ODBII Reader/Tool

PhilFausz · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:55 am

I'm looking for a tool that would allow me to pull codes from the M3 as well as reset the different things that need resetting from time to time. If it does more, great!

I've got an air bag light on and the car needs to be inspected asap. I've never used a tool like one of these, do I have grand illusions of what it will do for me or are they powerful?

Here are a couple I found, anyone with experience using them?

- http://www.obd-2.com/
- http://www.autoenginuity.com/

phil

Gordon Taylor · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:19 am **Posts:** 51

I have had the OBD-II program on my laptop since 1999, and it does what it says it will do: read codes, read the associated "freeze frame" of data saved on engine parameters at the time the code was entered, and permit you to reset all codes.

Unless it's been upgraded, it does not have any ability to measure 0-60 times or other performance items.

The only caveat with any of these is that resetting codes clears all codes and test results, meaning that it may take a few weeks for your car's computer to encounter the right conditions to complete some of its automatic emissions tests. In other words, don't clear a code the day before you take it in for an annual smog check, or they will send you home.

Also, this has descriptive text for the industry standard codes, which is really most of the ones of interest, but not for the manufacturer assigned codes. On my Miata, for instance, it will pinpoint an evaporative emissions systems flow problem or a camshaft position sensor anomaly. A copy of the shop manual for your car is very helpful, as they are keyed to these codes and detail troubleshooting steps for each one.

I also contacted the company for support one time, and the owner responded quickly with an answer that solved my problem.

DanDurusky · **Joined:** Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:31 pm **Posts:** 686

yeh i was also wondering if there was an equivelent of the rosstech VAGCOM cable/software (for VAG cars) for BMWs.

Frank Catena · **Joined:** Wed Aug 27, 2003 1:08 pm **Posts:** 418

I've owned the http://www.obd-2.com/ product for over five years. Works well, good support.
I can't offer a current compare/contrast as I've not looked at any of the newer products on the market.
If you go with obd-2, you might want to try and organize a group buy. When I bought mine, Alex Peper was offering two incremental points in discount for every unit purchased up to a quantity of twenty. We easily had twenty folks interested and received a 40% discount each.

Frank

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:12 pm

Frank Catena wrote:

I've owned the http://www.obd-2.com/ product for over five years. Works well, good support.
I can't offer a current compare/contrast as I've not looked at any of the newer products on the market.
If you go with obd-2, you might want to try and organize a group buy. When I bought mine, Alex Peper was offering two incremental points in discount for every unit purchased up to a quantity of twenty. We easily had twenty folks interested and received a 40% discount each.

Frank

Looks interesting - something I could be interested in for a group buy if that were to happen...

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