:sillycan you buy a diagnostic test kit and do the testing yourself??
if so how much would one cost?
Yes u can mate............if you are after a cheap and cheerfull EOBD code reader then they are available from ebay..................one of our customers purchased a ELM type from e-bay for 30 squids-------it came with the hardware and software- just need a laptop to run it.............that particular package reads error codes from all OBD2 compliant cars.
We took a butchers at it when he brought down (wanted us to show him how to use it)- was very simple but very effective- it worked on all the E46's that we had in and the 2 mercs that were in the workshop.
but it would only read codes from the emision control system i.e engine sensors- which is really what u only need for simple diy........they wo'nt read codes from other modules i.e ABS, Immobiliser, Central locking, etc.
But the same company (again on Ebay) do a BMW specific tool for around 55 squids...........that covers the emision control side plus all the other modules aswell, i.e ABS, Vanos, Central Locking, Electric hood and the DME coding.
I've seen that kit working and its pretty good value costing next to nothing.
..............of course if you want the high end stuff then you are looking thousands i.e Bosch KT series, Snap-on, and then the cream of the crop- the Autologic system, which is dealer level and used by all good BMW specialists.
Also, some of the guy's hear use the carsoft software........I personally have never used it, maybe they can comment on it but the first 2 examples I gave a your best bet for home use.