What is the advantage of the Faultmate over the Nanocom Evolution? The BBS website isn't very clear. They have a comprehensive list of what the Faultmate can do https://blackbox-solutions.com/shop/product/mp015 but almost no information about the Nanocom.
BTW I see why you bought the single VIN software as the full fat version is €1,783.81 versus €345.04.
In my case I went for the Faultmate because it requires a laptop to do diagnostics (a con for many) but I prefer the user interface of a laptop over the handheld display of the Nanocom. Additionally the SM035 module is only available for the Faultmate, not the Nanocom. The SM035 module allows a deeper dive into the BECM and is something most users will never need or use, they would rather pay for this service. In my case, being here is SA far away from such services, I decided to rather have this available as an option should I need it.
For better or worse that was my thinking while choosing the Faultmate just over a year ago. I also bought a little cheap laptop that lives behind the seat in the RR to be used with the Faultmate and this laptop obviously has the RAVE manuals on it and all the other bits of faultfinding and diagnostic information that I collect as I go along. Nice to have it right there always in the car when needed!
I have contacted BBS again and pointed out again that I would like to "upgrade" from a single VIN license to the full monty and if they are not willing to offer a reduced upgrade fee instead of the full amount. I'm hoping they are willing, it'll make the capital outlay much less making the decision to upgrade easier to stomach.
The Faultmate is the most capable diagnostic system on the market for the p38. I can't compare it to the nanocom as I don't have one. The main difference is module SM035 which allows you to unlock and change all the settings in the BeCM. You can clone another used BECM. There are actually two versions of the Faultmate, one with and one without a screen. The version with the screen can be run in standalone mode but it does more when connected to a pc. There can't be many people in SA with SM035, so if you did offer it as a service there would be a slow payback on your outlay.
From what I have seen of the Nanocom, the graphics are better and it is a nice neat unit to carry around. As I remember, it was someone elses design originally and it was sold to BBS, who then added more capability to it. More software modules.
I upgraded the software on my Faultmate and paid the difference. I later added SM035. I use my Faultmate with an old Toughbook on Win 2000.
BBS also used to have an annual Christmas sale with 10% off, which I took advantage of.
Addendum: If you just wish to swap engine ECU's around, each of which will have its own unique security code, won't a Sync-Mate do this job?
Sync-Mate only 96 euros. You shouldn't pay VAT.
Another solution has come to mind.
There is a guy on RR.net (PsiDOC) who has developed an add on board for the engine ECU
It effectively does away with the immobiliser code.
Has anyone on here asked him the price of the boards or do I need to pm him? Interesting to see ballpark what we are talking about.
Thanks for all the options, all would work great except that I actually want to maintain the ability to do diagnostics.
I've spoken to BBS and it is a hard no from their side, no-upgrade fee structures are possible so it is the full 1500EUR for me.
I'm just waiting for the exchange rate to improve a little and then I'll bite the bullet and buy the full P38 vehicle license to replace my VIN locked one.
The immobilizer fix looks like a really interesting project, I've been following PsiDOC's thread here and on RR.net.
I'm half tempted to get one just to play around with!
Anyway, there is absolutely no rush for me to get any of this done, the RR is running beautifully and getting used quite a bit.
I got my BBS MSV licensed for the full P38 yesterday, and also fitted and tested the new to me UK ECM.
The ECM now enters closed loop fueling and is adjusting the trims. That's a win!
