You see someone online using just a phone to disable the seatbelt chime or activate comfort blinking, and you think: I want that too. But does OBDeleven actually work with your car? The short answer: on Volkswagen Group brands you can do virtually everything, on BMW and Toyota quite a lot, and on most other cars from around 2008 onwards at least basic diagnostics works. Below you'll see exactly what to expect for each brand group.
Quick answer: OBDeleven works fully (diagnostics, coding and One-Click Apps) on VAG brands: Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, SEAT/Cupra, Bentley and Lamborghini. BMW (incl. MINI) and Toyota (incl. Lexus) are also advanced supported. Ford (US models only) and Mercedes-Benz work exclusively on the OBDeleven 3. On virtually every other CAN-bus car from around 2008 onwards, basic OBD2 diagnostics works. Older K-line cars from before 2008 don't work.
The short answer by brand group
Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Škoda, SEAT/Cupra, Bentley, Lamborghini). Full and advanced support: module-by-module diagnostics, coding, adaptations and One-Click Apps. OBDeleven was originally built for this.
BMW and MINI. Advanced support too, so much more than just reading fault codes.
Toyota and Lexus. Advanced support as well.
Ford (US models only) and Mercedes-Benz. Only supported on the latest device, the OBDeleven 3. If you have an older OBDeleven, these brands won't work.
Virtually all other brands from around 2008 onwards. Basic OBD2 diagnostics: read and clear general fault codes plus live data. No coding, no One-Click Apps.
What's the difference between advanced and basic?
This distinction matters, because "OBDeleven works on my car" can mean two very different things.
Basic means: diagnostics works. Every car with a CAN-bus (virtually everything from around 2008 onwards) communicates via the standard OBD2 language. With it you can read and clear general fault codes and view live data, like sensor readings. You can do that with the free FREE plan of the app.
Advanced means: coding and One-Click Apps work too. On VAG, BMW (incl. MINI) and Toyota (incl. Lexus), OBDeleven looks much deeper into the car. You can then adjust features that the factory has disabled. One-Click Apps are the easiest route for this: ready-made functions you turn on or off without coding knowledge, like disabling start-stop by default, turning off the seatbelt chime, coming-home lighting or digital speed in the gauge. Manual coding and adaptations require the PRO plan; you activate One-Click Apps on PRO with credits, or unlimited with ULTIMATE. Find more explanation about reading and coding in our blogs about diagnostic tools.
Which cars don't work?
OBDeleven communicates via the CAN-bus. Older cars from before around 2008 often still use the K-line protocol, and OBDeleven doesn't work with that. Think of the VW Golf 4, the Passat B5 and the Audi B6: even though they're VAG models, they're not supported. Unsure about a car from 2006 to 2009? Always do the official check below first before you order anything.
How to check for sure
OBDeleven has an official compatibility page where you can see what's supported for each brand and model. Here's how to check:
- Open the official compatibility check. You'll find it at support.obdeleven.com.
- Look up your brand and model. Also pay attention to the year of manufacture and generation of your car.
- Check the level. If your car is listed among the advanced brands, you can use coding and One-Click Apps. If it's not listed but has CAN-bus, then basic diagnostics works.
- Do you have a Mercedes-Benz or an American Ford? Then definitely choose the OBDeleven 3, because only that device supports these brands.
Which OBDeleven is right for you?
If your car works with OBDeleven, the next question is which package you choose. If you mainly want diagnostics, the standalone device is enough. If you also want to code and activate apps, choose a bundle with a plan.
View the OBDeleven 3 →
View the PRO Pack (+100 credits) →
View the ULTIMATE Pack →Frequently Asked Questions
Does OBDeleven work with cars from before 2008?
Usually not. Vehicles from before around 2008 often use the older K-line protocol instead of CAN-bus, which OBDeleven doesn't support. Well-known examples are the VW Golf 4, the Passat B5, and the Audi B6. If you're unsure, always check the official compatibility page.
Can I code any car brand with OBDeleven?
No. Coding and One-Click Apps work on VAG brands (VW, Audi, Škoda, SEAT/Cupra, Bentley, Lamborghini), on BMW including MINI, and on Toyota including Lexus. On other brands, only basic OBD2 diagnostics are available: read and clear fault codes plus live data.
Do I need the OBDeleven 3 for Mercedes or Ford?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz and Ford (US models only) are exclusively supported on the latest device, the OBDeleven 3. These brands don't work on older OBDeleven devices.
Is the OBDeleven app free?
Yes, the app (iOS and Android) is free and the FREE plan gives you diagnostics and live data. If you want manual coding, adaptations, or output tests, you'll need PRO. One-Click Apps are activated on PRO using credits; with ULTIMATE they're unlimited.
In a nutshell
• VAG brands (VW, Audi, Škoda, SEAT/Cupra, Bentley, Lamborghini): full support, including coding and One-Click Apps.
• BMW (including MINI) and Toyota (including Lexus): also advanced support.
• Ford (US models only) and Mercedes-Benz: OBDeleven 3 only.
• Nearly all other CAN-bus vehicles from around 2008 onwards: basic diagnostics.
• K-line vehicles from before 2008 (Golf 4, Passat B5, Audi B6): not supported. If in doubt, check the official compatibility page.