OBDII Readers

[Pistom]

There seem to be several levels of kit.

At the bottom end, you get a simple scan tool which will give general engine codes and can be useful for basic diagnosis. £10-£50.
You can achieve similar with a bluetooth OBD connector linked to your phone running free apps.

Then there are the next level up which seem to go up to £200 which cover a wider range of functions and systems.

Up to £500 seems to cover a wider range of vehicles and systems.

Up to £2K - almost professional workshop level of equipment.


All I want to do right now is reset the BMS on a Mini when I fit a new battery which I could get done at Halfords for £20 but where's the fun in that? I need a man tool!!! But not sure what to get

[blank]

You could probably do that with a (decent) ELM327 dongle and the Deep OBD app.

An ELM327 dongle is capable of almost any diagnostic task on any control module, as long as it has the right app telling it what to do.

[Arnie Cunningham]

Agreed. It’s often about having a cheap but good elm327 and the right software.

[Pistom]

The difficulty is finding the right software.

[Arnie Cunningham]

For Audi, Skoda, VW, (Lambo & Porsche maybe too?) : VCDS
For Mazda & Ford : Forscan

[Pistom]

I've decided to go for a dedicated tool - I'm going to order a Foxwell NT530 as it seems to cover a lot of systems on the BMW/Mini. I was thinking of one that would cover more cars but for £200, I think I like the idea of a machine dedicated to a single make.