Introduction and Quick Overview
If you’re in the market for an alternative OBDII CAN module, especially for your BMW F series, understanding your options is crucial. This in-depth review focuses on the Bootmod3 (BM3) OBD2 ENET CANBUS enabled wifi adapter, specifically the V3 version. We’ll explore why this adapter stands out as a top contender, not just for Bootmod3 users, but also for those utilizing coding apps like Protool. Is this the best alternative OBDII adapter currently available for your needs? Let’s delve into the details and find out.
Disclaimer:
Damage/Injury Disclaimer: Please be aware that any technical advice, coding guidance, installation instructions, or product demonstrations within this review are undertaken at your own risk. I assume no liability for personal injury, harm to others, damage to your vehicle, or property damage arising from the use of this information.
Monetary Disclaimer: This review is independent. I do not receive any commission, profit, or financial benefit from the sales 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 image. They are used here solely for illustrative purposes. If you are an image owner and wish for your content to be removed, please contact me via private message. Thank you to the original creators for generously allowing the use of their visuals, which significantly enhance this review.
Review Disclaimer:
I extend my sincere gratitude to the proTUNING Freaks/Bootmod3 team for their partial sponsorship of this review. Despite this collaboration, rest assured that this assessment remains as unbiased as possible. It’s important to note that I initiated contact with Bootmod3 for a sponsorship, driven by my genuine belief in the product’s excellence. This reflects my conviction that this wifi adapter is the premier choice and one I personally use for coding, flashing, and data logging with Bootmod3 on my own vehicle. I am even considering expanding its use to ISTA for wireless connectivity.
To fully understand the advantages of the Bootmod3 adapter as an alternative OBDII CAN module, let’s first clarify some fundamental terms related to the BMW OBD2 system.
What is “OBD2”?
Credit: confusion https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…07&postcount=2
Alt text: Car interior showcasing the OBD2 port, essential for vehicle diagnostics and module communication.
OBD2, short for On-Board Diagnostics 2, refers to the standardized trapezoidal port found in virtually every vehicle manufactured after 1996. This standardization, mandated in the USA, provides access to your car’s Electronic Control Units (ECUs). Modern cars often contain 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. Standardized codes are defined by 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, accessible even with inexpensive OBD2 scanners. However, these generic codes are often insufficient for in-depth BMW diagnostics, primarily serving emissions testing purposes. BMW utilizes proprietary error codes beyond the OBD2 standard. Accessing these BMW-specific, more useful error codes requires specialized BMW code reading software like ISTA or Protool with a diagnostic license. Furthermore, communicating with BMW ECUs through these programs necessitates the ENET protocol. Generic OBD2 adapters are not compatible with this. To establish this communication, you 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), vehicle coding, and even performance tuning via software such as Bootmod3. These advanced functions require an OBD2 adapter capable of ENET communication with BMW’s systems. The BM3 wifi adapter excels in this area, offering convenient and essential features that we will explore further. For BMW F series owners seeking an alternative OBDII CAN module for these purposes, the BM3 adapter presents a compelling solution.
What is “CANBUS” and “FLEXRAY”?
Credit: Autodata training, https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cbwvXO3Y9kI/maxresdefault.jpg
Alt text: Automotive CANBUS network diagram, illustrating data communication within modern vehicles, relevant to OBDII module functionality.
Let’s clarify “CANBUS” and “FLEXRAY”. CANBUS is short for Controller Area Network (CAN) BUS, a communication network within your car. Think of it as a digital highway connecting all electronic components and computers, enabling them to communicate.
FlexRay is similar to CANBUS, serving as an in-car network. However, it’s a significantly faster protocol, providing even more reliable data transfer. BMW F series vehicles and newer models utilize FlexRay, benefiting from its higher data speeds.
Note: Some devices might not directly connect to the CANBUS/FlexRay network but connect through a module that is networked.
Note: Modules on the FlexRay/CANBUS network can access all data transmitted. This facilitates easy integration of new modules like flex-fuel sensors.
