Introduction and Quick Overview:
Welcome to a detailed product review of the new Bootmod3 (BM3) OBD2 ENET CANBUS enabled WIFI adapter, specifically the V3 version! If you’re running Bootmod3 on your car or seeking an exceptional OBD2 adapter for coding applications like Protool, you’re in the right place. We’ll explore why this adapter is not just a tool, but a must-have upgrade, and make a case for why it might just be the Best Rated Obd2 adapter currently available on the market.
Let’s dive into the in-depth review and discover what makes this adapter stand out.
Disclaimer:
Damage/Injury Disclaimer: Please be aware that any technical advice, coding instructions, installation guides, or product demonstrations within this review are undertaken at your own risk. I am not liable for any personal injuries, harm to others, damage to your vehicle, or property damage that may occur.
Monetary Disclaimer: It’s important to note that I do not receive any commissions, profits, or financial gains from the sale of the Bootmod3 WIFI adapter.
Image Credits:
All images and videos featured in this review are the intellectual property of their respective owners, who are credited beneath each visual. They are used solely for illustrative purposes within this review. If you are an image owner and wish for your content to be removed, please contact me via private message. Otherwise, thank you to the respective image owners for their contributions; your visuals greatly enhance this review.
Review Disclaimer:
Before proceeding, I extend my gratitude to the Bootmod3/Protuning Freaks team for their partial sponsorship of this review. Despite this collaboration, rest assured that this review remains as unbiased as possible. It’s worth highlighting that I initiated contact for a sponsorship, underscoring my genuine belief in this WIFI adapter as the premier option. I personally utilize it for coding, flashing, and data logging with Bootmod3 on my own vehicle and am considering extending its use to ISTA for wireless connectivity.
Let’s begin by clarifying some fundamental terms commonly encountered in discussions about BMW OBD2 systems.
What is “OBD2”?
Credit: confusion https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…07&postcount=2
Let’s start with “OBD2.” OBD2 stands for On-Board Diagnostics 2. It refers to the trapezoidal port found in every car manufactured after 1996, when it became a mandatory requirement in the USA. This port provides access to your car’s ECUs (Electronic Control Units). Cars often have multiple ECUs, such as the engine control unit (DME in BMWs), differential control unit (GHAS), and front electronics module. The OBD2 port allows you to read fault codes from these ECUs. Standard codes across all vehicles are defined in SAE J1979. 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.).
Essentially, every car provides basic diagnostic information through the OBD2 port, which is what you get from inexpensive OBD2 scanners from Amazon. However, generic OBD2 codes are often inadequate for in-depth BMW diagnostics and are more suited for basic emissions testing. BMW uses proprietary error codes beyond the OBD2 standard. To access these more detailed and useful error codes, you need BMW-specific diagnostic software (like ISTA or Protool with a diagnostic license) and a compatible interface that communicates via the ENET protocol. A generic OBD2 adapter will not suffice for this purpose. You’ll need an adapter like the BM3 WIFI adapter or a dedicated ENET cable.
The OBD2 port’s capabilities extend beyond diagnostics. It’s also used for software updates (ISTEP versions), car coding, and even performance tuning via platforms like Bootmod3. These advanced functions require an OBD2 adapter capable of ENET communication. The BM3 WIFI adapter is perfectly suited for these tasks and offers convenient, essential features we will discuss shortly.
What are “CANBUS” and “FLEXRAY”?
Credit: Autodata training, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cbwvXO3Y9kI/maxresdefault.jpg
Let’s briefly explain “CANBUS” and “FLEXRAY.” CANBUS, short for Controller Area Network BUS, is a communication system within the car that allows different electronic components and computers to communicate with each other. Think of CANBUS as a computer network or “highway” connecting all the electronics in your car, facilitating data exchange between them.
FlexRay is similar to CANBUS but represents a significant advancement in speed and reliability. It’s a faster protocol that ensures even more robust data transfer compared to CANBUS. BMW F series and newer models utilize FlexRay, leveraging its superior data transfer capabilities.
*Note: Some devices might not directly connect to the CANBUS/FlexRay network but may connect through a module that is connected to the network.
Note: Modules on the FlexRay/CANBUS network can access all data transmitted across it. This broad accessibility simplifies the integration of new modules, such as flex-fuel sensors.
Why are these communication protocols crucial? A high-quality, fast OBD2 adapter, like the BM3 adapter, that supports CANBUS and FlexRay, can utilize FlexRay’s faster data transfer rates to push substantial amounts of data through the OBD2 port every second. This results in incredibly fast data logging. You can monitor numerous channels simultaneously at high sampling rates, providing a clearer picture of your car’s operation. This higher resolution data reduces the likelihood of missing critical events like timing pulls, knock events, or boost spikes, compared to slower logging devices that sample less frequently.
