For BMW enthusiasts looking to delve into vehicle diagnostics and logging, the BMWhat app (now known as BimmerCode and BimmerLink) is often touted as a top-tier mobile solution. Pairing this powerful software with an OBD2 adapter is essential, but compatibility can be a concern, especially with budget-friendly options. My personal experience testing various adapters, including inexpensive iCar models, sheds light on what works and what to expect.
I initially experimented with iCar OBD2 adapters sourced online, testing both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions on my BMW. The Bluetooth iCar adapter impressed me with its data logging capabilities, providing higher resolution data points compared to the Wi-Fi variant. However, a significant drawback of the Bluetooth version was conflicts with my phone’s Bluetooth connectivity, crucial for daily smartphone use. This led me to favor the Wi-Fi iCar adapter for everyday convenience, despite its logging limitations.
Alt text: Locating the OBD2 port in a BMW vehicle near the driver’s side door and armrest.
When it comes to the BMWhat app and iCar adapters, my experience revealed mixed results. While the BMWhat Lite app successfully connected and functioned with the Bluetooth iCar adapter, the Wi-Fi iCar adapter proved incompatible. It’s worth noting that BMWhat also offers its own proprietary OBD2 adapter, often recommended for guaranteed compatibility and optimal performance, albeit at a higher price point.
Exploring alternative apps, I tested “Torque,” a more affordable OBD2 application. However, on BMW Z4 models equipped with the N54 engine, Torque demonstrated limitations. Crucial data points like oil temperature and boost pressure were not accurately reported, restricting its usefulness to basic parameters such as coolant temperature and speed. This raises concerns about Torque’s ability to comprehensively read BMW-specific fault codes, essential for in-depth diagnostics.
Alt text: BMWhat app interface on a smartphone, illustrating its vehicle diagnostic capabilities.
In conclusion, for users prioritizing comprehensive BMW diagnostics and robust data logging, investing in the BMWhat app (BimmerCode/BimmerLink) and a verified compatible OBD2 adapter, such as their own branded option or a known compatible Bluetooth adapter, is advisable. While budget OBD2 adapters like the Wi-Fi iCar can suffice for basic monitoring when paired with simpler apps like Torque, their limitations in data accuracy and BMWhat app compatibility should be considered. For a balance of basic functionality and convenience, a Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter with Torque might be acceptable, but for serious BMW diagnostics, BMWhat and a recommended adapter are the superior choice.
