OBD 11 Code Reader

I have the X3 3.0 Diesel but i actually bought a OBD 11 Code Reader for my parents E46 thinking this would also be handy for the X3, dose an OBD 11 even fit in an 06 X3 diesel?

Reason i ask is i cant find anywhere it fits, i found inlet holes under the steering wheel but it definitely doesn't fit the OBD 11 i have just purchased, am i looking in the wrong place? OR will this simply not work on my car?

Found this link which may explain why i haven't found it, but if anyone can confirm exactly where it plugs into a RHD 2006 model i would appreciate it before i break something trying to find out.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=614255

Not sure if it is differant in us spec cars but on my 05 the obd connector is under the steering wheel on the left side. After you open the cover, there is a plug that you pull out before connecting the obd reader

I actually did open a cover and it looked like a fuse box or something, so i reckon that was the one, i just need to pull the plug out.,... cheers.

YEP, thats the one, all good.

Glad you found the connector.

What code reader did you buy?

I found not many units will read the BMW modules - I have tried units that "claim" to read BMW but in fact only read a few of the modules. Only a copy of INPA running on a laptop seems to provide what I need although this is not a particularly user friendly option and can be dangerous. e.g. still trying to find a way to clear the automatic transmission adaption.

Originally Posted by x3oiler

Glad you found the connector.

What code reader did you buy?

I found not many units will read the BMW modules - I have tried units that "claim" to read BMW but in fact only read a few of the modules. Only a copy of INPA running on a laptop seems to provide what I need although this is not a particularly user friendly option and can be dangerous. e.g. still trying to find a way to clear the automatic transmission adaption.

Any obd-II reader should work for the check engine light. I bought a cheapie on Ebay for less than $30 that does the job.

I have a maxiscan ms300, i still haven't had time to use it as such, someone on the e46forum suggested this one, yes its an under $30 cheapie off amazon, ill let you know how it goes once Ive read up a bit on it.

Just wanted to weigh in on a code reader solution I got that seems to work great on my 2004 Tundra and also on my wife's 2006 BMW X3. It's a Bluetooth OBDII connector that you pair up to and Android powered smart phone. Here is a little write up/review I did for it and for the Torque Pro app, hope it helps some folks, reading these codes and being able to get information from your ECU is awesome! I was able to read some codes on the X3 (the seemingly common P0174 and P0171 Too Lean Bank 1 and 2 codes) and clear them which turned off the SES light.


ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII Reader and Torque Android App Review