Z4 Diagnostics

[M4HUY]

Just looking at moving from Audi TT to Z4, I use Vagcom diagnostics with Audi which is pretty much covers all diagnostics including, fault finding, clearing lights from dash etc, is there anything as comprehensive for the Z4, looking at buying an something around 15years old, anything to look out for?

 

[coldel]

If you do a search of the forum for 'code readers' it comes up with lots of threads showing which ones to buy that do what you need.

You will need to be more specific with what Z4 you are looking to buy as a 3.0i auto is very different to a 2.0i manual and will have very different inherent issues to look out for - what exactly are you looking to buy?

 

[M4HUY]

probably a 2 litre due to road tax and it needs to be convertable, manual

 

[Zedebee]

Don’t do it, buy a 6-cylinder. There are advocates of the 2 litre on here, but it’s not a very well thought of engine. For me, the straight 6-cylinder engine is part of the essential character of a Z4 which distinguishes it from almost every other roadster. It’s also a damn fine and reliable engine, capable of starship mileage if properly cared for.

A good code reader for diagnostics and clearing lights on BMWs the Creator 310+, widely available and affordable, although there are alternatives.

 

[coldel]

I think the road tax difference is literally £70 ... that shouldn't be the deciding factor of buying a 2 litre over a 3 litre.

 

[M4HUY]

Thanks, was looking at the Creator 310+, lot cheaper than the VW code readers, will look at the 3 litre, advice very helpful, in no rush so can wait for something that looks decent

 

[coldel]

Autophix also does what you need but a bit more expensive. I have a Creator 410+ which is clunky to use but does the job.

 

[enuff_zed]

Autophix also does what you need but a bit more expensive. I have a Creator 410+ which is clunky to use but does the job.

They both seem to do the same stuff but an Autophix 5900 can do a full scan whereas the Creator requires you to select each system in turn.

 

[M4HUY]

Thanks, helping to make my mind up on what im going to look for

 

[Zedebee]

Thanks, was looking at the Creator 310+, lot cheaper than the VW code readers, will look at the 3 litre, advice very helpful, in no rush so can wait for something that looks decent

6 cylinder comes in 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 versions which vary in economy and power. All have the great soundtrack. 3.0 tends to more expensive, but performance of a well set up 2.5 can be almost as good for less money. 2.2 is the economist’s choice.

 

[coldel]

Autophix also does what you need but a bit more expensive. I have a Creator 410+ which is clunky to use but does the job.

They both seem to do the same stuff but an Autophix 5900 can do a full scan whereas the Creator requires you to select each system in turn.

Yeah the guy that bought my E85 plugged in the Autophix and one press and there were all the codes.
The Creator you have to go through each area (of which there are like 20) and run it one at a time, it is clunky, takes significantly longer and not very user friendly.

 

[javis20]

If it's a Z4 hardtop in question, the Bimmergeeks ProTool is great if you have an Android tablet of phone. It can open the boot if there is a failure with the convertible top. I don't believe the Creator can do that.

 

[MikeyH]

Thanks, was looking at the Creator 310+, lot cheaper than the VW code readers, will look at the 3 litre, advice very helpful, in no rush so can wait for something that looks decent

6 cylinder comes in 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 versions which vary in economy and power. All have the great soundtrack. 3.0 tends to more expensive, but performance of a well set up 2.5 can be almost as good for less money. 2.2 is the economist’s choice.

Economist’s choice it may be but it’s still good fun to drive and sounds great but yes if I was changing it would be to a 3.0. But the 3.0 is twice the price to buy, is it twice the fun? Don’t know I went for my 2.2 because all the 3.0 s seemed to be ropey and mine has the msport heated seats and was looked after by a long standing forum member.

 

[andy123]

Autophix also does what you need but a bit more expensive. I have a Creator 410+ which is clunky to use but does the job.

They both seem to do the same stuff but an Autophix 5900 can do a full scan whereas the Creator requires you to select each system in turn.

Does the Autophix 5900 communicate with the roof module ( CTM ? ) on the E89 ?

 

[enuff_zed]

Autophix also does what you need but a bit more expensive. I have a Creator 410+ which is clunky to use but does the job.

They both seem to do the same stuff but an Autophix 5900 can do a full scan whereas the Creator requires you to select each system in turn.

Does the Autophix 5900 communicate with the roof module ( CTM ? ) on the E89 ?

Honestly never tried it, sorry.
Since upgraded my stuff so can’t check either

 

[andy123]

Honestly never tried it, sorry.
Since upgraded my stuff so can’t check either

Hi enuff_zed, thanks for replying.
If anyone has experience of an OBD2 reader that works well with the E89, then I would be interested in a recommendation. My roof was fixed by RBM in Hook ( not cheap as they replaced 4 of the hydraulic lines ) but think it would be useful to have a decent reader to diagnose any future issues I may encounter with the car.

 

[enuff_zed]

Honestly never tried it, sorry.
Since upgraded my stuff so can’t check either

Hi enuff_zed, thanks for replying.
If anyone has experience of an OBD2 reader that works well with the E89, then I would be interested in a recommendation. My roof was fixed by RBM in Hook ( not cheap as they replaced 4 of the hydraulic lines ) but think it would be useful to have a decent reader to diagnose any future issues I may encounter with the car.

The 5900 is compatible with the E89. But I don’t have mine anymore to check the specific things it can do. Pretty sure it would show roof codes though.

 

[Zedebee]

Thanks, was looking at the Creator 310+, lot cheaper than the VW code readers, will look at the 3 litre, advice very helpful, in no rush so can wait for something that looks decent

6 cylinder comes in 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 versions which vary in economy and power. All have the great soundtrack. 3.0 tends to more expensive, but performance of a well set up 2.5 can be almost as good for less money. 2.2 is the economist’s choice.

Economist’s choice it may be but it’s still good fun to drive and sounds great but yes if I was changing it would be to a 3.0. But the 3.0 is twice the price to buy, is it twice the fun? Don’t know I went for my 2.2 because all the 3.0 s seemed to be ropey and mine has the msport heated seats and was looked after by a long standing forum member.

I’m not disrespecting the 2.2 at all Mikey. Same great soundtrack, cheaper to run, cheaper to buy. The main reason I went for a 3.0i was for bragging rights, as my son has a 2.5i , and because the torquier engine suits the autobox better. My lad’s 2.5i drives brilliantly and I don’t imagine the 2.2i is much different.

 

[MikeyH]

I know you're not Zedebee I love it, best sound track on any car I've owned, even the MGB. I know it's only a car but I'm dreading the day I have to get rid of it because of old age. Me or the car :rofl:

 

[Zedebee]

I know you're not Zedebee I love it, best sound track on any car I've owned, even the MGB. I know it's only a car but I'm dreading the day I have to get rid of it because of old age. Me or the car :rofl:

I resisted saying it was the old codgers’ choice and therefore they tend to be well looked after :rofl: