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OBDeleven explained: Complete buying guide

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OBDeleven explained: Complete buying guide
If you’re on a hunt for a user-friendly car diagnostic tool that wouldn’t mess with your car systems, plus would come packed with extra features like easy customizations (without manual coding!) and vehicle management tools, chances are you’ve heard OBDeleven.
 
It's a top choice for over 3 million drivers and is the safest OBD2 diagnostic tool on the market, licensed by leading brands like Volkswagen, BMW, and Toyota. And it has features for drivers of all skill levels – from daily ones without automotive knowledge to real car enthusiasts and even workshops. 
 
Now, the question is, which OBDeleven device is best for your car model, what are these subscriptions for, and how to access features YOU actually need?
 
Let us simplify this all and help you choose the best option to improve your car maintenance routine. 
 

OBDeleven NextGen vs. OBDeleven FirstGen

 
The OBDeleven FirstGen was the very first version we launched into the market. It was designed solely for Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles and the OBDeleven VAG app for Android or Harmony. The FirstGen is already out of stock and we aren't selling it anymore.

The OBDeleven NextGen is the newer, better version of OBDeleven. Besides VAG Group vehicles, it extends its capabilities for BMW, Toyota Group models, plus all other car brands with CAN-bus protocol (manufactured from 2008). It’s compatible with both OBDeleven and OBDeleven VAG apps and can be used with iOS, Android, and Harmony.
 
We develop all the latest and upcoming features with this device in mind. So, NextGen is your go-to for the most up-to-date experience with your VAG car or any other brand. 
 
Get OBDeleven NextGen
 

Mobile apps: OBDeleven vs. OBDeleven VAG 


OBDeleven has two mobile apps available for different car brands. 

OBDeleven VAG app is designed for Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles exclusively. Advanced features that are available with the PRO VAG and ULTIMATE VAG plans are accessible through this app, too.
 
OBDeleven app supports BMW Group, Toyota Group, Volkswagen Group vehicles, plus all other car brands supporting the CAN-bus protocol (manufactured from 2008), like Ford, Mercedes, and more.
 

Key OBDeleven features

Basic OBD2 Diagnostics
 
  • Car brands: All car brands with CAN-bus protocol, from 2008
  • Plan needed: FREE
  • App needed: OBDeleven
  • Device needed: NextGen
 
The Basic OBD2 Diagnostics feature in OBDeleven is your go-to for quick and accurate engine and automatic transmission diagnostics.
 
With just a tap, you can scan your engine and automatic transmission control units and get a list of trouble codes for identifying critical problems. It’s also handy for clearing minor faults.  
 
The Basic OBD2 Diagnostics is a perfect tool for routine check-ups that require minimal effort but give you peace of mind on the road. 
 
Advanced Diagnostics 
 
  • Car brands: Volkswagen Group (VAG), BMW Group, and Toyota Group vehicles 
  • Plan needed: FREE 
  • App needed: OBDeleven VAG for VAG vehicles, OBDeleven – for BMW and Toyota 
  • Device needed: FirstGen or NextGen for VAG vehicles, NextGen – for BMW and Toyota  
 
With this feature, you get a complete health check for your car, similar to having a professional mechanic’s insight. Advanced Diagnostics allows you to quickly scan all control units, diagnose, clear, and share fault codes.  
 
Plus, it offers OBD2 live data for real-time vehicle monitoring. Values include: 
 
  • Calculated engine load  
  • Engine coolant temperature  
  • Intake Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor  
  • Engine speed (RPM)  
  • Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor 
 
Read more about live data and how to use it to troubleshoot your vehicle in our article.  
 
One-Click Apps
 
  • Car brands: Volkswagen Group (VAG), BMW E, F, G, I-series, MINI (F-series), select Rolls-Royce models, Toyota Group (Toyota & Lexus models)
  • Plan needed: FREE, just buy some Credits (our in-app currency) to activate One-Click Apps. Unlimited One-Click Apps without any extra Credits available with the ULTIMATE VAG Plan.  
  • App needed: OBDeleven – for BMW Group and Toyota Group vehicles, for Volkswagen Group vehicles you can use either OBDeleven or OBDeleven VAG apps
  • Device needed: FirstGen or NextGen for VAG vehicles, NextGen – for BMW Group & Toyota Group vehicles
 
Our One-Click Apps offer a straightforward way to customize your car’s features. These ready-to-use applications let you activate, deactivate, and adjust your car's functions quickly and effortlessly. 
 
With One-Click Apps, you can integrate retrofitted parts like parking sensors, LED license plate lights or taillights, reset service lights, activate video in motion or needle sweep gauge test, play around with Urban Joke, Scandinavian DRLs, and much more.
 
It's a practical and efficient toolbox for personalizing your car to suit your preferences and needs. 
 
Note: Different One-Click Apps are available for different brands. Check out our supported vehicles list to find what’s possible for your car.
 
Professional Features (Coding & Adaptations) 
 
  • Car brands: Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles  
  • Plan needed: PRO VAG or ULTIMATE VAG  
  • App needed: OBDeleven VAG  
  • Device needed: FirstGen or NextGen 
 
For the more experienced car enthusiasts and workshops, our Professional Features take diagnostics and customization to a higher level. 
 
