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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
There's been a lot of discussion on this in the past and there are fragments of this topic scattered across hundreds of pages of threads, but I thought it would be a great resource for noobs (myself included) if this was put in its own thread for easier research. If this thread already exists, my apologies and feel free to move it over.
So here's the topic: when it comes to scan tools for the MINI there's lots of info that I've come across in the past especially when working on my BMW 745Li where off-the-shelf brand scan tools don't effectively read or translate the BMW codes into the standard "P" codes and therefore end of inaccurately diagnosing an issue or just not picking up the code at all.
That being said, it wouild be great to hear from some of the vets on here what scan tools are most efficient and effective for the DIY types out there!
I think it would be helpful to have a couple categories to separate the EXPENSIVE "pro" tools from the more affordable garage-shop tools that most of us would be able to afford.
Any input on how to arrange more efficiently this thread would be welcome
Pretty much anything from Scantool.net. I've been using the inexpensive but perfectly functional OBDlink SX for years and it's good for anything code-related and also does reasonable datalogging. Assuming you have a windows laptop [anything from XP to 10], it's worth above and beyond its cheap $30 price.
I personally use AutoEnginuity Complete OBDII Diagnostic Tool and so do a good amount of members on here. The AutoEnginuity software has several different screens that allow you to monitor the system in real-time. You can output oxygen sensor voltages, engine RPM, coolant temperature, ignition timing advance, intake air temperature, or a host of other sensor values. The software allows you to capture and freeze the data or log it to your local hard drive. In addition to the full capabilities of the OBD-II scanning software, the AutoEnginuity package includes a neat tool call SpeedTracer. This utility allows you to estimate various performance characteristics of your MINI by monitoring the sensor output from the OBD-II computer. There's a lot more information about the tool at the link above including a tech article that shows you what it's capable of doing.
We just landed this Schwaben by Foxwell tool and it reads allot of things, I used it for ABS testing and it pulls and tells which side is bad. Also found allot of old stored codes for a dead battery in my R58 which is like a history lesson of the car, showed the faults in the climate control for the low battery. Unlike my Actron unit , which took a couple time, this read codes right of the bat. Pretty cool device and read much more. What it all preforms is listed in the Product Details on the item.
We just landed this Schwaben by Foxwell tool and it reads allot of things, I used it for ABS testing and it pulls and tells which side is bad. Also found allot of old stored codes for a dead battery in my R58 which is like a history lesson of the car, showed the faults in the climate control for the low battery. Unlike my Actron unit , which took a couple time, this read codes right of the bat. Pretty cool device and read much more. What it all preforms is listed in the Product Details on the item.
Used it on my R52 and R58, abs showed up to function on the R52 and R58 MINI, also will tell you which corner is bad, not functioning. Does not code alarms and lights ...etc as of right now. More of a very in-depth scan tool and troubleshoot tool as it can test functions and let you know if buttons and controls work. Like hall sensors in the convertible top, PDC, Dash lights, HVAC system, internal stored faualt codes ( don't through a CEL ), how many times my convertible top has been up / down . Etc.
its model specific and shows Gen 1 MINI R50 R52 R53 selections, Gen 2 R56+ and Gen 3 F56 already.
Does not do much coding right now, there will be a software update soon in march. Which should have more coding options. It can be updated through foxwell site.
I like the idea of being able to see if the buttons and controls work, I like even more that active development is underway.
Is there any in-depth reviews, that you know of? I can't seem to find any online.
We need to get it into the hands of a MINI Enthusiast (outside of ECS) that can give it a thorough 'shake down'....
I bought one, frustrated by the lack of documentation and reviews, and when I get it, I plan on reviewing it to save other people the worry. I hope my $200 was not wasted - at that price, I'm setting a high bar for my review.
I'll see when I get it. I will use it on an R50 and an R58.
Some of those tools dont do much, i have an actron and it does not find much, just CEL light codes, does not really even tell you a description, just P code.
The Schwaben tool I bought (from ECS) was quite capable. That's a looong time ago, though.
It still works fine on my fiance's '03, and it was great for my '12 and '13 Coupes. I do beleive it would read the P codes and it did have capability of performing maintenance diagnostics on the modules. Saved me several times and paid for itself.
I haven't looked lately though. No idea how it'd handle newer cars.
