[westcoast13]

I have a December 1999 E46 316i that i have had a few problems with, which have caused me to visit a garage to have the codes read.

I am now thinking of getting a cheap scanner to read the codes myself. I'm not sure if my car is OBDII compliant though.

I have contacted my local dealership, but they were not in the slightest bit helpful - unsurpisingly!!

I know the peake tool will do it, but its over £120, which is a bit steep a the moment. I can get a universal obdII and 20pin adaptor for £40 on ebay.

Anyone got any info?

 

[xXNealXx]

What's this universal OBD scanner? Got a link?

 

[steve23002]

Is yours the round adaptor on a 1999 :confused
I may be able to help out..

 

[xXNealXx]

Is yours the round adaptor on a 1999 :confused
I may be able to help out..

He will have the 20 pin connecter in the engine bay Steve...how you going to help him out?...you got one of those Peake jobbies? :rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl

 

[steve23002]

He will have the 20 pin connecter in the engine bay Steve...how you going to help him out?...you got one of those Peake jobbies? :rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl

Yep :thumbsup
I don't mind helping someone out, the Peake tool can get some use. :thumbsup

The the OP, I notice you are in Oxford, I dont mind meeting you somewhere and ill read the codes for you...:thumbsup

 

[westcoast13]

Wow, thats really kind mate!

I have a brother in law who is a mechanic, so he has a scanner. I was hoping for a cheap option so i didnt rely on anyone's help every time i had a problem though.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=290314040176

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110343907193

Thats the 2 items i was considering buying. What do you think?

 

[steve23002]

Serously mate. I would really hold off and get the Peake tool. I know it more money but these OBD readers are not great. A peake tool or BMW specific scan tool will read BMW codes and make diagnostics so much easier.
An OBD reader will only read codes related to emissions..:frown
I really dont mind reading the codes for you, but IMO that £40 or so pounds could be put towards a Peake tool or carsoft..:thumbsup

Im sure NealP will say the same. :thumbsup

 

[westcoast13]

I had a feeling that would be the case! Glad i didnt waste my hard earned then!

Where did you get your Peake from?

 

[xXNealXx]

Serously mate. I would really hold off and get the Peake tool. I know it more money but these OBD readers are not great. A peake tool or BMW specific scan tool will read BMW codes and make diagnostics so much easier.
An OBD reader will only read codes related to emissions..:frown
I really dont mind reading the codes for you, but IMO that £40 or so pounds could be put towards a Peake tool or carsoft..:thumbsup

Im sure NealP will say the same. :thumbsup

Definitely agree with Steve...I have used that reader before and it does not show all codes that require a BMW specific reader like Peake. Just look at Steve now...he is really chuffed with the Peake I sold him and I reckon he won't turn back now :hihi

 

[steve23002]

I had a feeling that would be the case! Glad i didnt waste my hard earned then!

Where did you get your Peake from?

I got mine from NealP funny enough..:hihi
Its just a very basic easy to use tool. I dont use it much as I have a Bosch machine but it is so quick and easy to use..:thumbsup
I think you can get them from a company called motormec, they also sell them on Ebay :thumbsup
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PEAKE-DIAGNOS...9|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[westcoast13]

Cheers for all the quick advice!

 

[sdp]

How does the Peake tool work with only a two digit display? or is there more to it?

The two digit display looks naff to be me and gives me the impression it would be a pain to navigate menus etc.

 

[xXNealXx]

How does the Peake tool work with only a two digit display? or is there more to it?

The two digit display looks naff to be me and gives me the impression it would be a pain to navigate menus etc.

The Peake puts most code reader to shame. The digits are Hex based and you get a look up table chart booklet which tells you in depth, what the errors are. It is as good as what BMW use but a quicker version.

 

[steve23002]

It is simple to use. The code book is easy to navigate as well. Plus, like Neal says, its really quick to use..:thumbsup