I have spent several minutes searching the forum but have not hit upon the correct search terms to find what I am looking for, so I'm sure I'm repeating an often asked question.
I have a decent ELM327 type OBD2 to USB adapter which works great with Forscan on my Ford truck. I know it is not a fully featured bidirectional solution but for a shadetree mechanic it does the job. My daughter just bought a used Mini, promptly filled up with 87 octane and got a CEL. Of course Forscan is useless but the really sad 'OBDWiz' software that came with the adapter was good enough to read the codes and see what the issue was and teach her she needs to use hi-test gas.
This has got me wondering about better software, which is what I was trying to search the forum for. I have also been internet searching in general and found that there are some cheap/crap choices and some more expensive choices. But, if I'm going to spend $150 on SW is a cheap scan tool a better choice? I do like the USB adapter though as I can hook it up to my Surface and record data whilst driving is needed, etc.
If you're asking about an all make/model/year version of Forscan I don't think one exists. Not possible to develop one for an ELM327 adapter because it can't access a lot of the O.E. networks. AutoEnginuity do make what it sounds like you want but it's $1,500 with euro.
Auto ingenuity is the one that comes to mind for me too. It would be cool to have something like forescan for other makes but all module access for free is just not out there and bidirectional controls start at like $700.
At work I have the factory scan tool, my launch scanpad, but also use a bluetooth dongle and my phone with torque pro. I have each screen customized with the info I want to see, so it's quick to set up and use. TST seminars has some good, and long, training videos on how much you can do with global obd2 for engine diag.
I'm gonna check out toad now that you mentioned it too.
Side note - you mentioned you used the search function. I often forget that it's even an option because this isn't the type of forum that will roast you for asking a question that may have been asked before like they do in single make forums.
It sounds like it's geared towards option changing more than diagnosis, but the functions seem to be there. I've always wanted to try it, but never could justify the cost when I have other scan tools that work well enough.
JeffBirt wrote: Anyone used the 'TOAD' ODB2 software?
Again, always wanted to. The marketing makes it sounds like God's gift, but I can't see it being as powerful as they claim.
What year of Mini. BMW MINI connectivity very much depends on year & model on early BMW MINI cars it was a case of using a VW KKL adaptor and linking pins 7 to 8 and using INPA software. But you will more likely need a D-Can cable with built in switch to link the pins .
The alterntive is to buy something like the Autel AP200 a poweful bluetooth diagnostic tool. I use this but this tool and and software module are not bidirectional. I have one and use it regularly.
There are also the Thinkdaig which is baaed on manufacturer modules from the Launch X431
There are other options something from the lower end of the Launch (I love my Launch Diagun) or Autel range or the one make BMW scanners from iCarSoft
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
Last edit: 4 years 9 months ago by Andy.MacFadyen.
Thanks. What I was after was a better/decent OBD2 software than came with the USB adapter I got about 4 years or so ago. I found that the TOAD software was on sale, and had OK reviews so for $77 I bought it yesterday.
It looks to actually be the same program as the OBD-Wiz that came with my adapter but TOAD is fully functional and the SW that came with the adapter is hobbled. I did not have enough chance to really try it out in any sense, I guess I can try it on my truck and compare it to Forscan (though I know that TOAD cannot do all Forscan does for Fords.)
My daughter brought her 2011 Mini Countryman over tonight and the code for the cylinder 4 misfire (P0304) was no longer set. She had put hi-test gas in it since last time she was over and has now learned that lesson. Get a fancy little sports car and you have to buy the more expensive gas. Actually the hardest part was figuring out how to get the car in Key On Engine Off - plug the fob into the dash, push it back, press start without foot on brake.
My SD Premium membership and the investment in the book has been a great deal. The first time she came over I was able to look at fuel trims, etc. and see there was not a big problem and make an educated guess that it was due to the 87 octane gas causing a random misfire. So, for someone who likes to turn their own wrenches a SD Premium membership is cheaper than a diagnostic fee and you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself. So I guess it is really a bargain for all you learn.
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