The dealers have no choice but to purchase the package at the factory price so.
If you sell your 3 and get say a 4, then serials numbers can be changed, but in short, the device you purchase only works with the initial Land Rover serial number that you input.Īs to why the official Land Rover dealer software costs so much, I presume that is a way for the factory to get back at their dealers re warrenty repair. Unless you purchase the multi-serial number software, then your device only works with your 3. Also when you purchase the Extreme, its internal software is tied to vehicle serial number. To get access, you have to buy the appropriate pieces. You will not be able to actually download anything however unless you have access. Off the link below, go to the Support page.
When you purchase the Faultmate Extreme, you get access to the BlackBox operated forum that has the software, including updates for the 3. If I decide on going forward and purchasing the Auto Enginuity system I will assess it and report back my thoughts (good and bad) to you guys. The only software involved in that thing are seat cushions, and even they are not so soft! I may start to use the Series I as my daily driver. In other words, it really pisses me off to have to pay the dealer to temporarily "fix" something that is not physically worn out or broken and that "fix" is only as good as the latest software update. The current software dependency and inherent OEM control of this software of modern vehicles is, without a doubt, the most unsatisfactory and frustrating part of new(er) car ownership for non computer oriented people, such as myself.
However, It does not appear to have the capability to install the Land Rover software updates, but seeing as they are not really available to mere mortals anyway I may end up having to take it to the dealer for that anyway which is a shame as I hate to pay for an hour or more "Labour" just to have someone hook up the factory scan tool and re flash a ECM. In 'bang for the buck' terms it seems quite good value. On top of that you need a Lap top computer (obviously)but it does seem to cover all Land Rovers OBD II from 1996 onwards and the enhanced version covers nearly all late model units like the LR3-4 RRS and RR and even some LR2's, no paying extra for additional "unlock" codes for multiple vehicles as the Hawkeye system dictates. The scan tool retails for around $250 US and the Land Rover specific OE enhanced option adds another $140 US. not just the federally mandated OBD II stuff that all code readers can access.
I think I am swaying toward the Auto Enigiuity PC based system with the OE Land Rover enhanced option as it seems allows me access to the entire OE diagnostic capabilities, information and drivers etc.
Perhaps possible in the UK but not really economically viable here in western Canada. Yikes! At those prices the dealers would almost have a permanent monopoly on the software updates unless you are a large volume independent.