BlueDriver OBD2 vs OBDLink MX+: Which Scan Tool is the Superior Choice?

Deciding on the right OBD2 scan tool can be crucial for both automotive professionals and car enthusiasts alike. Two prominent contenders in the Bluetooth OBD adapter market are the BlueDriver and the OBDLink MX+. This article provides a detailed comparison to determine which adapter comes out on top, evaluating them across critical categories for vehicle diagnostics and performance.

One of the primary differentiators between scan tools is their capability in accessing enhanced OEM diagnostics. This refers to the diagnostic data that goes beyond generic OBD-II standards, delving into manufacturer-specific information. Enhanced OEM diagnostics are broadly categorized into:

• Enhanced trouble codes: Covering systems beyond the standard OBD-II, such as ABS, Airbag, and HVAC.
• Enhanced parameters: Providing access to a wider range of live data, like transmission temperature, tire pressure, and individual wheel speeds.

*Reference the “Manufacturer-Specific Enhanced Diagnostics Support” for specific vehicle coverage

While both the OBDLink MX+ and BlueDriver support standard OBD-II protocols, their capabilities diverge significantly when it comes to enhanced OEM diagnostics. BlueDriver offers some ability to read OEM diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), but it falls short by completely lacking the capacity to read OEM live parameters. For users needing to monitor detailed data like transmission temperature or tire pressure, BlueDriver’s limitations become immediately apparent.

Furthermore, BlueDriver’s hardware limitations restrict its access to manufacturer-specific networks like GM SW-CAN and Ford MS-CAN. These networks are essential for accessing a broader spectrum of diagnostic and performance data in GM and Ford vehicles. OBDLink MX+, on the other hand, is equipped to communicate on both of these networks. This hardware advantage allows MX+ users to access thousands of additional DTCs and parameters that are simply unavailable to BlueDriver users.

To illustrate this point, consider the network architecture of a 2015 Ford Expedition. Modern vehicles utilize multiple electronic control units (ECUs) that manage various functions. These ECUs are interconnected through vehicle networks, such as HS-CAN and MS-CAN in the Ford Expedition example. OBDLink MX+ can interface with ECUs on both HS-CAN and MS-CAN networks, providing comprehensive diagnostic coverage. However, BlueDriver is restricted to HS-CAN, leaving a significant portion of the vehicle’s network and its associated diagnostic data inaccessible.

Software and application support is another critical aspect when evaluating OBD2 adapters. Both OBDLink MX+ and BlueDriver provide their own proprietary mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms right out of the box. However, OBDLink MX+ extends its compatibility further by including a license for OBDwiz, a robust Windows-based diagnostic software.

Beyond the in-house software, OBDLink MX+ distinguishes itself with its open architecture, which fosters compatibility with a wide array of third-party applications. This expansive ecosystem of apps significantly enhances the functionality of the MX+, allowing users to perform specialized diagnostics, track lap times, create custom digital dashboards, optimize vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, adjust vehicle settings, and even integrate features like remote door lock control and engine start on compatible vehicles.

In contrast, BlueDriver’s closed architecture restricts users to its single, proprietary application. This limitation means BlueDriver users are confined to the features and functionalities offered solely within the BlueDriver app, without the flexibility and expanded capabilities afforded by third-party software compatibility.

Sampling rate is a key performance indicator for OBD devices, representing the number of data samples captured per second. A higher sampling rate is essential for accurately capturing dynamic signals, monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously, and achieving smooth data visualization in graphs and digital dashboards.

Benchmark tests reveal a significant performance gap in sampling rates between the two devices. BlueDriver’s sampling rate fluctuates between 5 and 10 samples per second. Under identical testing conditions, OBDLink MX+ demonstrated speeds up to ten times faster. This superior sampling rate of the MX+ translates to more responsive real-time data and a more accurate depiction of rapidly changing vehicle parameters.

Battery drain protection is a crucial feature for OBD2 adapters designed for continuous connection. When the vehicle’s engine is off, the adapter relies solely on the battery for power. An efficient adapter should minimize battery drain by entering a low-power sleep mode when the engine is not running.

Comparative tests have shown that BlueDriver takes three times longer to enter sleep mode and consumes 7.5 times more energy than OBDLink MX+. Alarmingly, BlueDriver’s sleep mode current consumption was measured at 19.3 milliamperes, which can be twice the vehicle’s normal parasitic draw and ten times greater than OBDLink MX+’s sleep current. BlueDriver’s high sleep current consumption raises concerns about potential battery drain issues, as reported by some users.

Protection against overvoltage is another critical aspect of OBD device reliability. Automotive electrical systems are prone to voltage spikes, particularly “load dump” pulses, which occur when the battery is abruptly disconnected from the alternator during charging, potentially due to oxidized battery terminals.

Overvoltage protection testing revealed significant differences in the robustness of the two adapters. In a 90-volt pulse test simulating a load dump condition, OBDLink MX+ survived without damage, while BlueDriver became inoperable. Further testing, gradually increasing voltage, caused BlueDriver to smoke and catch fire at 19 volts, whereas OBDLink MX+’s protection circuitry activated at 18 volts, maintaining full functionality after voltage restoration. In a continuous 90-volt test, OBDLink MX+ continued to function, while BlueDriver suffered catastrophic failure with capacitor explosion and circuit damage.

Warranty coverage provides an indication of manufacturer confidence and product durability. OBDLink MX+ offers a 3-year warranty, tripling BlueDriver’s 1-year coverage, offering users greater peace of mind and long-term support.