other brands—the Super ICOM N3 is the clear winner. However, if you’re solely maintaining older BMWs and already own an ICOM A2/A3, it may still suffice with some patience. Future testing on cars with E-Sys and ISTA configurations will further highlight the N3’s capabilities, but based on this comparison, it’s a worthy upgrade.

Choosing between the two depends on the user’s needs: if mobility, modern OS compatibility, and wireless connectivity are priorities, theSuper ICOM N3+ Prois the way to go.

http://blog.obdii365.com/2025/03/23/super-icom-pro-n3-vs-bmw-icom-a2-2/

Posted by: jean at 07:26 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 928 words, total size 13 kb.

Hide Comments | Add Comment