While bimmercode and bimmerlink have been discussed, I’ve been looking into a bluedriver app (and connector). Most recent-model cars are compatible with it. Since I own several vehicles, including a 2018 m4, it would be wonderful to use a single tool for all of them. Additionally, it appears to be much more powerful than bimmercode.
Not sure if the app is proprietary or if it can be used generically with other bluetooth OBD2 connectors, however it appears that BlueDriver requires a connection over bluetooth and uses its own OBD2 port. It also serves only as a diagnostic tool.
Bimmercode employs a Wifi or Bluetooth connection to code and change the parameters of the car. I did a ton of research before deciding on a Wifi connector. I haven’t yet used the other bimmerlink app’s diagnostics or any of its other capabilities.
I use the Vgate Wifi iCar2 OBDII Elm327 connector in my BMW for OBD2 scan/diagnostics apps that employ a wifi connection, but it is also incredibly versatile and flawlessly compatible with other OBD2 scan/diagnostics apps. I utilize a variety of apps and in various vehicles. I also use the Vgate in my 2017 Lexus IS with the Carista app (also free) to code or change parameters of certain settings in the car, and of course in my F80 M3 and old F30 335i for coding with bimmercode. I use the same Vgate with the OBD Car Doctor app (free) to get diagnostics and clear codes in my Subaru. To accomplish what you need (coding, diagnostics, etc.), you might need multiple apps; some apps might be more useful or tailored to a particular car, whereas another app might have different or superior features for use in a different car. Nevertheless, the connector itself is extremely versatile and can be used in any car.
If your cars do in fact use a proprietary connector that only connects with BlueDriver and not other apps, you might be stuck using BlueDriver and ONLY their app with it across all of your cars. But I could be mistaken; perhaps it’s more general than it seems. And it costs 99 dollars, which seems a bit exorbitant. I’m curious if anyone else has any opinions on whether or not it’s proprietary. However, the Vgate works wonders and has well beyond my expectations for all of my automobiles and a variety of needs. At only 22 dollars, I think it is completely worth it.
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Bluedriver
Our best pick for BMW scan tools is the Bluedriver. This powerful scanner is compatible with the majority of BMW models and Bluetooth-enabled devices for Android AND iPhone.
I’ll tell you the truth. Since we established this website, we’ve used a lot of OBD2 adapters, however there is one that we frequently use. a Bluedriver.
This adaptor outperforms all less expensive scanners in terms of dependability, speed, and code-pulling capacity. It uses Mode 6, pulls Enhanced codes, transmission codes, and Freeze Frame Data.
But don’t just take my word for it. More than 10,000 Amazon customers have endorsed this adaptor.
Pro tip: Enter your model and year on the Bluedriver website to see exactly what codes it gets for your BMW. cars that support Bluedriver
themishmosh
After having my car remote originally programmed, I’ve had Carly for a time. I think it functions quite well. incredibly helpful for both getting codes and coding. Before, after purchasing the app, you would have to pay extra for in-app upgrades like battery registration, but now that everything is included in the complete version, I think it’s a nice thing. Unquestionably, I would purchase the Carly adaptor. Other generic adapters might function properly, but why take a chance? The adapter has been proven to work with the app by the Carly team, and the app has even been used to upgrade the adapter’s firmware. MyCarly has never caused me any problems, thus I heartily recommend it.
2Shoes
Today I discovered that our bikes do not support the BlueDriver OBD reader. It will function on the majority of other new motorcycles. Why does BMW have to make things so damned difficult?
However, it functions flawlessly in my truck. I believe I’ll keep it on hand for fixing autos for friends and fixing my truck when it malfunctions. Actually, it has 400,000 miles on it.
Does Mercedes support BlueDriver?
Engine-level information can be obtained using a variety of diagnostic techniques. However, the majority of them overlook additional crucial features like ABS, airbags, climate control, etc. Since they improve your driving experience and/or safety, these systems should also be checked frequently.
Additionally, only few automobile brands are compatible with BlueDriver’s comprehensive diagnostics. There are many of these, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Nissan.
Winner: Both Bluetooth OBD2 scanners will be an excellent tool for you if you want complete access to comprehensive information on your car’s numerous systems!
Do all vehicles support BlueDriver?
What kinds of vehicles does BlueDriver support? On all cars manufactured in the US or Canada since 1996, BlueDriver can read Check Engine Light codes, provide code descriptions, and suggest potential repairs. Other BlueDriver features, such improved code reading, depend on the car or region.
Does BlueDriver support OBD fusion?
A really, incredibly close competitor of BlueDriver is OBD Fusion from OC Tech. This program is a steal if you want OBD scan functionality on your phone or tablet and is available for both iPhone and Android.
BlueDriver differs from OBD Fusion most significantly in compatibility and enhanced diagnostics. On a few models of cars, OBD Fusion supports features like airbag and ABS codes, but even if the models you work on are supported, you must buy the modules for each model year you intend to work on.
Although our test vehicle is part of the range mentioned, we were dismayed to discover that none of the added capabilities would function when we checked in the app. BlueDriver gets a point.
