Which BMW code reader?

[Shaoxter]

Looking for a cheap way of reading and clearing fault codes, what's the best code reader for this purpose?

Not looking for anything too fancy like coding or software updates, although that would be a plus obviously.

Car is a 2005 E60.

[Dannbodge]

look on eBay

There will be one for about £30 that is a cable and software.

It's an easy install and the support is fairly good. I think the seller is BM cables or similar.

[Digitalize]

Carly for BMW is probably the most user friendly. Bit more expensive though.

[E-bmw]

Have used one of these on several different bmws for several years & always found it to do the job acceptably well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Multi-System-Scan-Tool-O...

[FurryExocet]

Digitalize said:

Carly for BMW is probably the most user friendly. Bit more expensive though.

Another vote for this one, it's a nice handy app too

[sadsac]

Would that ebay code reader be the cheapest way for me to check my dpf is regenerating? (I assume it can do that?!) Have had a blocked dpf and need to check it is now regening as normal - thanks - sorry for thread hijack!

[E-bmw]

Don't know about you, but If I had that question (and did not have a code reader) I would go along to my local garage & slip the guy a £10 & he would plug in his reader & tell me.

In fairness I know the guy fairly well & they will do this, so not knowing your relationship with your garage I don't know if they would do this, but if you just have one question like that, it is worth a quick call, you never know.

[Digitalize]

I don't think a regular code reader would be able to access it, as it's not a generic thing.

[sadsac]

Thanks, sounds like local garage then as I don't really want to shell out for carly + obd adaptor and doesn't sound like I have any other options

[twokcc]

Ive got one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201223516420?_trksid=p20...

Not only useful for removing fault codes but gives realtime coolant temperature so you can check if engine getting up to circa 90 degrees, often if one of thermostats have failed temperature may only get into low 70 so dpf does not regenerate.

Was a excellent thread on BMWland regarding using one of these to clear dpf error codes which basically involved getting a passenger to keep clearing the dpf fault code whilst the car is being driven and eventually car will do a regeneration.
Thread detailed conditions for regeneration to happen cant remember what they were spart from engine temperature and tank to be more than quarter full.
Cheap bit of kit for peace of mind

[sadsac]

Thanks for that - does it actually report if the car has regenerated or time/distance since last regen etc? Engine is getting up to temp (checked via the secret odometer dash menu) so it should be! Might get one of these anyway

[helix402]

The linked tool is good but does not give the dpf info you are after. It probably gives exhaust back pressure readings which give an indication of whether the dpf is blocked or not. This explains a little about BMW dpfs:



Dealer software or Autologic will give detailed dpf history.

[twokcc]

sadsac said:

Thanks for that - does it actually report if the car has regenerated or time/distance since last regen etc? Engine is getting up to temp (checked via the secret odometer dash menu) so it should be! Might get one of these anyway

Without checking think helix is correct you only get an indication of back pressure but if everything else in order i.e no fault codes then and engine temp. OK then gives peace of mind.

Useful post from helix re conditions required- this should be given to every BMW diesel buyer, but if you bear these points in mind imo you can run the car without getting a dpf problem. (My 2009 325D with 52k miles but only doing 5-6k miles in recent years with no problems but 100mile +run every 6 months)

[12dan34]

Appreciate it's an old thread but can anyone point me to the (current) best option for reading and clearing BMW codes please?

Thanks.

[g3org3y]

What's your budget?

I use a Creator c310.

[parabolica]

Carly is pretty much top of the pile; requires an annual sub to their service though. Gives you coding options though which is an added bonus.

[bramley]

I use a vgate Bluetooth obd2 adaptor £25 and both Bimmerlink and BimmerCode apps. That allows me to read fault codes and live data with bimmerlink and then code with BimmerCode.

[12dan34]

Decided to spend a bit than in the end, £59.99, I like the idea of the Autel AP200 as we're planning to get a 911 soon so I guess I could add that manufacturer at a later date.

Fingers crossed I can work out how to use it!

[18FAN]

Was that code reader any good?

[Simes205]

bramley said:

I use a vgate Bluetooth obd2 adaptor £25 and both Bimmerlink and BimmerCode apps. That allows me to read fault codes and live data with bimmerlink and then code with BimmerCode.

I thought they’d stopped vgate working with BimmerCodes. It was good.