In today’s automotive landscape, having the right tools for diagnostics, coding, and performance tuning is more crucial than ever. For BMW enthusiasts and owners, the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) port is the gateway to unlocking their car’s full potential. Among the plethora of OBD2 adapters available, the Bootmod3 (BM3) WIFI OBD2 adapter stands out. This review provides an in-depth look at the Bootmod3 WIFI OBD2 Adapter, specifically the V3 version, and explores why it’s considered by many to be the Best Rated Can Obd2 adapter on the market. We’ll delve into its features, benefits, and why it might be the essential tool for your BMW or even Toyota Supra.
Disclaimer:
Please be aware that any technical advice, coding instructions, or product installations mentioned in this review are undertaken at your own risk. We are not liable for any personal injuries, damage to your vehicle, or property damage resulting from the use of this information.
Monetary Disclaimer:
The author of this review does not receive any commission, profit, or monetary gain from the sale of the Bootmod3 WIFI adapter.
Image Credits:
All images and videos used in this review are the property of their respective owners, who are credited beneath each image. These are used for review purposes only. If you are an image owner and wish for your content to be removed, please contact us. Otherwise, thank you to the original creators for making this review more visually informative.
Review Stance:
This review is partially sponsored by proTUNING Freaks/Bootmod3. However, the evaluation remains as unbiased as possible. The initiative for this review came from the reviewer, reflecting a genuine belief in the product’s quality and its potential as the best rated CAN OBD2 solution. The reviewer personally uses this adapter for coding, flashing, and data logging with Bootmod3 and is considering expanding its use to ISTA wireless connectivity.
Let’s first understand some fundamental terms related to BMW’s OBD2 system.
Understanding OBD2, CANBUS, and ENET
What is OBD2?
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Understanding the OBD2 port is crucial for car diagnostics and tuning.
OBD2, or On-Board Diagnostics 2, refers to the standardized port found in virtually every car manufactured after 1996 in the USA. This trapezoidal port grants access to your car’s Electronic Control Units (ECUs). Modern vehicles often have multiple ECUs, such as the engine control unit (DME in BMWs), differential control unit (GHAS), and front electronics module. The OBD2 port enables you to read fault codes from these ECUs. Standardized codes are defined by SAE J1979, allowing basic diagnostic information retrieval. Wikipedia explains: “The SAE J1979 standard defines a method for requesting various diagnostic data and a list of standard parameters that might be available from the ECU. The various parameters that are available are addressed by ‘parameter identification numbers’ or PIDs” (Credit Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-boa…om%20the%20ECU.).
While generic OBD2 scanners can pull basic codes, BMW utilizes proprietary error codes beyond the standard OBD2 protocols. For in-depth diagnostics, accessing these BMW-specific codes requires specialized software like ISTA or Protool with a diagnostic license, along with an adapter capable of ENET protocol communication. Generic OBD2 adapters often fall short here. An adapter like the BM3 WIFI adapter, or a dedicated ENET cable, becomes necessary.
Beyond diagnostics, the OBD2 port facilitates crucial functions like software updates (ISTEP versions), car coding, and performance tuning via platforms like Bootmod3. These advanced operations demand an OBD2 adapter that supports BMW’s ENET communication protocol. The BM3 WIFI adapter is designed to meet these requirements, offering convenient and essential features we’ll explore further.
What are CANBUS and FLEXRAY?
Credit: Autodata training
CANBUS and FLEXRAY are the communication highways within modern vehicles.
CANBUS, short for Controller Area Network BUS, is a vehicle communication system that acts as a network connecting the car’s electronic components and computers. Think of it as a digital highway facilitating data exchange between various systems.
FLEXRAY is a similar network but significantly faster, offering more reliable and rapid data transfer compared to CANBUS. BMW F series and newer models incorporate FLEXRAY, leveraging its enhanced data speeds.
Note: Not all devices connect directly to CANBUS/FLEXRAY. Some may connect through modules that are part of these networks.
Why are these communication protocols important for an OBD2 adapter? A high-quality OBD2 adapter, like the BM3 adapter, supporting CANBUS and FLEXRAY, can exploit the faster FLEXRAY data transfer speeds. This allows for high-volume data throughput via the OBD2 port, resulting in:
- Faster Data Logging: Monitor more channels at higher sampling rates. This provides a clearer, more detailed picture of your car’s performance, reducing the risk of missing crucial events like timing corrections, knock, or boost spikes. Slower adapters with limited sampling rates might miss these transient events.
