When it comes to diagnosing car problems, having the right scan tool can save you time, money, and frustration. In the world of Bluetooth OBD-II adapters, two names frequently come up: BlueDriver® and OBDLink® MX+. Both promise to turn your smartphone into a powerful diagnostic device, but which one truly delivers? This article provides a detailed, objective comparison to help you decide which scan tool is best for your needs, focusing on key features that matter to car enthusiasts and professionals alike. We’ll delve into enhanced OEM diagnostics, sampling rates, over-voltage protection, app support, battery drain, and warranty, to give you a clear picture of what each device offers.
Enhanced OEM Diagnostics: Unlocking Deeper Vehicle Insights
Close-up of a car diagnostic interface emphasizing enhanced OEM diagnostics capabilities.
The true power of a scan tool lies in its ability to access more than just basic OBD-II data. “Enhanced OEM diagnostics” refers to accessing manufacturer-specific information, going beyond generic codes to provide a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s health. This enhanced data breaks down into two crucial categories:
- Enhanced Trouble Codes (DTCs): These codes go beyond the standard OBD-II codes and can pinpoint issues in systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Airbag, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
- Enhanced Parameters (PIDs): Also known as live data or sensor readings, these parameters allow you to monitor real-time information like transmission temperature, tire pressure, and individual wheel speeds.
Let’s see how BlueDriver® and OBDLink® MX+ compare in this critical area:
| MX+® | BlueDriver® | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic OBD-II | Yes | Yes |
| OEM DTCs | Yes | Limited support |
| OEM Live Parameters | Yes* | No |
| GM SW-CAN | Yes | No |
| Ford MS-CAN | Yes | No |
*Refer to the “Manufacturer-Specific Enhanced Diagnostics Support” document for detailed vehicle coverage.
While both adapters handle generic OBD-II tasks, their capabilities diverge significantly when it comes to enhanced OEM diagnostics. BlueDriver®, while capable of reading some OEM DTCs, falls short by not providing access to any OEM live parameters. If you need to monitor crucial parameters like transmission temperature or tire pressure, BlueDriver® will leave you wanting.
A significant limitation of BlueDriver® is its inability to access manufacturer-specific networks in GM and Ford vehicles. This is due to a hardware deficiency – BlueDriver® lacks the necessary pins (1, 3, and 11) to communicate on these networks. OBDLink MX+, on the other hand, is equipped to communicate on both GM SW-CAN and Ford MS-CAN networks. This broader network access unlocks thousands of additional DTCs and parameters that remain inaccessible to BlueDriver®.
Image highlighting OBD connector pins, emphasizing pins 1, 3, and 11 crucial for accessing GM and Ford specific networks, a feature absent in BlueDriver.
Consider the network architecture of a modern vehicle, like the 2015 Ford Expedition:
Electronic Control Units (ECUs), the brains behind various vehicle functions, are interconnected through vehicle networks. In the Ford Expedition example, these ECUs operate on either the HS-CAN or MS-CAN network. OBDLink MX+ can communicate with modules on both networks, providing comprehensive diagnostic coverage. However, BlueDriver® is restricted to the HS-CAN network, effectively blind to any data residing on the MS-CAN.
OBD App Support: Expanding Functionality Beyond a Single App
Image depicting various smartphone icons and OBD apps, representing the versatility of OBDLink MX+ with third-party app support.
Both OBDLink MX+ and BlueDriver® come with their own dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android platforms. OBDLink MX+ further extends its software compatibility by including a license for OBDwiz, a robust Windows-based diagnostic program.
However, the key difference lies in their approach to app ecosystem. OBDLink MX+ boasts an open architecture, making it compatible with dozens of third-party automotive apps. This open approach drastically expands the functionality of the MX+. Users can leverage specialized apps for advanced diagnostics, performance tracking, custom dashboards, fuel efficiency optimization, and even vehicle customization features like remote door lock control on supported vehicles.
BlueDriver®, in contrast, operates on a closed architecture. Users are limited to the BlueDriver® app, restricting their options and potential functionality.
Collage of various third-party app icons compatible with OBDLink MX+, showcasing the diverse functionalities from diagnostics to performance monitoring.
Screenshot of the BlueDriver app interface, representing the single, proprietary app ecosystem.
| MX+® | BlueDriver® | |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party apps | Yes – Dozens of popular apps | No – BlueDriver® app only |
| iOS support | Yes | Yes |
| Android support | Yes | Yes |
| Windows support | Yes | No |
Sampling Rate: Capturing Data with Speed and Precision
Sampling rate, measured in samples (data points) per second, is a critical specification for OBD devices. A high sampling rate is essential for accurately capturing rapidly changing signals and monitoring multiple parameters simultaneously. It translates to smoother graphs, more responsive digital dashboards, and a more detailed view of your vehicle’s real-time data.
Graph depicting smooth data lines representing high sampling rate, highlighting accurate data capture for performance monitoring.
Still image from a video showcasing real-time data streaming with a high sampling rate, demonstrating fluid and responsive data visualization.
