Whats the best code service reader for BMW

[romad]

Just bought a 07 550i and will be DIY for all service. This will be my first late model German....Whats out there?

[Nostril Cheese]

Autologic.

[Aurel]

I use one of these connected to a laptop. Cost me only $11, but I had to look around for the right software....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-V1-4-ELM327-OBD2-OBDII-1-3-CAN-BUS-Car-Diagnostic-Scanner-/271106903794?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D3585406412228710614%26pid%3 D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D271106903794% 26

[dewolf]

Search Ebay. There's a guy on there in the U.K I bought mine from. Total diagnostics perhaps. Comes with cable and software. If you can try and find NCS(?) Expert. It will allow you to program keys to do certain functions. You will be able to chnage ecu mapping etc.

[romad]

thanks, I'll also want to reset service lights are these available

[widebody911]

I bought one of the Peake Research scan tools. The only way it could be more primitive is if it used punched cards.

[911_Dude]

I dont have one of these, but I have the Porsche Durametric, which seems like its made by the same folks. Its the real deal, and not some chinese old generation copy crap on ebay. But its pricey: Bavarian Technic BMW & Mini Cooper Software Diagnostic Tools

And the old standby that has been the BMW DIYers defacto reader for years: http://www.peakeresearch.com/fcx3.ht
Peake readers are great for code reading and service light resets. Cant do any code changes.

[911_Dude]

Originally Posted by widebody911

I bought one of the Peake Research scan tools. The only way it could be more primitive is if it used punched cards.

True, but they are effective and relatively cheap. They read a lot of BMW codes that other will not. But, yea, if they dont change soon I dont see them being around much longer. There is so much more available with cable and laptop/smart phone options.

[john70t]

The connection between OBD2 16pin port and a laptop can be gotten for $14: Amazon.com: pc based obd2 scanner
The basic software can be free: "OBD-2 Vehicle Explorer Scan Tool Browser Information Screen

Just remember there's generic code which all the scanners can read, and proprietary code for things such as convertible power top.
Some mfg (german) don't release the proprietary code easily.

A good logging software will allow multiple real-time graphs on the laptop screen showing what is happening concurrently and under what conditions(e.g. comparing load with ERG action with O2 response at WOT).

[TimT]

I have a Scanguage ll which is really good, it you can find the hex codes you can make custom gauges or read OBD outputs that are vehicle specific.

I also have an early model Autotap which is good but no longer supported..


Last in my bag of gadgets is an OBD/Bluetooth dongle, and app for my Droid called "Torque" (free). The dongle cost $17 on Amazon and works flawlessly handshakes every time with my Droid.. Can reset codes etc... not sure if it is capable of reading vehicle specific codes, or just generic codes..

[djmcmath]

I spent a shiny penny on AutoEnginuity's Scantool. It works ok, and has the features I need (like the command to bleed the brakes), though if I had to do it again, I'd probably just build my own, honestly. Smarter now than I was then, I guess.

Anyway, if you're not into coding up your own, the AE tool isn't terrible.

Dan

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by romad

thanks, I'll also want to reset service lights are these available

The one sold by the U.K guy uses INPA. The factory BMW software. I use it on my E39 540 and my E46 M3. You can reset codes and clear any previous codes as well.

[john70t]

(memory is is a little fuzzy, so this could be entirely wrong)

AFAK, there are "hard codes" where something is identified as being wrong and needs to be fixed by the computer, and turns on the dash light.
vs.
"soft codes" where all the drive-cycles that determine long-term fuel trim haven't been completed, such as right after disconnecting a battery.

I think any soft codes present won't allow a vehicle to pass cali/all smog testing.

[red-beard]

I bought a blue tooth reader off Amazon and then bought software for my Android Tablet. It does a lot more than read the codes. It lets you see everything going on while the engine is running and ties it to g-sensors and GPS in the tablet.

[Grog]

Take it to a scrap yard, they will break it down sort out its troubles and melt it down so it can be used in a reliable brand. Worst car I ever had was a BMW. GET OUT NOW!!

[stuttgart46]

Great car. Those 550's are fun.

[ChrisBennet]

I use one from Bavarian Technic for my 2007 328i:

[widebody911]

Hate to dredge up and old thread, but I figured it would be more helpful than starting a new one.

I bought this setup: BMW Diagnostic Cable - v2 Pro Edition « BM Technic | BMW Diagnostic Cable | BMW Diagnostic Software nd I love it. I installed NCS Dummy as well, and I'm like a kid in a candy store with all of the cool things I can do with this car (2003 M3 SMG)

[asphaltgambler]

Autologic the best but it is $13K - aimed at the pros. Lot's of low level choices but all are limited even by the generic OBDII codes

[romad]

bought one off ebay for 50 bucks from some former east blok and it works fine, took sometime setting up but the guy was actuall very helpfull...got a cable and all installed it on a old laptop. everything you want to do as a diy and even more.......code, reocode, reprogramm. the whole nine yards......I just stick to the service menus.