For BMW enthusiasts and track day participants, understanding your car’s performance data is crucial for improvement. Devices like the AIM Solo DL offer a powerful way to tap into this data, providing valuable insights both in real-time and for post-session analysis. This article dives into the data logging capabilities of the AIM Solo DL, specifically focusing on accessing data through both the OBD2 port and the CAN bus on BMW vehicles.
The AIM Solo DL is a popular choice for data acquisition, and as showcased in user experiences, it can track a wealth of information directly from your BMW. Connecting to your BMW opens up two primary avenues for data access: the OBDII connector and the direct CAN bus connection. While both provide valuable data, they differ significantly in the breadth of information available.
One user shared a channel list demonstrating the extensive data points the AIM Solo DL can record when connected via the CAN bus.
A screenshot from the AIM Sportline documentation illustrates the wide array of data channels accessible through a direct CAN bus connection on BMW vehicles when using devices like the AIM Solo DL.
As the documentation from AIM Sportline highlights, a direct CAN bus connection offers a much richer data stream compared to the OBDII connector. The CAN bus unlocks access to approximately 28 channels, while the OBDII connection is limited to around 9 channels. This difference is significant for users seeking comprehensive performance analysis.
For instance, consider the parameters you might want to monitor on track. Users often set up custom displays to view critical data in real-time. A typical display might include:
- OILT (Oil Temperature): Crucial for understanding engine health and performance limits.
- ENGT (Engine Temperature – Water): Another vital temperature reading to prevent overheating.
- EXTT (External Temperature – Ambient Air): Useful for understanding environmental conditions affecting performance.
- ACCT (Lateral G-force): Measures cornering forces, key for analyzing handling and driving technique.
A custom display configuration on the AIM Solo DL showcases real-time monitoring of essential vehicle parameters including oil temperature (OILT), engine coolant temperature (ENGT), ambient air temperature (EXTT), and lateral acceleration (ACCT).
Beyond these parameters, the AIM Solo DL excels in providing race-specific data like real-time time delta, comparing your current lap to your fastest lap within the session. This immediate feedback helps drivers adjust their driving in pursuit of faster times.
The time delta feature on the AIM Solo DL provides drivers with immediate feedback during track sessions by comparing their current lap time against the fastest lap achieved in that session.
Furthermore, the AIM Solo DL offers predictive lap timing, giving drivers a forward-looking estimate of their lap time based on their current pace. While real-time data is available, experienced users emphasize that its primary value lies in post-session analysis. Focusing intently on data screens while driving can be distracting and counterproductive to driving performance. Instead, a quick glance at lap times at the start/finish line is often sufficient during a session.
Interestingly, the AIM Solo DL automatically prioritizes lap time display at the start/finish line, even overriding other data screens. While this ensures lap times are always visible at the most critical point, it temporarily obscures other data like oil and water temperatures, which might be valuable to check immediately after a hot lap. However, this is a minor trade-off for the convenience of automatic lap time display.
The true power of data logging becomes evident in post-session analysis. Instead of relying on subjective impressions or guesswork, data provides concrete evidence to understand driving performance. As one user recounted, when questioned about throttle application on a specific straight at Laguna Seca, data logging provided definitive answers. This data-driven approach eliminates guesswork and ego, offering objective insights for targeted improvement.
In conclusion, the AIM Solo DL is a valuable tool for BMW owners seeking to enhance their track performance through data analysis. Whether utilizing the OBD2 port or, for richer data, the CAN bus connection, the AIM Solo DL provides access to critical vehicle parameters and performance metrics. While real-time data offers some in-session feedback, the real advantage lies in the ability to analyze logged data post-session, enabling drivers to objectively assess their performance and make data-driven improvements on track.
