For a not so experienced user, that knows little about car mechanics (and probably will not make use all of the info that Scanauge can give) wouldn't it be wiser to save the extra money and just get an application for his smartphone that can be trustworthy and right/correct in giving output info? Are there such android apps for the mini?

 

Torque will do this. But you will need a blue tooth obdII adapter

 

1. How reliable is Torque?
2. What can Torque scan?
3. What dongle do i need? Can you post it here so i don't get mixed up?
4. Is Torque free and is there a version for the iPhone?

 

1) Torq app is just as reliable as any other OBD2 scanner on the market.

2) Torq can do anything the Scangauge2 can do and then some.....it can check and clear codes, monitor RPM, Speed, boost psi, temps, HP, Torque, ect....

3) any bluetooth obd2 adapter should work just fine....im using this one:


and my buddy is running this one:


and they both work just fine.

i dont know about the iphone, but im going to assume its the same as android, yes, they offer a free version of the app and a paid version for $5.....ive used both and i highly suggest paying the $5 and getting the full version.

 

Is there a similiar app for the Apple Ipod?

 

im sure there are.....it seems as though they dont offer the Torq app for the iphone/ ipod.....but if you search the App store for "OBD2" you get a bunch of different apps.....unfortunately i have no experience with any of them so i cant make a suggestion.

 

Many Tnks.

I will try the OBD2 suggestion.

Mel

 

So Torque will also tell me if I'm throwing any codes too, right? I mean for 20 bucks total, this seems like a steal. It almost seems worthless to get a Scangauge.

 

Your MINI will tell you if you are throwing codes, the check engine light will come on. You can clear the codes with the torque app/ dongle combo.

 

So if my check engine light isn't on, then it's not throwing any codes? I have a service light on for my RPM tachometer, for my brake fluid. Doesn't an OBD2 scanner show you the actual code you're throwing?

I'm fairly ignorant on the subject, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Could just be a time fir service reminder

 

I believe it is. It's just letting me know I should change my brake fluid. I already looked it up in the manual. But, my question is, if my check engine light is NOT on, that means that an OBDII Scanner shouldn't throw any codes, yes?

 

+1 for Torque. You invest in $30(app and adapter) and you have got yourself a tool that is a 1/10 of the cost of other products. Also Apple has a couple of apps but, they are super expensive.

 

Unfortunately, there is no iPod / iPhone version of Torque.

There is however this:

DashCommand™ for iPhone

http://www.palmerperformance.com/pro...hone/index.php

The downside is that it's more expensive than Torque (in the App Store it's currently $49.99)

Also you'll need an OBD II interface...they come in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & hard wire. The nice part about hard wire is it will still charge your device.

Be very careful with the Bluetooth adapters...not all are iPhone / Apple compliant.

For more info check this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-iphones.html

 

I love DashCommand, but "EngineLink" costs just $5 and reads codes too. That is a good first choice for iPhone or iPod Touch.

Note that the inexpensive Bluetooth adapters won't work with iPhone. Options:

* pay extra for an Apple-certified model ($90-150)
* jailbreak your phone and install RoqyBT (custom driver, $5) with the generic BT adapter
* use a generic WiFi adapter, can be found for $30 on eBay (downside, no Internet connectivity for your phone while using this)

 

I'm using an adapter I got from Newegg for $22 incl. shipping, works perfectly. From what I have read not all adapters work reliably so buy somewhere reputable that has a good return policy.

More that Torque can do:

4) Up to 7 screens of data displays any way you want them, including custom styles.

5) Data logging - save all the data for later analysis, including GPS and mapping

6) Performance testing - 0-60, quarter mile, etc.

7) Track recorder plugin grabs video as well as the data and overlays it.

8) take it out and plug it in another car without even thinking about it.

Yes I'm a fan of Torque, the $27 total I spent ($22 for the adapter, $5 for the app) was an incredible deal not just for fun but also useful. I know there are a lot of Scangauge fans but Torque plus the adapter does far more for a fraction of the price.

