If you want to have greater control over your BMW Z4 and save money on repairs you’ve made it to the right place. We’ll introduce you to a small yet powerful tool that everyone needs: an OBD2 reader!
With an OBD2 reader, you will finally know at all times what is going on with your car. And depending on the OBD reader that you get, you can even:
- Customize your vehicle through car coding
- Read real-time data
- Avoid unexpected repair fees by performing diagnostics
- Do your own basic service
- Detect car scams
The best part is that you can get your OBD2 scanner for your BMW Z4 for an affordable price and avoid relying on workshops at all times! Now let’s dive into it to understand what is an OBD2 scanner and what you can do with it.
What is an OBD2 scanner?
OBD stands for onboard diagnostics. An OBD2 scanner (also called a diagnostic scanner or OBD reader is a vehicle diagnostic device that can be used to read the error memory and data that is inside of your car’s systems.
Basically, an OBD2 scanner allows you to establish a connection between your BMW Z4 and a mobile application or diagnostic software. Once the connection is established, if you are using a mobile application, you can quicly access all of your car’s information from your mobile phone!
Additionally, if you do not own an OBD2 scanner for your BMW Z4, you can perform diagnostics for your vehicle at a auto repair shop for a fee.
Mechanics usually use a handheld device, advanced scanners, or OBD cables with a computer. However, this equipment is more expensive and complex to use.
Therefore, OBD2 readers are the most convenient tools for beginners and even professionals since they are:
- Pocket-sized (unlike handheld scanners or heavy OBD cables)
- Easy to carry and use
- No additional diagnostic equipment (ex. computer software, cables)
- Let you do more than just diagnostics
Now that you have an overview of what are OBD2 scanners, let’s show you what you can do with it and how it can help you get more control over your car.
How does an OBD2 scanner for your BMW Z4 work?
Every modern vehicle has a ‘fault memory’. This memory is responsible for storing technical defects or any trouble code that arises in your BMW Z4.
So with an OBD2 scanner, you can access the data stored in the fault memory, and read out the fault codes in order to correct them.
A common misconception is that all errors are bad. However, it is quite normal that cars have faults.
Moreover, there are codes that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but having them present is normal. Only a handful of error codes that can lead to serious issues.
The most severe ones are engine codes since the engine is one of the main systems of a car and repairs are usually costly. An example of a trouble code related to the engine is the check engine light. However, if you perform your own car diagnostics often you can easily save money on car maintenance and repairs.
How can I read my BMW Z4 error codes with an OBD2 scanner?
errors can be easily read out using an OBD reader and its corresponding app. The error codes will then be displayed on your screen and you will be able to clear them as well.
In the case of the Carly app, you will also get all the code definitions for every fault and get deeper insights into what they mean.
If you use an OBD2 scanner often and carry your own diagnostics every 2 months, you can end up saving thousands of dollars per year on car maintenance.
What can an OBD reader tell you about your BMW Z4?
With an OBD scanner, you can read out a lot of data. However, the type of data and information will depend on the OBD2 scanner and mobile app that you are using.
The most common data that OBD2 scanner let you read are:
– Diagnostics (faults) and/or
– Real-time data
There are some scanners that only provide this data related to the engine. This feature is usually called “OBD level diagnostics”. So for example, will only read out engine-related codes such as the check engine light.
However, there are other OBD scanners that let your read data for every system of your car, and not just about the engine. This function is called “Manufacturer-level diagnostics”. So for example, you will be able to read faults related to other critical systems of your BMW Z4 such as ABS, airbag, transmissions, and more!
Additionally, other OBD readers let you do more than just reading out data. For example, you can customize your car through car coding, perform basic maintenance repairs, and detect car scams.
What does the Carly OBD2 Bluetooth reader and app do?
The Carly app allows you to get a lot out of your car for little money by reading out the data transferred via the OBD readers.
And in many ways, the Carly Universal Adapter is unlike other OBD2 readers. This is because, besides diagnostics, you can access many other features that are typically only included in a professional or expensive scanner.
