OBD reader...

**nikroc** · 3rd March 2021, 13:46

Im looking for any opinions/suggestions on a obd reader that will work across various cars...not VX ..got Dogbook for that, and allow me to read/erase codes etc.
Im in process of putting a mini cooper(BMW) ,08 back together after an mot fail...

**northpole** · 3rd March 2021, 17:07

You mean you just want to read dtc codes on a number of brands... because if you want to be able to code... you are looking at stuff that is a lot more expensive than you think

**nikroc** · 3rd March 2021, 17:24

yeah...just want to read fault codes etc and clear them...basic stuff..re setting service items too.....

**CLUB04** · 3rd March 2021, 17:41

Any of the bay's finest (or Amazon for that matter) less than £20 OBD readers will read engine codes from just about any manufacturer (I've had one that cost me £12 for over 5 years now) and are worth the little money they cost, however, these cheapo ones will ONLY read engine codes and nothing else (ABS etc.) but they do also erase said codes, you just can't, as said, write any codes or read REC's etc.

**nikroc** · 3rd March 2021, 18:42

I bought an Aldi obd reader last weekend,for £17..visually similar to those on ebay etc. Whilst it read some codes it was no where as good as a dedicated BMW one that cost £55..I was able to lend it for a few days and now its gone back.

**northpole** · 3rd March 2021, 22:00

Universal means it isn't specific, it needs to go through all the protocols it has built-in(making it slow) than it will finally pick the one that gave the lowest latency...
It will than read the ecu... and because it is setup to be universal it will only read the codes that it knows...

Per example codes that have an extra number behind it to differentiate between a voltage low or to high are simply shortened to the main code...

That is why the brand specific stuff works better and faster. And if you ask me they are worth every penny.

**northpole** · 4th March 2021, 08:42

I forgot to say this copy of the real deal might be what you are after... the newer models of this brand are way more advanced and can read any brand car after 2005 (I have used one before and was quite impressed with it, but it wasn't mine and it wasn't the cheap version either, upgradable via the net also)... before that they might stumble... the more expensive unit comes with loads of different connectors covering all brands back to the use of the first OBD ports.

**nikroc** · 4th March 2021, 09:15

Are you saying its a good buy that will do what I need ?...

Originally Posted by northpole

I forgot to say this copy of the real deal might be what you are after... the newer models of this brand are way more advanced and can read any brand car after 2005 (I have used one before and was quite impressed with it, but it wasn't mine and it wasn't the cheap version either, upgradable via the net also)... before that they might stumble... the more expensive unit comes with loads of different connectors covering all brands back to the use of the first OBD ports.

**northpole** · 4th March 2021, 09:19

Yes that is what I am saying but read it all first and make up your mind yourself... than look on that site as I found that most of these things can be had cheaper as they are listed at different prices, by the same manufacturer by the way.

**nikroc** · 4th March 2021, 11:49

I just spoke to Launch UK to ask which is the latest version. They are not officially sold in the UK,and advised those sold onEbay etc are copies etc..no surprise there.