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What OBDII Bluetooth Scanner do I want, and why?

Old Oct 3, 2019 | 12:19 PM
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Husky44
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From: Vashon, WA
What OBDII Bluetooth Scanner do I want, and why?

Looking to buy an OBDII Bluetooth Scanner to install (and leave, for them most part) in my R53. Primary purpose is to run Torque Pro (or similar) ANDROID app for real-time data display (I know limitations of data provided by OBDII scan, please don't take us down that rabbit trail).

Initially this will connect to a dedicated Android phone installed solely for this scan device and GPS connectivity (no installed SIM card, using a retired "phone" with all apps stripped, no music player, etc); eventually once I prove the concept I'm going to upgrade the Android device and do a permanent install in the factory nav space on the dash (I'm aware of the functionality that the NAV includes that must be retained, don't need to take this thread there either).

Important considerations for me:
  • Plug in and leave: Intent is to leave it installed in car, so I need it to not draw power when car is turned off, but power up when car is started. Also, need it to be unobtrusive--I don't want to be constantly bumping it, etc.
  • Compatibility with multiple OBDII formats--While it will reside in the MINI, I want to be able to transfer it when needed for diagnostic purposes, or when I decide to change things out, to other vehicles.
  • Compatible with multiple apps: I would prefer not to be locked into a particular software architecture (that's why I don't live in Apple land). Probably going to start with Torque Pro, but want to retain flexibility to change without having to buy new hardware
  • Compatible with Windows 10 devices-in case I have need to connect my laptop, for more power and/or bigger screen
  • Effective connectivity: Not sure how much of an issue this is for this particular application, but I don't want to be dealing with latency, dropped signal, constantly re-pairing, etc.
  • Would like to have as comprehensive a diagnostics package as reasonable; it appears that some scanners have functionality to reset codes, etc, and others don't, or require downloading additional software at additional cost.
  • Price is not most important factor, but I'm not looking for gold-plated either
What are you all using, and why? What other considerations do I need to include? Anything I should be avoiding?

Is there a reason I would prefer this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=psdc_15707381_t1_B006NZTZLQ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=psdc_15707381_t1_B006NZTZLQ

over
https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Wireless-Bluetooth-Diagnostic/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=pd_bxgy_263_3/134-7379245-2730700?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005NLQAHS&pd_rd_r=aa7ecc2b-f58b-45e9-b160-92f71539d155&pd_rd_w=H3dtS&pd_rd_wg=se0tI&pf_rd_p=3edd75bb-e36e-488e-b666-80dd1a52c658&pf_rd_r=CEZ4MR1Q6958ZYYQDAK8&psc=1&refRID=CEZ4MR1Q6958ZYYQDAK8 https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Wireless-Bluetooth-Diagnostic/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=pd_bxgy_263_3/134-7379245-2730700?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005NLQAHS&pd_rd_r=aa7ecc2b-f58b-45e9-b160-92f71539d155&pd_rd_w=H3dtS&pd_rd_wg=se0tI&pf_rd_p=3edd75bb-e36e-488e-b666-80dd1a52c658&pf_rd_r=CEZ4MR1Q6958ZYYQDAK8&psc=1&refRID=CEZ4MR1Q6958ZYYQDAK8
 

Last edited by Husky44; Oct 3, 2019 at 12:30 PM.
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