Beyond BlueDriver: Is OBDLink MX+ the Superior OBD2 Scanner, Especially for Subaru?

For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is paramount. OBD2 scanners have become indispensable tools, offering insights into engine performance, potential issues, and overall vehicle condition. Among the popular choices, BlueDriver and OBDLink MX+ stand out. But when it comes to comprehensive diagnostics, especially considering brands like Subaru and their specific systems, which OBD2 scanner truly excels? This article delves into a detailed comparison between BlueDriver and OBDLink MX+, focusing on key aspects that matter most to car owners and professionals.

Enhanced OEM Diagnostics: Unlocking Subaru and Beyond

The true power of an OBD2 scanner lies in its ability to access enhanced OEM diagnostics. This refers to manufacturer-specific data beyond the generic OBD-II standards, providing crucial information like ABS, Airbag, HVAC system codes, transmission temperature, and tire pressure. For Subaru owners, accessing Subaru-specific diagnostic data is essential for thorough troubleshooting and maintenance.

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

While both OBDLink MX+ and BlueDriver support generic OBD-II, their capabilities diverge significantly when it comes to enhanced OEM diagnostics. BlueDriver offers some OEM diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), but it falls short by not providing any OEM live parameters. For Subaru owners or anyone needing to monitor vital parameters like transmission temperature or access detailed sensor readings, BlueDriver presents limitations.

Furthermore, BlueDriver lacks the hardware to access manufacturer-specific networks like GM SW-CAN and Ford MS-CAN. This is a significant drawback as modern vehicles, including many Subaru models, utilize these networks for communication between various electronic control units (ECUs). OBDLink MX+, on the other hand, is equipped to communicate on both networks, granting access to a wealth of DTCs and parameters unavailable to BlueDriver, ensuring broader compatibility and deeper diagnostic capabilities, potentially crucial for Subaru vehicles with advanced systems.

Consider a modern vehicle’s network architecture. ECUs, the brains behind various car functions, are interconnected through networks. In many vehicles, these networks are divided into different types, like HS-CAN and MS-CAN. OBDLink MX+ can navigate both, accessing modules across the entire vehicle network, while BlueDriver’s limitations confine it to only a portion, missing potentially critical Subaru-specific data residing on less accessible networks.

OBD App Support: Expanding Diagnostic Horizons Beyond a Single App

Both OBDLink MX+ and BlueDriver come with their proprietary mobile apps for Android and iOS, offering user-friendly interfaces for diagnostics. OBDLink MX+ further extends its versatility by including a license for OBDwiz, a Windows-based diagnostic program, catering to users who prefer a desktop environment.

However, the key differentiator lies in their architecture. OBDLink MX+ boasts an open architecture, making it compatible with dozens of third-party automotive apps. This open ecosystem dramatically expands its functionality, offering specialized diagnostics, performance monitoring, custom dashboards, fuel efficiency tools, and even vehicle customization options. Imagine using apps tailored for Subaru-specific diagnostics or performance tuning – this level of flexibility is a significant advantage.

BlueDriver, with its closed architecture, restricts users to its single, proprietary app. While this app is functional, it limits users to a single diagnostic experience and restricts access to specialized features offered by the broader OBD app ecosystem.

Sampling Rate: Capturing Real-Time Data with Precision

Sampling rate, measured in samples per second, is a critical OBD device specification. A higher sampling rate ensures accurate capture of rapidly changing signals, essential for monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously, creating smooth graphs, and delivering responsive digital dashboards. For diagnosing performance issues or tracking engine behavior in real-time, a high sampling rate is crucial.

Benchmark tests reveal a stark contrast in sampling rates. BlueDriver’s sampling rate fluctuates between 5 and 10 samples per second. In identical conditions, OBDLink MX+ achieves speeds up to ten times faster, providing a significantly more detailed and responsive data stream for accurate diagnostics and performance analysis, which is especially beneficial when monitoring complex Subaru engine parameters.

Battery Drain Protection: Ensuring Peace of Mind When Left Plugged In

For OBD2 devices intended to remain plugged in, a low-power “sleep” mode is a vital feature. When the engine is off, the vehicle’s battery relies solely on its own reserves. A poorly designed OBD device can drain the battery, leading to inconvenience and potential battery damage. An intelligent scan tool should quickly enter a low-power state when the engine is off, minimizing energy consumption.

Testing reveals that BlueDriver takes three times longer to enter low power mode and consumes 7.5 times more energy than OBDLink MX+. Alarmingly, BlueDriver consumes 19.3 milliamperes in sleep mode, up to twice the vehicle’s parasitic current draw and ten times that of OBDLink MX+. BlueDriver’s high sleep current poses a genuine risk of battery drain, as evidenced by user reports of battery issues.

Overvoltage Protection: Safeguarding Against Electrical System Spikes

Devices connected to a vehicle’s OBD port must withstand the harsh electrical environment. “Load dump,” a high-energy voltage spike caused by abrupt battery disconnection during charging (e.g., due to corroded battery terminals), is a particularly dangerous condition.

Overvoltage protection circuitry is crucial to protect OBD devices from such events. In overvoltage protection tests, both OBDLink MX+ and BlueDriver were subjected to a 90-volt pulse simulating a load dump. OBDLink MX+ survived unscathed, while BlueDriver became inoperable immediately.

Further testing involved a slow voltage ramp-up. BlueDriver started smoking at 19 volts and caught fire shortly after. OBDLink MX+’s protection engaged at 18 volts, and it remained functional after voltage was restored. In a continuous 90-volt test, OBDLink MX+ endured without damage, while BlueDriver suffered capacitor explosion and permanent failure.

Aftermath of the slow ramp-up test: BlueDriver’s® power regulator caught fire and was completely destroyed.

Warranty: Long-Term Reliability and Support

Warranty coverage reflects manufacturer confidence in product durability. OBDLink MX+ offers triple the warranty of BlueDriver, providing 3 years of coverage compared to BlueDriver’s 1 year (warranty information as of September 1, 2019). This extended warranty period underscores OBDLink MX+’s robust design and reliability.

Summary: OBDLink MX+ – The Clear Winner for Comprehensive Diagnostics

Conclusion: Choosing the Right OBD2 Scanner

In conclusion, while BlueDriver offers basic OBD2 diagnostics, OBDLink MX+ emerges as the superior choice for users demanding comprehensive vehicle diagnostics, especially when considering brands like Subaru and their intricate systems. From enhanced OEM diagnostics and broader vehicle network access to superior performance, robust protection, and extensive app support, OBDLink MX+ provides a more versatile and reliable diagnostic experience. For Subaru owners, DIY mechanics, and anyone seeking in-depth vehicle insights, investing in OBDLink MX+ ensures access to a wider range of data, greater functionality, and long-term peace of mind.

OBDLink® is a registered trademark of OBD Solutions. All other trademarks and registered trademarks referred to are the property of their respective owners. iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. BlueDriver® is a registered trademark of Root Four Imagination Inc (Lemur Vehicle Monitors). The trademark holders are not affiliated with the maker of OBDLink® MX+™ and do not endorse this product.