AaronBalto
AaronBalto Reader
2/14/18 11:38 a.m.

I haven't bought one of these things in years, but I find myself staring down a CEL and need to do something.

It seems that there are a lot of new toys available that take advantage of the OBDii port, many of which seem to have a lot of cool functions and connect to a smartphone via bluetooth.

Any recommentations for a scanner out there? Vehicles in the fleet at this point are a 2003 Odyssey, a 2016 MINI, and a 2008 Z4 Coupe. (The 1953 MG is too cool for CEL problems.) Also, prefer something that works with iPhone if we are going in the smart-phone linked direction. Don't start with me about Android...

I don't intend to get a lot of use out of this, so cheaper is better. 

Thanks!

 

Stefan
Stefan MegaDork
2/14/18 11:53 a.m.

ELM327 wifi OBD2 dongle from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Foseal-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1518630651&sr=1-4&keywords=ELM327+wifi

OBDFusion app from Apple App Store:

https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/obdfusion

Done.

You can buy a cheap standalone OBD2 scanner for similar money and its generally good enough to get the codes you need to begin troubleshooting.

All that said, I would be wary of the Bavarians in your fleet (not just because they are Bavarian, but they can be problematic) since they can have extra functions available via their OBD2 port that are only available on BMW scanners. 

 

BoxheadCougarTim
BoxheadCougarTim MegaDork
2/14/18 11:58 a.m.

I have a GoPoint BT1 that works well with my iPhone, but I don't think they make it anymore. There's also a basic free app that comes with the adapter.

I haven't tried OBDFusion - probably should. I've used DashCommand and that also seemed to work OK on my Mini and on the RX8.

As Stefan mentioned, the usual apps or code readers can't deal with manufacturer-specific extended codes, so that's something to be aware of.

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH MegaDork
2/14/18 1:25 p.m.
Stefan said:

ELM327 wifi OBD2 dongle from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Foseal-Scanner-Adapter-Diagnostic-Android/dp/B00W0SDLRY/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1518630651&sr=1-4&keywords=ELM327+wifi

OBDFusion app from Apple App Store:

https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/obdfusion

Done.

Keep in mind you only need a WiFi dongle for use with iOS devices, everything else uses Bluetooth.

Edit: Oh I see you live inside the walled garden cheeky

elsoke
elsoke New Reader
6/16/19 2:05 a.m.

Just find this post on Google. I was reading best obd2 scanners review from here Best OBD2 Scanner 2019(Beginner to Advanced Scanners List).  I have found a list of the best scanner. But, a new question has come in my mind! I want to buy a new scanner for my BMW. Which will be better? Bluetooth scanner like BlueDriver or physical scanner like Autel MD802? I am not sure what is the difference between them(physical and Bluetooth scanner).

sleepyhead the buffalo
sleepyhead the buffalo Mod Squad
6/16/19 4:02 a.m.

In reply to elsoke :

Good question... I think it depends on if you have a roofrack-mounted canoe... which might cause interference.

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