Teething problems --- SES light came on

[N10CVST]

Hi guys, excellent site you have here. Great source of info.
When my Service Engine Soon light came on this AM I checked this site for possible causes/solutions. Most mentioned the fuel cover and faulty O2 sensors. Since my X5 had no driveability issues (acceleration was seamless, idling was at 650 rpm or so in minus 20 Celsius) I tightened the fuel cover and drove around a bit. A few hours later the SES light disappeared. Problem solved, I hope...

Some of you guys mentioned an OBD code reader, since I live in the boonies 500 Kms. from the nearest dealer, I thought this might be a good idea.

What brand/model would you recommend? and where can I buy one? Would I be able to use it on another BMW (E46 coupe)?

Thanks much!

Oh, one other thing --- I paid for bluetooth and BMW Assist on my X5 but I have no shark fin antenna, is this possible?
The buttons for the BMW Assist are on the roof console but I thought that BMW Assist always came with the sharkfin antenna .........

[UCrewX5]

I picked up a used Actron CP9135 on eBay for about $40. Works great and does everything I would want it to do.

http://search.ebay.com/actron-cp9135...sPageNameZWLRS

:xoutpost:

[loansinpa]

I seem to think the fin is for factory satellite radio. The bluetooth system has it's own attena that was inside the vehicle by the cd/nav. Not sure where they hid the assist...maybe below the outside rear cover above the back window?

[N10CVST]

Thanks for the Welcome and the replies guys.
Pardon my numerous questions but:

Is it legal to use an OBD II scanner to diagnose and reset fault codes on your own?; Will the dealer find out?; Will it adversely affect my new vehicle warranty?

Again, thanks much dudes.

[SANguru]

it's legal.. and your dealer won't find out.. I have a Peake's research FCXII. I highly recommend. Do a google search and you should be able to find it for no more than $135.

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

I picked up a used Actron CP9135 on eBay for about $40. Works great and does everything I would want it to do.

http://search.ebay.com/actron-cp9135...sPageNameZWLRS

:xoutpost:

Great tip, UCrewX5! I did my first oil change on my X5 last month and couldn't locate the standard BMW diagnostic port in the engine compartment for my Peake R5/FCXII. My mechanic says the only way to reset the service interval indicators is through the ODBII port under the dash and of course, he uses an Actron code reader also. I just found a new Actron CP9135 on eBay for $75 Buy It Now + $5 shipping. It was $25 cheaper than what I spent for my Peake tool a couple of years ago, but it looks like I'm going to get more use out of this new tool.

Regards, Mike

[X5Flyboy]

Antenna is in the left rear window - Happy Trails!