Diagnostic hardware and software

[chrisf1]

Hi again everyone I have been absent for approx 8 years but have now returned to the fold with a 2008 E61 520D touring which has come to me with 1 key green log book slip and MOT and 152k on the clock so as you can imagine I need to get to grips with it, my question is can anyone recommend a reasonably priced BMW specific diagnostic software system with the correct cable that is also simple to use as I am no tech whizz kid, I have looked on ebay and there are thousands advertised but most look to be absolutely lacking in after sales support which with my technical experience is a must many thanks Chris

[Bimmer Owners Club]

Hi Christopher....welcome to the Club

There are so many out there....here's a couple of links for the cheaper ones, which although they do work for pulling out codes and cancelling them down, they do lack a lot of other functions.

This one seems quite good, although I haven't tried it but it boasts quite a few features:   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MVDIAG-BLUETOOTH-USB-CAR-DIAGNOSTIC-OBD-SCANNER-AUDI-BMW-SKODA-VW-MERCEDE/263529694166?hash=item3d5b9803d6:g:2OUAAOSwcaFZEMnd

This one I can vouch for and is a great piece of kit for the money   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LATEST-ICARSOFT-BMM-V2-0-BMW-MINI-OBD2-CAR-DIAGNOSTIC-FAULT-CODE-SCANNER-TOOL/283009962052?epid=21018638200&hash=item41e4b55044:g:ufQAAOSwH9tbSjzt

Let us know how you get on and what you end up buying

 

[Greydog]

Morning Chris

Welcome, I have 2 pieces of software loaded on an old laptop

1st. BMW 1.4.0 works really well allows interrogation of individual control modules and the fault is described in English not just a code number. Cost £14 from Ebay and is great for older models. Example my parking sensors stopped working a scan with 1.4.0 showed PDC 1 error when interrogated the fault is Rear inner right sensor fault.

2nd.. Inpa which came with 5 disc's including TIS the dealer level technical files, I have this on the same lap top this cost about £50 from memory brilliant for the newer models but has stuff for my X5 as well.

There are many others like Carly which works with a Bluetooth dongle (never tried it but read some poor reviews so avoided)

I use mine in conjunction with a couple of web sites like www.realoem.com (BMW online parts and part numbers) and www.newtis.net technical information sheets this makes sure when I am buying parts they match the OEM partnumbers plus the drawings let me know what i looks like and where it is.

Good luck with the new car

Dave

[Bimmer Owners Club]

great information Dave....I'm after some newer scan tools as my set is the old round plug models that still work on my Z3 but has limited data through the K-line.

Will probably give the v1.4.0 a try if you rate it and at that price it's worth a punt.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/V1-4-0-OBD2-Diagnostic-Scan-Interface-Scanner-Programmer-For-BMW-E38-E39-E46-E53/323235896567?hash=item4b425c5cf7:g:108AAOSwX3Fa6Sl5

[Greydog]

That's the one and cheaper, damn it.