Good Mini Scanner that doesn't break the bank
 

I'm new to minis but I found this scanner and it seems to work really well. It's a Creator C310+. Thought I'd share this review of it for others here. It's pretty cheap and works for many BMW models as well as Minis. I'm still learning how to use it but it seems to do a lot. I got it on Amazon for less than $50. Well, here's the review.

Both 310+ and 110+ are good deals. Read the codes and resets them.

that's the one i bought. i really like the live data stream.

Where'd you get it Tim?

Amazon. mine shipped from China but it arrived really quickly.

Yup, found mine on Amazon. Got it within a week.

What is the advantage of one of these tools over a generic scanner? I have an non-brand-specific OBDII scanner that I use and it works just fine.

Well for me I wanted one that would give me a live data stream that wouldn't break the bank lol. I was able to see when my low speed fan was cycling and verify the proper temps as it was cycling.

I got mine because I have a Innova scanner for my other cars, a good one that does ODBII and ODBI but it doesn't work with the Mini. It will read the codes but won't clear them. So I got this one just for the Mini. It will do the engine codes and the other codes for the body, AC, and Transmission. It also will monitor in real time telling you what data your car is putting out.

do any of these Mini specific scanners reset adaptations?

Just got an Innova 3130f today because I threw a MIL after installing a 17% pulley. Didn't check all the features on it but it does live data and is bluetooth enabled. It specifically mentions for domestic, asian, and european cars. Will also do OBD i with adapter.

Oh yeah it did read the code (knock sensor) and reseted it no problem.

Make sure you update the software to the newest version as my old Creator now has adaptation reset capabilities in it.

A nice X-mas idea, thanks for the info.

Just curious here, and I'm asking specifically about the R53 platform...

Is it my understanding the Creator C310 will not, and does not perform the same function as the tool a MINI dealer would use to "dig into" the various hidden options such as modifying one touch window up/down, setting headlamps to go on automatically, various door unlocking patterns, alternate hazard flasher patterns, chimes, etc.?

Or is the C310 more in line with what I have now, which is a WiFi dongle paired to the Dash Command app on my iPhone which allows me to read codes, monitor coolant or intake temperatures, voltage, etc.

Would I need to get into NCS Expert to perform the aforementioned tasks?

Coding is a lot different than a scan tool. For programming / coding you need a bit more hardware as it's writing as well as reading.

The Creator scan tools are just for code reading, live data, and resetting adaptives. I've been told the fancier ones can do steering angle reset and CVT relearn but I have not seen that in person.

Yes, NCS Expert is what you need to code the additional features.

It is something I could do remotely if you can't find anyone local.

Good Day All

I've got the 2097 code on my 2002 MINI R50 and I can't get rid of it. The general consensus is that I need to erase the code, reset the ECU fuel adaptations, disconnect the battery and short the leads for one minute and leave the battery disconnected for an hour. I tried this procedure with my Foxwell NT510 and could not find an option to clear the adaptations. I ordered the Creator C310+ for the specific reason of clearing the adaptations. The option is there and this what happens:

CBS Reset
Clear adaptation

Communication error!
Please make sure:
1. System equipped?
2. Cable connected ok?
Maybe you can turn the key off, then turn on the key, and try again.

I even tried to clear each individual adaption through the diagnostic menu with no success. There were about 8 or 9 adaptions with a series of numbers and letters followed by "No found!"

Is this option not available on the early MINIs or is that part of the software missing from the Creator C310+ for the early MINIs?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have the latest software update. Version 8.0