While VCDS (Vag-COM) offers extensive diagnostic capabilities for vehicles like the Audi A4 B5, including access to over 100 sensor data types (http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/m_blocks/), Bluetooth OBD2 scanners paired with apps like Torque provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative for monitoring and logging essential performance data.
Torque, available on the Google Play Store, allows users to monitor various parameters such as boost pressure (calculated from MAP or MAF readings), intake air temperature (IAT), and air-fuel ratio (AFR), assuming the A4 B5 has the necessary sensors. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding your engine’s performance and identifying potential issues.
Example of a Torque app setup with a custom phone mount.
The app’s logging feature records data in CSV format, enabling users to generate graphs of various parameters against time or RPM. These logs can be emailed or uploaded to the Torque website for analysis. Furthermore, Torque offers a customizable Heads-Up Display (HUD) mode, projecting essential information onto the windshield for easy viewing while driving at night.
For mounting your phone, solutions like RAM Mounts combined with Brodit Universal Over Vent Mounts (http://www.brodit.com/brodit.html?pn=home) provide a secure and adjustable setup. Alternatively, adapter plates with universal phone holders, such as those offered by Panavise (http://www.panavise.com/pdf_indash/75102-600.pdf), offer another mounting option. Choosing the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner for your A4 B5 depends on your specific needs and budget. While Torque offers a comprehensive solution for general monitoring and logging, professional-grade tools like VCDS might be necessary for in-depth diagnostics and coding. However, for enthusiasts and those seeking a user-friendly interface, the combination of a reliable Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and the Torque app provides valuable insights into your A4 B5’s performance.
