When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
I'm looking for the best scanners for my 2006 JCW cabriolet (R52).
Wants:
1. Must be able to read AND reset error codes in the convertible top.
2. Must be able to read AND reset all the usual drivetrain error codes.
3. Wireless
4. Compatible with iPhone 5S and iPad 3.
Nice to haves:
5. Realtime displays of RPM's, temps, etc., etc.....
6. Ability to reprogram various convenience related functions.
7. Have features for tracking speed, acceleration/braking forces, and other performance data for track use.
Don't skimp on the adapter!! - I use $99 OBDLink MX, Android+Bluetooth. Apple is funny about Bluetooth and prefers WiFI so check if your adapter will work.
Mini won't make all error codes available & probably not chassis (top) and drivetrain. Not sure.
SW is easy to get & usually cheap too.Most SW will be able to view and reset standard error codes and most have some realtime displays and various performance data for track use.
I use Dashcommand (highly customizable). Torque is another that's popular.
Carly is the only one I know that has the ability to reprogram various convenience related functions.
I use dashcommand as well, however I have a $30 elm327 adapter. Not sure why Mike says don't skimp, works like a charm. Lot of companies are up charging and making a fortune on the same adapters with a fancy name and label.
I've used a inexpensive $30 adapter and an expensive $120 OBDLink WIFI. The OBDlink will get slightly higher scan rates, useful when datalogging but it also tends to lose connection and just turn off. The cheap one was minimally slower but infallible and never lost connection.
For $200 you could get ECS's new scan tool. Does pretty much everything you could want. I know it's not what you said you're looking for, but it's priced pretty low for the functionality it has.
+1 sevin , I like the schwaben tool as it does show and test all the hall sensors and functions of the Convertible top. Great for an R52. Also can read allot of stored codes that normal OB2 scanner cannot read. Reads body , chassis, and convertible top codes, also HVAC, Stereo, and can clear and reset oil , service, and others. Does BMW and Rolls Royce also. Also does F56+. Can be updated also as new updated are released by foxwell.
Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation! That may be exactly what I need. It would be nice to get something that would work with my iPhone or iPad, but heck, those apps and dongles are pretty cheap and I could always get one of those as well. My main interest at this point is to get the top codes read so I can fix the darn thing. The weather's getting nice here in California again and I'm itchin' to put the top down.
Well, I ordered the Schwaben tool. We'll see how it works. If it does, it's a bargain at 200 dollars. My local shop want's 125 dollars for a full scan of my car. So, factoring that in, I've only paid about 75 bucks for the Schwaben after I use it once.
In addition to confirming that it will read any convertible top error codes, they also said that I can alter those programmable convenience features that BMW/Mini has in their cars.
Now all I need is a good alternative to the stock header/flex coupler/CAT. Mine is dying and the best price I've found for a factory unit is just a bit over 1000 dollars through my shop (BR Racing in Los Gatos).
I know there are some aftermarket units available for about the same price, and they also have the threaded bosses for the sensors, but strictly speaking, they aren't California compliant. I wonder if they would work, though, as far as smog testing is concerned. It would be nice to get a new setup that passes smog testing AND gets me another 10 HP or so.
Yes, it activates the ABS. You should see the section on the screen. I saw it when i hooked it up to my R52. Its used when you get air or when you replace a line or parts directly on the ABS and it needs pulsated. You could test it out. Just be sure the tank if full on your Master cylinder. Don't want to pull in air if its really low.
Yes, it activates the ABS. You should see the section on the screen. I saw it when i hooked it up to my R52. Its used when you get air or when you replace a line or parts directly on the ABS and it needs pulsated. You could test it out. Just be sure the tank if full on your Master cylinder. Don't want to pull in air if its really low.
What kind of cost are we looking at for updates, and can this scan tool be used on any mini/bmw, or is it limited to one car per unit?
No, unlimited use and BMW/MINIs, also will scan many other makes through the OBD2 side icon. So it will read codes, but not manufacturer specific codes or test function.
18month of free updates. After that, updates are $60.00 per year also done thru Foxwell on their site portal.
No, unlimited use and BMW/MINIs, also will scan many other makes through the OBD2 side icon. So it will read codes, but not manufacturer specific codes or test function.
18month of free updates. After that, updates are $60.00 per year also done thru Foxwell on their site portal.
Question: When was the last update for the R53?
FYI:I purchased my unit through you guys....
02-07-2016, 12:22 PM
