For BMW owners, accessing the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) port is crucial for everything from running diagnostics to utilizing performance monitoring devices. However, the single OBD2 port in your BMW can quickly become a bottleneck if you want to use multiple devices simultaneously. This is where an OBD2 splitter becomes an indispensable tool. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple installation process using the best OBD2 splitter for your BMW, allowing you to connect multiple devices without hassle.
Before we dive into the installation, let’s gather the necessary components. You will need the following:
Parts You’ll Need:
- OBD2 Splitter Bracket: A bracket designed for mounting your OBD2 splitter securely. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/200901287023)
- OBD2 Splitter Cable: The core component that splits your single OBD2 port into multiple ports. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/321221830865)
Tools Required:
a) Phillips Head Screwdriver
b) Small Torx Set
c) Trim Removal Tool
d) Mini Flat Head Screwdriver
Now, let’s get started with the step-by-step installation process to equip your BMW with the best OBD2 splitter setup.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide:
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Remove Hood Release Handle and Underlying Screw: Begin by using the Phillips screwdriver to detach the hood release handle located in the driver’s side footwell. Once removed, you’ll find another screw exposed. Use your Torx set to remove this second screw.
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Detach Door Weather Stripping and Kick Panel: Gently pull back the door weather stripping near the dashboard to gain access to the plastic door trim. Remove this black plastic door trim piece. Next, carefully remove the kick panel that surrounds the OBD2 port. This panel is held in place by two snap clips. One is located in the lower middle of the panel, and the other becomes visible after removing the weather stripping. Utilize the trim removal tool to detach the snap connector closest to the trunk release button. It’s advisable to place this removed snap connector in the appropriate slot within the kick panel for easier reinstallation later.
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Release Trunk Release Button: Push the trunk release button from behind to disengage it from the kick panel. Rotate the button to inspect how the wire harness is clipped into the release mechanism. Use a miniature flat head screwdriver to carefully release the wire harness. Set the trunk release button and the kick panel aside.
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Unscrew Lower Dash Panel: Using your Torx set, unscrew the lower dash panel screws. For this installation, you only need to remove two screws: the one closest to the door and the screw immediately to its right (leaving the third screw untouched).
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Remove OEM OBD2 Port Screws: Locate the OEM OBD2 port, which is attached to the car with two Phillips screws. Remove both of these screws to detach the factory OBD2 port.
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Connect OEM Harness to OBD2 Splitter: Take the OEM harness that was connected to the original OBD2 port and plug it into the OBD2 splitter (replicator).
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Attach First Splitter Connector to Aftermarket Bracket: Take the first connector in the OBD2 splitter series and plug it into the aftermarket bracket you purchased.
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Connect Auxiliary Devices and Secure Connectors: Plug in any auxiliary devices you plan to use into the remaining connectors of the OBD2 splitter. Gently pull down the lower dash panel slightly and tuck these extra connectors up behind the panel to keep them out of sight and secure. Once positioned, screw the lower dash panel back into place.
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Screw New Bracket into Place: Now, screw the new bracket that holds the OBD2 splitter securely into its designated location.
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Position OEM Harness/Splitter Connection: The positioning of the OEM harness and OBD2 splitter connection is critical to ensure the kick panel fits back properly without obstruction. Make sure to orient the trunk release harness as shown in the image below to facilitate easy reconnection.
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Reinstall Kick Panel and Trunk Release Button: Put the kick panel back into its place. Remember the top snap connector you removed in Step 2? Having this connector already placed in the kick panel makes reinstallation significantly smoother. Ensure the trunk release wiring remains accessible, and then plug the trunk release button back in.
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Reassemble Door Trim and Weather Stripping: Replace the door trim, followed by the door weather stripping. Finally, reinstall the OBD2 access cover to complete the clean, factory look.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have successfully installed the best OBD2 splitter for your BMW. This simple modification allows you to simultaneously use multiple OBD2 devices, enhancing your vehicle’s diagnostic capabilities and accessory options. Whether you’re monitoring performance metrics, using a diagnostic scanner, or utilizing other OBD2-dependent accessories, your BMW is now equipped for expanded functionality. Enjoy the convenience and versatility that your new OBD2 splitter provides!