- Faster Flashing Times: Tuning your car or flashing custom ROMs, like BM3’s flex fuel ROM, becomes quicker. Faster flashing minimizes the need for a battery charger during these processes, assuming your battery is in good condition.
- Faster Coding Sessions: Tasks in apps like BimmerCode or Protool become significantly faster. Loading ECU pages and applying coding changes are expedited. For example, compared to slower Bluetooth adapters, the BM3 adapter can reduce ECU page load and coding application times from minutes to mere seconds.
Furthermore, a CANBUS/FLEXRAY enabled adapter grants access to all ECUs in modern BMWs via these networks. This comprehensive access is not possible with generic OBD2 adapters. With the BM3 adapter, you can flash and code every ECU in F and G series BMWs, including transmissions (critical for Gen 2 B58 engines and Toyota Supras), without needing additional DCAN cables or wireless adapters. This makes it a truly best rated CAN OBD2 option for comprehensive vehicle management.
What is ENET?
Credit:https://www.amazon.ca/OHP-Ethernet-D…/dp/B07V3C47YD
ENET cables provide a fast and reliable communication link to BMW ECUs.
ENET, or Ethernet, is the communication protocol BMW uses for external communication with vehicle ECUs. Essentially, it’s an Ethernet cable terminating in an OBD2 connector, enabling communication via standard internet protocols. This protocol stack ensures rapid data transfer with high fidelity, essential for fully utilizing the BMW FLEXRAY network.
The BM3 adapter supports the ENET protocol, ensuring seamless communication with F-series and newer BMWs, including the Toyota Supra. For a deeper dive into ENET and BMW systems, refer to https://standards.ieee.org/wp-conten…hitectures.pdf.
Now that we’ve clarified these terms, let’s focus specifically on the BM3 adapter and user experience.
Purchasing and Shipping Experience with Bootmod3
A crucial aspect of any product is the purchasing experience. Buying directly from Protuning Freaks/BM3 showcases their commitment to customer service.
Crest: PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/shopify
Bootmod3’s website utilizes Shopify for a smooth and secure purchasing process.
The BM3 website offers a modern, user-friendly, and fast interface. Utilizing Shopify, a widely trusted payment platform, ensures a hassle-free transaction process, supporting various payment methods like PayPal and credit cards, and accommodating PO Boxes. This seamless purchasing experience reflects BM3’s dedication to using top-tier software throughout their operations.
Credit: TheAmazingBrentWood https://theamazingbrentwood.com/wp-c…0424463738.png
Efficient shipping is part of Bootmod3’s excellent customer service.
Shipping was remarkably efficient. Despite a last-minute address correction request, the BM3 support team (Serge and Dzenan) promptly processed the change. Within approximately 4 hours of order placement, the adapter was packaged, the address corrected, shipping label created, and ready for Canada Post pickup. This responsiveness and speed are exceptional.
This rapid response and shipping speed highlight BM3’s commitment to optimization and improvement. They leverage cutting-edge software, such as Atlassian’s JIRA, to streamline workflow and communication.
Credit: Atlassian https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira
JIRA helps Bootmod3 manage customer support and development efficiently.
JIRA, used by major corporations like Twitter and Reddit, allows BM3 to manage customer support tickets and internal development collaboratively. Customer tickets are accessible to the entire support team, ensuring no queries are missed and facilitating faster resolution. JIRA also enhances inter-team cooperation for feature development, work planning, and overall product improvement.
BM3’s investment in sophisticated tools like JIRA demonstrates their dedication to excellence and positions them as a leader in BMW tuning solutions. This commitment is evident in their rapid feature releases, such as being ahead of competitors in launching GEN 2 B58 race ROM features.
The package arrived within 6 days via standard Canada Post shipping, despite initial address errors and weekend days. Packaging was adequate, with the adapter securely packed in a cardboard box with packing peanuts and bubble wrap. While the adapter had some internal movement within the box, it arrived in perfect condition. Slightly tighter packaging could further enhance the unboxing experience.
Next, let’s examine the features of the BM3 WIFI adapter itself, reinforcing why it is considered by many to be the best rated CAN OBD2 adapter.
Bootmod3 WIFI OBD2 Adapter: Feature Overview
Let’s examine the physical attributes and design of the BM3 adapter.
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The back of the BM3 adapter with the embossed logo.
