M3 EVO CAR DIAGNOSTICS SOFTWARE

[majesticproperti]

Hi All

Have been thinking about getting a diagnostics reader from e bay to read for any faults on my Evo, I live in Marbella Spain so don’t have any good independents here and most garages are really poor and have no idea what to do with this car.

Have seen this item on e bay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/96-2012-BMW-M3-E36-E46-E...

Would you guys buy this one or recommend another type.

Just want to be able to keep an eye on the car and have a heads up if I have any issues in the future. The only thing I can notice is that the connecting lead, last time I had the car plug in it was done with a large round plug in the engine bay and most that I can see being sold have the 16 pin type. What’s the right connector for the M3 Evo my 1996, and do I have an internal plug in somewhere inside. I can’t say I have noticed one inside the car.

Opinions and recommendations please.

Thanks in advance.

[majesticproperti]

Can no one help me with this request ?

[pat_y]

1996 is just after the introduction of OBD 2 for these cars, which makes dignostics a lot easier on E36's.
I have used Carsoft a fair bit, i think it's BMW specific but a bit lightwieght to be honest, but is widley used by owners, it has no ability to change settings or values. Other BMW software to look for is: INPA (this can be quite hard to use, but is complete in it's control)
Have a read up here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay....
These guys seem to have most of the answers.
And yes, the 16 pin round connector under the bonnet, left hand side as you look from the front of the car, near the aircon supply pipes.
Not sure if the internal OBD daignostic plug works, don't know anyone who has used it on E36's, everyone uses the round connector.

[majesticproperti]

Thanks Pat,

Will have a look at the link you posted for more info.