Perform a used car check on your BMW Z4
For example, the ‘used car check’ feature is always helpful if you want to purchase a used car and want to check if you are not being scammed with mileage fraud. So, with Carly, you can really look under the hood and get a better feeling for the condition of the car, avoiding negative surprises.
Try car coding on your BMW Z4
Moreover, with the car coding feature, you can personalize your vehicle and make it more unique using your Carly scanner and your phone. You can code the welcome lights, deactivate the start-stop function, and more! With Carly, time-consuming (and expensive) workshop visits are a thing of the past.
Professional insights on your BMW Z4
Another extremely valuable feature that that Carly gives you is Smart Mechanic. You can get deep information about your BMW written by expert mechanics. For example:
- Professional error code description written by expert BMW mechanics
- Direct access to original plans of components, just like the ones used in the workshop
- Detailed repair tips to know the cause of errors and fix them yourself
With this feature, you will really have more control of your vehicle than ever and get independence from car mechanics.
Do your own car maintenance on your BMW Z4
With the car maintenance feature, you can carry out basic repairs yourself that tipically, mechanics can charge you (a lot) for. For example, carrying out a vehicle battery reset is very easy if you have the proper guide to follow! And with Carly, this is possible.
Usually, only a professional automotive reader that costs over $3,000 would include all of these advanced features. So the Carly OBD2 scanner is much more affordable than the professional scanners that car technicians would use.
OBD vs. OBD2
The OBD2 interface is used in newer cars and was introduced in Europe in 2001 and 2004 to have a standard system for cars. In essence serves as an interface between the ECUs of a vehicle and the diagnostic device. However, there is a big difference between OBD and OBD2.
Previously, only certain diagnostic devices could were compatible with certain cars. For example, an OBD code reader from BMW only worked with BMWs, because each car brand had a different connection. However, this made it difficult for workshops to make diagnoses for several car brands.
Later, the OBD2 connector was actually introduced in 1996 to standardize the system. Now, with the same OBD2 scanner you can access many car brands.
How do I know if my car is OBD2 compliant?
Most OBD2 scanners can only be used with vehicles built-in 2001 or later (gas/petrol) or 2004 or later (diesel).
If you have a car from 1996 or earlier, you will need a special extension to use the OBD2 reader.
In the case of the Carly OBD2 scanner, it can be utilized with most car brands and the majority of vehicles manufactured from 2001 onwards. So, for example, if you have a BMW and a VW that was built after 2001 and 2004 respectively, you only need one OBD2 reader instead of two!
Where is the OBD interface located?
The OBD interface, or diagnostic port, is usually located under the steering wheel. However,this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
In older cars, the OBD port can also be found in the trunk or near the handbrake. Once you have found the interface, you can easily plug the OBD2 reader in and the connection between the vehicle and the diagnostic device will be established.
After that, the error memory can be read out and the different error codes will be displayed on your screen.
Can you drive with an OBD reader plugged in?
Absolutely! It is safe to keep your scanner plugged into your car’s OBD port. With other tools such as handheld scanners, you don’t have the option of leaving it plugged into your vehicle.
Which OBD reader is the best?
Value and price
The best scanner tool is the one that lets you access the most features, with accuracy, and at a great price. Some OBD2 scanners only focus on diagnostics, whereas others also include additional functionalities such as car coding and real-time data.
Equipment and Bluetooth
Some OBD2 scanners require additional equipment, such as cables or a computer to run the diagnostics software. However, the best option is to get a wireless OBD2 reader that can connect to your phone over Bluetooth.
Compatibility with your BMW Z4 and phone
The next point for choosing your OBD reader! Make sure that the scanner and app that you select are compatible with your mobile phone. Some diagnostic scanner apps might only be compatible with Android or Apple devices.
Additionally, make sure that your BMW Z4 is also compatible with the scanner since some are only compatible with limited car brands.
Warranty of the OBD2 scanner
Finally, the last point to consider is the warranty included in your purchase. It’s common for most OBD2 scanners to include a very short 1 to 3-year warranty. However, OBD2 scanners are meant to last longer, so you should ensure to get a lifetime warranty.