Why are these protocols vital when considering an alternative OBDII CAN module for your BMW F series? A high-quality, fast OBD2 adapter supporting CANBUS and FlexRay, like the BM3 adapter, can leverage FlexRay’s speed to transmit substantial data through the OBD2 port rapidly. This results in exceptionally fast data logging. You can monitor numerous channels at high sampling rates, providing a clearer, more detailed picture of your car’s performance. This reduces the likelihood of missing crucial events like timing pulls, knock, or boost spikes, compared to slower logging devices.
Faster adapters also significantly reduce flashing times. Initial tuning or flashing large custom ROMs like BM3’s flex-fuel ROM becomes quicker, minimizing battery drain concerns during these processes, assuming a healthy battery. Coding sessions also benefit immensely from a faster OBD2 adapter. Pages load faster in apps like BimmerCode and Protool, and coding changes apply more quickly. For example, with a slower Bluetooth adapter, loading an ECU page might take a minute, and applying changes another minute. The BM3 adapter reduces this to approximately one second each, demonstrating the significant advantage of speed.
Furthermore, a CANBUS/FlexRay enabled adapter like the BM3 adapter provides access to all ECUs on modern BMW F and G series, a capability absent in generic OBD2 adapters. This means you can flash and code every ECU, including the transmission on Gen 2 B58 engines and Toyota Supras, without needing additional DCAN cables or wireless adapters – making it a truly versatile alternative OBDII CAN module for BMW F series and beyond.
”What is ENET”?
Credit: https://www.amazon.ca/OHP-Ethernet-D…/dp/B07V3C47YD
Alt text: Ethernet to OBD2 diagnostic cable, essential for high-speed communication with BMW ECUs and utilizing ENET protocol.
ENET, short for Ethernet, is BMW’s communication protocol for external ECU interaction. Imagine it as an ethernet cable with an OBD2 connector. It uses standard internet protocol for car communication. It involves multiple layers: application (ISTA), transport (TCP), network (IPV4), and link (Ethernet). The key advantage of ENET is its high-speed, high-fidelity data transfer, crucial for fully utilizing the BMW FlexRay network.
The BM3 adapter also supports ENET, ensuring seamless communication with BMW F series and newer generations, including the Toyota Supra (technically a BMW platform).
For deeper information on ENET and BMW, refer to: https://standards.ieee.org/wp-conten…hitectures.pdf.
With these foundational terms clarified, let’s focus specifically on the BM3 adapter and my practical experiences with it as a potential alternative OBDII CAN module for BMW F series vehicles.
Purchasing + Shipping Experience
My experience purchasing the BM3 wifi adapter directly from Protuning Freaks/BM3 highlights their exceptional customer service. For those seeking a reliable alternative OBDII CAN module, the purchase process is a key consideration.
Crest: PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/shopify
Alt text: Shopify logo, representing the secure and user-friendly e-commerce platform used for purchasing the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter.
Ordering through BM3’s website was straightforward and efficient. The website’s design is modern, fast, and user-friendly. Payment processing via Shopify, a widely trusted platform used by major companies, was seamless and secure. I encountered no issues using PayPal or credit cards, even with a PO Box address. BM3’s utilization of top-tier software reflects their commitment to quality in all aspects of their operations. The overall purchasing experience was outstanding.
Credit: TheAmazingBrentWood https://theamazingbrentwood.com/wp-c…0424463738.png
Alt text: Canada Post logo, indicating the reliable postal service used for shipping the Bootmod3 OBDII CAN module.
Regarding shipping, living in an area prone to package theft, I requested delivery to my PO Box via Canada Post standard shipping. Estimated delivery time was 8-9 days from BM3 HQ (both BM3 and I are in Canada). I placed my order on Wednesday, April 19th, at 4:12 AM. Realizing a shipping address error four minutes later, I immediately emailed BM3 support with “URGENT” in the subject line, hoping for a quick address correction before dispatch. To my surprise, by 8:55 AM, I received confirmation that my order was processed and the address corrected. Within roughly 4 hours, the adapter was packaged, address updated, shipping label created, and ready for Canada Post pickup. This level of responsiveness and shipping speed is remarkable. Only VTT comes close in shipping efficiency.
