What OBD2 scanner are you using?

[the_worrier]

I need an OBD2 scanner to check & clear faults, trigger a DPF clean, change manufacturer-specific settings, etc.

I had a Carly thing but I don't want to pay £6-9/month x 12 in one go for functionality.

What scanner would you recommend with a good balance between price and function? No 'this one is £2000 but it is the best' type comments, pls. I'm talking home-user price point.

 

[radderfire]

It's worth mentioning what car you will be using it on most, as the best for you will depend on this.

 

[Armageus]

What Car is it? as that will make a difference to people's recommendations.

E.g. for BMW, you want a Bimmerlink compatible adapter, Ford - Forscan, VW - VagCOM or OBDEleven etc

 

[Resident]

I use vLinker FS USB cable when connecting the laptop & I'm looking at the vLinker FD+ (bluetooth) for a more mobile option. However these are just connectors.

Software wise, for generic usage I've always gone TorquePro. It'll read and clear most faults though manufacturer specific modules can be missed, ie in my case it can't read my parking assist module.

If you're looking for those manufacturer specifics then you'd need to look at their specific softwares

Off the top of my head:

VAG - VAGCOM
BMW - Bimmercode
Ford - Forscan

 

[the_worrier]

Car is an F31 330d. Pre-LCI, 2015.

 

[SupraWez]

I have cheap Streetwize LCD Scanner from EuroCarParts for quick code checks and clearing.

Also have an Autel MK808BT Pro for more in-depth checks and tests, it does support some programming functions but make / model specific.

 

[Armageus]

Car is an F31 330d. Pre-LCI, 2015.

Can't go wrong with Bimmerlink (For Diagnostics) / Bimmercode (for coding) then:

BimmerLink - The direct link to your BMW or MINI.

www.bimmerlink.app

list of compatible adapters is here:

BimmerCode for BMW and Mini - Supported adapters

bimmercode.app

 

[SupraWez]

Anything similar for Mercedes?

 

[Armageus]

Anything similar for Mercedes?

I've no experience of it but looks like

https://www.mbito.app/

 

[SupraWez]

Thanks, looks like they can apparently enable Apple Car Play.

 

[the_worrier]

Can't go wrong with Bimmerlink (For Diagnostics) / Bimmercode (for coding) then:

BimmerLink - The direct link to your BMW or MINI.

www.bimmerlink.app

list of compatible adapters is here:

BimmerCode for BMW and Mini - Supported adapters

bimmercode.app

If I buy one of these do I need a paid for subscription?

 

[Armageus]

both Bimmerlink and Bimmercode were one off purchases from the Google Play store last time I checked

 

[ver01@]

Using Autel for the Mercedes as it doesn't have a monthly subscription/charge and getting unlimited updates. There is a monthly change if you want to add another manufacturer.

 

[the_worrier]

UniCarScan UCSI-2100 Bluetooth ordered. Bimmerlink is £40. Think Bimmercode is £50 for full functionality.

 

[bobuk]

I have a topdon, it has the same software as a launch, does most things ie eng man, srs, abs, live readings and free updates for life, found it to be really good and got it for under a £100 which it would probably cost you now to take it to a garage for the most basic diagnostics.

 

[IC3]

Car is an F31 330d. Pre-LCI, 2015.

Enet Cable + ISTA - there's no substitute for dedicated software IMHO. I would throw into the mix BimmerTool Expert App , if you've a Samsung Phone (or other phone that lets you set a static IP) you can use a enet cable with a ethernet to usb c dongle, or just get a WiFi OBD2 Dongle.

In the car I've a Veepeak BLE+ Dongle and Enet Cable + Ethernet to USB C adapter.