Best obd2 scanner?

Looking for a decent scanner that can read most of the trouble codes for example abs srs pcm what do ya recommend for bmw

autel maxidas does a decent job for average home mechanic

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Bimmer App

I use to have this scanner but had to get rid of it since it didn't do the work I need

Originally Posted by GabesJH82

Looking for a decent scanner that can read most of the trouble codes for example abs srs pcm what do ya recommend for bmw

Making sense of the most often recommended BMW diagnostic tools & cable interfaces (1) & BMW factory & dealer programming, coding, and diagnostic software such as INPA, EDIABAS, NCS Expert, DIS, EasyDIS, Progman (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) & related BMW diagnostic-tool forums (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

How much money do you want to spend? If less than $100, fuhgedaboutit.

If you want a full-blown scan tool, consider a Snapon with the BMW package.

Originally Posted by GabesJH82

Looking for a decent scanner that can read most of the trouble codes for example abs srs pcm what do ya recommend for bmw

you're not going to read ABS codes with an OBDII scanner.

as BlueBee pointed out, there are LOTS of options, most of them pricey. I've fooled around with it a lot, but I finally have CarSoft 6.1.4 (6.1 service pack 4) working with VagCom409.1 (ebay) + 20pin can. It was worth it to me because I didn't have the funds for an expensive means, but it was in no way easy to get to work.

Originally Posted by edjack

How much money do you want to spend? If less than $100, fuhgedaboutit.

If you want a full-blown scan tool, consider a Snapon with the BMW package.

How much does one of these run? Also, I have the Peake fcx3-u tool '87-'07 that I am thoroughly happy with.

Originally Posted by IkeRay

you're not going to read ABS codes with an OBDII scanner.

Agreed. In fact, read Bill's posts on why almost NO tool is correctly reporting ABS issues:
- Bill's 'logic' of testing ABS sensors

Originally Posted by bmwmanz2

How much does one of these run?

This is just my personal take on software/hardware ... but ... what I do is use the free stuff first, and then, if the free stuff fails me, then (and only then), I bother with the paid for stuff.

The advantage of this method is that you KNOW what you want and need by the time you get to pulling the money out - and - often you don't have to.

The disadvantage is that it takes effort. Often lots of effort.

Looking to spend no more then 300 but of course only if there's a scanner out there with the option I want

Thanks blue. I was wondering because the snapon guy loves to come around and take money if you will let him. I was told with my only 2 codes before my CEL is cleared that I need to look at the freeze frame etc. in order to figure out what is wrong. That is why the snapon/BMW deal seemed appealing. Though I am a little ignorant in this area to start with so...

Just get INPA and be done with it. Beats any under $500 diagnostic tool hands down. The cable for it costs $20-60.

Originally Posted by HTK12

Just get INPA and be done with it. Beats any under $500 diagnostic tool hands down. The cable for it costs $20-60.

The link for getting INPA and the cables is in this thread:
- Making sense of the most often recommended BMW diagnostic tools & cable interfaces (1)

NOTE: Let us know what cables you get so we all benefit from your effort.

Originally Posted by bluebee

The link for getting INPA and the cables is in this thread:
- Making sense of the most often recommended BMW diagnostic tools & cable interfaces (1)

NOTE: Let us know what cables you get so we all benefit from your effort.

I can't seem to type anymore.

Bluebee you might want to update the guide for buying the cable. One can get BMW INPA EDIABAS K+DCAN USB Interface for $20-30 shipped on ebay. The guide claims that cable costs $120..

Has anyone used this? For under $25 I don't think you can beat this deal!


Mini ELM327 OBDII OBD-II OBD2 Interface Bluetooth V1.5 Car Auto Diagnostic Scanner

http://www.amazon.com/ELM327-Interfa...nostic+Scanner


Its a OBDII port plug that works via blue-tooth with a smart phone. Then you will need the torque app for $4. It would be a very cheap way to read OBDII codes. I have ordered it and will try it with my euro 535i V8 e39.


Here is a guy who used it on his bmw 135i...
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=789400

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Has anyone used this? For under $25 I don't think you can beat this deal!


Mini ELM327 OBDII OBD-II OBD2 Interface Bluetooth V1.5 Car Auto Diagnostic Scanner

http://www.amazon.com/ELM327-Interfa...nostic+Scanner


Its a OBDII port plug that works via blue-tooth with a smart phone. Then you will need the torque app for $4. It would be a very cheap way to read OBDII codes. I have ordered it and will try it with my euro 535i V8 e39.


Here is a guy who used it on his bmw 135i...
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=789400

ELM interfaces are pretty useless on e39. You can't access SRS (airbag), ABS etc. Buy INPA cable, the software is free. Considering you can get it for $20-30 I wouldn't bother with ELM.

Looks like the INPA cable software CD would be best. The only bad is that I don't have a laptop only a desktop house computer

I have a hand held OBDII scanner. This is what I use...

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9580A...9830440&sr=1-4


I am sure you could also use a cheap-er one as long as it has CAN/BUS for ABS and airbags. I bought this scanner before knowing about the INPA cable.

Dack: how does that tool work for you and what modules and codes can you retrieve with it

Originally Posted by GabesJH82

Dack: how does that tool work for you and what modules and codes can you retrieve with it

I have only used it to read my DME. I was able to see that my MAF and O2 sensors were shot. I picked it up when it was on sale for $150. I was in the same boat... I did not have an etra pc to use with a cable,

For my 135i I have the Bav-Tech cable, but it woud not work right on my EU spec e39 since my 135i is a US spec car.

I am curious to see how that Torque app works with the blue tooth reader. That should arrive here next week. I will update this thread that.


Dack

Dack thank you let me know how it works

Have anyone tried the bmw C110 scan tool: http://www.ecutool.com/C100-2-OBD2EO...C110_9202.html

I would rather buy a used laptop + INPA cable before any handheld scanner like those mentioned in this thread. One can find working laptops for $50+. Neither one of those mentioned can code new modules/update he software in them, but with INPA cable you can. Example: I had to replace the Airbag control module in my e39, because it failed (internal error 240). Bought used one for $60, installed it and coded with NCS Expert (same cable as INPA). Dealer has quoted people $1000+ for replacing the airbag control module. With the cable you can do anything the dealer can..

While INPA might not the best out there, it's the best bang for buck solution by far. Autologic would be more user friendly, but considering $10 000+ price tag it isin't for the DIY guy..

Originally Posted by HTK12

One can get BMW INPA EDIABAS K+DCAN USB Interface for $20-30 shipped on ebay.

Let's find one or three to quote for the team, so others can test it out for us.
I need a cable myself - but I only have Linux. Sigh.

Is this only a windows product? I have a few Mac's, but no PC's.

Originally Posted by bluebee

Let's find one or three to quote for the team, so others can test it out for us.
I need a cable myself - but I only have Linux. Sigh.

Here's few Ebay sellers for the BMW INPA K+D-CAN cable:

First $24

Second $26

Third $26


If one doesn't want to buy from ebay for what ever reason DealExtreme sells it too here $37

Since you got linux how this is an issue? Because you got linux I assume you got some experience with computers? Just virtualize windows xp. Some distributions have virtualization tools pre-installed.

Originally Posted by bmwmanz2

Is this only a windows product? I have a few Mac's, but no PC's.

Sigh. Mac is a PC, if it ain't an ancient one. All 2007 mac's are PC's inside the fancy case. Use bootcamp or virtualize windows. And yes only windows.