A faster adapter also significantly reduces flashing times. Whether you’re tuning your car for the first time or flashing BM3’s flex fuel custom ROM (among the longest flashing procedures), the speed minimizes concerns about battery drain during the process, assuming your battery is in good condition.
Coding sessions also benefit greatly from a faster OBD2 adapter. Pages load quicker in applications like BimmerCode and Protool, and coding changes are applied faster. For example, with a basic Vgate iCar Pro Bluetooth adapter, loading an ECU page in BimmerCode could take about a minute, and applying changes another minute. With the BM3 adapter, the same ECU page loads in approximately one second, and coding changes apply in about another second. These speed improvements are why a faster OBD2 adapter is highly desirable.
Furthermore, a CANBUS/FlexRay enabled adapter like the BM3 adapter allows access to all ECUs on modern BMWs via these networks. Generic OBD2 adapters lack this capability. This comprehensive access means you can flash and code every ECU on F and G series BMWs, including the transmission on Gen 2 B58 engines and Toyota Supras, without needing additional DCAN cables or wireless adapters.
What is “ENET”?
Credit: https://www.amazon.ca/OHP-Ethernet-D…/dp/B07V3C47YD
In simple terms, ENET (Ethernet) is the communication protocol BMW uses for external communication with vehicle ECUs. It’s essentially an Ethernet cable with an OBD2 connector on one end, enabling communication via standard internet protocols. More technically, it involves an application layer protocol like ISTA, a transport layer protocol typically TCP over ENET, a network layer protocol (IPV4), and an Ethernet link layer protocol. The key takeaway is that ENET facilitates very fast data transfer speeds with high fidelity. This protocol is essential for fully utilizing the BMW FlexRay network.
The BM3 adapter supports ENET, ensuring seamless communication with F series and newer BMWs, including the Toyota Supra, which, in many respects, is a BMW.
For more in-depth information on ENET and BMW, refer to this resource: https://standards.ieee.org/wp-conten…hitectures.pdf
With these foundational terms clarified, let’s focus specifically on the BM3 adapter and my experiences with it.
Purchasing + Shipping Experience:
Next, I’ll detail my purchasing experience directly from Protuning Freaks/BM3, which highlights their exceptional customer service.
Crest: PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/shopify
Purchasing from BM3’s website was straightforward and pleasant. The website’s design is modern, fast, and user-friendly. Payment processing is handled through Shopify, a widely trusted platform used by numerous major companies. Consequently, payment was seamless with no issues using PayPal, credit cards, or PO boxes. It’s commendable that BM3 utilizes top-tier software across its operations. The overall purchasing experience from BM3’s website is excellent, without any complications on my end.
Credit: TheAmazingBrentWood https://theamazingbrentwood.com/wp-c…0424463738.png
Regarding shipping, residing in an area prone to package theft, I requested my BM3 WIFI adapter be shipped to my PO Box via Canada Post standard shipping. This service typically takes 8-9 days from BM3 HQ to my location (both within Canada). I placed my order on Wednesday, April 19th, at 4:12 AM. Realizing four minutes later that I had entered an incorrect shipping address, I immediately emailed BM3 support with “URGENT” in the subject line. I hoped their customer service team (special thanks to Serge and Dzenan!) would catch and correct my address before dispatch. To my surprise, at 8:55 AM, I received confirmation that my order had been processed and the shipping address corrected. In approximately 4.5 hours from order placement, the adapter was packaged, address corrected, shipping label created, and ready for Canada Post pickup. This responsiveness and shipping speed are truly remarkable. VTT is the only company that comes close in shipping speed, placing them a close second to BM3.
This exceptional responsiveness and speed are testaments to BM3’s commitment to continuous improvement. They utilize cutting-edge software to optimize workflows and ensure seamless communication. Instead of standard email, BM3 employs Atlassian’s JIRA software for customer service and development. This is the same software used by tech giants like Twitter, Lyft, Reddit, and Pinterest.
Credit: Atlassian https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira
Jira’s effectiveness lies in its ticketing system. Customers create support tickets accessible to the entire support team, from general tech support to Dzenan himself. This ensures queries are always seen by the appropriate personnel without email forwarding. Tickets remain open until resolution, virtually eliminating missed messages. This system efficiently handles high volumes of requests, facilitating team scalability and faster response times. Jira also enhances inter-team collaboration, aiding development teams in planning, feature development, and cross-departmental collaboration. This robust collaboration leads to better code and faster product development cycles.
Large corporations favor systems like Jira over basic email for customer support and internal collaboration for good reason. BM3’s investment in advanced tools, despite the cost, underscores their dedication to excellence. This commitment positions BM3 to become the leading platform for BMW tuning. Proof of this is BM3’s launch of GEN 2 B58 race ROM features ahead of competitors like MHD and ECUTEK, which, at the time of writing, cannot tune 2020 build date ECU cars.
