Diagnostic devices

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Nick_in_Suffolk

Member
 Suffolk
Just out of interest I am looking to get a diagnostic tool to let me read and, if appropriate, resest error codes on our 2 BMWs (a Z4 and an M3, both a few years old now). For my sins I use Apple computers at home and have also vowed not to use any MShite products ever again. The likes of Carsoft appear to be MShite only. So, what is available, at a sensible price (say less then £200) that will happily do what I want with an Apple laptop or are there standalone units? Importantly what are forum members' views on the various devices?

I also run a VW Polo diesel (as the ride-to-work, household chores vehicle). Is there any device that would cover this car as well? I have a feeling there might be more error codes lurking on that vehicle's records than on both the BMWs. Certainly, that car has suffered more problems than the BMWs, although it does cover rather more miles.
 
Have a look on www.talktomycar.co.uk

I think there is a tool for viewing/resetting faults/service etc for about £95 that is standalone.

Personally I'd get a good PC laptop as there is so much stuff out there for WinXP and car diagnostics/tinkering that just isn't made for the Mac systems.

OR, run bootcamp on the Mac and dual boot to XP, but I'm not sure on the compatibility of some of the hardware. I think it should be fine though.
 
I use a Mac, too! If it's a newer one, just run bootcamp and XP--that way you only have to deal with Micro$oft when absolutely necessary. The other option is get a cheap as hell (i.e. disposable) PC laptop just for diagnostics. M$ is one of those necessary evils, unfortunately (and I use them as little as possible). I don't think there will be compatibility issues if you're running bootcamp-connectors are pretty much standard anymore.
 
I have tried the carsoft and it's good as far as it goes in that it can only access some of the Z4 modules (similar on the X5) . Those it does read it works well on and clears the codes readily. A new version is being released on January 5th that should be a lot better, promises huge functionaility, but is expensive.

I purchased a tool from talktomycar.co.uk and sadly it could read nothing and was returned for a full refund, so take care to check what you buy from them and ensure it can be returned.

Everything I've seen or used seems to need an old laptop with serial port and ideally XP. Well behind the times.
 
cj10jeeper said:
Everything I've seen or used seems to need an old laptop with serial port and ideally XP. Well behind the times.
Click to expand...

Thats where the Mac and bootcamp might be an issue.

The serial simulators running over USB on the PC/windows seem rock solid stable, for all my random serial devices and ecu tinkering bits and pieces. One of the main reasons my laptop is XP and PC based...

With a Mac and bootcamp it really will be a matter of testing specifically to see if it works, or find someone who has, same with Vista support for older tools, some things just might not work, or only half work... not ideal when you are tinkering with ECU settings!


I'll certainly be getting all the kit to tinker with a Z4 when I pick one up, so will be happy to report back on what works and doesn't.


Try www.chiptuners.org maybe for some better info on what tools work and don't, and on what hardware. It's more towards ecu data changes, but most users who work with BMW's will know good diagnostics kit too!
That is where I will be asking what to get anyway :)

Cheers

Dave
 
Thanks for the replies people. I will have a longer look through the links from Mr Whippy - thanks again.

I really , really, really want to avoid the MShite route.
 
Last year I had an issue with the MIL light staying on on a GPS 130 (Fiat) after I had overboosted the turbo. I bought an ELM327 diagnostic interface off eBay (Laptop/PC USB port to OBD2 port on the car) for £14 (!!!) delivered from Hong Kong - complete with "Scantool" diagnostic software (Freeware) on CD. Within seconds I had cleared the warning light & all error codes off the ECU..... All for the cost of 3 packets of fags! It did take 3 weeks for the unit to arrive though.

The Fiat dealer wanted £60+ for 2 minutes time to clear the light! :rofl:
 
Dragonsbreath said:
Last year I had an issue with the MIL light staying on on a GPS 130 (Fiat) after I had overboosted the turbo. I bought an ELM327 diagnostic interface off eBay (Laptop/PC USB port to OBD2 port on the car) for £14 (!!!) delivered from Hong Kong - complete with "Scantool" diagnostic software (Freeware) on CD. Within seconds I had cleared the warning light & all error codes off the ECU..... All for the cost of 3 packets of fags! It did take 3 weeks for the unit to arrive though.

The Fiat dealer wanted £60+ for 2 minutes time to clear the light! :rofl:
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Sure and you can do pretty much the same with any mainstream car on the planet. BMW and in particular the Z4 are difficult to find tools that work on it. Many say they do, but lack the ability to interogate many of the Z4's modules.
 
I use Parallels on my Mac which enables you to use any Windows programme as though it were a Mac one. The problem would be the serial port. I don't know if you can get a USB to serial port adapter.
 
Medium Dave said:
I use Parallels on my Mac which enables you to use any Windows programme as though it were a Mac one. The problem would be the serial port. I don't know if you can get a USB to serial port adapter.
Click to expand...

You certainly can for pc - no idea for Mac
 
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