BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool vs BimmerLink
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
This app turns your smartphone into a powerful OBD2 scan tool. It allows you to read and clear trouble codes, view live data, and generate detailed repair reports for your vehicle. Understand your car's issues and make informed repair decisions.
- Read and clear trouble codes (Check Engine, ABS, etc.)
- Generate professional-grade Repair Reports
- Access Mode 6 and smog readiness data
- View live data with interactive graphing
- Wireless Bluetooth scanning
- Likely fixes explained in plain language
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BlueDriver® transforms your iPhone or iPad into a powerful OBD2 scan tool – trusted by over 1 million drivers, from professional mechanics to DIYers. Paired with the BlueDriver Bluetooth® Sensor (sold separately), it lets you read codes, diagnose issues, and fix your car with confidence—no wires, no guesswork. Whether you're checking a check engine light, running a smog test, or diving into enhanced diagnostics like ABS or transmission codes, BlueDriver gives you the tools you need to understand your vehicle and make smarter repair decisions – with clear, easy-to-understand information. What You Can Do with BlueDriver · Read and clear trouble codes - including check engine, ABS, airbag, transmission, and more · Generate, save, and share professional-grade Repair Reports based on your exact vehicle and trouble code · Access Mode 6 on-board monitoring test results · Check smog readiness and freeze frame data · View live data with multi-PID interactive graphing · Scan your vehicle wirelessly with Bluetooth—no cables required · Choose between metric and imperial settings · Get likely fixes for your vehicle’s issues, explained in plain language Enhanced Diagnostics Coverage · GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mercedes (2005+ models) · Mitsubishi (2008+), Hyundai/Kia (2012+) – available worldwide · BMW/Mini, Honda/Acura, Volkswagen/Audi – available in North America · Subaru – available in the United States What Makes BlueDriver Different? · No subscription required · Backed by a database of millions real-world fixes · Repair Reports are specific to your vehicle’s year, make, and model · Works globally with the BlueDriver Sensor · App is free to install—just pair with the Sensor to start scanning You can even preview a Repair Report without a Sensor by entering your VIN and a trouble code. Account Setup Made Easy You’ll create a BlueDriver account during setup—it’s quick and easy, and gives you secure access to all your scans, reports, and new features across any device. Important Info The BlueDriver Sensor plugs into your vehicle’s data port (found in every car built since 1996). It connects to the app via Bluetooth® to deliver full diagnostic functionality. Sensor sold separately in-app or at www.BlueDriver.com
BimmerLink
This app provides direct access to your BMW or MINI vehicle's systems. Read and clear trouble codes from all control units, monitor real-time sensor values, and control features like exhaust flaps and active sound design. It also supports battery registration, DPF regeneration, and service resets.
- Read and clear trouble codes from all control units
- Display real-time sensor values
- Remote control of exhaust flap
- Mute Active Sound Design
- DPF regeneration
- Battery registration
- Service reset
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BimmerLink is the direct link to your BMW, MINI, or Toyota Supra. Read and clear trouble codes, monitor live sensor data, and perform maintenance functions from your phone. A supported OBD adapter or cable is required. Feature availability depends on your vehicle and its equipment. READ AND CLEAR TROUBLE CODES Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from all control units in your car. LIVE SENSOR DATA Monitor values such as oil temperature and boost pressure in real time. Create a personalized dashboard to keep the readings that matter to you in view. DATA LOGGING Record sensor values in CSV log files for detailed analysis. CONTROL UNIT FUNCTIONS Access live data and diagnostic functions for individual control units in your car. EXHAUST FLAP CONTROL Choose whether your car's exhaust flap is open or closed. Requires a factory-installed exhaust flap. ACTIVE SOUND DESIGN Mute the artificial engine sound generated by Active Sound Design (ASD). Requires factory-installed ASD. SOUND TUNING Disable exhaust burble on cars equipped with the S55 engine (M2 Competition, M3, and M4). DPF REGENERATION Check the condition of your diesel particulate filter and request a regeneration when needed. Available on supported diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF. CARPLAY ADD-ON Use CarPlay to view live sensor data from your car's engine control units and control the exhaust flap and Active Sound Design, all from your car's display. Additional in-app purchase required. BATTERY REGISTRATION Register a new battery after replacement directly from the app. PARKING BRAKE SERVICE MODE Activate service mode for your car's electromechanical parking brake. SERVICE RESET Reset