BMW scanner - opinions

[M5V8 337]

I'm looking to invest in a BMW scanner mostly because I want to avoid paying BMW $60 per scan to trace faults.

I'm looking at this:

http://www.bimmerzone.com/category/Diagnos...Peake_Tool.html

possibly this:

http://www.xcar360.com/bmw-scanner-1-4-0-b...-scan-tool.html

Does anyone have any opinions or alternative suggestions?

I've been alerted there are alternatives that can do this that or the other. But really I just want to be able to check fault codes & clear so I can diagnose issues myself. So ease of use is high on the priority list.

Any / all opinions as to the best tools for this purpose appreciated.

cheers

Edited April 22, 2013 by M5V8

[gadgetman 0]

I'm looking to invest in a BMW scanner mostly because I want to avoid paying BMW $60 per scan to trace faults.

I'm looking at this:

http://www.bimmerzone.com/category/Diagnos...Peake_Tool.html

possibly this:

http://www.xcar360.com/bmw-scanner-1-4-0-b...-scan-tool.html

Does anyone have any opinions or alternative suggestions?

I've been alerted there are alternatives that can do this that or the other. But really I just want to be able to check fault codes & clear so I can diagnose issues myself. So ease of use is high on the priority list.

Any / all opinions as to the best tools for this purpose appreciated.

cheers

I have a 1.4.0 unit and it works well....IMO it's a bit more versatile than the peak device.

[gjm 3258]

This caught my eye: http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=668332168

Anyone have any experience of them?

[gjm 3258]

Not me. (Edit: I mean I have no experience with one)

One question would be - it looks like you need a laptop connected to capture and store the data, would this be right?

Would any 20 -> 16 pin adapter work on one of these less expensive models?

Yes. That won't suit everyone, but I don't consider it an issue (for me), and it opens up possibilities with regard to the software that can be used.

[cliffdunedin 8]

I'm looking to invest in a BMW scanner mostly because I want to avoid paying BMW $60 per scan to trace faults.

I'm looking at this:

http://www.bimmerzone.com/category/Diagnos...Peake_Tool.html

possibly this:

http://www.xcar360.com/bmw-scanner-1-4-0-b...-scan-tool.html

Does anyone have any opinions or alternative suggestions?

I've been alerted there are alternatives that can do this that or the other. But really I just want to be able to check fault codes & clear so I can diagnose issues myself. So ease of use is high on the priority list.

Any / all opinions as to the best tools for this purpose appreciated.

cheers

I've been considering this for the same reasons. I have asked a couple of Q's and from what they said it scans for faults and resets them if you choose.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/tools-repair-kits/meters-testers/auction-666097389.htm

Does anyone have any experience with these ones?

[Haitoman 110]

I bought one of these. Works perfectly on my E46 M3.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-Diagnostic-cable-INPA-Ediabas-BMW-DIS-v57-SSS-v32-GT1-/231037035345?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item35cae16351&vxp=mtr

[beemn 50]

I have one similar (scanner 1.4.0), works great. Works on e38, e39, e46, e53 e83 and e85. You need an old laptop running xp to use most of these. I used it on my x5 and was able to code drls etc same on the e46.

[Allanw 1071]

Buy first

http://www.xcar360.com/bmw-scanner-1-4-0-b...-scan-tool.html

Buy second

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-Diagnostic-cable-INPA-Ediabas-BMW-DIS-v57-SSS-v32-GT1-/231037035345?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item35cae16351&vxp=mtr

I'd buy here though http://www.cable-shack.co.uk/ (actually, I did - he lists on ebay too though). Jimmy reads another forum I read.

But if you're really into fiddling, you want BOTH!!!

I have both of them, and BMW scanner is VERY good for plugging in and doing quick things - far easier to use and very quick to set up. I even used to to change some of the xenon light settings after I fitted a genuine retrofit kit. I've changed the litres of fuel used before oil service due warnings, change light settings (angel eyes blink with indicators etc.

The SSS/DIS/NCS can be used for more in depth stuff, such as more complicated retrofits and settinngs. You can even change the ZCS etc. If you install WinKFP you can update DME software etc too. If I can the M54B25 to a B30, I can just load the DME software and go .

Be sure to check compatibility with your car and PC though

[JaseNZ 53]

I use this http://dx.com/p/bmw-scanner-1-4-car-vehicle-diagnostic-tool-126933 (free shipping), most coding available with it , I have tried a few and this is heads and shoulders above the rest. You have to be careful with it though as you could do some damage if you played around with some of the advanced functions. Works on windows 7 and 8 no problems.

Edited November 29, 2013 by M-Spec

[Haitoman 110]

It's a pity you guys with the bmw scanner tool are not in Welly. I see the software can change miles to km on the odometer. I have the new mylar speedo stencil coming from poland and switching the odo would be icing on the cake. I can do it with INPA or NCS Expert but it is fiddly.

[Ahmedsinc 414]

So what about those of us with OBDI? Where should we go looking? Would be nice to reset my auto ECU to manual. Rev flare on gear change sucks!

[Haitoman 110]

F-series can also be coded but requires an E-Net cable and e-sys software. All available on ebay eg. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENET-BMW-Cable-for-Coding-Programing-and-Diagnostics-Ethernet-to-OBD-/290997752379

[allan 295]

Would be interested in this http://www.trademe.c...n-666097389.htmalso as you do not need a lap top. As it appears you do with most of the others is that a + or - with scanners.

