I recently had a new clutch, A/C compressor. axles and oil pan installed on my 2005 JCW R53, approx 171k miles. It had been sitting several years prior. It is now showing a red brake light and yellow DSC light. Braking seems unaffected but DSC is not working. Flipping the DSC switch has no effect.

I'm thinking a sensor may have gotten knocked loose or damage in all the work, I have been reading as much as I can about various OBD 2 devices for the past couple of days and I feel like I am more confused than when I started. I want to be able to read and clear error codes. I would probably prefer an OBD dongle (Bluetooth or WiFi) or a USB cable to an all in one device. I have an Apple phone, Android tablet and a Windows laptop. It would be nice if I could read codes from my Ford, Toyota and Nissan. I've also seen reference to "Mini/BMW" specific codes but I haven't seen how to tell if a device can read them or what they are.

Right now I am looking at a Vgate BLE 4.0 or Kitbest KBOBD01 for a Bluetooth and DashCommand or Torque OBD for software. I also looked at a BMW INPA K+CAN cable from ecutools.com and a Foseal WiFi dongle. I've seen some good things said about Carly and BMWhat but they don't appear to be compatible with a '05 R53.

Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated.

 

 

To my knowledge, only wired OBD II scanners like Foxwell can clear these kinds of codes.
$199 may sound expensive, but if you expect to hold on to your Mini/BMW, a good scanner is a good investment.

 

 

I'm thinking front wheel ABS sensors or buy a Swaben ScanTool to erase codes ;unfortunately it won't read ABS codes or locate which ABS sensors are not working.

 

 

Yep, it will tell you then which side has faulted, that's how I found mine.

 

are you sure that you are not low on brake fluid in the master cylinder? If fluid gets low, it will trip the sensor in the mater and turn on the lights in the dash

something to check

Bryan

 

Did a brake fluid flush about 4-months ago and used the factory Pentosin fluid, thinking more in line with steering angle position sensor now.Thanks...

 

Thanks for the feedback. I did check brake fluid and it's fine. I also noticed the next day that cruise control is not working.

I ordered a Bluetooth ELM 327 for $10 off Amazon and downloaded Torque Pro for $5. It showed a P0500 Wheel Speed Sensor code but didn't show me which wheel and I don't think it clears the codes either. Looks like I'll be upgrading to a Schwaben. Any recommendations to a particular model?

cristo, thanks for confirming my that the wheel speed sensor and ABS sensor are one and the same. I thought they are, but my ABS light isn't on. I figured if an ABS sensor is out, the ABS light would be on.

 

The Swaben Pro Scanner from ECS Tuning is what I have but, the manual is not very good for instructions on use of this scanner. So far other NAM members have pointed out the cool features : live data , ABS ,DSC & TPMS sensor scanning , along with resetting service intervals for both my Mini & BMW...

 

Any feedback on Bav Tech? http://www.bavariantechnic.com/buy.aspx I was all set to get a Schwaben, but the Bav Tech supposedly does more. Waiting to hear back on what more it does.

 

Sounds like the Bavarian Tech is a really user friendly cable (16-pin ) Mini / later BMW model . Like the way the tutorial explains functions in more detail.

 

I have this. Works great. Will tell you why your light is on.
Creator V8.0 C310 Plus C310+ Code Scanner for BMW Mini Multi System Scan Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VSYZ2NC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_B0JCCb92HGJVA

 

I used our schwaben tool for about everything on all three of my MINIs. Once you get the hang of it, it works really good. We are working with Foxwell on a better manual in the future.


Schwaben MINI Cooper Scan Tool: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...020sch01a~scf/

This guy did a review and shows you how to use it.

 

Figured out how to calibrate the Steering angle sensor, saves money here instead of dealership.Still trying to accurately isolate wheel speed sensors on Mini , using Swaben Pro Scanner (problem pin pointing which sensor ,using Live Data )? Thanks....

 

I bought the Schwaben scanner last year or so I think.....it's a good scanner, but I also would have liked to see an instruction manual detailing everything come with the scanner.....trying to remember or find a certain screen to get to gets frustrating after a while.....

Bryan

 

Under the speed sensor you read the codes, then it will give you the codes and say which side.

A383 - Thanks for the input, we will be bringing this info to foxwell.

 

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction on how to interpret the codes...

 

Welcome.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up getting a Foxwell NT520. So far I'm happy with it. I'll probably like it better once I figure out all the functions. I'm still trying to figure out how to save data and review it. I didn't realize until after I bought it that I could add another make of vehicle for $60.

It told me both my left and right ABS sensors are bad, so I need to get get the wheels off and see what's going on.

 

Yes, I added the Chrysler models to my Foxwell scanner.....my Snap-On scanner was outdated and could not be brought up to the specs of 2003 that I wanted.....so I just paid the $60 for the Chrysler program for the scanner from ECSTuning

Bryan

 

Is the Swaben Pro scantool the exact same as the Foxwell NT 520 ?

 

They are mostly the same except for if you have issues/questions with ours we can help you and work on issues. I have multiple MINIs in the back and own 2 personally. Also, we have the software in our systems earlier for a while and also work with them to develop new features specifically to MINI or BMW.

 

ECS - I have the Schwaben scan tool and use it on an E46 and R50. The R50 has the CVT. Do you have any idea when resetting CVT adaptations may be added to the Schwaben scan tool? If not, I'll dig out an old laptop with INPA.

Thanks!
-Jeff