E 36 M3 Won't Pass Smog- What code device to buy?

[The Archman]

My 1999 M3 E36 wont pass smog. I want to Check the engine codes to DIY the problem myself. What kind of decoder do you suggest?

[scooper]

peake scan tool at bavauto or pelican or bimmerworld or other vendors

[Lawrence1]

post failed smog print out. how did you fail? check engine light on/visual or sniffer test?

[tjm3]

Actually, the cheap BMW based tools like the Peake are good for codes, but that probably won't help unless you get lucky. Better off with a generic OBDII scanner that you can pull codes AND look at some of the actual, real time, live data that will help with a diagnosis. And you can pull snapshots of the problem data at the time of the malfunction.

[LuxoM3]

Honestly... without posting your SMOG results... you aren't going to get too many answers worth posting. :\

[CMG]

First off, did you heat the cats red hot? U can have no codes and still fail. Just find yourself a smog buddy if u wanna cut the hassle.