ScanGauge II
 

Has anyone use this Scan tool before?

Link => http://www.scanguage.com/

Looks like a perfect size to fit in the ashtray area that I might be able to leave it connected there permenantly. Your opinion on this would greatly be appreciated.

Most of that data is available via the OBC, and I rarely use that info as it is :dunno:

While it's true that some of the data are available through the OBC, but there are still some other data that are not available through the OBC that I might be interested in like actual coolant temperature (instead of a rough guestimate dial), Intake Air Temperature, throttle position, battery voltage, etc. While all of these gauges and trip computer info is a "nice to have" feature that I may or may not use (or is already duplicated on the OBC), but it's not the main reason why I am considering this "gadget". I needed a trouble code reader...so I figured mind as well get something that I can have instant access to all the time (since it's small enough to sit in the ashtray). This way, the thing won't get misplaced when I actually need it since I can have it plugged in all the time.

I wanted someone's experience with this thing to see if the code reader itself was actually worth anything to even consider it.

Yep I have a ScanGauge II. The only issue I see it when you leave it plugged in and start the engine it brings up an engine fault warning. Unplug it and the fault is gone. So you need to plug it in after you have started the engine.

It does read fault codes but the ID error is returned as P00001 , 2 etc. not sure what they mean.

I also have a Carsoft scanner 6.5 which is useless for an X5 it can't do anything. I emailed Carsoft a number of times either 3 or 4 and never got a response from them.

I have BMW carsoft 6.5 and it`s very good indeed. You can turn on or off auto locking etc from there as well as read and reset your codes.
Make sure you have the carsoft OBDII interface for the BMW as well.
Although I havent tried it, you can also re map your ECU and re code different components using it. Bought mine from Ebay.

I have no experience with any device like this. IMO If something goes wrong this device isn't going to fix it and honestly I see no reason to sit around looking at diagnostic numbers. For me Its just another device i'll never use because i don't intend to go tooling around with the X. But for those who do their own thing under the hood maybe it would be worth it.

I have had 2 Carsoft 6.5 units (had first module replaced as it didn't work), it is extremely limited to what it could do actually all it seems to do is reset the airbag light and the service lights nothing else functions.

Program the door locks....hahaha... this function is greyed out for me, selecting auto wipers retracts the rear door window !