OBD2 Coding/Fault Scanners? Any in Cape Town (anywhere) I can borrow, if not which to buy?

[JordanB]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking at the following OBD2 device, Vlinker BM+ (link). Im not sure if there are any better options in South Africa? I dont want to wait 2 months for import because I need it in the next few days for a repair to my car. I want to be able to use BimmerCode and BimmerLink.

I would however, prefer to find a OBD2 device that allows me to use BimmerLink/Code on my phone for my BMW, but also download other apps to connect to most other cars like Toyotas, etc, because of family vehicles. I have found this vGate MC+ (link)

ALSO:
If anyone in or near Cape Town has a decent OBD2 scanner that I can use with BimmerLink and Code or Carly I would be evergrateful and 100% give you a pack of thank you beers for letting me drive out to borrow it 😄

 

[Riaad]

This would be the best option... https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threads/mhd-adapters.101304/#post-1508929

 

[Maljan]

Takealot has adapters, but delivery is by oxcart. I ordered one last Thursday. Delivery was going to be on Monday, then it was Wednesday and now it is tomorrow. I live in hope.

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[JordanB]

Takealot has adapters, but delivery is by oxcart. I ordered one last Thursday. Delivery was going to be on Monday, then it was Wednesday and now it is tomorrow. I live in hope.

Takealot.com: Online Shopping | SA's leading online store

South Africa's leading online store. Fast, reliable delivery to your door. Many ways to pay. Shop anything you can imagine: TVs, laptops, cellphones, kitchen appliances, toys, books, beauty & more. Shop the mobile app anytime, anywhere.

www.takealot.com

I want to use a Bluetooth one so I can connect my phone (ios) to it and use BimmerCode, Im worried they dont support BimmerCode or brick my cars computer because they bad

 

[Maljan]

Do not buy a cheap Bluetooth adapter online. You may have a hard time getting the software needed for your phone and end up with a desk ornament. If you really want such an ornament, I have one. It was cheap enough, so I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of returning it. I thought of proposing a swop for a couple of Castle Light cans, but I don't want to rip you off.

The adapter cable did arrive this morning. Hopefully my other el cheapo code reader will now reveal the secret inner thoughts of my '02 530i. If not, I will go shopping for a better one.

PS: there are quite a few code reader apps on the Google Store. Maybe one of them will work with my desk ornament. I have not tried yet.

 

[Solo Man]

What do you want to do. I have Bimmercode on my phone and the necessary dongle that goes into the OBD2 port. What BMW are we talking about? I am next to Tyger Valley Mall

 

[Nastaliq]

The best is ISTA i have complete kit fish hoek area

Gold standard is ISTA, 100%, but unless you want to sit with a laptop in your car all the time to change small coding options on the BDU etc, ISTA isnt viable for most. I once went down this route, taught myself the navigation around it and could do it, but it was always a ball-ache for me and more trouble than it was worth.

There is much to be said about the functionality between something like ISTA and Bimmercode, so YMMV, but for most just changing small things and comfort options etc, Bimmercode and the various variants like it sill be best.

Some swear by Carly, others by BimmerCode and then if you want to read every module, control unit and every error code, then ISTA is the one.

From what I can see online the OBDLink CX and Bimmercode seem to be the most reliable choice, although there are many such OBD Bluetooth dongles that work similarly, theyre just not recommended by BimmerCode.

Also, when changing many things make sure the battery is plugged in otherwise you can create module errors from ,losing power when the app/device is writing to the car. Better be safe and plug it in to a charger/make sure there is adequate power to the car.