This exceptional customer service and rapid shipping are testaments to BM3’s dedication to continuous improvement, utilizing cutting-edge software to optimize workflow and ensure seamless communication. Instead of standard email forwarding, BM3 employs Atlassian’s JIRA software for customer support and development workflow. JIRA is the same software used by tech giants like Twitter, Lyft, Reddit, and Pinterest.
Credit: Atlassian https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira
Alt text: Atlassian Jira logo, highlighting the advanced project management and customer support software used by Bootmod3.
Jira allows customers to create support tickets accessible to the entire support team, from general tech support to the owner, Dzenan. This ensures queries reach the right people without email forwarding. Tickets remain open until resolution, virtually eliminating missed messages. This system efficiently handles high request volumes and facilitates team collaboration for feature development and workflow optimization.
BM3’s investment in sophisticated tools like Jira, despite their cost, underscores their commitment to excellence. This dedication positions BM3 as a leading platform for BMW tuning, evidenced by their early release of GEN 2 B58 race ROM features, surpassing competitors like MHD and ECUTEK.
Returning to my shipping experience, the package arrived at my PO Box on April 25th at 1:22 PM, just 6 days including a weekend. Even with standard shipping, delivery was quick. Packaging was adequate, with the OBD2 adapter in a small cardboard box with packing peanuts and bubble wrap. My only minor critique is that the adapter had some internal movement during shipping. Smaller packaging or more fill would be preferable. Otherwise, packaging was satisfactory, and the adapter arrived in perfect condition.
Let’s now examine the features of the BM3 WIFI adapter itself, solidifying its position as a top alternative OBDII CAN module.
Overview
Let’s examine the physical attributes of the BM3 adapter, a crucial aspect when considering an alternative OBDII CAN module that integrates seamlessly with your BMW F series.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Rear view of the Bootmod3 OBDII WIFI Adapter, showcasing the BM3 logo and transparent plastic casing.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Side profile of the Bootmod3 OBDII WIFI Adapter, highlighting its tapered design for improved footwell clearance.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Front view of the Bootmod3 OBDII WIFI Adapter, displaying the vent hole and on/off toggle switch.
Credit: F87Source
Alt text: Close-up of the OBD2 connector on the Bootmod3 WIFI Adapter, showing robust construction and precise pin alignment.
These images provide a detailed look at the BM3 adapter, which is often difficult to visualize due to limited imagery.
The first image shows the adapter’s backside with the BM3 logo embossed in the plastic. The logo area is recessed due to the adapter’s tapered design, visible in the second image. The entire casing is translucent when held to light.
The side profile in the second image reveals the taper, a key feature for foot clearance, discussed later.
The front view in the third image shows a vent for internal components and a toggle switch on the top right. This switch powers the adapter on (left) and off (right), independent of sleep mode. It provides a manual override for power control, useful for V2A versions without sleep mode or when forced shutdown is needed. My only criticism is the switch’s placement. When plugged in, it faces the trim panels, inaccessible without unplugging, especially in LHD cars where the OBD2 port is on the lower left. Relocating the switch to the bottom or back would improve accessibility, particularly for RHD vehicles. A rectangular indent at the bottom is likely for labeling.
The fourth image shows the OBD2 connector itself. It fits securely into the car’s OBD2 port with proper grip and alignment.
Dimensions
Dimensions are crucial for OBD2 adapters, especially in LHD cars where proximity to the dead pedal increases the risk of accidental kicking. Kicking can dislodge the adapter, causing connection loss and power-off. This happened frequently with my larger MHD ENET wifi adapter, requiring inconvenient reseating, often easier from outside the car.
