I thought it might be helpful for owners of X350's if I put down my experience with a OBD II scanner.

I just got a ELM 327 & the included OBWIZ software that was included from Mobile Computing Solutions. They sell on eBay as well as from their own website at www.scantool.net . There are several prices for the same pkg. depending upon place of purchase so make your choice carefully to save the most bucks.

I got the OBD-Linx SX which is one step up from the base unit but has the ability to accept the higher spec software. The install of the hardware drivers was as easy as anything I've ever loaded and gave me no problems. Since I bought the USB version I was sure it would go pretty well. The software installation was also easy and went in without a hitch. The first computer I installed it on is a ASUS Eee PC 1005 which for the uninitiated is a lowly netbook running Windows 7 Premium 32 bit with a measly 2 gigs of RAM , a 320 gig HDD, and an Intel Atom, and a 10" screen. The advantages are a very long battery life approaching 11 hours, a variety of input/output slots, and easy to carry around or put on a seat while doing some data logging.

When I first plugged it in as directed it gave me an error message so I figured I'd start the engine instead of just turning the ignition on but not starting. Bingo ! It fired right up and I ran through each of the routines from diagnostics, data logging, set-up, graphing, etc. The base software does NOT give you any info. on the Jaguar proprietary electronics such as ABS or suspension diagnostics. It does do the 90 or so tests required by law and that's a bundle of stuff from fuel trims to fuel mileage and much more. It can also clear any detected DTC's which allows you to do a complete reset and then run a test route to see what if anything reappears.

So OBD Link SX with OBDWhiz software at www.scantool.net a good deal at $39.95 +/- with a very usable software pkg. It's an easy install on a minimal computer and the only divergence from the manual is that the engine has to be running and not just the key in the on position. Tested and works on my 2004 early build XJ8.

 

Mobile Computing Solutions is a separate company from scantool.net although the owner does say that they are one of scantool's largest distributors. Their prices are always just a bit better than buying from scantool.net itself.

 

I wouldn't know other then buying from Mobil Solutions eBay site and getting the hardware complete with instructions from scantool.net so either one is a path to this particular product. I did get a slightly better price from MCS but only $3-4.

The fact that it worked as advertised with no real headaches was the point I was trying to make.

By the way the only code it pulled was P1111 which tells me that all drive cycle tests have been completed successfully and there were no pending DTC's. Given 62,000 miles and 9 years of use I found that almost too good to be true. I still want to get a program that reads more specific Jag codes but I'll play with this version for awhile while I bring other areas of deferred maintenance up to snuff.

 

That sounds like a great deal. I just purchased a Bluetooth ODB module and put "Torque" on my android phone, mainly because I wanted to see what the real coolant temperature is. I haven't had time to play around with it, but it seems very customizable and also clears codes. It will even record a GPS version of trips, but I haven't found out how to also record things like engine temp, HP, etc. at the same time. Doesn't replace OBWIZ or other similar tools, but it is nice to see multiple data, and being bluetooth on your phone is great.

 

scantool has both bluetooth and wifi versions available, but they are significantly more money.

 

I have had a scan-tool SX for about three years been a bonus on my old xjr and Jeep and few other cars

Last week I bought a new to me X350 4.2 V8 drove it from Sydney to Melbourne and back to Queensland with some shopping for the wife in-between very happy with the car on the way home it got a check engine light I thought here we go plugged my laptop in ran the scan-tool software said map sensor and p1000 I erased the map sensor drove on about 2 hours later the light was on again thought oh oh checked it again erased the the map sensor code has not come on again

I might replce the map sensor to be sure I will do the 02 sensors as well and new cats when I do a major service next but that little scan-tool SX has saved me plenty I want to buy a btter one but will wait till a genuine jag one comes up second hand on Ebay

 

Just had a thought:

as long as you have the scantool and the software license key with you, even if you do not have a laptop .. as long as you can borrow a windows computer of some sort with a usb port .. the software is just a download away. Or keep the software cd in the car.