Deep OBD2 App for BMW and VAG: The Ultimate Diagnostic Guide

For car enthusiasts and owners of BMW and VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) vehicles, understanding your car’s diagnostics is crucial. The Deep OBD app emerges as a powerful tool, bridging the gap between complex automotive systems and user-friendly interfaces. This guide delves into how the Deep OBD app can transform your approach to vehicle maintenance and diagnostics, focusing on its capabilities for both BMW and VAG cars using deep OBD2 and VAG protocols.

Understanding Deep OBD2 and VAG Diagnostics

Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated onboard diagnostic systems, primarily accessed through the OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) port. This port allows users to read a wealth of data from the car’s various electronic control units (ECUs), aiding in troubleshooting issues and monitoring performance. While OBD2 is a standardized system, manufacturers like BMW and VAG employ deeper, more proprietary diagnostic protocols for comprehensive access. The Deep OBD app is engineered to tap into these deeper levels, offering functionalities beyond standard OBD2 scanners, particularly for Bmw Deep Obd2 And Vag vehicles.

Key Features of the Deep OBD App

The Deep OBD app stands out by offering a range of features tailored for in-depth vehicle analysis:

Manufacturer-Specific Diagnostics: Specifically designed for BMW and VAG, the app goes beyond generic OBD2 codes, accessing manufacturer-specific fault codes and parameters. This is essential for accurate and detailed diagnostics of BMW deep OBD2 and VAG systems.
ECU Data Monitoring: Monitor real-time data from various ECUs, including engine, transmission, ABS, and more. Visualize parameters like temperature, pressure, speed, and voltage to understand your vehicle’s operational status.
Configuration and Adaptation: For advanced users, the app allows for configuration and adaptation settings within certain ECUs (depending on the vehicle and adapter), offering a degree of customization and control.
Data Logging: Record diagnostic sessions and live data streams for later analysis. This is invaluable for tracking intermittent issues or for performance monitoring.
User-Friendly Interface: Despite its advanced capabilities, the Deep OBD app is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both seasoned mechanics and car owners.
Support for Multiple Adapters: The app is compatible with a variety of OBD2 adapters, ensuring flexibility in hardware choices.

Choosing the Right OBD2 Adapter for Deep OBD and VAG

The effectiveness of the Deep OBD app hinges on using a compatible and reliable OBD2 adapter. Here’s a breakdown of supported adapter types:

Standard FTDI based USB “INPA compatible” D-CAN/K-Line adapters: These are robust adapters suitable for comprehensive diagnostics on BMW vehicles, supporting all necessary protocols.
ELM327 based Bluetooth and WiFi adapters: Popular for their convenience, ELM327 adapters (versions 1.4b, 1.5, and genuine 2.1 recommended) work well with the Deep OBD app for BMW D-CAN protocol. Ensure your ELM327 adapter is based on the PIC18F25K80 processor for optimal performance.
Custom Bluetooth D-CAN/K-Line adapter: For users seeking optimized performance, a custom-built Bluetooth adapter can offer enhanced communication speeds and reliability, especially with the BMW-FAST protocol.
ELM327 based adapters with Replacement Firmware: For VAG vehicles and comprehensive protocol support (including KWP2000, KWP1281, and TP2.0), using an ELM327 adapter flashed with replacement firmware is necessary. This is crucial for accessing VAG deep OBD2 systems effectively.
ENET WiFi adapters: Specifically for newer BMW F-models, ENET (Ethernet to OBD2) adapters provide a fast and stable connection for diagnostics and coding.

It’s vital to select the adapter type that matches your vehicle (BMW or VAG) and the level of diagnostics you intend to perform. For basic OBD2 functions, a standard ELM327 might suffice for BMW, but for deep OBD2 and VAG functionalities, consider FTDI USB, custom Bluetooth, or firmware-updated ELM327 adapters.

Image showing the Bluetooth device selection screen in the Deep OBD app, highlighting adapter connectivity options for BMW and VAG diagnostics.

First Steps with the Deep OBD App: Initial Setup

Setting up the Deep OBD app for the first time involves a few key steps to ensure it’s ready for BMW deep OBD2 and VAG diagnostics:

Download and Install: Obtain the Deep OBD app from the Google Play Store.
ECU Files Extraction: Upon the first launch, the app will prompt you to extract ECU files. This process requires approximately 2.5GB of storage on your device’s external SD card and an active internet connection for update verification.
Configuration Creation: A configuration file (*.cccfg) is essential for the app to function correctly with your vehicle. The easiest method is to use the built-in Configuration Generator. For advanced users, manual configuration file creation is possible, but the generator simplifies the process significantly.
Bluetooth Adapter Selection (if applicable): If using a Bluetooth adapter, ensure it’s paired with your Android device via the Bluetooth settings menu before selecting it within the Deep OBD app. This pre-pairing step can streamline the connection process and allow for password assignment if needed.

Generating Your First Configuration for BMW and VAG Diagnostics

The Configuration Generator within the Deep OBD app simplifies the setup, allowing you to quickly start diagnosing your BMW deep OBD2 and VAG vehicles:

Access Configuration Generator: From the main menu, navigate to and open the Configuration Generator.
Interface and Adapter Selection: Choose the correct interface type (e.g., Bluetooth, USB) and select your Bluetooth adapter if applicable.
ECU List Reading: Press the “Read” button and wait for the app to populate the ECU list from your vehicle.
ECU and Job Selection: Select an ECU you wish to examine (e.g., Engine, Transmission). On the subsequent page, choose specific “jobs” (diagnostic routines) and their corresponding results you want to display on the main app screen. Ensure to checkmark the desired results. You can use the “Test” button to verify data reading.
Configuration Saving: Exit the job selection page, and optionally select other ECUs. Once done, exit the Configuration Generator and save your configuration.
Main Page and Connection: On the main app page, you will now see tabs for the ECUs you selected, along with an “Error” tab. Press the “Connect” button and choose the desired ECU tab to begin diagnostics.

Screenshot displaying the ECU list within the Deep OBD app’s Configuration Generator, showcasing the range of vehicle systems accessible for diagnostics.

Image illustrating the job selection interface in the Configuration Generator, where users can specify diagnostic routines and data parameters for in-depth analysis of BMW and VAG systems.

Example of a motor data page within the Deep OBD app, displaying real-time engine parameters and diagnostic information for BMW or VAG vehicles.

Navigating the Main Menu for Deep OBD and VAG Control

The Deep OBD app’s main menu provides access to a wide array of settings and functionalities, essential for tailoring the app to your specific diagnostic needs for BMW deep OBD2 and VAG:

Manufacturer: This is the first and crucial setting. Select “BMW” for BMW vehicles or “VAG” for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Note that VAG mode is currently experimental and best suited for vehicles predating 2017-08, requiring a specific Bluetooth D-CAN/K-Line adapter or ELM327 with replacement firmware.
Device: Manage your Bluetooth adapter connection here. If using a Bluetooth interface, this menu allows you to select paired adapters or search for new devices. This menu is active only when a configuration with “BLUETOOTH” interface type is loaded.
Adapter configuration: For FTDI USB or non-ELM327 Bluetooth adapters, this section opens adapter-specific settings. Options may include:
- CAN baud rate: Adjust between 500kbit/100kbit or K-Line (CAN off) depending on your vehicle’s communication protocol.
- Separation time & Block size: Modify these settings only if encountering communication issues. Default values are typically optimal.
- Firmware update: Initiate firmware updates for compatible adapters when available.
ENET IP & Adapter IP: Configure IP settings for ENET WiFi adapters. These settings are particularly relevant in hotspot mode (Android hotspot active, WiFi off), requiring manual IP assignment for communication, especially with ESP8266-based adapters. Default ports vary depending on the connection mode and adapter type (23 or 35000).
Configuration generator: Quickly access the Configuration Generator to create or modify XML configuration files for different ECUs and diagnostic jobs.
Configuration: This submenu is central to managing app configurations:
- Select: Choose and load a configuration file (*.cccfg). Configurations created via the generator are automatically selected.
- Recent configurations: Access a list of the 10 most recently used configurations for quick switching.
- Edit: Modify the main configuration file (*.cccfg) or page lists (*.cccpages) using an installed XML editor.
- Edit current page: Customize the currently active page (*.cccpage) by editing the XML, adjusting font size, gauge layout (landscape/portrait), and result display order directly from the menu (if supported by the XML structure).
- Edit other file: Select and edit any configuration file (*.cccpage) within your storage.
- Reset XML editor: Clear the currently selected XML editor, prompting the app to ask for editor selection again when editing files.
- Close: Unload the current configuration.
Ediabas tool: Launches the Ediabas Tool page, a port of the Windows tool32.exe application, offering advanced diagnostic and coding functionalities.
Coding: Provides access to the BMW coding online service, enabling vehicle customization and feature modifications (requires appropriate knowledge and adapter).
Extract ECU files: Re-extract ECU files if needed. Requires internet connection for update checks.
Data logging: Configure data logging options:
- Create/Append trace file: Enable creation of ifh.trc trace files during connection for detailed communication logging. Choose append mode to accumulate data or override for new sessions.
- Log data: Activate logging of displayed data to a log file, based on log_tag properties defined in the configuration file. Log files are stored in the “Log” subdirectory.
Translations: Manage automatic ECU text translation settings (for non-German languages). Configure translation providers (Google APIs, etc.), API keys, and clear translation cache to enforce fresh translations.
Trace file: Options for managing trace files: send, open (using external zip app), resend failed attempts, and open last trace file that failed sending.
Global settings: Access general app settings for further customization.
Online help & App info: Access this help page and view app version and ID.

Screenshot of the Deep OBD app’s main menu, showcasing the diverse range of options for configuration, diagnostics, and advanced features for BMW and VAG vehicles.

A series of screenshots displaying various example pages within the Deep OBD app, illustrating motor data views, graphs, climate control information, axis data, and error code reading capabilities for comprehensive BMW and VAG vehicle diagnostics.

Unleashing Advanced Features: Coding and Data Logging

Beyond basic diagnostics, the Deep OBD app offers advanced functionalities:

BMW Coding: For experienced users, the “Coding” menu provides access to online BMW coding services, allowing for vehicle personalization and feature activation. This requires a stable connection and in-depth knowledge of BMW coding parameters.
Data Logging: The comprehensive data logging features are invaluable for in-depth analysis. Trace files capture raw communication data for troubleshooting adapter or communication issues. Display data logging records parameter values over time, useful for diagnosing intermittent faults or monitoring performance changes.

Log and Trace File Management

Understanding where the Deep OBD app stores log and trace files is essential for accessing and utilizing recorded diagnostic data. File locations depend on your Android version due to system restrictions:

Android versions older than KitKat (4.4): Log and trace files are located in a subdirectory within the de.holeschak.bmw_deep_obd directory on the external SD card.
Android KitKat (4.4) and later: Due to write restrictions on the external SD card, files are stored in the Androiddatade.holeschak.bmw_deep_obdfiles directory of the external SD card.

Subdirectories within these locations organize the files: “Log” for standard log files, “LogEdiabasTool” for Ediabas Tool logs, “LogConfigTool” for Configuration Generator logs, and “TraceBackup” for backup trace files from failed sending attempts.

Customizing the App’s Appearance

For personalization, the Deep OBD app allows you to change the background image. Simply replace the default background by placing a custom “Background.jpg” file in the de.holeschak.bmw_deep_obdfilesImages directory (you may need to create the “Images” subdirectory if it doesn’t exist).

Deep OBD App and Android Auto

The Deep OBD app extends its functionality to Android Auto, offering a streamlined interface for viewing vehicle data directly on your car’s infotainment screen. This integration enhances user experience, providing easy access to essential diagnostics while driving (where safe and legal to do so).

Visual Studio Settings for Developers

For users interested in compiling or modifying the Deep OBD app (advanced users/developers), the documentation provides recommended Visual Studio Android settings. These settings are geared towards ensuring compatibility and proper build configurations, often recommending prior installation and configuration of Android Studio.

Conclusion: Empowering Your BMW and VAG Diagnostics with Deep OBD2

The Deep OBD app is a robust and versatile tool for anyone looking to delve into BMW deep OBD2 and VAG diagnostics. Whether you are a seasoned automotive technician or a car owner keen on understanding your vehicle better, this app provides the features and depth necessary for comprehensive vehicle analysis. By supporting a range of adapters and offering advanced functionalities like coding and data logging, the Deep OBD app empowers you to take control of your BMW and VAG vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. Explore the app, choose the right adapter, and unlock a deeper understanding of your car’s inner workings.