service indicators after completing maintenance, such as an engine oil change or brake pad replacement. RESET SHORT-CIRCUIT LOCKS Reset short-circuit locks in the lighting control unit. TRANSMISSION ADAPTATION VALUES View adaptation values for your car's ZF 8HP automatic transmission. REQUIRED ACCESSORIES BimmerLink requires a supported Bluetooth or Wi-Fi OBD adapter or cable. Visit bimmerlink.app for supported accessories and vehicle information. SUPPORTED VEHICLES Feature availability varies by model and equipment. - 1 Series, 1 Series M Coupé (2004+) - 2 Series, 2 Series Coupé, M2 (2013+) - 2 Series Gran Coupé (2020+) - 2 Series Active Tourer (2014+) - 2 Series Gran Tourer (2015+) - 3 Series, M3 (2005+) - 4 Series, M4 (2013+) - 5 Series, M5 (2003+) - 6 Series, M6 (2003+) - 7 Series (2008+) - 8 Series, M8 (2018+) - X1 (2009+) - X2 (2018+) - X3, X3 M (2010+) - X4, X4 M (2014+) - X5, X5 M (2006+) - X6, X6 M (2008+) - X7 (2019+) - XM (2022+) - Z4 (2009+) - i3 (2013+) - i4 (2021+) - i5 (2023+) - i7 (2022+) - i8 (2013+) - iX (2021+) - iX1 (2022+) - iX2 (2024+) - iX3 (2021+) - MINI (2006+) - Toyota Supra (2019+)
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool at none against BimmerLink's 2. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 4 weeks). BimmerLink's advantage is chart position (#119 vs unranked). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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. BimmerLink sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool against 4.7 for BimmerLink. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14K and 9.1K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 57% of BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool's written reviews are positive against 53% of BimmerLink's.
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool ships an update every 9 days, BimmerLink every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool | BimmerLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (14K ratings) | 4.7 (9.1K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews — better | 53.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | 9.1K |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days — better | Every 4 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | #119 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 278 MB | 131 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lemur Vehicle Monitors | SG Software GmbH & Co. KG |
Customer experience
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
BimmerLink
User reviews
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
From 14K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Excellent diagnostic capabilities
- 💰 Great value for money
- 🔍 Detailed fault code information
- 📚 Helpful repair suggestions
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues
- ⚠️ Limited support for some vehicle makes/models
- 🚫 Cannot read odometer information
- 🚫 Lack of advanced features for professional mechanics
- 🚫 No support for European vehicle VINs
BimmerLink
From 9.1K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Useful features
- 💡 Helpful for DIY maintenance
- 🚀 Saved money on repairs
- 🚀 Cleared error codes
Room to improve
- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Inaccurate sensor readings
- 🐛 Doesn't work as advertised
- 💰 Expensive for limited functionality
- 🐛 Resets settings after car turned off
Bugs and requests
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
Reported bugs
3 issues- Occasional app crashes
- Failure to detect vehicle faults in some cases
- Inability to update firmware on certain devices
Requested features
10 requests- Add support for more vehicle makes and models
- Improve Bluetooth stability and connectivity
- Implement odometer reading functionality
- Expand diagnostic capabilities to include more advanced features
- Add support for European vehicle VINs
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- Enable reading of additional fault codes (e.g., airbag)
- Maintain compatibility with older iOS versions
- Introduce CarPlay integration
- Add customizable live data dashboards
- Implement audible alerts for critical sensor readings
BimmerLink
Reported bugs
4 issues- Unable to connect to OBD adapter
- Fails to clear error codes
- Battery registration not working
- Sensor values not updating properly
Requested features
5 requests- Add support for more BMW models
- Improve exhaust flap control functionality
- Add option to change units (Celsius/Fahrenheit, MPH/KPH)
- Improve CarPlay integration
- Add more customization options for dashboard
In-app purchases
BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool
No in-app purchases
BimmerLink
- CarPlay Add-On$9.99
- BimmerLink full version$39.99
Questions
Is BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool free?
Is BimmerLink free?
Which has better reviews, BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool or BimmerLink?
Do BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool or BimmerLink have ads?
Which is updated more often, BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool or BimmerLink?
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