ActiveOBD vs BimmerDash
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ActiveOBD
This app functions as an OBDII scanner, offering specialized support for Subaru vehicles (MY2012+). It provides basic parameter readings for free, with a subscription unlocking advanced features like trouble code reading and data logging.
- OBDII scanning
- Subaru-specific support (MY2012+)
- CVT Oil Temperature reading
- AWD duty (%) parameter reading
- Trouble code reading (full version)
- Data logging (full version)
- Graphs building (full version)
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The OBDII scanner app with a special support of Subaru (MY2012+) make. It's the next-generation product based on our well-known "ActiveOBD for Subaru" app bringing its best features to iOS users. A compatible OBD adapter is required. Premium-level adapters supported (best speed and stability): - OBDLink MX+; - OBDLink CX; - vLinker MC+. Entry-level adapters supported (moderate speed, good stability): - Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE). Other adapters supported: - Viecar Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE), Vgate iCar Pro WiFi, Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+, KONNWEI. We do NOT support the majority of cheap ELM327 v2.1 clones. The basic free version already includes CVT Oil Temperature, CVT ratio and AWD duty (%) parameter readings and nice gauge screen ! Note: some of these parameters are inaccessible on some model ranges. The full version (subscription) includes extra parameters reading and features, such as graphs building, logging ("premium-level adapter" required), trouble codes reading. Note: for resource consumption optimization reason the data collection for graphs/logging activates upon accessing these functions and terminates with the current app session. Terms of Use (standard Apple Terms of Use / EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
BimmerDash
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Transform your iPhone into a high-performance, gaming-inspired digital cockpit gauge cluster. BimmerDash is a premier OBD-II vehicle monitoring App designed specifically for Bimmer enthusiasts. 【 Engine & ECU Optimized for F-Chassis & B-Series / N-Series 】 BimmerDash is deeply optimized for B48, B58, S55, N20, and N55 engine control units (ECU), ensuring high-precision data logging and rapid PID polling response. 【 Apple Intelligence On-Device AI Diagnostics 】 • 15-Minute Telemetry Backtest: Fully automatic analysis of boost curves, ignition timing advance, and knock retard events powered by the iPhone's local Apple Neural Engine (ANE). • 100% On-Device Privacy: Zero dependencies on external cloud servers. Operates at full speed on tracks or remote roads without cellular signal. 【 Apple CarPlay & Live Activities 】 • CarPlay Multi-Layout Support: Strictly complies with Apple driving safety guidelines with 10-second interval peak and average metric calculations. • Live Activities: Real-time telemetry monitoring on Lock Screen and Dynamic Island. 【 18 Core Performance Metrics 】 Track both engine health and track-focused metrics simultaneously, including: • Engine Speed (RPM) & Live Vehicle Speed • Turbo Boost Pressure • Engine Oil Temp & Coolant Temp • Throttle Position • Battery Voltage ...and many other critical data points to help you manage thermal efficiency and power delivery. 【 Hardware & Connection Requirements 】 • This app requires a compatible aftermarket Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE / Bluetooth Low Energy) OBD-II adapter (e.g., vLinker BM+, OBDLink CX, or any standard BLE-compliant ELM327 / OBD2 adapter). • Classic Bluetooth 2.0 / 3.0 (legacy non-BLE) and Wi-Fi-only OBD adapters are NOT supported by iOS and will not connect. • Quick Tip: Do NOT pair the device in your iPhone’s iOS Bluetooth settings. Simply turn on Bluetooth, plug in your adapter, and connect seamlessly directly inside the app. 【 Racing Simulator Telemetry Support 】 • Currently supports the Forza series with a dedicated racing dashboard display. 【 Disclaimer & Safety Information 】 • Drive safely. Do NOT attempt to operate or configure this app while driving. • Data displayed by this app is intended for performance monitoring and enthusiast reference only. It is not a substitute for professional factory diagnostic tools used for repair or mechanical troubleshooting. • All vehicle platform codes, model names, and related terms are properties of their respective registered owners. This app is an independent third-party enthusiast monitoring tool. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: ActiveOBD at none against BimmerDash's shown. ActiveOBD also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). BimmerDash's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. ActiveOBD sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month and BimmerDash sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
ActiveOBD ships an update every 3 months, BimmerDash every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ActiveOBD | BimmerDash |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.6 (39 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 45.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 39 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 21 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mykhailo Zolotarov | CHUN-YI LIN |
In-app purchases
ActiveOBD
- Full Version Subscription1 Month trial$4.991 Month
BimmerDash
- Premium Monthly Pass$0.991 Month
- Premium Annual Pass$9.991 Year
- BimmerDash Lifetime VIP$24.99