One of the original OBD scan applications was OBD Fusion, which is still among the best today. OBD Fusion was formerly known as Touchscan and is the name of OC Tech’s Windows software. Its ability to function with practically any OBD-II adaptor, including those with Bluetooth, USB, and Wi-Fi, gives it a significant advantage over BlueDriver. OBD Fusion supports essentially all of the outstanding adapter hardware manufacturers whose products are based on the ELM327 circuit.
The “universal” compatibility has advantages and disadvantages. There are a few hoops to jump through in order to connect to your adapter, and if you purchase a defective adapter that has issues or sporadic compatibility with the extended diagnostic options, it might be difficult to know where to begin seeking for a cure.
OBDLink gear, which OCTech advises and offers, virtually guarantees compatibility. In contrast to earlier generations, the new OBDLink MX+ even functions with Apple’s iOS devices. The drawback of this approach is that once you start adding extended diagnostic upgrades to OBD Fusion, you won’t be saving anything compared to the pay-once BlueDriver package.
If you wish to utilize a Bluetooth adapter for other apps, such Harry’s Lap Timer for track-day telemetry or Carista for modifications and expanded diagnostics on a car that is supported by that software, then we’d prefer OBD Fusion with an adapter like the Carista – Bluetooth adapter over BlueDriver. You may accomplish tasks that BlueDriver is unable to carry out by using a combination of all these adapters and applications, but it can be challenging to understand exactly how each one functions.
Is BlueDriver a two-way program?
It’s not far off from getting BlueDriver to the same standard as the fully functional, tethered scan tools. According to Browne, BlueDriver already has the potential to conduct bi-directional communication.
Can BlueDriver detect the temperature of a transmission?
While some OEM diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) can be read by BlueDriver(r), it is unable to read any OEM live parameters. With BlueDriver, it’s impossible to keep track of the transmission temperature, tire pressure, or any of the dozens of OEM characteristics.
Why is the red on my BlueDriver flashing?
While your BlueDriver is fully charged and communicates with your car, it isn’t connected to the phone app, as indicated by a flashing red light.
BlueDriver is able to clear codes.
If the car doesn’t notice that the problem is still there, the codes you clear will be reset and remain cleared.
The time it takes the car to identify a persistent problem might range from milliseconds (electrical problems, shorted wire), to days (emissions problems), but if the main cause is not fixed, the code will ultimately reappear.
Unfortunately, unless the necessary repairs are made, a code cannot be permanently cleared and cannot be prevented from recurring.
Do I require a BMW battery code?
Registration is necessary so that your vehicle is aware of the modified requirements and is able to adapt to the new battery settings. Otherwise, improperly coding your BMW battery could lead to a variety of electrical issues, including a reduction in battery life, the risk of overcharging or undercharging your battery, or, in the worst case scenario, serious harm to your car’s alternator and electrical system, which could cause your battery to fail before its time.
What kinds of electrical issues could there be? As a result of your automobile assuming that the battery life is low and attempting to conserve it, several modules of your BMW may turn off. So, at that time, it’s possible for your windows and mirrors to not close or open, your radio to not function, your interior lighting to not function, or other modules that are not required for starting or operating a car to fail.
Describe BMW ICOM.
You work on BMW and MINI vehicles at your own independent auto repair shop. With the BMW Online Service System, you may already be utilizing a pass-through tool that complies with the SAE J2534 standard, but you want a quicker tool to operate on the cars. If you’re just beginning to deal with these cars, you might be curious about the available tools. BMW ICOMs may already be familiar to you or you may already be using them, and you wish to order more equipment.
You will require the ICOM Next A gadget at the absolute least. This ICOM is the head that plugs into a car’s OBD port and communicates with your diagnosis and programming computer via the network. The device has a LAN connector that you can use to connect to your network, but it can also be accessed wirelessly.
The BMW-recommended interface for repairing BMW and MINI automobiles is called ICOM. The ICOM, which is specifically made for BMW and MINI automobiles, features strong processors and a lot of storage. With this, communication can happen more quickly than with a pass-through tool.
The most recent ICOM gadget, the Nexts, takes the place of earlier, retired variants. However, previous devices can still be utilized with the new ones. For instance, a new ICOM Next A will function with an older ICOM B.
The ICOM Next B and C are additionally offered. For communication with your workshop PC, each of these components are connected to the ICOM Next A. The vehicles you’re repairing will determine if you require the B and C.
The A’s OBD connector allows it to handle the most recent autos. A MOST connector is used to connect the ICOM Next B to cars. The outdated 20-pin connector is used to connect the ICOM Next C to cars.
These diagnostic and programming tools work with the ISTA programming and diagnostic software. Both ISPI Next and the BMW Online Service System, or OSS, are compatible with them.
These ICOMs are the same equipment that licensed BMW dealers utilize. When your order is processed, API International orders the parts directly from BMW.
The comprehensive on-site BMW diagnostic and programming environment is ISPI Next, which is fully supported.
The authorized BMW distributor for independent service facilities is API International. We deliver hardware that has been pre-configured for ISPI Next, perform installation and configuration on-site, and offer support through API’s Help Desk and Hot Swap Services.
To connect your Windows PC to BMW’s servers for car diagnosis and programming over the Internet, use the BMW Online Service System (OSS), a collection of software and web apps.