U581 is canbus compatible as your car dosent have canbus your better off with a U381 which is cheaper and does exactly the same job on a petrol E46..

not bad for basic OBD2 generic car diagnosis and does read some BMW specific OBD2 codes and basic live data but no substitute for BMW's own coding and diagnostic system..


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Universal-Dia...ool-U381-OBD-/300550697787?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item45fa37b33b

i have a U381 does the basic OBD2 job but i use BMW INPA these days...

 

The first (cheapest) one should do. They all have access to the same codes and protocols so not much difference between them.
As your car is a 2001, it should work fine, before 2001 BMW petrols can be a bit hit and miss.

 

www.auteltech.com Get a good one. Then again get a snap on one haha There not bad but cant justify over £1000 for a computer for a car..

 

What Doggy said!
I've got an Autel which is great for most things and does most things you want but is no substitute for inpa which will work out cheaper too. If you can find someone (they're around if you look) to make you the same lead they use at the dealers you can re-code too, although don't try to do that till you're well and truly used to it!
I haven't actually got inpa but my dad has and it's quite suprising how much more it will do than a reader.

 

you need one of these chap...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Peake-Researc...-Error-Code-Reader-/260774974007?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3cb7665237

reads bmw fault codes and has code book too!!

 

Thanks for all of the responses - not sure if I am more confused now though confused

BMW INPA - Can you download the software for free and I trust that this should run on a laptop with XP Professional? With regards to the cable required, can these be found on ebay?

I was thinking of an OBD2 reader as I was hoping that this could also be used on my brothers 2004 Land Rover Discovery TD5.

I do not want to start re-programming my BMW, just be able to read the fault codes and re-set them.

Any further advice woul be appreciated. :thumbsup

 

Hi Fellas,
I have the old ASC, ABS, Handbrake light combo on, suspecting wheel speed sensors. The indy BMW garage here in liverpool wants £40 to scan. I'm thinking I could get my own scanner for that and scan as many times as I want...

Will the U381 be able to recognise which sensor is bad?

My car is Sep/2000 E46 316i.

Thanks

 

nope cheap handhelds only talk to the engine ECU usually they are only any use for engine problems.. bodywork and chassis codes will be bmw specific and on another ECU/module..


OP inpa software can be had for free some basic pc knowledge required to set it up and a suitable interface cable is required also..you can talk to all modules with INPA read all codes and diagnose in realtime etc etc..

 

Thanks Dailydoggy,
What scanner do you recommend then?

 

Thanks Dailydoggy,
What scanner do you recommend then for pulling such codes?

 

handhelds are not gonna read anything other than engine codes including peake research bmw specific readers..

to read body and chassis codes and diagnose ABS and airbags and stuff you need INPA and a laptop or similar software..

basic generic code engine diagnosing and some live data functions the U381 is about the cheapest and does wot it says on the tin..

 

i use a vag-com cable with the little solder mod and inpa
never really had an issue

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-INPA-SOFT...-SCANNER-/170638089446?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27bad29ce6

How does this look guys? Would it do the job?

 

that would do it yes,

 

Op
mcbonio

- yhpm

 

Thanks for all your help guys.. this is my thread with the problem I'm trying to diagnose if you are interested.. Basically I have the ACS, ABS, Handbrake lights on constantly, but never knew as the previous owner has pulled the LEDs out.! Unbelievable..

http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f9/2000-e46-316-dash-board-electrical-faults-t81813/

 

just read that

that is discusting

why do people do stuff like that !!

 

I know, I can only guess the previous owner has taken the car to BMW and they've given him a huge quote, new abs module and unit, £1,500 ect ect.. you know how they are with their worst case quotes.. and he's just bodged it to get by..

I'm sure I can sort it out no problem. Cheers guys.