1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Best ODB2 Scanner?....

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  1. martinb

    martinb New Member

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    #5 martinb, Feb 9, 2016
    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.

    https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-by-foxwell-parts/professional-bmw-mini-scan-tool/014020sch01a~scf/

    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.
     
  2. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #6 BlimeyCabrio, Feb 9, 2016
    I'm interested in hearing how that works out for you. I've looked at that tool, if it does everything they say it does, I'll buy one. Even though I have two PC-based BMW scan tools and three generic OBD scanners, it would be really nice to have a self-contained portable unit that could do everything...
     
  3. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

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    #19 fishmonger, Nov 1, 2018
    I'd hook up the laptop, but to get there you need to jump through a lot of R53 software gotchas to get that all working. Plus, it's poorly written software from way back, so even when it's working, the "how to use it part" isn't really that well documented.

    Before I got my laptop working, I bought a scan tool that can do things like reset airbag codes and other silly stuff, but I found it clumsy. It did the job, but it took a lot of button pushing.

    https://www.amazon.com/Creator-C310-Diagnostic-Scanner-Airbag/dp/B071R5RD57
     
  4. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    #20 Sully, Nov 18, 2018
    Are you referring to the BavTech unit? I.e. older software and a little confusing?
     
  5. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    #22 Sully, Nov 19, 2018
    Yea I was afraid of that. I have to keep a old version of Windows around for my 88M5 software.. specifically XP. :(
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #25 Dave.0, Nov 20, 2018

    Amazon is your friend when you just need a cheap battery for an old laptop. :rolleyes::D
     
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  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #31 Dave.0, Nov 21, 2018

    Hope you get home safe and sound.
     
  8. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #35 MCS02, Nov 30, 2018
    WOW a blast from the past. Kind of like.........

     
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  9. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #36 Dave.0, Nov 30, 2018

    ThinkPads never die !
     
  10. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    #37 Sully, Dec 1, 2018
    I know - those were great machines. Still taking updates. Lol.. o_O
     
  11. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #2 BlimeyCabrio, Feb 8, 2016
    All I know about are the ones I've used.

    I'm not familiar with any wireless units that will do what you're looking for.

    The only things I'm sure will read and clear the various modules including the CVM are: AutoEnginuity, Bavarian Technic, and the BMW factory tool INPA. I have and use AutoEnginuity and INPA.
     
  12. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

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    #3 fishmonger, Feb 8, 2016
    the thing about resetting codes - they usually come back unless you actually fix stuff. Those that aren't important codes clear themselves after an ignition cycle without a fancy reset tool. I never had to clear a code on my Mini and on my truck, those I cleared always came back until I did some surgery.

    I use Torque for Android and it can do everything on your list except #4 and 6. Tons of add-ons available for track use, camera overlays, etc. I don't think they make an iOS version, but there are a number of similar apps out there. one quick search and I found this and there are a number of related apps.

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dashcommand-obd-ii-gauge-dashboards/id321293183?mt=8
     
  13. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #4 DneprDave, Feb 8, 2016
    Though not applicable for series one cars, I thought I'd add this for completeness.

    I have a Cobb Access Port for my series two MINI. Besides reprogramming the ECU, it also reads all the proprietary codes and works as a data logger.

    I have occasionally had the odd code pop up and I've just deleted it with the AP. 99% of the time, they don't come back. It's a good tool.
     
  14. martinb

    martinb New Member

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    #7 martinb, Feb 10, 2016
    I'll let you know. It may arrive by this Friday. I hope.
     
  15. CarlB

    CarlB Active Member

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    #8 CarlB, Feb 10, 2016
    I am very interested to hear how you like this tool. The web site says they do all the things the expensive tools do. One interesting test might be to see if you can pulse the ABS unit. You need to do that to bleed the brakes correctly.
     
  16. martinb

    martinb New Member

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    #9 martinb, Feb 11, 2016
    (Post from thread about my top): Well, I got my Schwaben scan tool and, unfortunately, it did not show any error codes in the convertible top. Both control modules checked out fine. So, since I am hearing a click in the back when I press the top down or up button (likely the relay supplying current to the sunroof motor), I'm thinking that there's some break in the circuit between the relay and the sunroof motor. That's going to be the first thing I look at. I'll check for current at the connector when I press the button and will likely also jumper power to the sunroof motor directly from the battery. That way I'll know if the sunroof motor works. If no power to the motor, then I'll start tracing things back. It may be as simple as a broken wire like the one I found going to my rear hatch release. One would think that the wiring would hold up longer than that, but I do use the top a lot.

    More info: The Schwaben tool looks to be well made and thought out. I haven't tried pulsing the ABS unit, but perhaps this weekend I'll try that. I did try activating the rear catches for the top and that worked just fine. And I tried activating the rear backup warning beeper just for the heck of it and it, too work fine. So it would seem that this scan tool has a fair amount of capability. If there are other things you'd like me to check for besides being able to activate the pump, let me know.
     
  17. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    #10 00Mini, Feb 11, 2016
    Sounds like a winner so far.
     
  18. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #11 BlimeyCabrio, Feb 11, 2016
    That does sound very, very good. Maybe ECS will put them on sale sometime...
     
  19. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

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    #12 fishmonger, Feb 11, 2016
    now why would you want your car to sound like a UPS truck when backing up? :confused5: Pops and burbles are ample warning sound in my book.
     
  20. Zuffen

    Zuffen New Member

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    #13 Zuffen, Feb 13, 2017
    First post here,
    Would you know if this tool will clear the P2096 code? Long Term Fuel Trim settings. I know that the Bavarian Technik will do it but have not pulled the trigger on that tool as it requires a PC and works on one car/VIN only. I have a 2006 R53 JCW and need a reset to see if my "leak" has been corrected after replacing with new intercooler boots and valve cover breather tube. Thanks in advance.
     
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