You can engage in detailed coding and adaptations, fine-tuning your car’s systems on a workshop-grade level. These features provide the control and sophistication of professional equipment but in a more accessible and user-friendly format.
 
Read more about these features here: 
 
 
Vehicle Information 
 
  • Car brands: Volkswagen Group (VAG), BMW Group, Toyota Group vehicles, plus all other car brands with CAN-bus protocol, from 2008 
  • Plan needed: FREE 
  • App needed: OBDeleven VAG for VAG vehicles, OBDeleven – for all other brands  
  • Device needed: FirstGen or NextGen for VAG vehicles, NextGen – for all other brands  
 
OBDeleven gives you a quick access to vital VIN data, like car’s mileage, engine code, body type, and manufacturing year.
 
For Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, and Toyota Group vehicles you can get even more specific details about the car parts and options added during factory production, such as the engine, gearbox, and battery. 
 
 
Virtual Garage 
 
  • Car brands: Volkswagen Group (VAG), BMW Group, Toyota Group vehicles, plus all other car brands with CAN-bus protocol, from 2008 
  • Plan needed: FREE 
  • App needed: OBDeleven VAG for VAG vehicles, OBDeleven – for all other brands  
  • Device needed: FirstGen or NextGen for VAG vehicles, NextGen – for all other brands 
 
Garage is like a centralized hub for all your connected vehicles. Here, you can easily sort and organize them by name, model year, or connection date.  
 
This feature provides a detailed overview of each car – including customizable names and pictures, modification history, and available One-Click Apps.
 
Also, you can view control unit data, fault codes, and the history of each car.
 
Vehicle History 
 
  • Car brands: Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles  
  • Plan needed: PRO VAG or ULTIMATE VAG 
  • App needed: OBDeleven VAG 
  • Device needed: FirstGen or NextGen 
 
The Vehicle History feature provides a clear and detailed record of your vehicle’s past activities. You can overview all the changes made to control units, capturing everything from coding adjustments to adaptations.  
 
Plus, this feature includes a comprehensive view of diagnostic and backup sessions for your vehicle or chosen control module. This way, you can track and share your car’s diagnostic history with fellow enthusiasts or mechanics – which is particularly helpful if you want to quickly identify issues.  
 

OBDeleven plans 

 
OBDeleven has three subscription plans – FREE, PRO VAG, and ULTIMATE VAG. Each is created to cater to different driver needs, experience level, and comfort. 
 
Note: PRO VAG and ULTIMATE VAG plans are only available for Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles. Currently, all features for other car brands come with the FREE Plan.  
 
What can you do with the FREE plan?  
 
The FREE Plan comes by default with every device. It allows to scan available vehicle control units, read and clear faults, as well as check vehicle information. It's a perfect choice for daily drivers who want to enjoy easy on-the-go diagnostics and spot issues early.
 
 
OBDeleven PRO VAG vs. ULTIMATE VAG plan  
 
The PRO VAG and ULTIMATE VAG plans offer advanced features for more experienced auto enthusiasts and Volkswagen Group (VAG) professionals. As an officially licensed third-party tool, OBDeleven lets users access SFD-locked features and modify their vehicles to the fullest. These subscriptions include extensive coding and adaptation capabilities. 
 
PRO VAG plan features include:  
 
  • SFD Unlock
  • Coding & Long Coding 
  • Adaptations & Long Adaptations  
  • Basic Settings 
  • Trouble Code Freeze Frame 
  • Gateway Coding 
 
The ULTIMATE VAG plan comes with all PRO VAG features, plus: 
 
  • Unlimited One-Click Apps – so you don’t need to buy any extra Credits to use them as much as you wish
  • OCAbuilder – so you can even develop your own One-Click Apps 
  • RAW data – that's needed to use the OCAbuilder 
 
You can buy each subscription plan separately or choose a more convenient way to get an all-in-one bundle – the NextGen device packed with your selected plan in our PRO Pack or ULTIMATE Pack.
 

How to use OBDeleven?  

After your OBDeleven arrives at your doorstep, follow these quick steps:  
  
Step 1: Download the OBDeleven or OBDeleven VAG mobile app and create your account.  

Step 2: Plug your OBDeleven device into your car’s OBD2 port. 
 
Note: In some 2020 and newer models, you may need to partially open the hood to disable the diagnostic firewall to run diagnostics and activate One-Click Apps. To do this, pull the hood release handle typically found under the steering wheel or near the driver's side door. 

Step 3: Connect it to your smartphone through Bluetooth. Enjoy!  
 
We've also covered all you need to know to get started with OBDeleven in our comprehensive FAQ.
 

Summing up 

 
We hope this buying guide has helped you understand which device, app, and plan is needed to get the specific features for your car model. Now, it’s time to enjoy them all!  
 
 
If there’s something else you’d like to clarify before clicking that “Buy” button – visit our Support section to find answers to all your questions.  
 
Also, watch this video below to see how to get started with OBDeleven: