I apparently need a new OBD2 adapter, as my PLX Kiwi4 has now become COMPLETELY useless.

It's slowly been losing third-party support - first DashCmd stopped connecting (maybe a year ago), and recently BimmerCode/BimmerLink (maybe with ios 17?) and now their own "KiwiOBD" app while it connects, doesn't display any data. KiwiOBD hasn't been updated in 4 years now. I assume there's some issue with recent iOS and Bluetooth.

Their website shows Kiwi 4 "discontinued" yet still sold. They seem to move on from sketchy Kickstarter to sketchy Kickstarter, not supporting the products down the road. Naw, I don't want their battery-powered wakeboard or whatever...

Sad, because Kiwi was the first OBD2 adapter that supported Bluetooth on iOS. I was impressed enough that I upgraded from Kiwi 2 to Kiwi 4.

Looking for recommendations for (preferably Bluetooth) OBD2 adapters with wide compatibility. At least BimmerCode/BimmerLink and DashCMD (which are licensed to support BMW/Mini proprietary codes.)

If it matters, 2008 R55 Clubman S. iPhone 15 Pro Max on 17.2.1.

Would like to get something tout suite cause I just had an engine icon come up, and now now way to read the codes.

 

I bought and very much like the one linked below as an android user but then gifted one to my buddy who is a devout iOS guy (retired EE engineer - go figure). I've only used mine with R53 and android tablet but he has with his own R53 plus late model Chevy truck in combo with latest tech Apple tablet. Both of us are using their own dashboard app, avail free on Google and Apple stores. OBDLINK MX+

 

I am not an iOS guy but, years ago instead of the Bluetooth adapters the Wifi adapters were the most reliable. It has to do with how iOS locks down data that can be transmitted via Bluetooth. I use a Parani BT adapter in my job all the time with Android as there was only one adapter that worked with iOS and I don't think it is sold anymore. I am not sure if it is the same data format but the Parani and the app that I used needed SPP (Serial Port Profile).

 

Thanks, confirms my snap decision!

I did some research and actually wound-up ordering an OBDLINK MX+ and Amazon really out-did themselves this time. It arrived around 6AM the next moring - 12 hours after I placed the order.

There's a cheaper model "designed for BimmerCode/Link" but seems isn't compatible with third-party apps. That model uses Bluetooth Low Energy. MX+ uses old-school Bluetooth 2. Works, it's fast, no trouble connecting.

Was a bit fiddly setting up, but not bad. I think I had some trouble getting some apps to "forget" the Kiwi4. But seems to work with everything now.

Only annoyance is their app will close the page upon lock screen if you accidentally lock the screen instead of taking a screen-shot. Makes it a bit tough to take screen shots from reading trouble codes. If you hit the wrong button, you have to scan again.

It seems significantly faster than the Kiwi4 when using BimmerLink to read codes.

I got a 2D8E knock sensor, signal or value below threshold, and 2D50 Super tapping (!) signal or value above threshold. Cleared and did not recur, nor did the check engine light.

Subsequently got D6D4 which has no description, just "no signal or value"

But I noticed O2 upstream sensor is reading 0.0V all the time. Just happened to notice, because it's on one of the default gauge pages on the OBDLink app.

I did get it to work with DashCommand after some fiddling. As well as BimmerLink right off.

It does have the option to use WiFi as well, so could also be used with a laptop app.

 

Happy you're pleased with your choice! The MX+ was able to find and successfully clear a code on my mentioned buddy's 2006 JCW that my corded Foxwell NT510 Elite scanner could not.

 

I've only used mine with R53 and android tablet but he has with his own R53 plus late model Chevy truck in combo with latest tech Apple tablet.