Which Code reader to buy

[Cbreeze]

Well my '01 530i w/95K miles has the "Service Engine Soon" light on. I'm thinking I need 02 sensors but for $150 a piece I'm not terribly interested in buying all 4 just at this time---- after Xmas. Maybe do all 4 over a few months. So I dont have a Code Reader and wondering which one to buy. Thinking $135 is a little steep for some of the ones that I have seen. So guys what do you think. Please give me suggestions.

Thx

[Cyrix2k]

I got the $99 job at walmart. It works fine but won't read live data. I throw CEL/SES codes all the time for "Catalytic Converter Below Efficiency Threshold." The one in my 318iC hollowed itself out so that needed to be replaced, but just altering my driving style in the 540i has kept it off. If your code is in regard to the cat, you can also insert a spark plug non-fouler between the post-cat O2 sensor(s) and trick the computer into thinking it is fine. If your pre-cat O2s are bad, you must replace them, but you can wire in generic Bosch replacements for cheap ($30 a piece or less). They're identical to the BMW units minus the wiring tail.

[jamesdc4]

The link to the Peak tool is in this post.

Is there a way to read the fault codes my car might be throwing? (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11422043&postcount=60)

As far as O2s, just change out the pre-cat ones.

[curt2128]

carsoft hands down the best software

[Cyrix2k]

carsoft hands down the best softwareI'd say yes and no. Why? Because we own more vehicles than just BMWs so an OBD-II reader made sense. I do want to buy the carsoft cable at some point though as I have the software installed and it looks pretty useful.

[Cbreeze]

That is kind of my problem. The Peak tool looks slick but I'm looking to also have it read the codes off my truck.

Last question, it says OBDII tools don't read proprietary codes on BMW. Is that a sales pitch for the Peak Product? Are those codes so important to read?

[82bmw633]

Last question, it says OBDII tools don't read proprietary codes on BMW. Is that a sales pitch for the Peak Product? Are those codes so important to read?

The Peake won't give all BMW proprietary codes. I have one for my '00 528i and it has more than paid for itself. BUT, it just can't give the type of info you really need for an in-depth diagnosis. Sure, it will tell you there's a problem, but a higher-end product will be able to point specifically to it. Say you get a "lean condition on cyl bank 1-3" or something like that, there's lots of things it could be. The Peake is great for the basic stuff and resetting oil and inspection lights, but the tough stuff requires more (and than means more $$). I just bought a laptop so I'm planning on the Autoenginuity kit with the OBD-II plus BMW-specific codes.

[doc540]

budget? Peake
I either snagged one here or on ebay.

[e39kiwi]

i would be interested in getting one of those

[fudman]

Peake is nice for those on a budget and does the basic stuff. Very easy to use and I keep it in a door pocket for ready use.

[Philboski]

Check the local parts places for a sale on the OBD II code readers. They will read manufacturetr specific codes for any make (at least mine does). I bought it for working on my SVT Contour, and it has been used to read my girlfriend's Nissan and my BMW as well. The Peake is great, but it will only read BMWs. For the same money or less, you can have one that reads all cars.

[bimmerzone]

We have both the Peake and AE tools for sale.

Like Philboski mentioned, the benefit of the AE tool is that it call also be used on all other makes that are OBDII (which are 1996 and above cars). The Peake is a handy tool specific for BMW, very easy to use and fit most peoples budget :)


If you need any info, do let me know.

Vincent

[Cyrix2k]

That is kind of my problem. The Peak tool looks slick but I'm looking to also have it read the codes off my truck.

Last question, it says OBDII tools don't read proprietary codes on BMW. Is that a sales pitch for the Peak Product? Are those codes so important to read?
I have the OBD-II reader and I'm happy with it. Every so often it will ask what model car I have and I select BMW. I don't know if that counts as a proprietary code or not. Really, I feel if you want to do better than OBD-II, you should skip the peake tool and get the carsoft tool.

[jamesdc4]

If your pre-cat O2s are bad, you must replace them, but you can wire in generic Bosch replacements for cheap ($30 a piece or less). They're identical to the BMW units minus the wiring tail.
The Bosch plug-and-play, pre-cat 0² sensors cost around $60.00 but are less of a PITA to install.