Car Code Reader

[newpersn]

Hi all,

 

Looking for a code reader that i can plugin to my wife's car so i can see running details. (Injectors data etc.....)

 

Her car is a 57 BMW X3 (If that helps)

 

Anyone have any ideas what code reader is best?

[Andycat]

WiFi/Bluetooth dongle, or a wired scanner?

 

Carista works well as a general one, with a free months trial of all features then subscription. Dongle that connects to phone. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carista-Bluetooth-OBD2-Adapter-App/dp/B00YVHGTBM

 

I have a VW, so have the full VCDS laptop business, but that's £200 and VAG specific.

 

My dad has just bought a £20 scanner for his Vitara off ebay that actually works fine.

 

Best bet is to find a model specific forum or Facebook group, and they'll tell you the best to get.

[bossman]

@newpersn

 

Check this out:https://www.youcanic.com/guide/bmw-obd2-scanners

 

Best Scanner: https://www.amazon.com/FOXWELL-Automotive-Transmission-Diagnostic-Functions/dp/B019QCG5RE

 

Good luck.....

Edited November 15, 2018 by bossman

[LeMarchand]

I'd be tempted to buy a cheapo bluetooth one from eBay and work your way through the free phone apps. In my experience some of the apps have feature X crippled unless you pay, whilst others haven't but cripple feature Y.

 

That said, the 3 cars I've used it on haven't exactly been in the BMW league and my phone is Windows 10 Mobile!

[Dave_G]

I'd be tempted to buy a cheapo bluetooth one from eBay and work your way through the free phone apps. In my experience some of the apps have feature X crippled unless you pay, whilst others haven't but cripple feature Y.

 

This is what I use, in conjuctuion with the Torque App (which was around £2.75 when I bought it).

 

Plus if you install the Torque Scan add-on, you can see the raw values of all the available sensors.

[MatthewL]

My friend who as a BMW has one of these, you need the correct app on your phone for it to work but you can unlock hidden features. The one he had you had to buy credits for but there are others out there and can turn on other things not available in the UK and can run diagnostics etc.