Comparison

OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 vs BMDash Pro

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327

Transform your OBD-II adapter into a powerful car diagnostic tool. Monitor live engine data, read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, and gain insights into your vehicle's health. Includes AI analysis for potential causes and performance testing features.

Highlights
  • Connects to OBD-II adapters
  • Live engine data dashboard
  • Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes
  • AI analysis for code causes
  • Vehicle health reports (PDF)
  • Performance testing (0-60, braking)
  • Garage for vehicle maintenance tracking
Features
Read full description

Turn a compatible OBD-II adapter into a clear, modern diagnostic dashboard. It connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE ELM327-compatible adapters, detects what your vehicle actually supports, and shows the data it returns. No account, and the diagnostics work offline. LIVE DATA • RPM, speed, coolant temperature, engine load, throttle position and module voltage • Over 20 more when your ECU exposes them: MAF, manifold and barometric pressure, timing advance, fuel trims, fuel level, intake and ambient temperature, runtime and distance • Cards or analog-inspired gauges, with monospaced digits that hold still • Parameters your vehicle does not support are labelled, not faked READ AND UNDERSTAND CODES • Read stored and pending diagnostic trouble codes • Generic OBD-II code descriptions are carried in the app, with family and system group • Manufacturer-specific codes are marked as such, not given a guessed description • Clear supported emissions codes, with an explicit warning about what that does AI ANALYSIS (PRO) • Runs on the session you just read: codes, readiness, freeze frame, live values • Possible causes with reasoning and stated confidence, cheapest and safest checks first • Shows the exact values before anything is sent, and never sends your VIN or location • Optional — the on-device insights always work without it, offline and free DIAGNOSTIC DETAIL • Freeze frame: the conditions the ECU stored when a code was set • Emissions readiness: which monitors have completed their drive cycle • VIN reading where your vehicle supports Mode 09 • Battery and charging: voltage, a trend, and 30 days of daily min/avg/max GARAGE • Save vehicles with make, model, year, fuel type, mileage and VIN • Track oil, filters, brakes, tires, spark plugs, battery and coolant • Optional service reminders, scheduled on your device RECORD AND EXPORT • Record a live session: min, average and max for every parameter • Export sessions as CSV • Generate a Vehicle Health Report as a PDF and share it PERFORMANCE TESTS • 0–60 mph, 0–100 km/h, 0–200 km/h, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile and 100–0 braking • Measured from GPS ground speed, with each run's GPS accuracy shown • Personal bests and history per test BUILT TO BE HONEST • No account, no ads, no cross-app tracking • Your vehicles, codes, sessions and reports stay on your device • Core diagnostics work with no internet connection WHAT YOU NEED A compatible Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE ELM327-style OBD-II adapter, and a vehicle with an OBD-II port. Compatibility depends on the adapter, vehicle, ECU and the PIDs it supports. Classic Bluetooth (SPP-only) adapters and dongles needing their maker's own app are not supported. FREE AND PRO Free includes adapter connection, an essential live dashboard, code reading, a basic readiness overview, one saved vehicle, oil-service tracking, one recording and one PDF report. Pro adds AI analysis, the full parameter dashboard, gauges, live charts and themes, unlimited recordings with CSV export, code clearing, freeze-frame and readiness detail, VIN saving, unlimited reports and vehicles, service reminders, 30-day voltage history and the full performance suite. Pro is an auto-renewing subscription, weekly or yearly. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase and renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage or cancel in Settings on your Apple Account. Terms of Use (EULA): https://emirarikaan.github.io/obd2-scanner-terms.html Privacy Policy: https://emirarikaan.github.io/obd2-scanner-privacy.html IMPORTANT This app provides diagnostic information. It is not a mechanic, an inspection authority or a safety system. A trouble code identifies where a fault was detected — it does not confirm which component failed, and neither does the AI analysis. Consult a qualified service professional before carrying out repairs. Do not interact with the app while driving.

About

BMDash Pro

Features
Read full description

BMDash is built for BMW drivers who want to see what their car is doing in real time. Connect your iPhone directly to the vehicle through ENET or a supported OBD Wi-Fi adapter and monitor live data from supported BMW control units — without creating an account or using a cloud connection for normal vehicle monitoring. SEE YOUR BMW LIVE BMDash brings important vehicle data together on a focused dashboard designed to be readable while driving, testing or diagnosing vehicle behavior. Depending on vehicle support, available data can include engine and transmission temperatures, boost pressure, RPM, oil pressure, fuel pressure, lambda, intake temperature, ignition timing, engine load, knock status and more. BUILD THE DASHBOARD YOU WANT BMDash PRO expands the available sensor set and allows the Dashboard to be customized around the information you want to monitor. Supported parameters can also display current, minimum and maximum values to make changes easier to track during a drive. ENGINE PERFORMANCE The dedicated Engine Performance screen provides a deeper view of engine operation. Supported vehicles can display: • Per-cylinder ignition timing • Per-cylinder misfire information • Boost actual and target • HPFP and LPFP pressure • Throttle position • Engine load • Lambda • Knock status EXHAUST FLAP CONTROL On compatible BMW vehicles equipped with supported factory exhaust flap hardware, BMDash can control the exhaust flaps directly from the app. DIRECT CONNECTION BMDash supports: • ENET • OBD Wi-Fi The app automatically identifies supported vehicles and control units where possible and selects the appropriate data configuration. TRY IT WITHOUT A CAR Demo Mode allows you to explore the BMDash interface and dashboards without connecting to a vehicle. BMDASH PRO BMDash PRO is a one-time in-app purchase — no subscription required. PRO includes Dashboard customization, additional vehicle data, Engine Performance, supported exhaust flap control and other PRO functionality. REAL-WORLD DEVELOPMENT BMDash is actively developed and regularly improved with new features, vehicle support and refinements. Development and real-world testing are performed using a BMW M5 Competition (F90), helping validate connection behavior, live vehicle data and app functionality in actual use. Vehicle data and feature availability depend on model, model year, installed control units, software configuration and connection method. Connection instructions and support: bmdash.app/support/ BMDash is an independent application and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by BMW AG.

Screenshots

OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM3274 screens
BMDash Pro4 screens

Verdict

The call

OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 and BMDash Pro are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and BMDash Pro sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 ships an update every 6 days, BMDash Pro weekly. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 versus BMDash Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327BMDash Pro
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEmir ARIKANDmytro Butenko

In-app purchases

3 purchases

OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327

Subscriptions3
  • Pro Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Pro Yearly – Half Price$19.991 Year
  • Pro Yearly$39.991 Year
1 purchases

BMDash Pro

One-time1
  • BMDash PRO$14.99

Questions

Is OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 free?
OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BMDash Pro free?
BMDash Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 or BMDash Pro have ads?
Neither OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 nor BMDash Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 or BMDash Pro?
OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 ships an update every 6 days, and BMDash Pro weekly. Most recently, OBD2 Car Scanner Pro ELM327 was updated on October 25, 2026 and BMDash Pro on October 25, 2026.

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