I’ve looked at everything available for iPhone and I’m confused. We have a transmitter and software combo for our Nissan Leaf that works great and we know how to use it. But of course, that dongle doesn’t talk to any of the MINI/BMW apps I can find. So I want to buy a rig that lets me read all the proprietary MINI codes, lets me customize the car’s settings, and reprogram a new battery so I don’t have to spend $400 for an OEM battery. And that’s all I want. I don’t care about all that BMW jazz; I had a 535 and cannot imagine that I will ever own another model of that marque.

Carly is stupid expensive. I refuse to “subscribe” to any software, period. So what does everybody use, dongle and iPhone app, that has what I want and that actually works out of the box?

 

I use BlueDriver as my OBDII code reader and Battery registering. It was a $99 1 time charge.

For recoding I purchased the BimmerCode app and a Veepeak OBDII. I think each of those were about $30. Again, 1 time charge.

 

So I need two pieces of hardware and two pieces of software to do what I need, at a cost approaching $200? Wow.

 

You need just the bimmerlink and the Bluetooth adapter that works with it. I use a veepeak obd2 ble/ble+. This is the one that I use. You can register battery, reset oil, brake pads, brake fluid, and read and clear any trouble codes, it actually has paid for itself since I’m maintaining 2 mini’s.

 

This sounds good to me. I bought this model Veepeek and BimmerLink. Thanks!

 

This is the only app that I have paid money for, and it’s money well spent.

 

Got the Veepeek and BimmerLink and BimmerCode and it’s all working perfectly, I think. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Now I just have to figure out what codes I want to change. First thing I will do is disable daytime running lights — hate those things. And seatbelt warnings have got to go — after fifty years of driving, I got the message, OK? Welcome lights and Coming Home lights and all that crap? Off! Any unnecessary blinking and binging and boinging, begone! Auto-lock? No thanks! Auto-open windows and sunroof? Are you bloody joking? How freaking lazy and stupid do you think I am, MINI?

And I’m sure I will find more to disable. For me, driving a fun car like my MINI is supposed to be a relief from goddamned computers. I have made a damn good living with computers since 1984 and I love my Macs and iThings. But when I drive, I drive.

 

Um, what’s the difference between BimmerCode and BimmerLink? Is the latter intended to be used while driving or for realtime testing and tweaking?

 

Bimmercode, well, it codes options!!
Bimmerlink does diagnostics like read codes, and erase, realtime reading of all sensor parameters,
and yea, register a new battery. No, no tweaking.
Bimmercode can not register a new battery, the only option is to change the battery capacity in AH.

Bimmercode, along with Bimmerlink is money well spent.
The adapter I use is


Carly won't let you know what it can do until you buy the 30 day trial, and then good luck trying to unscubscribe.

 

I just purchased an H7 80AH battery for $209, remove and replace 30 minutes total, register battery, 5 minutes, just
confirm the AH rating of the battery, and confirm you are using an AGM, it the button, and done.
Dealer was quote $478 installed.
It read my old battery at 49% even fully charged, telling me alternator was pumping hard. New battery showed 99%
Imagine not registering the battery, the alternator would have cooked that battery in weeks.
That happened to my daughter, (Navy in Guam) needed a new battery after 3 weeks new.
The mechanic didn't realize you need to register it, needless to say, they replaced it no charge.

 

Yeah I bought both. Seems like they could have just made one app, but I’m sure it’s just another craven cash grab.

I gave Carly a wide berth. Such an obvious cash grab, such unethical and misleading marketing — yuck!

 

While we’re on the topic, does anyone know if the Veepeak OBD2 ble/ble+ dongles draw any power when the car is off and the fob is removed?

 

Yes, they draw power with ignition off.
Minimal though. If you're battery is weak, then pop it out.


Bummercode vs Carly.
Bimmercode is a one man operation in Germany, Ill continue to support him, as he updates religiously with every
dealer upgrade. Specializes in only BMW products. Responds to questions within a day. Responds to requests to add his "shortcuts" Meaning, not needing to go into expert mode for
a popular feature.

Carly, I heard they've been bought out by a bigger corporation.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I wanted to just leave the dongle connected but I just bought the car and don’t know if this battery is truly healthy or not. I’ll have it tested when it’s in the shop next week and replace if necessary.

Ok, BimmerDude is a sole coder so I can feel ok about supporting, though I do think his pricing is exploitative. It’s a Mini Cooper, not a damn 911 fer cryin out loud.

Regarding Carly, the mark of the capitalist cash grab is blatantly obvious.