MELO-R56 Posted September 10, 2021 Report Posted September 10, 2021 Hello all. I'm in the market for an OBDII scanner for my MINI. Wanted to see if anyone has any recommendations. I've seen there are some that are one unit as well as the ones that have a plug in dongle, and interface with your iPhone through an app. I'm open to suggestions and any personal experiences. Not sure if this would be possible, but I'd also like it to be able to perform between my 2 vehicles, my MINI and my VW Tiguan. Thoughts? -STEVE 2009 Mellow Yellow MCS, JCW Aero Package, JCW intake, JCW Steering Wheel, NM Engineering strut tower brace, Nvidia Q300 Cat Back Exhaust, ST XTA Coilovers, Madness Motorworks 22mm Adjustable Rear Sway Bar, GP2 Rear Diffuser, Powerflex front control arm bushings, R112 Black Challenge Wheels, Bridgestone Potenza Tires
TATTRAT Posted September 11, 2021 Report Posted September 11, 2021 Scangauge, UltraGauge and Torque are probably the big 3 out there that I can think of off top of my head. I have an UltraGauge in both of my vehicles and like them just fine for what I need. I know that they can be swapped between vehicles. Torque is an ok inexpensive option to check things out, clear codes and whatnot but it can be finicky in my experience. I know a lot of track people swear by Scanguage, but I have no first hand experience with them. flickr
Gearhead60 Posted September 15, 2021 Report Posted September 15, 2021 I use the Carly phone app with a Wi-Fi OBDII adapter. It works well for coding, but is somewhat limited. As far as diagnostic capabilities, it allows you to read codes, but doesn't give you much in the way of interpretation. I bought it mainly to be able to code on my Gen 3. 2017 F54 ALL4 Clubman S "Beer Wagon" Digital Blue Sport Package w/ LEDs & cornering lights, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Stealth Mode, 6-Spd. Manual Trans, Vegan Leather, Cravenspeed Short Shifter w/ Yoda Shift Cap, NM Engineering 25mm GT rear Swaybar & End Links, Chassis Bones Braces, Mirrors that fold w/ the push of a button, Spare Tire.
Spartacus Posted September 24, 2021 Report Posted September 24, 2021 I own and have tried many. For major issues, i use the BMW Factory ISTA clone setup. $500-600. It is the factory software and it is very detailed and it also gives you recommended repair procedures. But for >90% of the time I use a $60 Autel Ap200 with my iPhone. Carista is a toy for programming things like closing windows when you push your fey fob. (Worked on my X5) It is neat but not useful for real scan/debugging. The ISTA requires a windows laptop, a multiplexor, various cables and going thru hours of hacked software setup to get going. Its an awful lot to clear a code. The Autel Ap200 scans nearly as deep as the factory ISTA and you can keep it in your glove box. If you lose it, its only $60 to replace. I use it on all my BMW and Mercedes. As an example, it can scan to tell you how much ash is in your diesel particulate filter and then it can start a Regen cycle. It can scan the frequencies , transmit power, and actual PSI of individual tire pressure monitors. Autel is the real deal. The low end one that i use seems to use much of the same software as the expensive high end Autels. The high end ones can probably give you more advice on how to do the repair and they can probably code the part. But, for scanning AP200 is my vote. Car is German, scanner is German. Done. When you buy the Ap200, you can only pick one car brand. For a VW and BMW/Mini setup, you would need to buy a 2nd subscription or just buy a 2nd AP200. I bought two. One for BMW/Minis/ one for Mercedes. Check engine lights don't cause me anxiety. I look forward to getting an Autel scan. You want good engineering, but a german scan tool. You want cardboard and lies, buy a Fiat 500 and CarISTA. 1
