Peake Code Reader vs. Bavarian Autosport

I have been planning to buy a Peake Code reader. I don't understand though, does one really need to have both the Peake, to read BMW codes and an OBCII reader to pull generic codes? I've not been able to get a straight answer from the person and Peake I've been corresponding with. Then, in the new Bavarian Autosport catelogue they have a reader that looks exactly like the Peake and the advertizement says, "reads both BMW and OBD codes".

Does anyone know about this? Do we need both the Peake reader that plugs in under the hood and an OBD reader that plugs in under the dash? Does the Bavarian do both?

Thanks

I've got the Peake because I wanted BMW codes, not generic OBD codes.

Plus mine also plugs in under the dash.

I don't have a Peake, but doesn't it read out a hex code, which you need to look up in a manual? The BMW codes are 2- and 3-digit decimal codes, n'est-ce pas?

Does the Peake read pending codes, too? BTW, I'm sure that the Bav Auto reader is a private-labeled Peake.

I have a scan tool from AutoXray that retrieves pending codes, and also has a real-time readout with, as I remember, 16 parameters. It also decodes the P-code, so you don't have to look up the meaning in a book.

My car never has any codes pending. As a matter of fact, the last time my car burped up a code, it was only because of a gas cap gasket that was worn out and not sealing properly.

My car has been a pretty good little critter. Completely code free @ 121k.

The Peake reads pending codes.
I think it's similar to a OBD II scanner, only the codes were "transformed" to those hexagesimal numbers and the "generic" codes were assigned the "correct" BMW codes.
I have the Peake, and it's handy. I have also a generic OBD II scanner. And I also have the GT1 together with a friend of mine.
The Peake is very simple, but quite effective at reading stuff and the readouts you have to look them up in the manual that comes with it. These are the "patented BMW code names" meaning whatever code a regular scanner will give you, the Peake will "translate" it a tad more exactly. However it can't read certain things the GT1 can.

Originally Posted by doru

The Peake reads pending codes.
I think it's similar to a OBD II scanner, only the codes were "transformed" to those hexagesimal numbers and the "generic" codes were assigned the "correct" BMW codes.
I have the Peake, and it's handy. I have also a generic OBD II scanner. And I also have the GT1 together with a friend of mine.
The Peake is very simple, but quite effective at reading stuff and the readouts you have to look them up in the manual that comes with it. These are the "patented BMW code names" meaning whatever code a regular scanner will give you, the Peake will "translate" it a tad more exactly. However it can't read certain things the GT1 can.

Thanks. That pretty much answeres my question. I guess I'll go ahead and buy the Peak. I've only had two instances where my CEL has come one, once because of the recirculator valve needing to be replaced and the other because the selinoid that controls the torque converter hung up for a second and it has never done it again. But, things can change quickly.

Originally Posted by Jim Rolando

I have been planning to buy a Peake Code reader. I don't understand though, does one really need to have both the Peake, to read BMW codes and an OBCII reader to pull generic codes? I've not been able to get a straight answer from the person and Peake I've been corresponding with. Then, in the new Bavarian Autosport catelogue they have a reader that looks exactly like the Peake and the advertizement says, "reads both BMW and OBD codes".

Does anyone know about this? Do we need both the Peake reader that plugs in under the hood and an OBD reader that plugs in under the dash? Does the Bavarian do both?

Thanks

For your '99 528 you only need the R5-FCX-3 that plugs in under the hood. It will work with models up to model year 2000. If your future has a 2001-2007 BMW model, then it would be better to get the R5-FCX-3-U, which plugs in under the hood-for the older models, and has an adapter which goes from the reader to the port under the dash, for the new models.

I also think that Bavarian Autosport buys their product from Peake and rebadges them. It might be worth your time to look on e-bay for a used FCX-3 or equal, unless you want the FCX-3-U. I bought the Bavarian Autosport under hood unit several years ago for half price. It keeps on ticking...........but does not work with my 530.

You don't need both, only one assuming you're buying a consumer level reader. The Peake does more than the typical equivalent universal OBD2 reader for your car (eg reset oil light), is likely easier to store in your car (I hold mine in the door pocket), and the most important in my opinion: it is more detailed when reporting codes from what I recall. I can't verify this for certain as I'm on my phone, but I'm confident that there are more codes provided by the Peake tool than OBD error codes. I may be wrong, but I urge you to cross reference misfire error codes for example, and you will find that the universal codes don't offer as much insight into the underlying issue. For instance, Peake should read each cylinder misfire, bank, idle, off-idle, mid range, etc.. among others, whereas the universal code reader may be less detailed (if that makes any sense). I think the same was true for MAF error codes.

I'll do some research when I get to my laptop because my phone is about to die.

By the way, I have the FCX-3U for our cars that I can sell since the GT1/DIS laptop solution makes it a bit redundant.

Originally Posted by doru

The Peake reads pending codes.
I think it's similar to a OBD II scanner, only the codes were "transformed" to those hexagesimal numbers and the "generic" codes were assigned the "correct" BMW codes.
I have the Peake, and it's handy. I have also a generic OBD II scanner. And I also have the GT1 together with a friend of mine.
The Peake is very simple, but quite effective at reading stuff and the readouts you have to look them up in the manual that comes with it. These are the "patented BMW code names" meaning whatever code a regular scanner will give you, the Peake will "translate" it a tad more exactly. However it can't read certain things the GT1 can.

hows that GT1???? thanks