Wobble64

Thinking about buying one. What kinds do you guys use and would recommend? What features should I look for?


Thanks a lot!

Spdrcrj

I have a cheap Actron that I bought at Autozone for $40 or so. It reads/clears codes, and tells you how many monitors are ready.

odonnks

Take a look at Dash Command.
I use this with a Vgate iCar wireless OBDII transmitter.

On top of being a reader it is also a data logger.
You'll need a smart phone or tablet.

If you use apple products you'll want the iCar wifi not Bluetooth. Apple's IOS seems to have problems with Bluetooth OBD readers.

Here are a few screen shots I took a few minutes ago while connected to my wife's Subie with my phone.

The data looking is nice. Especially if you want to see the effect of engine mods. You can play log files back and view on the software gages or dump it to a spreadsheet.

Here is a vid from Palmer Performance.

Wobble64

Very helpful. It seems that Dash Command and Torque are similar, with Torque having slightly better reviews. And OBDLink LX seems to be the best/fastest adapter as per both software vendors (in my case I am looking for Bluetooth and Android). VGate iCar also seems solid.


There is a lot of choice out there, and a lot of rubbish too, it seems.....


Thank you both for your help Spdrcrj and Odonnks!

ZephyrAMG

Thats a really nice reader....might have to pick one up...

bhamg

I bought this one. Innova has two lines of scanners, this one is from the Pro Tools line.

http://pro.innova.com/Product/FullDe...6-cdbdc3a5d545

C63-AMG

Dash Command works really nice. I have it displayed on a 7" Dell Tablet which I mount in front of the command center.

MJ50

dash command > torque...

w204nyc

Do you need anything else to use the dash command?

Wobble64

A Bluetooth transmitter like OBDLink LX. There are many different kinds out there starting as low as 10$, with the top end being around 100$. By using a cellphone or tablet as user interface, you can save a lot of money that would otherwise have to go into a screen, keyboard etc. Plus, that way you have all the flexibility you can imagine to update the setup over time and in pieces - e.g. when you get a newer phone, or a better display app, or a new Bluetooth dongle.


I'll get my OBDLink LX tomorrow and will start playing with it. There is a basic proprietary OBDLink app for it, that is free. I will use that one to check basic functionality out first and then go into Torque and/or DashCommand as second step.

MJ50

there are bunch of cheap ones on Amazon...
only downside is they only support Android...

Wobble64

They are transmitting data via Bluetooth. That should theoretically work independent of device platform. However, I have also read that iOS devices sometimes struggle with Bluetooth connections. Hence, if you are on Apple, it is recommended to buy a dongle that transmits via WiFi instead of Bluetooth. They also exist, but are not quite as common.

MJ50

theoretically yes...
but none of them are supported in iOS...
tested one of my friend's and it won't even see in iOS bluetooth setting...

http://www.palmerperformance.com/hardware/index.php

gopoint is hands down the best IMO...

odonnks

Yes, if using apple products use the wifi OBD reader. If using android the Bluetooth will be fine.

I went with the vGate iCar due to its size. Very small compared to others.
http://www.obdinnovations.com/vgate-...stics-scanner/

Downloaded Dash Command to my iPhone and iPad and it connects right up.

MJ50

does it drain battery when plugged in and car is locked?
it says auto sleep function but wanna make sure...
all the ones on Amazon/eBay drains battery and must be unplugged when not in use...
gopoint was the only one i found that shuts off to power saving mode when not in use...

Wobble64

I think most of the higher end ones go to sleep automatically. The OBDLink definitely, that was one of the reasons I picked it (I did not check all others). See here:


http://www.obdlink.com/lxbt/

SaphGreyC63

Hey Wobble,

If you don't mind giving a semi-detailed review and what functions we can see when you get it? I am interested in this but want to see if its actually worth it first.

Wobble64

Happy to!

Spdrcrj

Dang....makes my POS scanner look archaic. lol For what I paid for it, looks like I can get a port plug and $10 for the Dash Commander app. Thanks for the tips guys.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................Dash Commander downloaded. :-)

Wobble64

So, I got my OBDLink LX dongle yesterday and started playing with it a bit right away. Pairing it to my Samsung S5 was a breeze and done within 2 minutes. The dongle sits under the steering wheel in the footwell and is invisible unless crawling into the footwell.


I tried the free OBDLink App and it worked fine. That app is basic, but functional.


Then I tried Torque. Also connected to the dongle right away. Torque has a lot more options, but frankly most are more for play rather than real practical use. We do have a fair amount of gauges on our C63s, and I frankly don't care about all the widgets focusing on fuel economy or the map feature showing where I drove how fast.


My emissions status is a bit of a puzzler, as I have O2 sensor and O2 Sensor heating tests incomplete, and after driving it for a day, still shows incomplete.


The fault code databank shows that I have an incorrect reverse gear ratio (I very much doubt that) and one other code that is apparently proprietary to Mercedes and unclear. Those errors cannot be cleared by the user, but can only be cleared by the ECU itself after it has reassured itself x times, that the error is not there any more.


I was able to find a transmission temperature sensor and created a gauge showing me that. Might be useful for future track days. However, I am a bit skeptical whether that temperature is correct. Can it be that the tranny temp heats up to 204-210 degrees F within 5 miles of driving or so, and then gets controlled very tightly at that kind of temperature? Or is this in reality the coolant or engine oil temp?


Torque shows lots of sensors, but is it possible, for example, that our C63 only has one O2 sensor monitored? I am not convinced I should trust all the sensor classifications. The app reads something, for sure, but maybe not everything and maybe does not recognize everything correctly as the parameter it really is.


Torque also shows HP and Torque, but calculates those values from acceleration and vehicle weight. Pretty impressive it can be done, but nor accurate at all. More of a play thing again. Cool, yes. Useful, not really.


I did not splash out the license money for Dash Command, but expect it to be even more playful/graphics oriented. I am not planning to drive around with the phone displaying additional dials all the time, so did not invest any time in this at least for now.


Probably good to have for track use and/or in case a real fault pops up. I doubt I will use it every day.


Hey, maybe I missed the real deal here? If so, I'd gladly be educated!


:-)

MJ50

IAT info is helpful...