The OBDLink MX Bluetooth is a powerhouse in the world of OBD2 scanners, transforming your smartphone, tablet, or computer into a professional-grade automotive diagnostic tool. If you’re looking for a fast, secure, and user-friendly way to understand your vehicle’s health, the Obd2 Link Mx stands out as a top contender. While the original OBDLink MX is no longer in production, it has been upgraded to the even more advanced OBDLink MX+. However, the legacy of the OBD2 Link MX remains strong due to its impressive features and capabilities, making it a relevant topic for anyone interested in vehicle diagnostics. This guide will explore the features and benefits of the OBD2 Link MX, helping you understand why it was—and its successor, the MX+ still is—a leading choice for car enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Unleashing the Power of OBD2 Link MX: Key Features and Benefits
The OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth was designed to offer a seamless and powerful diagnostic experience. Here’s a breakdown of its key features that made it a popular choice:
- Unmatched Vehicle Compatibility: The OBD2 Link MX boasted superior vehicle coverage compared to many competitors. Its advanced connection algorithm ensured it could communicate with a wider range of OBD-II compliant vehicles, including those with advanced Ford and GM networks (MS-CAN and SW-CAN). This broad compatibility meant you were more likely to get accurate and comprehensive data from your car, regardless of make or model (within the OBD-II standards for 1996 and newer vehicles).
Alt: OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth adapter showcasing wide vehicle compatibility for car diagnostics.
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Lightning-Fast Performance: Speed is crucial when it comes to real-time vehicle monitoring, and the OBD2 Link MX delivered. It was advertised as being up to 300% faster than competing Bluetooth OBD2 adapters. This rapid data transfer provided smoother graphs and more responsive real-time gauges, giving you immediate insights into your vehicle’s performance.
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Discreet and Ergonomic Design: Nobody wants bulky gadgets getting in the way. The OBD2 Link MX featured a small form factor, less than 2 inches long, ensuring it wouldn’t obstruct legroom. Its ergonomic design made it easy to plug in and leave connected without hassle.
Alt: Compact dimensions of OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth adapter for unobtrusive vehicle integration.
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Hacker-Proof Security: In an increasingly connected world, security is paramount. The OBD2 Link MX incorporated a unique, hacker-proof security scheme. Unlike many OBD2 adapters that broadcast their presence and use simple PINs, the MX Bluetooth required physical access to a “Connect” button on the device itself to initiate pairing. This design significantly minimized the risk of unauthorized access and potential hacking.
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Effortless Check Engine Light Diagnosis: The dreaded check engine light can cause anxiety for any car owner. With the OBD2 Link MX, you could read and clear diagnostic trouble codes yourself. This capability empowers you to understand the issue, make informed repair decisions, and potentially save money by diagnosing simple problems at home before visiting a mechanic.
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BatterySaver™ Technology for Peace of Mind: Leaving an OBD2 adapter plugged in constantly raises concerns about battery drain. The OBD2 Link MX addressed this with BatterySaver™ technology. It featured fully automatic sleep and wake-up functions, eliminating the need for switches or manual operation. You could leave it plugged in without worrying about draining your vehicle’s battery.
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Expand Your Vehicle’s Dashboard: Transform your mobile device into a customized dashboard with the OBD2 Link MX. It allowed you to display a wide array of real-time gauges directly on your smartphone or tablet, providing insights into engine performance, fuel efficiency, and much more.
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Free Software and App Included: OBDLink sweetened the deal by including both a free Android app (OBDLink App) and Windows diagnostic software (OBDWiz) with the purchase of the OBD2 Link MX. These free tools provided immediate value and functionality right out of the box.
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Broad Software Compatibility: Beyond the included software, the OBD2 Link MX was backwards compatible with the ELM327 command set. This compatibility opened the door to a vast ecosystem of third-party apps like Torque and DashCommand, available across various platforms (excluding iOS at the time of its production) and devices, from smartphones to PCs.
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Free Firmware and Software Updates: Technology evolves rapidly, and the OBD2 Link MX was designed to keep up. Users benefited from free firmware and software updates, ensuring their adapter stayed current with new features and improvements over time.
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Robust Warranty and Guarantee: OBDLink stood behind the quality of the MX Bluetooth, offering a 3-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee. This commitment provided peace of mind and demonstrated confidence in the product’s durability and performance.
Alt: OBDLink MX Bluetooth adapter backed by a 3-year warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee.
OBD2 Link MX: Vehicle Compatibility – Will it Work with Your Car?
The OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth was designed to be universally compatible with all 1996 and newer cars and light trucks sold in the United States. This compatibility extended to vehicles from American, European, and Asian manufacturers. For those outside the U.S., most newer vehicles also adhere to OBD-II standards.
To ensure compatibility with non-U.S. vehicles, OBDLink provided a vehicle compatibility checker on their website. This tool allowed users to verify if the OBD2 Link MX would work with their specific vehicle, regardless of location.
Technical Specifications: OBD2 Link MX Deep Dive
For those interested in the technical details, here are the specifications of the OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth:
| FEATURE | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| INTERFACE | Bluetooth |
| DEVICE WEIGHT | 3 oz (85.1 g) |
| DIMENSIONS | 1.97 x 1.77 x 0.91 in (50 x 45 x 23 mm) |
| OBD-II PROTOCOL SUPPORT | Yes (All legislated protocols) |
| SINGLE-WIRE CAN (GMLAN) | Yes |
| FORD MEDIUM-SPEED CAN (MS-CAN) | Yes |
| BLUETOOTH | – ‘Connect’ button for secure pairing |
| – 128-bit data encryption | |
| – Class 2 Bluetooth v3.0 (~262 ft range) | |
| OPERATING CURRENT | 62 mA |
| BATTERYSAVER™ MODE | 2 mA |
| OPERATING VOLTAGE | 8-18V DC |
| TEMPERATURE RANGE | -4º to 131º F (-20º to 55º C) |
| HUMIDITY RANGE | 10 to 85% (non-condensing) |
| MAX PID RATE | ~100 PIDs/second (PC & Android) |
| PACKAGE CONTENTS | – OBDLink MX Bluetooth adapter |
| – Quick Start Guide | |
| – OBDwiz software license key | |
| CERTIFICATIONS | – RoHS, REACH, FCC Part 15B, IC ICES-003, CE, E-Mark ECE R10, AS/NZS, etc. |
| WARRANTY | 3-year warranty, 90-day money-back guarantee |
OBDLink MX Bluetooth in Comparison: Choosing the Right OBDLink Scanner
The OBDLink family includes several excellent OBD2 scanners. Here’s how the OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth stacked up against other OBDLink models:
| FEATURE | MX+ | MX Bluetooth | LX Bluetooth | EX USB | SX USB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free OEM Add-Ons | ✔ | ||||
| Supports All OBD-II Protocols | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Single-Wire CAN (GMLAN) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Ford Medium-Speed CAN (MS-CAN) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Bluetooth c3.0 Interface | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| USB Interface | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| BatterySaver Sleep Mode | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Android Compatibility | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Apple (iOS) Compatibility | ✔ | ||||
| Windows Compatibility | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free OBDLink Mobile App | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Free OBDwiz PC Software | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hacker-Proof Security | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3-Year Warranty | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
This comparison highlights that while the OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth offered a robust set of features, the newer OBDLink MX+ surpassed it with added OEM add-ons and iOS compatibility. The LX Bluetooth offered similar Bluetooth connectivity but lacked Single-Wire CAN support. The EX and SX USB models provided USB connectivity instead of Bluetooth.
Getting Started with OBD2 Link MX: Software and Device Support
The OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth was compatible with a wide range of devices and software:
- Android: Smartphones and tablets running Android 2.2 and newer.
- Windows: Bluetooth-enabled PCs, laptops, and tablets running Windows XP SP2 and newer.
While iOS was not supported for the OBD2 Link MX, the upgraded OBDLink MX+ now offers iOS compatibility, addressing a key limitation of its predecessor.
The included OBDLink App for Android and OBDwiz software for Windows provided a solid starting point for diagnostics. Furthermore, the compatibility with popular third-party apps like Torque and DashCommand expanded the functionality and customization options available to users.
Conclusion: The Legacy of OBD2 Link MX and the Rise of OBD2 Link MX+
The OBD2 Link MX Bluetooth carved out a significant space in the OBD2 scanner market by offering a compelling blend of speed, security, compatibility, and user-friendliness. While it is no longer in production, its features and capabilities remain relevant, and it serves as a strong foundation for its successor, the OBDLink MX+.
If you are seeking a top-tier Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, the OBDLink MX+ is the natural evolution of the MX Bluetooth, offering enhanced features, broader device compatibility (including iOS), and continued excellence in vehicle diagnostics. Whether you are a car enthusiast, DIY mechanic, or professional technician, exploring the OBDLink MX series, particularly the current MX+, is a worthwhile step in optimizing your vehicle maintenance and understanding.
