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Finland, Helsinki
1 Level
697 Review
58 Karma

Review on ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ XTOOL D8BT Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tool with 3-Year Updates (Value $600), ECU Coding, 31+ Services, Bi-Directional Controls, Full Diagnostics, Key Programming, Cam/Crank Relearn, Latest Version 2022 by Brandon Baird

Revainrating 5 out of 5

D8 Bluetooth - Awesome Untold Feature!

I previously had the regular wired version of the D8 so I can do a comparison between the two. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. .It's AWESOME and bright! It's bright enough to serve as an emergency flashlight when you have nothing else. I suspect it should have a built in battery that charges when plugged in. There is a button on either side that turns on when you press it, making it easy to find and plug in the OBD connector. As soon as you let go, it will turn off. The first thing that struck me about the device is that it still has the VGA port that the wired version has, but I'm not sure if it actually works with the cable. Below I explain why. D8 BT has one big disadvantage compared to the wired version. The device requires the Bluetooth adapter to be turned on and connected via Bluetooth to easily navigate the menus. With the wired version, you can experiment with the menus to see what special features and functions are available for each make or model. That's why I don't think the cable will work as it will automatically need to connect a Bluetooth adapter. Also, I emailed XTool and they informed me that the wired version can't be customized with Bluetooth, so I'm assuming it works the other way around too. A Bluetooth setting is not required. The adapter instantly connects to the scanner once plugged in. The scanner has a Bluetooth icon that turns green when connected. As far as I can tell, it performs diagnostic scans just as quickly as the wired version. The data transfer function can be a bit slower, but that is the nature of wireless communication. The wired version had one advantage over the wireless version - it charges itself when connected to the OBD port. If you're a professional mechanic, you'll probably never need to charge it yourself as it charges every time you plug it into your car. The downside is that the battery can drain faster when you're in accessory mode. Finally, everything fits MUCH better and neater in the carry case for the D8 BT compared to the D8 as only a Bluetooth adapter needs to fit instead of a large OBD cable Body - Bluetooth connects instantly - Diagnostic speed is still fast D8 BT Negative - Requires a connected bluetooth adapter for easy menu navigation - Requires manual charging Regular positive D8 - Charges when connected - Can navigate menus without being connected - Fast real-time data time Normal D8 negatives - Wired connection/limited length - Much harder to fit everything in the case - Can't update with Bluetooth Other than these differences, everything else seems identical and I definitely prefer the convenience of the Bluetooth version.

Pros
  • Great design
Cons
  • Crumpled packaging