20 quid code readers, any good.

[rumple]

Just got a yellow engine light on my 51 reg 330ci.
Im aware this could be a number of things, including a split intake boot etc, for the cost of a plug in 45 quid at my local indy im thinking of buying a code reader.
What do i look for?, and are the 20 quid ones you see on the net anygood, the reader will be used very very rarely.............hopefuly.

[Fox-]

Buy a cable for your laptop and use some software instead. Far more powerful.

[rumple]

Thanks ill look into it

[OldSkoolRS]

Out of interest what cable and which software would you need?

[TheEnd]

Get an INPA / ediabas lead from ebay, dirt cheap and they do far more than an "OBD" type code reader.

[OldSkoolRS]

Thanks for the tip. I've found one straight away and it looks like it will also work with both types of BMW Mini as well, which is handy as the OH and eldest have one of each (one has an airbag light issue too). It includes the adpator to 20 pin for my Z3 as well, just what I was after.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120862456945?ssPageName=...

[mini1380cc]

OldSkoolRS said:

Thanks for the tip. I've found one straight away and it looks like it will also work with both types of BMW Mini as well, which is handy as the OH and eldest have one of each (one has an airbag light issue too). It includes the adpator to 20 pin for my Z3 as well, just what I was after.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120862456945?ssPageName=...

I bought from that company and its been worth its weight in gold although its not overly user friendly. Some of its is in English some in German.

[Salom]

I bought this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-DIAGNOSTIC-FAULT-COD...

Easy to use, live engine data, only £14.00!

[OldSkoolRS]

mini1380cc said:

I bought from that company and its been worth its weight in gold although its not overly user friendly. Some of its is in English some in German.

Should be OK, I know some German, if not Google translate.

[rumple]

Thanks for your replies ill be looking at the car the weekend to make sure its not a split intake hose, ill take it from there

[Total loss]

This is a different seller (similar name)
http://bmwcables.moonfruit.com/
have a look at this thread for more info
http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/65726-fault-reader-c...

[Robatr0n]

Total loss said:

This is a different seller (similar name)
http://bmwcables.moonfruit.com/
have a look at this thread for more info
http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/65726-fault-reader-c...

I'd buy from this guy and not from the guy on Ebay.