BMW Code Scan / Reset Tools

[curlesw]

Does anyone have any experience with the BMW Code Scan / Reset Tools? I have a 2001 325i and the "service engine soon" light has come on.

I am thinking of buying the PEL-R5-FCX-3-16 and giving it a shot vice taking it to the dealer...any experience/suggestions?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BE46/POR_BE46_ELgage_pg2.htm#item6

Thanks.

Wayne

[kstar]

I have a 2003 330xi and had good luck resetting my CEL (check engine light) with a reader I bought on eBay from zolee1 - great seller, IMO; he went out of his way to help me get the right unit!

The unit I bought was a "U380" and costs less than $40.

See eBay auction number 370061863303.

It's a very simple unit that just reads codes and does a reset.

[TerryH]

I have the Peake R5-FCXII.

There's an older thread on it here...
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=792996&referrerid=53680

[djmcmath]

I have AutoEnginuity's tool, which is quite a tool. Their customer service is a bit lacking, but for $500 you'll get a PC-based code reader that'll do any diagnostic you need.

Dan

[David]

Peake user here. Very satisfied.

[Rot 911]

Get the Peake

[Rick Lee]

You can reset the service lights without the tool. I can't remember the trick exactly, but on the E30 you just run a wire from one of the pins to ground and turn the ignition key to the on position. On my E46 you can do it with the clock and trip meter buttons alone. Pretty sure there's a workaround for the E36 too.

[kstar]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

You can reset the service lights without the tool. I can't remember the trick exactly, but on the E30 you just run a wire from one of the pins to ground and turn the ignition key to the on position. On my E46 you can do it with the clock and trip meter buttons alone. Pretty sure there's a workaround for the E36 too.

AFA the e46, I spent an hour or so at e46fanatics.com and came to the conclusion that one cannot reset the CEL via the trip/reset buttons.

FWIW.

[Rick Lee]

CEL is a different story. I used my Innove OBDII reader for that. But as far as the service indicator intervals, you know for oil service, Inspection I and II, etc., you can do that with just the buttons on the gauges. I can't remember it exactly, but it's on one of those sites and I did it in a Wal-Mart parking lot one night. I have about 875 miles before I'm due to reset them again.

[TerryH]

E46 models can have the oil change interval reset with a paper clip. This method can cause grief too.

Peake is solid name, removes the need for risky shortcuts, and does multiple tasks.

[curlesw]

Thanks everyone.

From my research last night I think only the "oil service" and "inspection" lights can be reset via the trip guages...I think the "Service Engine Soon" indicator requries a reset tool.

Looks like Peake is the way to go... (via Pelican of course )

Wayne C.

[3.2 CAB]

After I bought the 750iL, I started buying the different testing tools. So far I have not had the need to use any of them, yet. It is true that you can re-set the oil service interval lights, with a jumper wire between a couple of different terminals, under the access port cover, but I will not say which they are, because a lot of people have done major damage jumping the incorrect terminals. It is best to use the appropriate scan tools. I have several different brands and models of the scan/re-set tools, so when I do need to preform this task, I will see which of the ones that I like the best, then sell or trade off the others to other people that are in need of them. I also have duplicates of the same type and models, and was able to get them at very decent prices, so I just loaded up on them. I have about a dozen of the various test tools(my OCD kicks in at times, when I buy tools) The spares or extras will be finding a new home also after I compare them when I need to make any test or scans or re-sets. The ones I have range anywhere from about $50.00 up to about $400.00, that way I can test a pretty fair spectrum of what is available, and decide which is the best for me, with ease of use, features, etc. If anyone wants to get on the list of people wanting the testers that I will not be keeping, just PM me with your contact info to reserve your spot on the list for them. Tony.