Returning to my shipping experience, after address correction, the package arrived at my PO Box on April 25th at 1:22 PM, just 6 days after ordering (including a weekend). Even with standard shipping, the delivery was impressively fast. Packaging was adequate; the adapter came in a small cardboard box with packing peanuts and bubble wrap. My only suggestion for improvement would be to secure the adapter more firmly within the box to prevent movement during transit. Otherwise, the packaging was satisfactory, and everything arrived in perfect condition.
Next, we’ll explore the features of the BM3 WIFI adapter itself.
Overview:
Let’s examine the BM3 adapter in detail:
Credit: F87source
Credit: F87source
Credit: F87source
Credit: F87Source
These images offer a comprehensive view of the BM3 adapter, which is still relatively new on the market. Let’s analyze them further:
The first image shows the back of the adapter with the raised BM3 logo. The area around the logo is slightly recessed due to the adapter’s tapered design, visible in the second image. The case plastic is also translucent when held to light.
The second image provides a side profile, highlighting the adapter’s taper towards the OBD2 connector. This taper is a significant advantage for foot clearance, which I will discuss in more detail later.
The third image shows the front of the adapter. Key features include a small vent for internal components and a toggle switch on the top right. This switch turns the adapter on (left position) and off (right position), independent of the built-in sleep mode. For V2A versions without sleep mode, this switch is crucial for preventing battery drain. My only critique is the switch placement. When plugged into the car, this side faces the trim panels, making the switch inaccessible without unplugging the adapter. Ideally, the switch should be on the bottom or back for easier access, especially for LHD vehicles where the OBD2 port is typically on the lower left. Right-hand drive cars might find the current position more accessible. A rectangular indent at the bottom likely serves as a label area.
The fourth image focuses on the OBD2 connector itself. It fits snugly into the car’s OBD2 port with secure grip and proper alignment.
Dimensions:
The dimensions of the BM3 adapter are critically important, especially because OBD2 ports in LHD cars are close to the dead pedal. This proximity makes adapters vulnerable to accidental kicks, particularly in manual transmission cars. I’ve experienced this frequently with longer MHD ENET WIFI adapters, where kicking the adapter would cause disconnection.
In severe cases, accidental kicks can even break the OBD2 port entirely:
Credit: N52 E90 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1364965
Therefore, a smaller adapter is preferable to minimize accidental kicks and potential port damage. The BM3 WIFI adapter’s compact form factor is a significant improvement. It’s noticeably thinner and shorter than older MHD adapters, greatly reducing the risk of being kicked.
Here are dimension measurements taken with digital calipers:
Credit: F87source
The BM3 adapter is 44.68 mm wide.
Credit F87source
The BM3 adapter is 69.51 mm tall.
Credit: F87source
The BM3 adapter is 20.20 mm thick at its thickest point (a raised seam).
Beyond size, the adapter’s tapered design further enhances foot clearance:
Credit: F87source
The BM3 adapter is 14.64 mm thick at its tapered end.
The BM3 adapter’s size and shape are engineered to maximize foot clearance and minimize accidental kicking. In my brief pre-travel testing, simulating manual driving with the adapter plugged in, I observed significantly increased ankle rotation and foot movement before contact with the adapter. This design is likely to eliminate or greatly reduce accidental kicks, a feature I greatly appreciate.
Here are images of the adapter plugged into my F87 M2:
Credit: F87source
Credit: F87source
Credit: F87source
Credit: F87source
Credit: F87source
As shown, the adapter is thin and sits close to the trim panel, making it less obtrusive than larger adapters. It also emits a faint orange light when powered on, visible through the casing.
WIFI Connectivity:
The BM3 adapter uses WIFI for wireless connectivity, specifically 2.4 GHz WIFI, chosen for broad compatibility with older devices that may not support 5 GHz WIFI. This is a key factor that sets it apart and contributes to it being considered among the best rated OBD2 adapters.
The default WIFI hotspot credentials are SSID: “BM3-NET” and Password: “bootmod3”, printed inside the box lid:
Credit:F87source
Let’s explore the advantages of WIFI over Bluetooth for OBD2 adapters:
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Speed: Bluetooth 5 offers up to 2 Mbps data transfer speeds, while 2.4 GHz WIFI can reach up to 300 Mbps (though the BM3 adapter’s link speed is capped at 72 Mbps). WIFI provides significantly faster data rates, leading to quicker flashing times. The BM3 WIFI adapter excels in speed, rivaled only by the MHD Universal WIFI adapter, which likely offers similar performance.
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Latency: WIFI generally has lower latency than Bluetooth, especially at higher connection speeds. Lower latency means less delay between data being read from the OBD2 port and received by your connected device. This is crucial for real-time gauges, making RPM and other gauges more responsive and accurate.
