I Tested OBDeleven 3 vs OBDeleven 2 | Owner’s review
I tested OBDeleven 3 on my VW Golf 5 and compared it directly to the old OBDeleven 2 adapter and the old VAG-only app. Scan times, one-click apps, and the new multi-brand features are all based on real use, not marketing.
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OBDeleven 3
OBDeleven 3 is a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle that works with your phone. It gives full-system diagnostics and customizations on VAG, plus extra features on BMW, Toyota/Lexus and some Ford, and basic OBD2 engine diagnostics on pretty much everything else.
Compared to the old OBDeleven 2, the new hardware is faster and supports new CAN-FD platforms. On my Golf 5, full scan time dropped from about 3:35 with the old adapter to about 2:40 with OBDeleven 3 on the old app, and to around 2:00 in the new app – roughly 25% faster with just the hardware and about 44% faster with new hardware + new app.
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Who tested product & wrote this review?
Tester & Editor for this review: Juraj Lukacko
Hello, I am Juraj (Yuri) and I tested this product to help you decide if it is something you would want to buy, and if yes, show you how to use it.
I make honest reviews based on personal testing in my own garage and If I see the product is bad, I will make it very clear in review.
Read more about how I do reviews on Iamcarhacker.com in my review policy.
OBDeleven 3 – first look and comparison with old adapter VIDEO test
OBDeleven 3 detailed review
What You’ll Learn
➜ How much faster OBDeleven 3 scans compared to OBDeleven 2
➜ What the new adapter actually improves in daily use
➜ How the new OBDeleven app performs vs the old VAG app
➜ Which features now work better, especially One-Click Apps
➜ What still works best on VAG, and what is limited on BMW/Toyota
➜ How PRO/ULTIMATE change what you can do
➜ Real limits like manual VIN entry, internet dependence, and SFD2
➜ Which tools OBDeleven 3 beats, and where tablets or VCDS still win
➜ When upgrading from OBDeleven 2 is actually worth it
What This New Adapter Actually Changes
OBDeleven 3 is basically the same type of tool as OBDeleven 2, just faster and more future-proof. The big difference is the new 5x CAN-FD hardware, which helps on newer cars. It also supports more brands in the new app, so if you plan to work on BMW, Toyota, Lexus or US Ford, this version is the one to buy. For VAG it works the same way, just quicker.
Test Results on Real Cars
I tested OBDeleven 3 on Golf 5 back-to-back with OBDeleven 2.
Full scan times:
Old adapter + old app ≈ 3:35
New adapter + old app ≈ 2:40
New adapter + new app ≈ 2:00
So scanning is roughly 30–45% faster. Still not the fastest scanner I own, but a nice improvement.
The new app detected the car but asked me to enter VIN manually. Annoying, but once done it scanned fine. Module list showed everything, no app crashes. One-Click Apps worked as expected. The “not supported” warning saved Credits on unsupported features. Coding apps like US DRL worked instantly. Footwell light app did nothing on my Golf because the hardware is not installed, which is correct.
Overall the new adapter + new app combo is noticeably smoother than the old system, even if the UI takes some getting used to.
Specs vs Real Results
Manufacturer says faster CAN-FD interface. In real use, yes, scans are much quicker.
They say wider brand coverage. True, but VAG is still the strongest part, and BMW/Toyota/Lexus support depends on country. I treat non-VAG features as “extra”, not the main reason to buy it.
They say One-Click Apps require Credits. Yes, same as before, but now you get a clear “not supported” warning which helps.
Manual coding still requires PRO/ULTIMATE. Same as before. Coding still has risks.
Hardware / App / Plans / Internet
The new dongle is tiny, light, low power, and safe to leave in the car. BLE works fine and stays stable.
The new OBDeleven app is faster but more cloud-dependent. You need internet for most things. If you work in a bad signal area, keep that in mind.
FREE plan gives diagnostics and live data. PRO unlocks all VAG coding and adaptations. ULTIMATE adds automation stuff most people don’t really need. One-Click Apps always use Credits.
Service Resets and Real Coverage
VAG coverage is still the main value. Oil reset, inspection reset, lighting tweaks, comfort functions, adaptations, long coding, etc. SFD cars work fine but SFD2 (2024+) is not supported yet.
BMW/MINI and Toyota/Lexus support exists but is lighter. Good for basic resets and simple features, not a replacement for a full brand tool. Toyota hybrid battery check is the only “big” advantage outside VAG.
Other brands = just standard OBD2 stuff.
Languages
Best to use English for coding. Translations can be hit-or-miss. Most data labels from the ECU come in English anyway.
Quick Comparisons with similiar tools
Is the OBDeleven right choice or you should consider something else – depends on what you are buying it for.
I also have a best VAG OBD2 scanners list.
OBDeleven 3 vs VCDS
OBDeleven is easier and faster to use for simple coding. VCDS is still deeper for retrofits and older cars. OBDeleven needs internet, VCDS doesn’t.
OBDeleven 3 vs Soloscan
Soloscan is great if you only care about one brand and want no subscription. OBDeleven is better if you have VAG + maybe Toyota/BMW and want everything in one small dongle.
OBDeleven 3 vs tablet tools (K7, VO7, Thinkcar)
OBDeleven wins for VAG coding. Tablets like Mucar V07 win for multi-brand service functions.
OBDeleven 3 vs Carista
OBDeleven gives real VAG coding. Carista gives presets. OBDeleven is simply better for serious work.
OBDeleven 3 vs Carly
No point choosing Carly. Subscription heavy, weaker coding. OBDeleven 3 is the smarter buy for VAG.
Final Verdict
If you already use OBDeleven 2, I wouldn’t upgrade just for speed alone unless you work on a lot cars often.
For VAG owners who code often, OBDeleven 3 + PRO is the best mobile option right now.
If you need deep multi-brand functions, pair it with a tablet scanner.
To save money, buy only from the official OBDeleven website and redeem PRO/ULTIMATE codes and Credits in your online OBDeleven dashboard. Coupon “carhacker” works for extra discount.
Verify one-click apps available for your car model even before you buy adapter.
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