In direct benchmark testing, BlueDriver’s sampling rate fluctuated between 5 and 10 samples per second. Under identical conditions, OBDLink MX+ demonstrated speeds up to ten times faster. This significant difference in sampling rate makes OBDLink MX+ superior for performance monitoring and applications requiring high-fidelity data capture.
Battery Drain Protection: Designed for Long-Term Connection
For OBD devices designed to be left plugged in, low-power “sleep” mode is paramount. When the engine is off, the vehicle’s battery is no longer being charged, and any parasitic drain can lead to a dead battery. An intelligent scan tool should quickly enter a low-power state and minimize energy consumption when the engine is not running.
Image of a car battery with jumper cables, illustrating the consequence of battery drain and the importance of low power consumption in OBD adapters.
Image of multimeters measuring current, demonstrating the testing of battery drain for OBD adapters in idle and sleep modes.
Testing reveals a significant disparity in battery drain performance. BlueDriver® takes three times longer to enter a low power mode and consumes 7.5 times more energy compared to OBDLink MX+. Alarmingly, BlueDriver® draws 19.3 milliamperes in sleep mode, which can be twice the vehicle’s own parasitic drain and ten times higher than OBDLink MX+’s minimal 1.8 milliamperes.
| MX+® | BlueDriver® | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep delay | 10 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Idle current | 39 mA | 73 mA |
| Sleep current | 1.8 mA | 19.3 mA |
BlueDriver’s® higher sleep current poses a genuine risk of battery drain, as evidenced by numerous user reports of battery issues.
Overvoltage Protection: Safeguarding Against Electrical Spikes
Devices connected to the OBD port must be robust enough to withstand the harsh electrical environment of a vehicle. One of the most dangerous electrical events is a “load dump” pulse, a high-energy voltage spike occurring when the battery disconnects abruptly from a charging alternator. This can happen due to corroded battery terminals, a surprisingly common issue.
Diagram illustrating a load dump pulse, visually representing the voltage spike and potential danger to electronic devices.
To assess overvoltage protection, both BlueDriver® and OBDLink MX+ were subjected to rigorous tests. Initially powered at 12 volts, both units were then exposed to a 400-millisecond, 90-volt pulse simulating a load dump. OBDLink MX+ successfully endured the test, while BlueDriver® failed, becoming inoperable.
Further investigation involved a slow voltage ramp-up test. At just 19 volts, BlueDriver® started smoking and caught fire shortly after. In contrast, OBDLink MX+’s protection circuit activated at 18 volts, and it remained fully functional after returning to 12-volt power.
In a final extreme test, OBDLink MX+ was subjected to a continuous 90-volt supply and survived without damage. The same test caused BlueDriver’s® capacitor to explode, resulting in smoke and permanent failure.
| MX+® | BlueDriver® | |
|---|---|---|
| 90V pulse | No damage | Permanent damage |
| Slow ramp-up, 12V to 90V | No damage | Smoke at 19 volts, fire, damage |
| Continuous 90V | No damage | Capacitor exploded, smoke, damage |
Image of a burnt and damaged BlueDriver unit after overvoltage testing, highlighting the lack of adequate protection.
Aftermath of the slow ramp-up test: BlueDriver’s® power regulator caught fire and was completely destroyed.
Warranty: Long-Term Reliability and Support
OBDLink MX+ provides triple the warranty coverage compared to BlueDriver®. This difference in warranty duration reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in product reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction.
| MX+ | BlueDriver® | |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
Conclusion: OBDLink MX+ – The Clear Winner
Summary table comparing OBDLink MX+ and BlueDriver across key features, visually reinforcing the superior performance of OBDLink MX+.
| Feature | MX+® | BlueDriver® |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced OEM diagnostics | DTCs and thousands of OEM parameters, GM & Ford network access | DTCs only; no GM or Ford network access |
| OBD app support | Dozens of compatible apps | One app |
| Sampling Rate | Up to 100 samples per second | Up to 10 samples per second |
| Battery drain protection | Excellent | Inadequate – high sleep current |
| Overvoltage protection | Survives continuous 90 volts with no damage | No overvoltage protection (fails at 19 volts) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
Image of OBDLink MX+ retail packaging, including a link to purchase, encouraging readers to consider OBDLink MX+ as their preferred scan tool.
In conclusion, when comparing BlueDriver® vs scan tool options like OBDLink MX+, the data clearly indicates that OBDLink MX+ outperforms BlueDriver® in almost every critical aspect. From enhanced OEM diagnostics and broader app compatibility to superior sampling rate, battery drain protection, and overvoltage resilience, OBDLink MX+ offers a more comprehensive and robust solution for vehicle diagnostics. Coupled with a longer warranty, OBDLink MX+ emerges as the superior choice for users seeking a reliable, feature-rich Bluetooth OBD-II adapter.
OBDLink® is a registered trademark of OBD Solutions.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks referred to are the property of their respective owners. iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. BlueDriver® is a registered trademark of Root Four Imagination Inc (Lemur Vehicle Monitors). The trademark holders are not affiliated with the maker of OBDLink® MX+™ and do not endorse this product.