Severe kicks can even damage the OBD2 port itself, as shown below:
Credit: N52 E90 https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1364965
Alt text: Severely damaged OBD2 port, illustrating potential consequences of accidental kicks to poorly designed OBDII modules.
A smaller adapter minimizes kicking risk and potential port damage. The BM3 wifi adapter is significantly thinner and shorter than my old MHD black adapter, making it far less prone to accidental kicks.
Here are dimension measurements using digital calipers:
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Measurement of the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter width, indicating its compact horizontal size.
The BM3 adapter is 44.68 mm wide.
Credit F87source
Alt text: Measurement of the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter height, showing its vertical compactness.
The BM3 adapter is 69.51 mm tall.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Thickness measurement of the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter at its thickest point, highlighting overall thin profile.
The BM3 adapter is 20.20 mm thick at its thickest point (a raised seam).
Beyond size, the tapered design further enhances foot clearance.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Thickness measurement of the tapered section of the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter, demonstrating reduced profile near foot area.
The BM3 adapter is 14.64 mm thick at its taper.
The compact size and tapered shape of the BM3 adapter maximize foot clearance, minimizing kicking. In my pre-travel testing, mimicking manual driving, the thinner and shorter profile allowed significantly more ankle and foot movement before contact. This likely eliminates or greatly reduces kicking issues, a major benefit of the BM3 adapter’s design as an alternative OBDII CAN module, particularly for BMW F series manual drivers.
Here are images of the adapter plugged into my F87 M2:
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Bootmod3 OBDII adapter installed in a BMW F87 M2, showing minimal protrusion and close fit to trim panel.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Another angle of the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter installed in a BMW F87 M2, emphasizing its low-profile design.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Closer view of the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter in a BMW F87 M2, illustrating its discreet integration within the footwell.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Footwell view with the Bootmod3 OBDII adapter installed in a BMW F87 M2, demonstrating improved foot clearance and reduced obstruction.
Credit: F87source
Alt text: Bootmod3 OBDII adapter installed in a BMW F87 M2, showcasing the faint orange indicator light when powered on.
As seen, the adapter is slim and sits close to the trim, less obtrusive than larger adapters. A faint orange light indicates power.
WIFI Connectivity
The BM3 adapter’s wireless connectivity is a significant advantage, particularly WIFI, offering benefits over Bluetooth for an alternative OBDII CAN module.
The BM3 adapter uses 2.4 GHz WIFI, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including older phones and laptops not supporting 5 GHz WIFI.
Default WIFI hotspot credentials are SSID “BM3-NET” and password “bootmod3”, printed inside the box lid:
Credit:F87source
Alt text: Inside of the Bootmod3 WIFI Adapter box lid, displaying default WIFI network name (SSID) and password for initial setup.
Let’s explore WIFI’s advantages over Bluetooth:
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Speed: WIFI significantly outperforms Bluetooth. Bluetooth 5 offers up to 2 Mbps, while 2.4 GHz WIFI can reach 300 Mbps (BM3 adapter settings show a link speed of 72 Mbps). This faster data transfer speeds up flashing times considerably, making it superior to most competitors, likely matching only the MHD universal wifi adapter in speed.
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Latency: WIFI generally has lower latency than Bluetooth, especially at higher WIFI speeds. Lower latency means less delay between data read from the OBD2 port and received by your connected device. This is crucial for gauges, providing more responsive and real-time readings, especially for RPM gauges.
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Range: WIFI offers 2-3 times the range of Bluetooth. This extended range allows connection from a workbench, inside your house, or across a shop, offering flexibility in coding and diagnostics without being confined to the car’s cabin or immediate vicinity. I’ve coded my car from 15m away inside my house with 50% WIFI signal strength through walls.
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Transmission Fidelity: Bluetooth uses “best effort” transmission without built-in retransmission or packet acknowledgement, relying on the application layer for these features. WIFI, however, includes retransmission and acknowledgement, providing inherently better data fidelity.
