Which scanner is the best?

[Skeletor]

I'm not sure what ECU the 4.6/4.8is has, but I know that you can use TunerPro with the MS43 ECU used in the 3.0. You can change just about anything you can think of, remove speed and rpm governers, adjust ignition timing, valve timing (you can actually program a lumpy cam into the engine with vanos), launch control.... the list goes on. But the point that I'm trying to make with TunerPro is that it has data logging software that goes with it. The data logger looks like something that you were describing earlier.

I'm sure there's something out there for whatever ECU that's in the 4.6. I'll do more searching.

[bcredliner]

I can't see using INPA other than in the garage. I need something that will work on an iPAD or tablet with gauges that show in the green when all is well and goes quickly red when it is not. Would be even better if it set off an alarm.

What I need

Timing advance gauge
cylinder miss alarm or goes turns red from some other color
Lean/rich gauge that turn red and with audible alarm for lean condition

[bcredliner]

Thanks Skeletor. Having a screen like your post would be a big step in the right direction.

[Skeletor]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Thanks Skeletor. Having a screen like your post would be a big step in the right direction.

That may be a big step in the right direction, but a bigger step would probably be the UltraGauge OBDII monitor, I just found it. I spent hours trying to find a software like tunerpro for the Bosch DME 7.2 ECU that's in the 4.4 + 4.6is and then I remembered.. that generic OBDII monitors exist. I have no idea why the thought of a generic OBDII monitor didn't cross my mind...

With the UltraGauge, you can set up high and low alarms (so you don't have to be watching it) and it looks like you can pick and choose what parameters you want to monitor and have it show 4,6, and 8 different gauges on one page, each with it's own alarm.

They've got hardwire units with screens on them, and they also have wireless apps to bind with your apple device. You might be able to use your iPad after all!

Wired unit: UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

Wireless Unit: UltraGauge Blue OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

I just browsed through the PDF manual and this thing looks like it should be what you're looking for, maybe some online reviews can be read about it before a decision is made.

Here's a video of someone going through the different gauges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo9naImUBmE

Here's a screenshot from their website.

[bcredliner]

Ordered the wireless Ultra Gauge.

Thanks for the help!

[Skeletor]

Let me know how the scanner works out. I am interested to see how well it does. I'm planning a project for "Number 3" and might need one of these scanners as well.

[bcredliner]

Will do.

I didn't expedite shipping so it will probably take a week to get here.

[Skeletor]

Any update on the UltraGauge? I've been looking to put one in my whip and I'm kind of nosey to see how yours is going.

[bcredliner]

I played with it a few times when it first arrived. It was easy to get up and running. Then I went on vacation and when I got back I was doing mods for a couple more weeks and never got back to it. Before I left I had been thinking about getting something to mount my iPad or securing over the nav screen so the program started with the engine. Since then I have decided it is time to go to an aftermarket touchscreen radio unit that I can use an app that offers similar real time features such as torque.

I will connect it in the next few days and provide more specifics.

[arcsound]

Does the Scanner 1.4.0 tool plug into the OBD-II port, under the dash, or is there an alternate factory service port under the hood? Most of the Scanner 1.4.0 packages on E-Bay say they are not compatible with my 2003 X5 E53. I'm thinking this has to do with which port; OBD or Factory; it needs to connect to?