BMW Diagnostics/Code Reader,

Looking into possibly getting one for my own use as I currently have 4 BMWs (2x E36, E46 and E39)

Would be useful to have, All I want is something to just connect with the car, Read the codes and tell me what's wrong.

Would something like this be worth buying? Or is there other cheaper options?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Peake-Research-R5-FCX-3-U-1987-2005-BMW-Service-Reset-Fault-Scan-Tool-/261259319904?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3cd444da60


I assume it works, By giving a numerical code that I then have to look up in the code chart?

Total novice with these, So any advice welcome!

Peake code readers are supposed to be pretty good for what you need it for and at that price it would be hard to go wrong.

It will give you a "P" code which you can cross reference here;http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/

You could do so much more with a software package from bmcables it gives a lot more detail and you can activate a few nice features plus its less then half the price of the one you linked

Can a moderator move this thread to the Tuning & Diagnostics section.

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Originally Posted by Gar

You could do so much more with a software package from bmcables it gives a lot more detail and you can activate a few nice features plus its less then half the price of the one you linked

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Is this the one Gar?

http://www.bmcables.com/index.html

Whats it like? Does it actually work?

I've tried a couple in the past and can never get them to work.

Just had a look at bmcables.com, Looks interesting and only £46.99 delivered.

How easy are they to set-up and use though?

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Originally Posted by DoktorB

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Originally Posted by Gar

You could do so much more with a software package from bmcables it gives a lot more detail and you can activate a few nice features plus its less then half the price of the one you linked

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Is this the one Gar?

http://www.bmcables.com/index.html

Whats it like? Does it actually work?

I've tried a couple in the past and can never get them to work.

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Yep that's it john I haven't bought from them but a few of the lads have and it really is just plug and play I installed mine the old fashioned way around 3 years ago or so and it really is a ball buster il be buying from them in the future , it couldn't be any simpler then how they have set it up now and id be 100% it works

Its everything rolled into one package you wont need anymore then it offers afaik it covers coding ,feature activation and full detailed diagnostics

Does it work with windows 7?

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Originally Posted by michael320

Does it work with windows 7?

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I believe it does im pretty sure I seen colm d has it running with windows 7

Cool must look into that.

Right been reading up on it, There's 2 very similar options. BMcables and BMTechnic.

BMTechnic:
Is supposed to be easier to install. (Even though they both say 1 click)
Comes with 8GB USB Stick instead of CDs.
Supposed to be a LOT better customer service.
Site Sponsors on M3Cutters,
Simple How-To guides on their website.

Although it's an extra £27 over bmcables.


Think that's what I'll probably go for, Unless there's another option?

Yeh the guy that runs that jimmy is over on bmw5 hes very quick to answer answer any questions the lads have ,I think either will be fine whoever you choose

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Originally Posted by Gar

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Originally Posted by michael320

Does it work with windows 7?

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I believe it does im pretty sure I seen colm d has it running with windows 7

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I have it running on Windows 8 but according to the website it's windows 7 compatible too.

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Originally Posted by Colm_D

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Originally Posted by Gar

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Originally Posted by michael320

Does it work with windows 7?

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I believe it does im pretty sure I seen colm d has it running with windows 7

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I have it running on Windows 8 but according to the website it's windows 7 compatible too.

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Which one do you have Colm?

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Originally Posted by DoktorB

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Originally Posted by Colm_D

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Originally Posted by Gar

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Originally Posted by michael320

Does it work with windows 7?

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I believe it does im pretty sure I seen colm d has it running with windows 7

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I have it running on Windows 8 but according to the website it's windows 7 compatible too.

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Which one do you have Colm?

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The BMcables one.

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Originally Posted by Colm_D

The BMcables one.

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Right. Good stuff.

If its crap I'll send you the bill! :P

In a completely different league, for dummies I got an Elm 327 and Torque app(on phone) for my e39 15 Euro all In, reads and clears generic codes and does a whole lot more. Might be worth a look if only to use as an intro to the black art of ECU interrogation

I can bring my BMTechnic one to the NI Meet if you want a look John.

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Originally Posted by DoktorB

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Originally Posted by Colm_D

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Originally Posted by Gar

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Originally Posted by michael320

Does it work with windows 7?

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I believe it does im pretty sure I seen colm d has it running with windows 7

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I have it running on Windows 8 but according to the website it's windows 7 compatible too.

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Which one do you have Colm?

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Hi John, for your e36 & e34 you need what's called an ADS interface. The older cars use a different protocol. You could order the BMTechnic or BMCables for th software & then eparately buy an ADS interface.
For your newer car the software might struggle, I think you;re in to needing something a little bit more expensive to have a more comprehensive solution. I think INPA (diagnostics) & NCS Expert (coding) work to some extent on the F Series cars but not completely.

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Originally Posted by rebel.ranter

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Originally Posted by DoktorB

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Originally Posted by Colm_D

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Originally Posted by Gar

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Originally Posted by michael320

Does it work with windows 7?

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I believe it does im pretty sure I seen colm d has it running with windows 7

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I have it running on Windows 8 but according to the website it's windows 7 compatible too.

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Which one do you have Colm?

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Hi John, for your e36 & e34 you need what's called an ADS interface. The older cars use a different protocol. You could order the BMTechnic or BMCables for th software & then eparately buy an ADS interface.
For your newer car the software might struggle, I think you;re in to needing something a little bit more expensive to have a more comprehensive solution. I think INPA (diagnostics) & NCS Expert (coding) work to some extent on the F Series cars but not completely.

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Cheers Mark.

Its just for the older stuff I want to use it with. I see BMcables have the option of buying the round block connector.

I've no intention of connecting up anything to the new one. Thats what the warranty is for. lol

I'm taking the wheels off the 1er this week to clean them and the arches and thats the height of the tinkering I'll ever be doing with it. lol

The round block connector doesn't automatically mean ADS. OBD1 also uses that round block conector. It will work for some modules but notfor all of them (ask Richard & Rob). What you need is this interface:

http://www.tek-tronics.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=130

I'll sort you with the software! ;)

I also have ordered a pcmcia to rs232 so can use my ADS cable with my BMTechnic software.

Just an update, Bought the BMTechnic one, Simple install (As easy as they say) and easy to use. (Tried with an E39 and E46)
Not tried with my E36s yet though.


Very impressed so far! :D

Also bought the BMTechnic Cable/Software package recently. So far it seem's like a good piece of kit.

Also have Bavarian Technic in work. Never worked right since day one. I might connect to a car once in 20 tries. Sent it back and they replaced the cable. I'm just waiting to bring the E60 to the garage someday to give it a trial.

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Originally Posted by BMW

Just an update, Bought the BMTechnic one, Simple install (As easy as they say) and easy to use. (Tried with an E39 and E46)
Not tried with my E36s yet though.

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It will not work fully with the e36, the e36 needs a different lead, a slight config in the software change. The lead interface required for the e36 is an ADS one.

Sorry,thread from the dead lol but it might help some people.
Just bought Creator C 110 and must say it is a fantastic piece of kit.It will read and clear codes obviously but also will provide live data like coolant temp,voltage,injection signal,air mass flow etc etc(depends on module you currently checking),it will test components and clear adaptions.

Modules coverage is huge on E60(currently owning one).

Little demo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oxHx7Be1mY

E60 modules coverage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zq4HciRaWE

Hope that helps.

@[dzwx] ^How much was it?

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Originally Posted by Pentea

@[dzwx] ^How much was it?

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50e from Dublin based ebay seller.PM on the way

Sorry but can anyone give me advice on the best one to get just for e36 bmws?