What fault code reader for an E36?

[sniff petrol]

I'm looking at getting a fault code reader for my 325 TDS firstly to reset my airbag light but also to reset the service indicator after I've done my own oil changes. On Ebay they seem to range from £30 to £100 odd - are they worth the money?

[David87M3]

have a look at peakeresearch.com
I have 1 of their tools and its fine. only does engine faults £120 I paid, they also do a seperate airbag tool.

also ukobd.co.uk do a reader for £180 that does all obd2 cars (not sure if this will fit an e36 as they dont all have the modern obd connector!!!!!!)

[sniff petrol]

Right so what connector do I need?

This one is the most expensive and versatile of all the ones on Ebay ATM:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-PC-Diagnostic-Car-Scanne...

[sniff petrol]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That's what I'm thinking, as my next car will probably be a 530d this should last me many years I think.

[Mroad]

I have both the Peake tools (Service/ECU fault and SRS), both are very easy to use and do the job perfectly well.

As was said above if that Ebay device does all what it says it does then it looks good, covers SRS and Service/ECU faults plus more all in one.

[sniff petrol]

Only problem with that Ebay one is my laptop doesn't have a serial port and I can't see it having a USB connection. Have emailed the seller to ask before buying.

[Mroad]

You can get USB to serial conversion cables but in my experience they never work on the kit you want them to!

[Shropshiremike]

sniff petrol said:

I'm looking at getting a fault code reader for my 325 TDS firstly to reset my airbag light but also to reset the service indicator after I've done my own oil changes. On Ebay they seem to range from £30 to £100 odd - are they worth the money?

Richard,

If you want to try the Peake Airbag reset tool on your E36, I have one and I'm in Shrewsbury. Let me know and you can have a go

Cheers

mike

[Pat H]

I use this procedure on my 1995 E36 328.

Service lights:

Open the bonnet and whip the top off the round diagnostic plug.

Connect pin numbers 19 and 7 with bent paperclip or short length of wire.

Turn ignition onto position 2, but don't start the engine.

Count to 12, then pull out the paperclip/wire whilst the ignition is still on.

Turn ignition off.

Your service lights have now been reset.

Fraid I can't help you with the airbag light.

[Shropshiremike]

Pat H said:

I use this procedure on my 1995 E36 328.

Service lights:

Open the bonnet and whip the top off the round diagnostic plug.

Connect pin numbers 19 and 7 with bent paperclip or short length of wire.

Turn ignition onto position 2, but don't start the engine.

Count to 12, then pull out the paperclip/wire whilst the ignition is still on.

Turn ignition off.

Your service lights have now been reset.

Fraid I can't help you with the airbag light.

Yes, I couldn't find a similar procedure to reset the airbag light....hence I bought the reset tool