[tm6030]

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking to purchase an OBDII code reader that is best suited for the e9x models without leaving a huge dent in my pocket. It would also be nice if it was suitable for the w204 model of Mercedes, but mainly looking for it to suit the e90 best.

Thanks,
Teddy

[ucdbiendog]

i purchased the Autel MaxiScan MS509 OBD-II/EOBD Scanner when i was throwing a warning light (manual said something like tail light, electrical, or fuel system malfunction, not helptul). Anyway, this scanner did not pick up the code since OBDII apparently is only for emmissions. I ended up buying the Bavarian Technic cable and it works great, found out it was a battery discharge error, so i replaced the battery, and it's all good. I could register the battery with the ECU with this cable too, so i didn't have to pay the stealership to do it!

edit: the bavarian technic cable has access to all the modules in the car, not just emissions. I do not work for bavarian technic.

[r0bert]

How much are you looking to spend?

If you have some good computer knowledge I would go down the route of buying cable and diagnostic software on a laptop.

[hockeyplayer]

Originally Posted by r0bert

How much are you looking to spend?

If you have some good computer knowledge I would go down the route of buying cable and diagnostic software on a laptop.

Can you make any recommendations, along with some price levels? I have a Win7 laptop.

thanks!

[r0bert]

You would only need cheaper ~$30 cable since your cars are pre 06/2007. New DCAN cables are ~$100. The software can be downloaded from multiple sites.

Hard part is installing all and knowing how to use software at that is me saying with 11 years IT application administration experience.

What I did was buy a cheap ~$125 ibm x60 laptop and a newer cable software package about 6 months ago but they shutdown a few sites. BMW must have went after them.

I was thinking about doing something similar again and selling it as package. It is wonderful to have especially for me since I avoided a install price of ~$3400 to change out my DSC module and pump with a used one. It went out 3 months of getting the car as well.

[hockeyplayer]

Originally Posted by r0bert

You would only need cheaper ~$30 cable since your cars are pre 06/2007. New DCAN cables are ~$100. The software can be downloaded from multiple sites.

Hard part is installing all and knowing how to use software at that is me saying with 11 years IT application administration experience.

What I did was buy a cheap ~$125 ibm x60 laptop and a newer cable software package about 6 months ago but they shutdown a few sites. BMW must have went after them.

I was thinking about doing something similar again and selling it as package. It is wonderful to have especially for me since I avoided a install price of ~$3400 to change out my DSC module and pump with a used one. It went out 3 months of getting the car as well.

Thanks. I'm in IT support also & its helpful to have you say that its difficult...I completely understand. I've read some info that it needs to be an XP computer but I'm not sure if that is still relevant or not?

[r0bert]

No it does not have to be XP. I am running mine on windows 7 32-bit. That was one tricky part because 2 of the programs are virtual machines and they were created on 64 bit newer version of VM and I how to convert them to a lower compatible VM version 9 machines.

[rbtamms]

CReader VI CR-6 OBD II

[hockeyplayer]

Originally Posted by r0bert

No it does not have to be XP. I am running mine on windows 7 32-bit. That was one tricky part because 2 of the programs are virtual machines and they were created on 64 bit newer version of VM and I how to convert them to a lower compatible VM version 9 machines.

But it does need to be 32-bit so I would definitely have to go with the Virtual Machine route, right?

thanks

[r0bert]

Don't quote me right now on this but I am pretty sure it can be 64 bit. If u went virtual u will be running virtual in virtual. I have all my favorite at home on tutorials and info. Will post them later.

[blacknbean]

a 30$ cable and INPA is the best diag software, but having a laptop around is a pain. sometimes youre on the road and want to clear a CEL or read a code w/no laptop around. Im running INPA on Win7 64 bit and it runs fine, but the coding apps dont work at all. id recommend 32 bit OS if you go this route.

if you want a tune as well as a reader a used OFT could be had for cheap.

[r0bert]

couldn't find any of my links that I used but did email one person to see if they still have it for download. he helped out and had a good software download . I bought the bmtechnic cable and software and is great but they are shut down now. I did have problems with the coding software so I used a different set from earlier person I mentioned.

Majority though I use INPA for quick error codes but use DIS for full diagnostics and it guides you as well for what to do. This is what dealers use and charge ~$125 to diagnose your car.

[Efthreeoh]

So just to make all of the clear. There is no "better OBDII reader" for one particular car or another. OBDII is a standard diagnostics protocol (mandated by the US Government) used across the auto manufacturing industry for cars built for sale in the US, so any OBDII reader will work with any vehicle built starting with model year 1996 forward. OBDII is primarily a diagnostics tool related to the evaluation of how well the car's emission system is working and reads only a standard set of trouble codes.

If you want a scan tool that also can read manufacturer-specific trouble codes, then get a BMW scan tool, which will read all the emission system trouble codes (in the Manufacturers code vernacular - not OBDII) and the BMW trouble codes for all of the cars electronic modules.

Actron is a company that sells decent OBDII readers (as low as $50) and OBDII scan tools (over $100). I have both a Actron scanner and a reader (I keep at my office). Scan tools allow you to capture real-time data for analysis. You can get Actron products at most auto parts stores and Sears Automotive.

[Riick]

$10 bluetooth dongle and $55 BMWhat app on my Android phone.

Reads/resets all trouble codes and also custom codes the car's features. Can't ask for anything better (or cheaper).

[austin.tillison]

bump. what are you guys using these days?

[nsjames]

bimmergeeks cable/dongle

ISTA or protools.

[gamesfrager]

Bimmergeeks Protool with their bluetooth adapter.
I opetd for convenience vs. full control.

[Aj6543]

Can I get others options on what is the best option for a code reader for someone who is not tech savy and under $100?

Thanks!

[RayLivingston]

For most people, OBDFusion ($4.99 from the Google Play Store and others) and a VeePeak Pro Bluetooth OBD adaptor ($10.99 from Amazon) is all you need. If you want a stand-alone device, the Foxwell NT510 is great, for ~$170, including the BMW software add-on.

Regards,
Ray L.

[Aj6543]

Any other options that don't require an Android device? I only have an iphone.

[Aj6543]

Can anyone recommend this $159 option- Foxwell NT520?

https://www.amazon.com/FOXWELL-NT520...gateway&sr=8-9

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by Aj6543

Can I get others options on what is the best option for a code reader for someone who is not tech savy and under $100?

Thanks!

the best options is always a can cable and ista on a cheap dedicated laptop.

that answer will never change.