[cliffdunedin 8]

Buy first

Buy second

I'd buy here though http://www.cable-shack.co.uk/ (actually, I did - he lists on ebay too though). Jimmy reads another forum I read.

But if you're really into fiddling, you want BOTH!!!

I have both of them, and BMW scanner is VERY good for plugging in and doing quick things - far easier to use and very quick to set up. I even used to to change some of the xenon light settings after I fitted a genuine retrofit kit. I've changed the litres of fuel used before oil service due warnings, change light settings (angel eyes blink with indicators etc.

The SSS/DIS/NCS can be used for more in depth stuff, such as more complicated retrofits and settinngs. You can even change the ZCS etc. If you install WinKFP you can update DME software etc too. If I can the M54B25 to a B30, I can just load the DME software and go .

Be sure to check compatibility with your car and PC though

Hi Allan, do you know if either of these will reset Trans Adaptations? Cheers

[Allanw 1071]

Hi Allan, do you know if either of these will reset Trans Adaptations? Cheers

INPA stuff can for sure - just have to find it. I don't think BMW Scanner can.

[allan 295]

Wish to purchase a scanner for the e46 and after a search on here found this thread. Have a Creator C100 BMW scanner already which is great but is unable to turn on and off options. Upon looking around at various items bought one of these off trade me http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=882850987 turned up 10 days later. Put disc in laptop and do bmw install as requested comes back no drivers opens drivers folder and attempt to install all hell breaks loose and in short end up going around in circles. Do google search and on e46 fantic's find a post about this problem go through the process still doesn't work. Mean while Email globaloutlet firm concerned and after a few interchanges they say item could be defective and have offered a refund. Good they offered the refund but back to square one does anyone have a unit that is simple to set up, run will let you turn things on and off with out doing fifty other thing after all this technology is not new.

Edited May 27, 2015 by tim 325

[Allanw 1071]

What version of windows are you running? Mine works fine on WIndows 7, 32 or 64.

I haven't setup my BMW Scanner for a while, but I seem to recall plugging it in, then manually installing the drivers via device manager, then installing the software and cranking it up.

The software itself won't open until you plug into a car.

That was my www.xcar360.com BMW Scanner. INPA from cable-shack has great support, though I didn't get mine there, Jimmy reads another forum I read.

[allan 295]

Hi Allan have windows 7 pro 64 bits. That's a new one no where does it mention having to have the scanner plugged in to the car, cable connected etc in fact the install instructions are piss poor imo. When I received the scanner I placed the disc in the dvd driver as one does opened the BMW instal and followed the instructions , press next it went down hill from their. First no drivers installed opened the drivers folder from the disc and tried to install go to this site find this. Then redirected to some were else, go here and their then it pops up with hardware error and so on and so on. Contacted the firm concern and they came back must be a faulty unit and have offered me a refund which I have accepted.Chalks up another bad experience with scanners and people who do it. Would still like to find something that can turn on an off options but must be simple to set up and run any ideas.

[M3_Power 636]

9/10 it is an installation error not a tool error.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=464871&highlight=Soft&page=2

[allan 295]

Thanks will try it out

[JaseNZ 53]

If you give up on the software I have a Bavarian Technic "Enthusiast" unit that I'm about to sell, it's pretty powerful but not the least expensive.

http://www.bavariantechnic.com/modelfeaturematrix.aspx#e46

Is that the one you got off of me ?? , Hope you had a good run out of it.

[JaseNZ 53]

Yes, and no! I did get it from you but I took their headline claims on face value and didn't research their technical detail enough - it's not suitable for my MSS50 DME and they have no plans to support it. It looked like it was working but gave me bad codes. And to be fair you can't do much to an E36 anyway so it's a bit OTT for such an old car.

The fortunate bit is that I didn't use up a VIN slot because it couldn't read it from my car so it still has two left.

Now that I have INPA and DIS up and running I remembered I still had it - it's nice kit so somebody should benefit from it!

- can't remember how much I paid for it lol, not sure how much to charge for it! shhh...

Yeah cant remeber was about $1k I think so to onsell for about $50 - $80 would be a bargin

They are a good kit and pretty powerful though.

[Olaf 3309]

M3AN, if you figure out how much you want for it, give me a PM.

I get some codes on my USB-connected ScanTool 423001 ElmScan 5. I have to run it in a Virtual Machine under VMware Fusion under OSX on my MacBook Pro, as I am an apple fanboi; I'd prefer something that lets me read all the codes, all the time!

Wish there was good software that ran under OSX to support all these readers...

[SmithyInWelly 212]

On 27/06/2015 at 11:46 AM, Olaf said:

Wish there was good software that ran under OSX to support all these readers...

Any luck with this @Olaf?... I'm about to invest in a scanner so any recommendations would be appreciated.

[Gabe79 410]

5 minutes ago, SmithyInWelly said:

Any luck with this @Olaf?... I'm about to invest in a scanner so any recommendations would be appreciated.

The thing you want is PA Soft. BMW Scanner, Etc... Something like this: 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cheap-OBD2-Auto-Code-Reader-OBDII-Diagnostic-Scanner-V1-4-for-BMW-Unlock-Version-/172517822821

I paid ~$25 for mine. I am not endorsing that one, I can't find the link to mine any more, but it sure looks like that one. It can run under windows 7/8/10 etc...