Alright guys don't burn me just yet....I did search! SRTForums guys were always quick to flame people.

I am new to the Mini side of the house. I did see some of the tools out there to get into our computers, but wanted to gather some insight on this.

What is the best one that has the most capability on our computers/engine etc? And I am going to have to be that guy that goes to ebay as well and have seen the CarSoft ones advertised. Are those able to get into our computers or not?

Thanks alot guys.

J

 

To my knowledge most of them can do some basic scans and datastream only(including the $7k Snapon Modis) and the communication is limited to DSC/ABS, DME, MRS, and Instrument Cluster. The only one besides the factory GT1 that has more communication is the X471 by Launch China which can talk with the GM and multiple other body modules

 

Yeah...two toys that are out of my price bracket. I work at a body shop and we have the Genisys scanner, but that one does not even touch Mini.

Any recommendations under $1K? Less the better!

 

Does CarSoft 6.5 work on our vehicles?

 

Generic scanners will get the codes and just be less specific than the better tools. I got one from Sears for about $50. It will read and clear codes, but I have take the code number and find out what it means. Not much work to save a ton of money.

 

Just depends on what your getting it for....FWIW, I have an Actron code reader at the house for just that reason. But for the full time guys, the more info the better for troubleshooting.

To the OP, I didn't know about Carsoft, it looks very promising. I would be looking at the Ultimate Pro set up and software for my needs. The more choices the better. Just good to Demo this stuff for the money it costs.

 

One possible solution is a ScanGaugeII. Way Motor Works has them for $169. That will not only give you the codes and allow you to reset them but also give you readouts from the sensors that feed the OBD (coolant temperature, intake air temp, RPM, MAP, etc. and an accurate speed that you can easily recalibrate if you put on a non-standard wheel/tire combination plus a bunch of other readings. They connect into the OBD port and give you a constant readout of the gauges that you select in addition to being able to see the scan codes and associated data.

 

I looked around alot before I bought the enginuity with enhanced BMW functions. I like it, hooks up easy, easy to read and clear codes. Cheapest place I found it was on bimmerzone for a little over $400.

 

Can you see the engine knock sensor with that reader and see if your engine is pinging, detonating?

 

I answered my question by going to their website.

 

... and, what did you find out?

 

Could you take a look at it (or a pic) and get the info of the model name or manufacturer? Sears used to have appliances, etc branede with their name but now sell with original brands. I'd like to go there and pick one up.

Thanks

 

The scan tool I got is the Actron CP9125. Just a basic code reader which can also clear codes.
There is nothing special about this one, just Google ODB II Code Readers and you will likely see some deals. The cheep ones all do about the same thing.

 

As of this writing the best MINI scan tool on the market outside of the Dealer tool which cost a ton is the AutoEnginuity Scan tool. They sell a base model which support all nine OBD modes of operation....I also purchased the upgrade option for BMW which includes MINI which adds enhanced features that only the dealer can perform. I am able to access all eight computers on my 2002 R50. The tool will not reprogram the key...but as best as I can tell it does everything else. AE has not yet release the software for the GEN-2 MINI, but they plan to in the future. Check their web site, they have a list of all the feature and function of the tool. It runs on a laptop and set me back $500 including the enhanced function which as I said covers BMWs.

 

What do you guys think of this?
http://www.eurosportdesign.com/pc-53...can-reset.aspx
I am not a mechanic, but I do love my car, want to keep it a long time, and don't want to just pay huge shop bills on a frequent basis.

 

I have one, it works fine. These days, I wouldn't own a car without a
tool to read the codes that will inevitably pop up sooner or later.
Otherwise, you're at the mercy of the mechanics and whatever they
choose to tell you.

 

OK this is a fairly old thread, but maybe a reply will bring it to the top again. I was looking at these Actron scanners, half-price:
http://links.mkt1286.com/ctt?kn=2&m=...M5S0&mt=1&rt=0

But the top model is out of stock, and I don't want to waste money on one that will only do engine light, want to be able to check ABS, etc.
I ordered both Bentley manuals yesterday from Amazon, $113 for shop + diagnostic, best price I've seen, but I'm sure I'll need a scanner for diagnostics.

Can't tell if the bottom two will check additional sensors. Looks like the 9175 might be OK; any experience with that or the 9410?

Here is the link to Amazon, looks like they are still available:
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Cooper-Se.../dp/0837615119

 

I bought a ProScan Universal scan tool. The physical device, which I think is not much more than a modem, fits between your car's OBD port and a laptop. (Note: I have 'fits' in quotes because you can buy a USB version or a BlueTooth wireless version). There is also software involved that has to be installed on your PC (I run it on an HP Netbook - runs well). I went with ProScan because I figured it would be more versatile since it's upgradeable as time passes and cars change. I've used my ProScan with my beater car (a 2001 Saturn - actually its problems are what prompted me to buy a scanner in the first place) and my 2008 Mini (no problems but I've scanned it for a base line) and it worked well on both cars. ProScan has a page of all the cars it has been used on - sort of an informal certification of its abilities. The ProScan software has some neat features that I don't think you are going to find in any hand held device, like quarter mile timing (after you enter tire data, etc.) Obviously the results are based on the car's data, but the numbers a relative from tweak to tweak so you can tell (document categorically) whether things are getting better or worse. Total cost? About $130 for USB or $190 for BlueTooth. Check it out at: http://www.myscantool.com/store/ No, I do not work for ProScan, I'm just super pleased with it.

 

Thanks, I'll have a look. I have several different units in my Amazon cart, Equus 3030 ($46) and 3100 (87) and Actron CP 9180 (136). I got my pair of Bentley books this last weekend, and judging from the diagnostics book almost sounds like there is not much point in getting too much beyond basic unless I get the way expensive BMW scanner. Bentley says none will read anything but powertrain, which is obviously a pretty good start. Also looks like the on-board system is fairly comprehensive, maybe a little slower to use.
I need to go back and look at the capabilities of each of those and decide if any are worthwhile.
Thanks again for the response.