Hey all

So i was planning on buying a scangauge2 for my R53 but wanted to make sure that it can properly read the codes and clear them. Reason for being is that my check engine light just came on and I would like to knowthe code.

Question is why would they sell the OBD2 code reader (http://new.minimania.com/part/NME402...3-COOPER-AND-S) the same price of a scangauge if the scangauge can do so much more. Are there certain things the scangauge cannot do ?

thx

 

Scangauge can supposedly read codes, though I've never used it on the MINI, and it wasn't able to read the codes on my 1998 Subaru Legacy.
The scangauge will give you the code, but it won't tell you what it means and you'll need to go look it up somewhere.
For example it may say
"P0326"
but it won't say
"Knock Sensor 1 Circuit (Bank 1)"

My OBDII reader (Innova 3100a) will also provide eight other parameters which may (or may not) be helpful in diagnosing the code. FWIW, my code reader was about $100USD at a local auto parts store. It will read the codes, store them and the parameters so you can record them, and clear any existing codes.

My advice: If you're just looking to get a code read, many auto parts stores (in the US, anyway) will do that for free. It's a 'nice to have tool' IMO, and can reduce the pucker factor and worry if you can't get to a store in short order. Scangauge is nice as a set of gauges, but I can't comment as to how good it is at reading/setting as I've just defaulted to the code reader both times I got lights on the MINI. I have used the reader on several makes and models to reduce stress levels for friends.

Bonsoir

 

Borrowed a scanguage once...it DOES work as a ODB2 scanner...
I found the smaller screen to be a bit harder to use than the bigger screen obd2 that you can get for about $36 at Harbor freight...that having been said, the scanguage IS nice...many uses!!

 

Are there any scanners that will read the ABS, not just the CEL codes?

 

I was contemplating buying a scangauge2.......but for only a few bucks more I opted to go with a galaxy tab2 with a Bluetooth obd2 adapter.

I figure not only will this allow me to read codes and monitor engine data..... But I can also use it for media and navigation.

 

I think the MINI/BMW-specific tools will read all of the modules on the car. I have read elsewhere on this BBS about cars that throw codes that cannot be read by anything but the MINI-specific scanner.

I have my SG mostly for instrumentation. Having it read and/or clear codes, even if it isn't every possible code, is a bonus.

 

I have been running a Scangauge for 2 years with no issues. It will read and clear codes. All you have to do is look up the code online. The fact that you can see all other parameters makes it worth the money IMO.

 

I recently bought the Bentley manual so I have easy access to all the codes.

Do you have a link to the OBD2 scanner ?


So as I must understand the SC scans and clear codes just fine and the specific MINI OBD2 scanner i mostly just a scam to charge 160$ for a 40$ device which does essentially the same thing

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obd...enu-98568.html
Now showing $59
But with the coupons they mail out, etc, can get the price down more.
they have 3 generic ones...up to $119.00
but the cheapy has done it all. One cavat-you do have to LOOK UP the #, but with the internet and multiple MINI websites, it simple to print it, and keep it with the tool.
The Sacanguage DOES many things...folks DO mount it, and drive with it...it actually becomes a trip computer, an do speed, and calculate the real speed if you have non-standard tires/rims if you input the data.....It also can read data, such as water temps, etc...
So the scanguages DO give you more features for the cost!!
It has been stated that some MINI codes need a more specific scanner to clear, like some emmisions codes, but once the problem is fixed, the light will go out, and the code will be inactive.....
For the $$ the scanguage IS nice, but $$ is limited, and i would rather use $$ for something else!!

 

I love my scan gauge ...It reads the codes and can be used to reset.
I have it mounted under my switches and always connected set as 4 gauges (h2o temp, volt, boost and intake temp )
it can be used a a trip calculator .
When ever I do a mod I do a put it in "performance monitor" mode and do a before and after .

 

I agree with Zippy.
I have an SGII mounted in the MINI to give real time data and trip data. I have only had to use it once for a code but it is nice to see the code within seconds of the CEL.
Love the SGII and will probably have one in every car I drive (also have one full time in my Miata).
If you just want a code reader there are less expensive options.

 

thx for the responses ... i will definetly be buying a SCII now

 

I use http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Mini-ELM327-v1-5-OBD2-OBDII-Bluetooth-Adapter-Auto-Scanner-TORQUE-ANDROID-/290812437816?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item43b5c5a538&vxp=mtr with this and its seams to work well. It reads codes. Does it clear codes? I do not know never had any. Does it turn your cell phone into a boost gauge? YES....

 

I purchased a 16$ wifi obd2 plug and it connects to my iphone via REV which clears codes reads em, and can be used for a number of other monitors and it records data if you'd like it to

-B

 

OBD2 - bluetooth dongle ($22, can be found for less) plus Torque app for Android ($5) will read and clear codes. Plus it will display, graph, and datalog anything it can read from the ECU and the GPS in your phone, you can even generate custom graphs of any parameter vs any other. I have used it with my Mini, Acura, and Subaru. Way cheaper and more flexible than the Scan Gauge.

Most auto manufacturers have special codes or modules that can only be read by their proprietary special readers, this is usually detailed ECU, ABS or transmission codes. For example on my Acura I could read that there was a fault with one of the pressure switches for one of the transmission clutches but only the Acura reader could read the details and the actual pressure. Aftermarket readers (including ScanGauge) can generally only get the standardized codes, but usually that's all you need.