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Range: WIFI offers significantly greater range than Bluetooth (2x-3x). This extended range allows you to connect to your car from a greater distance, enabling coding and diagnostics (using ISTA) from a workbench or inside your house, rather than being confined to the car’s cabin. I have even coded my car from inside my house during winter, maintaining about 50% WIFI signal strength from ~15 meters and through walls. This range provides unparalleled flexibility in how and where you work on your vehicle.
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Transmission Fidelity: Bluetooth uses a “best effort” transmission protocol without built-in retransmission or packet acknowledgment. WIFI, in contrast, includes retransmission and packet acknowledgment, ensuring higher data fidelity out of the box.
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Encryption: WIFI offers much stronger encryption protocols than Bluetooth, which sometimes lacks encryption entirely. Robust encryption is vital for security. Without it, skilled hackers could potentially intercept the wireless connection to the OBD2 adapter and access the car’s CANBUS/FlexRay network. This risk is amplified if the adapter is left plugged in 24/7, especially in unattended vehicles. Such access could facilitate malicious activities, most notably key cloning via the OBD2 port, a common method of BMW theft.
News reports and videos have documented OBD2-related BMW thefts:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…d.php?t=688307
https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriank…h=4f4f39905a3d
While WIFI offers strong encryption, its effectiveness depends on password security. A default or easily guessed password negates the security benefits. This is a concern with many WIFI OBD2 adapters, and initially, with the BM3 adapter, as the password is the same across all units. However, after discussing this with Dzenan (BM3’s owner), he assured me that a future update will enable users to change the WIFI password. This update will address and resolve potential security vulnerabilities, a proactive step unmatched by many competitors. BM3’s commitment to addressing concerns and prioritizing security is commendable.
Updatable Firmware:
The BM3 WIFI OBD2 adapter’s firmware is updateable via the BM3 app, allowing for feature enhancements without hardware replacement. Future updates, such as the customizable WIFI password feature, can be easily implemented. This update capability ensures the adapter remains future-proof, a significant advantage over adapters that become obsolete and require replacement for new features.
Additional Features:
The BM3 OBD2 WIFI adapter includes several additional features:
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On/Off Switch: As previously mentioned, the physical on/off switch offers manual control over the adapter’s power, beneficial for RHD users and V2A adapter owners without sleep mode.
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Sleep Mode & Low Power Consumption: The V3 adapter features a sleep mode that reduces power consumption to ~20mA when the ignition is off in G series vehicles (not F series, which do not transmit ignition state via OBD2). It also automatically wakes up when the ignition is turned on. This sleep mode allows for permanent installation without battery drain issues or triggering car alarms in G series BMWs and Toyota Supras.
The BM3 WIFI adapter’s low 80mA power consumption during operation is also noteworthy, posing minimal drain on a healthy car battery even if left plugged in continuously.
Permanent installation reduces wear and tear on the OBD2 port itself. Repeated use can damage OBD2 ports, as reported by BMW owners:
Credit: Comacchio https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/…?h=0&t=1947105
The linked threads also detail similar OBD2 port pin damage from frequent use:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1470306
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1617787
Sleep mode minimizes OBD2 port wear by allowing the adapter to remain plugged in, reducing the need for frequent plugging and unplugging.
Warranty:
BM3 offers a 30-day return policy and warranty period. However, Dzenan has confirmed that warranty claims beyond 30 days are evaluated case-by-case. Manufacturing defects are typically covered at no charge, while user-caused damage may incur a minimal cost replacement. Warranty claims are handled directly by BM3, ensuring superior customer service compared to dealing with third-party vendors. This direct OEM support is a significant advantage, contrasting with experiences where other companies defer support to vendors.
Summary:
In summary, here’s why the Bootmod3 OBD2 adapter is arguably the best rated OBD2 adapter available today:
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Superior Communication: ENET, CANBUS, and FlexRay support ensure compatibility with all modern BMWs (including Supra) and access to all vehicle ECUs. WIFI connectivity provides unmatched speed and low latency.
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Enhanced Security: Future updates will include user-configurable passwords, significantly enhancing security and making it safe for permanent in-car use.
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Battery and Alarm Management: Built-in sleep mode prevents battery drain and false alarms in G series and Supra models, enabling 24/7 adapter installation.
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Compact and Durable Design: The adapter’s small, tapered form factor minimizes accidental kicks and potential OBD2 port damage.
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Future-Proof Updates: Updatable firmware ensures continuous improvement and new features without requiring hardware replacement.
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Exceptional Customer Service & Warranty: BM3’s outstanding customer support and direct warranty handling provide peace of mind and reliable assistance.
These six key features solidify the Bootmod3 adapter as a top choice and arguably the best rated OBD2 adapter for BMW owners and enthusiasts seeking peak performance, comprehensive diagnostics, and secure, reliable connectivity.
