I think the Maxi Sys Pro and Maxi Sys Elite in regular scanner mode, data mode, and active tests communicate with the Maxi Flash Pro and Maxi Flash Elites in Blue Tooth mode , but when in J2534 programming mode with high Speed internet connection with downloaded files from Autel's Server within your update period for the 3 European car makes , BMW, Mercedes , and VW/ Audi , I believe the USB cable or BMW Ethernet cable may be required to don the programming . Same applies with using the Maxi Flash Pro/Elite off a Windows laptop with a purchased OE sub, it requires connecting J2534 with USB cable, does not work by blue tooth as far as I know.