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The tapered side profile designed for better foot clearance.
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Front view showing the vent and on/off switch.
Credit: F87Source
Close-up of the OBD2 connector.
These images provide a detailed view of the BM3 adapter. Key observations include:
- Embossed Logo and Tapered Design: The BM3 logo is subtly embossed on the back, which is slightly lower due to the tapered design. The transparent plastic casing is noticeable when held to light.
- Tapered Side Profile: The side profile reveals a significant taper towards the connector end. This design is crucial for maximizing foot clearance in the driver’s footwell, a critical factor, especially in manual transmission vehicles.
- Front Vent and Toggle Switch: The front features a vent for internal component cooling and a toggle switch. This switch controls power, independent of the sleep mode, allowing users to manually turn the adapter on or off. However, its placement on the front, facing the trim panels when plugged in, makes it less accessible, particularly in LHD vehicles. Relocating the switch to the bottom or back might improve usability.
- OBD2 Connector: The OBD2 connector ensures a tight and secure fit in the car’s OBD2 port with no alignment issues.
Dimensions and Ergonomics: Minimizing Footwell Intrusion
Adapter size is paramount, especially in vehicles where the OBD2 port is near the dead pedal. Larger adapters are prone to accidental kicks, potentially leading to disconnection or, in severe cases, damage to the OBD2 port itself.
Credit: N52 E90 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1364965
Accidental kicks to large OBD2 adapters can damage the OBD2 port.
The BM3 WIFI adapter’s compact dimensions significantly reduce the risk of accidental kicks. It’s notably thinner and shorter than many older adapters, such as the black MHD ENET WIFI adapter.
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Width measurement: 44.68 mm.
Credit F87source
Height measurement: 69.51 mm.
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Maximum thickness measurement: 20.20 mm.
Beyond overall size, the tapered design further enhances foot clearance.
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Thickness at tapered end: 14.64 mm.
This thoughtful design minimizes the adapter’s profile in the footwell. In practical use, the reviewer noted significantly improved foot movement and ankle rotation without hitting the adapter, even mimicking manual driving motions. This ergonomic design is a major advantage, making it a strong contender for the best rated CAN OBD2 adapter in terms of usability.
Installed View in BMW F87 M2
Credit: F87source
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Credit: F87source
The low-profile design of the BM3 adapter when installed in a BMW F87 M2.
These images illustrate how the BM3 adapter sits close to the trim panel, maintaining a low profile and minimizing obstruction. The faint orange light visible when powered on adds a subtle visual indicator.
WIFI Connectivity: Speed, Range, and Security
The BM3 adapter utilizes WIFI for wireless communication, specifically 2.4 GHz WIFI, ensuring broad compatibility with various devices, including older phones and laptops.
The default WIFI hotspot credentials are SSID: “BM3-NET” and Password: “bootmod3”, printed inside the box lid for easy reference.
Credit:F87source
Default WIFI credentials are conveniently located inside the box.
Choosing WIFI over Bluetooth provides significant advantages:
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Speed: WIFI offers vastly superior data transfer speeds compared to Bluetooth. 2.4 GHz WIFI can reach up to 300 Mbps (though the BM3 adapter settings show a maximum link speed of 72 Mbps), dwarfing Bluetooth 5’s 2 Mbps. This speed advantage translates to faster flashing and data logging, making it a key factor in why it’s considered a best rated CAN OBD2 adapter. It rivals even the MHD Universal WIFI adapter in speed.
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Latency: WIFI generally exhibits lower latency than Bluetooth, especially at higher speeds. Lower latency means less lag between data retrieval from the OBD2 port and reception by your connected device. This is crucial for real-time gauges, providing more responsive and accurate readings, particularly for RPM gauges.
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Range: WIFI offers significantly greater connection range than Bluetooth (2x-3x). This extended range allows for greater flexibility, enabling coding and diagnostics via ISTA from a nearby workbench or even inside your house. The reviewer successfully coded their car from 15 meters away through walls with a stable 50% WIFI signal.
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Transmission Fidelity: WIFI incorporates retransmission and packet acknowledgment protocols, ensuring higher data fidelity compared to Bluetooth, which uses a “best effort” transmission approach without built-in error correction at the protocol level.
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Encryption: WIFI employs robust encryption protocols, offering superior security compared to Bluetooth, which sometimes lacks encryption entirely. Encryption is vital for preventing unauthorized access to the OBD2 adapter and the vehicle’s CANBUS/FLEXRAY network. Without it, vulnerabilities could be exploited for malicious activities like key cloning, a known BMW theft method.
