Read Codes without OBD???

[MJs5406speed]

Anyone know how to read the codes on an e39 98 without the obd??? there was a pedal / ignition trick with my e34... is there anything similar for the e39 models???? Links???

[NNY528I]

Nope need a reader. Cheapest is a basic Reader from autozone, Best for most is a Peake tool which can read codes and reset your Oilchange and Inspection indicators.

[MJs5406speed]

how much for the Peak???
thanks

[sclegend]

how much for the Peak???
thanks

$150ish depending retail vs. ebay

[Corey G]

Anyone have this setup:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130193030262&rd=1

How does it work I have a similar program for other car manufactures and wanted to see how the BMW program works.

[MJs5406speed]

Anyone have this setup:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130193030262&rd=1

How does it work I have a similar program for other car manufactures and wanted to see how the BMW program works.

That looks like a good setup if it works... Anyone know if this system works and how it compares to the peak??? Does the peak give you live data and info to help understand the codes/problems????

[NNY528I]

The peak does not give you live data. Only codes and resets.

[MJs5406speed]

The peak does not give you live data. Only codes and resets.

:confused... even the obd2 can give you live data cant it???

will the peak give you access to srs system as well??

[NNY528I]

The peak is a Code reader and reset tool. It costs about one 1/4 what the cheapest OBD II Scan tool costs. The cheapests of the OBD II scanners run about 450 to 500. All the other ones you see are normally only code readers, some with slightly improved features or programing but they do not provide Live scanner data. Most OBD scanners do not have the ability to reset the BMW inspection timers.

[E30 memorial]

My Wife just purchased an e39 which requires a different tool, so I'll be selling my Peake R5/FCX-2 tool in order to buy a new tool that can be used on both the e30 & e39. It's only been used a few times by my self and a fellow Club member. If you're interested I can ship it Priority Mail for $110.00 (Paypal) or you can pick it up for $100.00.

Here's a link to what I have.
http://www.r5tool.com/code_tool.htm

[Corey G]

My Matco OBD 2 reader was 300 off the truck you can score them under 200 on ebay all the time, personally I think the Peake stuff is way over priced. For $150 you can get a decent OBD 2 scanner that will do all vechiles not just BMW. Anyone have the setup I listed? I did a search and found it mentioned just a few times, seems like people are keeping it on the down low or just don't know.

[NNY528I]

but you cant reset the inspections with it.

[Corey G]

True.. but a jumper wire and 7 seconds of my time can.

[NNY528I]

True.. but a jumper wire and 7 seconds of my time can.

ANd that same jumper and a momentary brain fart could FRY your DME. Worth the money for me for the peace of mind.

[Petes540i6]

The peak is a Code reader and reset tool. It costs about one 1/4 what the cheapest OBD II Scan tool costs. The cheapests of the OBD II scanners run about 450 to 500. All the other ones you see are normally only code readers, some with slightly improved features or programing but they do not provide Live scanner data. Most OBD scanners do not have the ability to reset the BMW inspection timers.

You can get OBD II readers on Amazon for less than forty bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/102-3459813-6493765?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=OBD+II&x=15&y=14

While it does not provide live scanner data, it points me in the direction of what is wrong more than 95% of the time.

Although it can't reset the service indicator lamp, you can restet the lamp with a wire if you have the under-the-hood diagnostic port, or through the on-board computer if you have a 2001 or later vehicle (or have had your pixel display issue fixed by the dealer).

[MJs5406speed]

How do you reset the inspection lights using the under the hood port???? Is it dangerous to the cars electronics??? and what else can you reset??????

[NNY528I]

I myself was not willing to run that experiment and chose to make the modest investment in an easy to use Peake tool.

[DavidR2PA]

Have you tried www.obd-2.com? (http://www.obd-2.com?) Mine works well with my laptop (ISO version).

[weasel like]

There are OBDIIs on Amazon that will run live data feeds and store information too, for less than 200 bucks.

[MJs5406speed]

Have you tried www.obd-2.com? (http://www.obd-2.com?) Mine works well with my laptop (ISO version).

Is this the one you have... for $122???? I did not see any ref 2 BMW on that site???? does it plug to the obd 2 or under the hood??? Can you do resets????

