Trifecta simple question

[bcredliner]

Next time this happens try turning the steering wheel lock to lock a couple of times to see if the lights go out.

The are several options for code readers that you can use with apple or don't need an operating system:
Bavauto offers a reader that is for BMWs: I have checked it against other readers I have and haven't found a code it misses. It is exclusively a code reader.
OBD Fusion: For Apple. Will read codes and you can real time monitor some modules and create custom gauge pages. Connects via bluetooth.
Engine Link: Works with Apple and also connects via bluetooth. Reads and clears codes and some other stuff.
Blue Driver: Works with Apple. Reads and clears codes, modules, does smog check etc.
INPA Suite: I bought a windows based laptop for the INPA suite. I've used it a couple of times. IMO it is not for the infrequent user and is not cordless.

Everything I have mentioned about options are the short stories. There are websites and YouTube videos that will cover all features. Some options are very inexpensive and some are not. Based on my experience price is not a good measure of the features and benefits you are most concerned about.

I have focused each of these for some period of time over the years. Each has strengths and weakness. I still use them all depending on my mood, their strengths or the one I remember how to do what I need. When I need a scanner for garage work my current go to first is now the Schwaben Pro because it is so intuitive and a feature intensive scanner.

What I have learned is there is no scanner that does what I need. Some codes pinpoint a problem but many times there are codes that are by-products of the real problem so codes are quite often indicators of what to troubleshoot and can be easily misleading if taken literally. Very often if I could do realtime monitoring it would be fairly easy to sort out the primary code.

I am trying to find one scanner that will read and clear codes, test modules, do realtime monitoring, expand the dash gauge coverage and connect by bluetooth. A collection of the best features of the drawer full of scanners.

So, my latest investment is UltraGauge. It arrived yesterday. I have fired it up and tried a few things. Thus far it is intuitive. My intention is to use a portable mount on my iPad so that I can use the software in the vehicle anytime I choose. Based on the dash gauge expansion I can do I may just leave it there all the time. I can leave it in place and it connects automatically when the key is on. I can customize the addition gauges to match the dash gauges. I can have a page of performance gauges and pages for realtime monitoring. I am looking at more engine mods but before I do I want to monitor air/fuel ratio and timing variations based on what engine mods I have active at that particular time. I am quite sure UltraGauge will be at least a step forward.