News articles and videos highlighting BMW key cloning via OBD2 port vulnerabilities underscore the importance of secure wireless OBD2 connections:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…d.php?t=688307
https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriank…h=4f4f39905a3d
While WIFI encryption is strong, default passwords can be a weak point. The BM3 adapter’s default password, while standard, could be a potential concern if widely known. However, BM3 has committed to adding user-configurable password functionality in a future update, further enhancing security and addressing this potential vulnerability, solidifying its position as a best rated CAN OBD2 adapter with security in mind. This proactive approach to security is commendable and differentiates BM3 from competitors.
Updatable Firmware: Future-Proofing Your Investment
The BM3 WIFI OBD2 adapter features updateable firmware via the BM3 app. This crucial feature ensures the adapter remains future-proof. As BM3 develops new functionalities, users can update their adapter to access these features without needing new hardware. This commitment to ongoing improvement sets the BM3 adapter apart from competitors who often release new hardware versions for feature updates.
Additional Features Enhancing User Experience
Beyond core functionality, the BM3 adapter includes several additional features that enhance its usability and convenience.
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On/Off Switch: The physical toggle switch provides manual control over the adapter’s power state. While less accessible in LHD vehicles due to its front placement, it’s beneficial for RHD users and owners of V2A adapters (which lack sleep mode) for manually turning off the adapter to prevent battery drain.
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Sleep Mode and Low Power Consumption: The V3 adapter incorporates a sleep mode that reduces power draw to approximately 20mA when the ignition is off in G-series vehicles and Toyota Supras (F-series cars do not transmit ignition state via OBD2). It also automatically wakes up when the ignition is turned back on. Combined with a low active power consumption of 80mA, this allows the adapter to be left plugged in permanently without significant battery drain, a key feature making it a truly convenient and best rated CAN OBD2 adapter for daily use.
Permanent installation also minimizes wear and tear on the OBD2 port itself. Frequent plugging and unplugging can damage the connector and pins, as reported by BMW owners:
Credit: Comacchio https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/…?h=0&t=1947105
Repeated use can damage OBD2 port pins and connectors.Damaged OBD2 ports and bent pins are documented issues in BMW forums, highlighting the benefit of minimizing port usage:
Warranty and Customer Service: Peace of Mind
BM3 offers a 30-day return policy and warranty period. However, they handle warranty claims on a case-by-case basis even beyond this period, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction. Hardware faults not caused by user damage are typically covered. Damage caused by users may be subject to minimal cost replacement. Direct warranty handling by BM3, rather than through third-party vendors, ensures superior customer service and faster resolution, further reinforcing its reputation as a provider of the best rated CAN OBD2 solutions with excellent support. This direct approach contrasts favorably with experiences reported with other brands.
Conclusion: Why the Bootmod3 WIFI OBD2 Adapter is a Top Contender
In summary, the Bootmod3 WIFI OBD2 adapter distinguishes itself as a leading option in the market, arguably the best rated CAN OBD2 adapter, due to a combination of factors:
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Superior Communication Protocol Support: ENET, CANBUS, and FLEXRAY compatibility ensures communication with all ECUs in modern BMWs (F-series and newer, including Supra), offering comprehensive vehicle access. Combined with WIFI, it delivers exceptional speed and low latency.
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Enhanced Security: Future user-configurable password updates will address potential security concerns, making it safer for permanent installation and mitigating OBD2 exploit risks.
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Convenient Sleep Mode: Prevents battery drain and alarm triggers in G-series BMWs and Supras, enabling permanent installation and reducing OBD2 port wear.
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Ergonomic and Compact Design: Tapered and small form factor maximizes footwell clearance, minimizing accidental kicks and potential OBD2 port damage.
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Future-Proof Firmware: Updatable firmware ensures ongoing feature enhancements and prevents obsolescence.
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Exceptional Customer Service and Warranty: BM3’s direct customer service and flexible warranty approach provide peace of mind.
These combined advantages position the Bootmod3 WIFI OBD2 adapter as a top choice for BMW owners seeking a reliable, fast, secure, and feature-rich OBD2 adapter for diagnostics, coding, and performance tuning. Its comprehensive features and commitment to customer satisfaction solidify its claim as potentially the best rated CAN OBD2 adapter currently available.