[weasel like]

Is this the one you have... for $122???? I did not see any ref 2 BMW on that site???? does it plug to the obd 2 or under the hood??? Can you do resets????

OBDII is a standardized method of reading engine codes. All cars made after 1996 or so utilize it. Judging by your liberal use of question marks, this is a very urgent, if not life threatening matter, so read up on it dude!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OBDII

The tubes know all...

[PeterZ]

Anyone have this setup:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130193030262&rd=1

How does it work I have a similar program for other car manufactures and wanted to see how the BMW program works.

I did a little web searching on this brand. They are in Belgium. Their website has no price, but if you fly over to buy it they will refund your ticket. Current version 7.1.

Looks like this ebay seller is selling stolen software and cheap cables. Don't know for sure, but it appears that CarSoft 7.1 is several thousand dollars.

[e39dream]

resetting the oil/inspection lights via the jumper wire trick should not be feared. These are the kind of things that you should take advantage of so that you can save your $ for more important things in life.

Another little trick I learned about the oil/inspection reset. Get yourself a safety yellow paint marker. Find the correct pins
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/reset-plug/reset.htm


now use the paint marker to lightly mark the holes for the pins and let it dry before putting anything in them. Now you will never have to look hard for the correct number pins, just jumper the yellow ones for the correct amount of time that corresponds to the light you want to reset.

[Qsilver7]

resetting the oil/inspection lights via the jumper wire trick should not be feared. These are the kind of things that you should take advantage of so that you can save your $ for more important things in life...now use the paint marker to lightly mark the holes for the pins and let it dry before putting anything in them. Now you will never have to look hard for the correct number pins, just jumper the yellow ones for the correct amount of time that corresponds to the light you want to reset.

Ditto Dream...definitely do that (I did) and it is really helpful when you get older and you have to ask someone with younger eyes to find the little numbers on the datalink connector & point out pins #7 and #19! :eek: :stickoutt :eek:

If you don't have a paint stick...if you know some one with finger nail polish or model plane/model car paint etc...you can use that, too. ;)

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/BMW%2020%20Pin%20Diagnostic%20Port.JPG

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/BMW%2015%20and%2020%20Pin%20Diagnostic%20Port.jpg

[MJs5406speed]

thanks!!! very helpful! can i reset the airbag light and asc this way as well...How long to jump for those 2?

[e39dream]

as far as I know you'd need a peake srs tool or equivalent to reset the airbag srs light.

[TribleB]

So I've read alot of the post having to do with the diagnostic tools and Im looking for opinions on which direction to go in. First my current problem is Misfire cyclinder #6 fuel cut off. This was read by autozone for free. I am getting ready to tackle the problem. I currently own a SR300 tool from my previous bimmer 93 325 but I don't own the conversion adapter for 2001 and newer cars for my current 2001 540. It seem from reading the post that a obd II scanner will only point you in the direction of the problem but after fixing won't reset and turn the light off. I also have other vehicle US which will benefit from the OBD II scanner. I also believe I will still have to do another scan after switching coil and plug when tackling the problem before concluding whether its plug coil or valve cover.

[Petes540i6]

So I've read alot of the post having to do with the diagnostic tools and Im looking for opinions on which direction to go in. First my current problem is Misfire cyclinder #6 fuel cut off. This was read by autozone for free. I am getting ready to tackle the problem. I currently own a SR300 tool from my previous bimmer 93 325 but I don't own the conversion adapter for 2001 and newer cars for my current 2001 540. It seem from reading the post that a obd II scanner will only point you in the direction of the problem but after fixing won't reset and turn the light off. I also have other vehicle US which will benefit from the OBD II scanner. I also believe I will still have to do another scan after switching coil and plug when tackling the problem before concluding whether its plug coil or valve cover.

Probably all OBDII scanners will give you the ability to "clear the codes."

Without the OBDII scanner, you will know whether changing the plug/coil fixed it because the car will start to run properly. Within a few "drive cycles" the check-engine light will go off on its own.

If you had an OBDII scanner, you could clear the codes after replacing the coil/plug, and see if the code is thrown again/if the light comes back on.

[Luftpost]

No need to spend a dime on a OBD II reader. O'Reilly, Autozone and I am certain others, have these in their tool rental program. I have done this in the past. Works great, and allows you to clear codes.

Save your hard earned $$.:redspot

L.