OBD2 scanner from Hong Kong? Should I trust?

**Aberk** · 06-14-2009, 11:55 AM

I use the bluetooth ELM 327 for most of my applications. The usb unit is just a serial to usb converter built onto the unit, so there is no gained performance or speed by using the usb over the serial. Most PCs dont have a serial port so the USB is more convenient. You can buy an external serial to USB converter. I use those a lot.

The elm 327 will work with all OBD II protocols, including CAN.

**teo** · 06-14-2009, 12:04 PM

what does the elm327 version change mean? I see devices which say ELM327 v1.3 ... v1.5... anything to be concearned about?

**Aberk** · 06-14-2009, 12:15 PM

The version changes when a significant number of changes are made to the firmware of the ELM327 chip. There could be any number of reasons why code was updated or changed. The higher the number, the newer the firmware. All of my units are 1.3 and I don't have any complaints.

**teo** · 06-14-2009, 12:56 PM

ok, so how does iBus fit in to all of this?

is it a different protocol over the same physical connector?

**Aberk** · 06-14-2009, 01:12 PM

iBus is a proprietary bus used by BMW to control their audio and nav systems. It is not accessible over OBD II and does not conform to any of the OBD II protocols that I am aware of. You will have to locate the wire for the iBus and splice into it and to monitor/transmit commands. I just did some brief reading about it here.

http://everything2.com/title/BMW%2520I-Bus

**teo** · 06-14-2009, 02:00 PM

Thank you, now i fully understand what the Ibus is.

How about giving force feedback from the steering wheel, where would I need to interface for that?

**Aberk** · 06-14-2009, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by teo

Thank you, now i fully understand what the Ibus is.

How about giving force feedback from the steering wheel, where would I need to interface for that?

Force feed back in the vehicle is generated by the physical link between the steering column and the wheels. Unless it is some sort of steer by wire there wont be any force feed back sensor in the steering wheel. Not in the same sense as a video game controller.

I know some late model Chryslers have steering angle available on CAN-C, but I am not sure what BMW has to offer in this category.

**Vitaliy** · 06-15-2009, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by teo

what does the elm327 version change mean? I see devices which say ELM327 v1.3 ... v1.5... anything to be concearned about?

The latest version of a genuine ELM327 is 1.3a.

**Sicarius** · 06-15-2009, 01:13 AM

Originally Posted by Vitaliy

Originally Posted by teo

what does the elm327 version change mean? I see devices which say ELM327 v1.3 ... v1.5... anything to be concearned about?

The latest version of a genuine ELM327 is 1.3a.

Also (correct me if I'm wrong, Vitaliy) versions 1.2a and above featured greatly increased transfer speeds to the computer which can keep up with the CAN bus. The cheapo knock-offs labeled 1.2a are NOT capable of those speeds.

**teo** · 06-15-2009, 02:58 AM

I thought they were drive by wire for increased security reasons... but i had not really researched that. But you can read the steering angle and throttle position right?