I'm getting to the point where I want to increase my personal knowledge of what the car is doing as I'm driving. I've looked at a few different PC/PDA-based scan tools that can read OBD-II data, but still am at somewhat of a loss since this is a new thing for me.

The type of information I'm interested in seeing are values from the different sensors that the ECU uses in determining ignition related parameters. Things like O2 sensors, MAP, AFR related stuff etc.. Is this available via the OBD-II interface (car is an 05 MCS)? Ideally I'd like a package that can sample a reasonable number of variables and provide the ability to graph that data in various ways. What packages to people use to do this type of thing?

Is there a good reference/resource for what the MINI spits out its OBD-II port available anywhere (above and beyond the generic data)?

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

The data that is available out of the OBD-II port is limited, and relatively slow. There are some threads that exist that cover a bunch of the offerings. BiM-COM isn't out yet, but it gets much more information from the BMW/Mini proprietary diagnostic bus.

But you're in for a world of learning here. For low cost entry, try Laplogger (www.laplogger.com) and www.scantool.net ....

For higher prices, autoenginuity, auterra, nology and others make stuff.

Good luck!

 

Another piece of software to check out would be digimoto as well.

Garrett

 

I have the Auterra software and I like it. The interface is very user friendly and has dyno info along with engine diagnostics. I too am just learning about what the different engine parameters are doing and why. Its pretty fun stuff. I've had a lot of input from Dr. O and others about what my logged data actually means. For instance, why my timing is so wacky with my MTH software and how to try and fix it.

have fun with it!

 

Not quite sure what you're looking for, but one thing I've been thinking about is replacing the speedo/tach (I've got the chrono) with an AIM M3 data logger. I have an MXL in my 911 and quite useful for all sorts of stuff. The cool thing is that the latest versions are MINI ECU aware so you just connect it up and you're good to go. Hook your PC up via usb. Really a racing piece, but you get a ton of interesting stuff light programable shift lights, digital tac, real time selection of monitoring params, track mapping, g-load, lin accel decel in addition to all the sensor data available on the can bus (throttle, EGT, wheels speed through the abs sensors etc.) Roughly $900 for the M3 XG Log.

http://aim-sportline.com/

 

More information to ponder. Wife says I'm a typical Libra in that I weigh my options very carefully before acting. The AIM stuff (be it the logger or the MXL) is very interesting looking and also has that 'bling' factor as well if that was a concern. I think for my initial dive into things I'm going to go with the AutoEnginuity since I can get a dual license to use it with a PDA or my laptop. At this point I am really just interested in logging different sensors in my day to day use to see what the ECU is doing on a macro scale. Hobbyist instrumentation so to speak.

I'm really interested in seeing the different variables that the ECU uses to determine how to control the engine, so that I can see the whole cause and effect cycle. i.e. I accelerate to 5k rpm in 2nd gear, what is the engine doing during that acceleration curve etc.

EDIT: I went ahead and ordered the AutoEnginuity PC-based scan tool and will eventually order the upgrade for the software so that I can run it on a PDA + PC as the situation warrants. I'll post a review of what I find if anyone is interested.

 

I was looking at the autoenginuity kit, but found the digimoto kit and thinking of getting that due to being cheaper and looks like it does the same exact thing and has the connector to do every car and not just it being a specific one. Please let me know how you like the kit and give us your input on it.

Garrett

edit, the autoenginuity has the plug to do all cars. I was thinking of anyone program called autotap. But autoenginuity was one of my options. But found digimoto to do the same stuff but much cheaper.