This will be sent to a “view topic” I am sure but I would like definitive advice on which code reader thing (you can see I understand electronics) with which I can begin to know/understand the cars faults. It has to cover all electronic stuff not just an engine - and has to be completely idiot proof. So anything that prosupposes a person has any earlier experience has to be out. Thanks for your help
OBD Reader
- Thread starter CliveN
- Start date
Attleborough, Norfolk
Ah-ha! A fellow luddite. Welcome. 
My first purchase was an Autophix 5900, which covered everything I needed until I got carried away with coding etc and tried more exotic stuff.
For simply reading all the faults and displaying them in an easy to understand way I cannot fault this reader.
Many others opt for the Creator 310+.
I have yet to have been able to use these side by side but it does seem as though they have very similar abilities.
My first purchase was an Autophix 5900, which covered everything I needed until I got carried away with coding etc and tried more exotic stuff.
For simply reading all the faults and displaying them in an easy to understand way I cannot fault this reader.
Many others opt for the Creator 310+.
I have yet to have been able to use these side by side but it does seem as though they have very similar abilities.
raymond.harper
Senior member
I have an Ancel BM700 which I get on very well with probably on account of the fact it is quite big.
colb said:
From looking at the adverts on amazon, the difference between the 310+ & the 410 is battery reset. I swear I'm not a troglodyte but I just can't see anything else?
There's a 310+ for 39 beer tokens on ebay (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305404061887?gad_source=1&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338723872&toolid=20006&customid=LYpn05YdAAAAInlmC4t7sttOnLFFAAAAAA) which is a hefty saving compared to the 410 anywhere else (in fact it's a whole abs sensor saving and it looks like the car needs one of those now too). It's 20 beer tokens cheaper than a 310+ anywhere else so I'm thinking maybe it's too good to be true? Any experience known on the forum with this ebay shop (supershop2050)?
enuff_zed said:
Sorry, luddite question incoming...if I was to use the c310+, I would have to select each system in the car and scan for P codes separately? I thought the whole point of scanning the car was to give the code so you know where to start? Or is it the bmw specific codes that you have to scan each system for?
Reading with interest...I'm interested in buying a scanner/reader for my E86 but am completely new to BMW systems.
Looking for something that will read errors and allow me to change coding like 3 indicator flashes when I nudge the stalk. Or lights flash on lock and unlock.
Looking for something that will read errors and allow me to change coding like 3 indicator flashes when I nudge the stalk. Or lights flash on lock and unlock.
If you want to code as well as read faults then try this:darich said:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154021453500
It reads codes and clearly gives explanations of what they are.
It also allows you to code options through the light control module and GM5 as you are requesting.
A bonus is that it will reset Transport Mode. It does not delete it from the car, so it could happen again, but it will allow you to reset it.
BMW Scanner 1.4 is a good start to code reading and can do some limited coding but of course you need a Windows Laptop to plug it into and load the software. It comes with a 16pin OBD cable which is ok for the Z4 but it would need a 20pin to 16pin Cable changer to plug into the round Diagnostic socket in the engine bay on Z3's. Cable changer on ebay if you need one.
In use Scanner 1.4 will scan all modules it finds on the car and will display a list as it works through each module. Once scanned it will show what modules have fault codes and you double click on the list to open up a further menu for the chosen module. In this menu you have buttons to choose what you want to do, eg clear codes, reprogram etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErZmhBsQ-jg
In use Scanner 1.4 will scan all modules it finds on the car and will display a list as it works through each module. Once scanned it will show what modules have fault codes and you double click on the list to open up a further menu for the chosen module. In this menu you have buttons to choose what you want to do, eg clear codes, reprogram etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErZmhBsQ-jg
colb said:
Thanks!!
I already have a Windows laptop so no issues there and no need for a cable changer since I have a Z4.
I'm not completely new to coding since I have VCDS and have used it numerous times on my Audi making changes to various settings. Never plugged my Z4 into anything though so I'm unfamiliar with how BMW do things.