What Code Reader To Use?

[rajuncajun]

I use the Peake code reader on my M3. What OBDII code reader works on the N54?

[sohc sti]

I'm kinda curious too. I hope my scantool works.

[Oregon]

Old school old man here, my first BMW had points/condenser as does my Skylark; what are you guys talkin' about?

[larryn]

Originally Posted by rajuncajun

I use the Peake code reader on my M3. What OBDII code reader works on the N54?

Originally Posted by rajuncajun

I use the Peake code reader on my M3. What OBDII code reader works on the N54?

If your M3 is OBDII (which it should be, seeing it's a 1999), the Peake code reader (R5-FCXII) w/the cord/plug attachment should work. I believe in 2001 BMW changed from the round connector under the hood to the trapezoidal connector, and you may be able to just get away with purchasing the AB03 Adaptor, if you don't already have one.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Surname

Old school old man here, my first BMW had points/condenser as does my Skylark; what are you guys talkin' about?

When CELs (check engine lights) occur in these cars, they store an error codes. There are other errors that get stored, even if you do not have a CEL too.

The Peake R5 tools (and other diagnostic readers) allow for retreiving what error codes you have stored, and allows for resetting them.

I bought the Peake R5 because of my 332ti, with it's M3 engine swap. It sometimes incorrectly throws a CEL that an O2 sensor needs to be replaced. I bought the tool to simply reset the error that occurs every few months. It can also be used to reset the service intervals for those of us who do our own oil changes and want to keep resetting the interval...

[Oregon]

Danke schon, Larry.

[rajuncajun]

I was hoping for a lap top version that can read and reset all codes. For instance my Peake tool won't reset the air bag light. Have to buy that tool seperately. I was going to give the Peake tool to whomever buys my M3, along with the Bentley manual etc.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by rajuncajun

I was hoping for a lap top version that can read and reset all codes. For instance my Peake tool won't reset the air bag light. Have to buy that tool seperately. I was going to give the Peake tool to whomever buys my M3, along with the Bentley manual etc.

How often do you expect to have to reset the airbag light though??? :eyebulge::wink:

[mikead_99]

Originally Posted by rajuncajun

I was hoping for a lap top version that can read and reset all codes. For instance my Peake tool won't reset the air bag light. Have to buy that tool seperately. I was going to give the Peake tool to whomever buys my M3, along with the Bentley manual etc.

I have a utility from autoenginuity for my 350Z. I comes with a USB => ODBII adapter cable and supports generic ODBII scanning for all makes. I bought it for the Z because they support the enhanced Nissan library so I can do things like adjust idle rpms, timing advance, data logging with factory WBO2 sensors, rpm, speed, intake temps, etc. The box it came in pictured a tech with an M3, so I was planning to email them to see what kind of enhanced support I can get on the 135i. I'm certain as a minimum it will give standard ODBII scan tool functionality though (code reading and resets).

[malves85]

How easy is this for the average Joe to use and is it universal? Im a DIY person and would love to have a tool like this for my future car. Starting from nothing what do I need for the 135? I have a few older cars year 95 and up that constantly have check engine lights going on. I usually take them to the local mechanic up the street to reset for $20. They are American(Pontiac,GMC,Saturn) made cars so I expect it to only get worse on the old cars and will be any day before I get lights going off on the newer cars. Would this device work for these cars as well as the bmw?

[sohc sti]

Originally Posted by malves85

How easy is this for the average Joe to use and is it universal? Im a DIY person and would love to have a tool like this for my future car. Starting from nothing what do I need for the 135? I have a few older cars year 95 and up that constantly have check engine lights going on. I usually take them to the local mechanic up the street to reset for $20. They are American(Pontiac,GMC,Saturn) made cars so I expect it to only get worse on the old cars and will be any day before I get lights going off on the newer cars. Would this device work for these cars as well as the bmw?

um. sorry if I sound like an ass, but that post makes no sense at all. it doesn't sound like you grasp the concept of the CEL system.

now that we got that out of the way, lets get some things straight. your brand new 1 series should not have a CEL for a very, very long time, if ever. if it does you drive the car through the front glass of the dealership(just kidding). take it back to the dealer and tell them to fix it. you don't "need" a scan tool unless you plan on modifying your brand new fresh warrentee'd car. people that purchase scantools are the people that could fix what's wrong with the car if a CEL comes on. that's not something an "average joe" would be able to do. $20 is a rip off. NAPA, Advanced Auto Parts, Auto Zone, all do it for free. you have probly already paid for the guys scanner. As cars get older, their parts start to fail. keeping up with regular scheduled maintainace helps your car to be in tip top shape for a long time. just because a car is old does not mean it "should" have its CEL on. I currently have one on my '99 but drove my '90 for years without a single CEL.

Again I'm sorry if I sounded mean in any way. I hope I helped.

[lannypoffo]

I just found out the newest Peake reader isnt even compatible with 2008 models.. i didnt want one of those generic things..

[takrdown]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I really don't plan on doing any tuning, but I plan on doing my own oil changes, maintenance, etc once the free stuff is gone.

Are there any other tools out there that will reset service codes and provide error codes other than the Bav Tech tool? I would think there is a more “basic” tool out there by now.