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Thread: best OBD II code reader under 100.00

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Atlanta
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    My Cars
    1996 Z3

    best OBD II code reader under 100.00

    My 96 roadster got caught with the top down in a rain storm while I was at a friends. Once I got the top up and started the car the check engine light came on. She has 58,000 miles so I want to make sure what the issue is before I take it to a shop. can anyone recommend a good code reader for under 100.00. Amazon has several in the 50.00 to 100.00 range.

    thanks Bill

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    Chicagoland area
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    EXOTICS
    The problem is generic simple code readers do just that,
    can read and display ONLY OBD2 codes,
    NOT communicate with all system modules contained in vehicle,
    NOR display BMW specific error codes.

    OBD2=emissions fault codes

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    EXOTICS
    Well then, here are some options,
    concerning diagnostic tools,

    For a good BMW scan tool, I feel you have 3 options:
    • Foxwell nt520:http://www.foxwelltool.com/search/?q=NT520
    • Carly for BMW:http://www.mycarly.com/product/bmw-app/
    • INPA software for BMW: Do a search on bimmerforums

      I recommended them in no specific order,
      as selection is based more on preference.

      INPA is an excellent diagnostic tool,
      but is a proprietary BMW factory tool.
      So all available copies are technically bootleg versions.
      This requires a copy of the INPA software downloaded into a laptop computer,
      along with the correct cables for your particular model of BMW.
      I recommend this only for computer geeks, or the mostly computer savvy among us.

      For an affordable standalone unit, Foxwell nt510(nt520 Updated version) is the preferred unit, along with required cables.
      It can scan for BMW codes, among other things, as it can communicate with all BMW modules.

      Carly for BMW is an APP,
      and as such, requires a smartphone,
      along with a connection to the OBD2 port in your vehicle,
      supplied either by cable or wireless connection via Bluetooth dongle

    CarlyUpdate: Now the full version is $74/year on a recurring subscription
    Last edited by MIKYZZ4; 07-12-2018 at 05:40 PM. Reason: UPDATE

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Atlanta
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    13
    My Cars
    1996 Z3
    thanks....

    - - - Updated - - -

    great info thanks...

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