Once you have the OBD2 adapter, you can use it with apps like RaceChrono at the track, and then use RaceRender2 to sync and overlay the data with your GoPro video. Of course now I need to go spend more $ for a 10Hz GPS...

 

Not that I'd try to get a WiFi internet connection as I'm rolling down the road, but the other option of a hard wire cable version is a good choice. I've run it under the dash and out behind the tach. The best part of this is that while driving the iPhone is still charging, instead of draining due to WiFi or Bluetooth draw.

 

So what kind of cable do i need to connect it to my HTC G2 phone?

 

no cable - get an OBD to Bluetooth adapter. Do a search here on NAM or google "ELM327". See cautions above.

 

I'm only aware of a cable that is iPhone compatible. But every WiFi & Bluetooth adapter will work with Android devices...not so with an iPhone though.

 

can you make adj such as tire size? improve gas milage? can you go from a '12 CM to a '03 Tahoe? I found the obd tool on ebay for $18.... new in package shipped from usa..

 

No. It is not a tuner.

 

Im not really fond of bluetooth and wireless connections, but why not a cable?

 

Funny, we recently had a similar thread on MINI2.com here in the UK. Here's my contribution; I hope it can be of help across the water:

I've had the wireless/bluetooth ELM 'Chinese copy' and Torque on my Android for over a year with absolutely no problem. Boost, input temp and, most importantly, coolant temp are the gauges I monitor.

I bought it to (cheaply) monitor coolant temps when my stage 2 fan was constantly noisily engaged in an (unsuccessful) attempt to convince MINI techs that the coolant sensor was u/s but my coolant temp. was ok. This was before the sensor/ thermostat problem was better known in the N18 R56.

I now use it mainly to monitor input air temp, turbo boost and coolant temp. All 'dials' are on the same screen and give constant digital readouts. It will also monitor fuel rail pressure for those who suspect a 'dodgy' hpfp, which is another bonus...

It's quick and easy to 'start up', I leave it connected when I park up in between journeys and it 'picks up' as before without any resetting.

There's no oil pressure data from the MINI OBD even though Torque seems equipped to sense it from other models. I think there's oil temp...I'd have to check that (available from Torque but no MINI output), though. Data logging is available but I haven't bothered to investigate it fully yet. At first sight it seems basic, limited and possibly complex.


Cost? ~£10 for the ELM327 and ~£3 for the Torque app. (Phone's extra, of course.)

The same bluetooth ELM327 also runs my laptop and EasyOBDII (~£10) This runs a 'dashboard' window containing a coolant temp/revs/mph/voltmeter read-out that is less customisable, more 'fussy'; needing reset and start-up time but logs data better (though not for long enough, IMO; only in 30min-ish chunks). Also the laptop's more cumbersome; needing passenger seat space.

There is a 'wi-fi' ELM327 version as well as the bluetooth which apparently does all the same stuff. I also have this ELM327 OBDII wi-fi reader which was bought in error by a friend and left with me to try. It's exactly the same as the bluetooth plug-in hardware but first thoughts are that it seems set to be a nightmare to get working in that you have to set up a new network on your laptop (which seems to imply complexity to me).

I've finally settled on the bluetooth ELM327 and Torque option since it's easy to set up and provides simple customisable dials.

Two benefits: I can stick the screen (phone) in my pocket when I leave the car and a 'gizmo' plugged into the OBD socket might deter BMW-specific thieves. Another possible benefit is that the same phone could be used with a sat-nav app as well. I've seen this but already have a Garmin...

I originally started out with a wired ELM327 + EasyOBDII + laptop then tried to see if it'd work wirelessly with EasyOBDII, which it did, then tried Torque. I think I've 'had a go' at lots of options: wired, wireless bluetooth, wireless wi-fi, EasyOBDII and Torque and I think I've settled on the best option for me at present.

I hope this serves to inform anyone else's decisions. I remain convinced of the need to constantly monitor coolant temps on our MINIs.

 

Great info cjm. Was your 'wired' version a USB to laptop cable or did you find a cable that plugs directly to an Android phone?
So far the only OBDII to phone cables I know of are iPhone connector types. Thanks again.