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Encryption: WIFI has stronger encryption than Bluetooth, which sometimes lacks encryption entirely. Security is paramount. Unencrypted wireless OBD2 adapters are vulnerable to hacking, potentially allowing unauthorized access to the car’s CANBUS/FlexRay network. This is a serious concern for permanently installed adapters. Hackers could exploit this to perform key cloning via the OBD2 port, a common BMW theft method. Examples of BMW theft via OBD2 port hacking are documented in these articles:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh…d.php?t=688307
https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriank…h=4f4f39905a3d
Strong WIFI encryption is vital, but effective security requires a strong, non-default password. The BM3 adapter’s default password, while present, is widely known. I raised this concern with Dzenan (BM3 owner), who confirmed that a future update will enable users to change the WIFI password, addressing this potential security vulnerability. This proactive approach to security differentiates BM3 from competitors.
Updatable Firmware
The BM3 WIFI OBD2 adapter’s firmware is updatable via the app. This future-proof design allows BM3 to add new features, such as customizable SSID and passwords, without requiring hardware replacement. Users benefit from continuous improvement and feature additions without extra cost, unlike competitors often requiring new hardware for updates.
Additional Features
Further enhancing its appeal as an alternative OBDII CAN module for BMW F series, the BM3 adapter includes several additional features:
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On/Off Switch: The physical switch offers manual power control, beneficial for RHD users and V2A adapter owners needing to disable the adapter when not in use.
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Sleep Mode + Low Power Consumption: The V3 adapter features sleep mode, reducing power draw to ~20mA when ignition is off in G series vehicles (not F series due to OBD2 ignition state limitations). It automatically wakes when ignition is turned on. This low power consumption (~80mA running) and sleep mode allow permanent installation without battery drain, preventing codes and alarms on G series BMWs and Supras triggered by OBD2 ENET activity when locked.
Permanent installation also reduces wear on the OBD2 port, a common issue with frequent adapter plugging/unplugging:
Credit: Comacchio https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/…?h=0&t=1947105
Alt text: Close-up of a worn and damaged OBD2 port, showing bent and missing pins due to frequent use and highlighting the benefit of permanent OBDII module installation.
The image shows a damaged BMW F30 OBD2 port with worn pin holes and a severely damaged pin, illustrating the wear from frequent use. Similar reports of OBD2 port pin damage exist in these threads:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1470306
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1617787
Sleep mode significantly reduces OBD2 port wear by enabling permanent adapter installation.
Warranty
BM3 offers a 30-day return policy and warranty period for adapters purchased directly from them. However, Dzenan confirmed that warranty claims beyond 30 days are assessed case-by-case. Manufacturing faults (unlikely due to robust components) are generally covered, excluding user-caused damage. User-damaged adapters may be repaired at cost. Warranty claims are handled directly by BM3, not third-party vendors, ensuring superior customer service by dealing directly with the OEM capable of hardware repair or replacement. This direct support contrasts with experiences like mine with MHD, where vendor referral was the initial response.
Summary
The BM3 OBD2 adapter stands out as a superior alternative OBDII CAN module for BMW F series owners, and here’s why:
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Unmatched Communication: ENET, CANBUS/FlexRay, and WIFI support provide the fastest, lowest latency communication with all ECUs in BMW F series and newer models, including the Supra.
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Enhanced Security: Future user-configurable passwords will eliminate security vulnerabilities, making it safe for permanent installation.
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Smart Power Management: Built-in sleep mode prevents battery drain and alarms in G series and Supras, facilitating permanent OBD2 port connection and reducing wear.
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Compact and Footwell-Friendly Design: Small size and tapered shape maximize foot clearance, minimizing accidental kicks and OBD2 port damage.
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Future-Proof and Updatable: Firmware updates via the BM3 app ensure continuous improvement and feature additions, avoiding obsolescence.
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Exceptional Customer Service and Warranty: BM3’s excellent support and direct warranty handling provide peace of mind.
These six key advantages solidify the BM3 adapter as the best alternative OBDII CAN module currently available for BMW F series and other compatible vehicles.
