a good scanner

[rmuntan]

I have been searching the threads for a scanner for my 05 x5 4.4 with 106k on it. It just gave me my first "check engine" light. I have have limited experience with scanners, I know allot of questions need to answered.

I do not know what the hell ANY scanners can do....I have read several threads and see people post the different types to use and for what.

I know I hate seeing that amber light glowing at me (or my wife for she is the one driving it). I have read that it will through a code when it does the same thing a couple times in a row.

I do not know what I can do but seeing what may be causing it could help. I can change plugs and wires and check for leaks but for fuel mixture and air flow sensors.....I guess I need to have that looked at by a professional so I am not just chucking money at it thinking I can fix it just because I have a scanner.

With that being said, any help telling me the difference and what they can do will be helpful.

Rich

[David.X5]

Hi Rich-

First, it gets a little complicated on BMW's as there are multiple system. The core engine codes are compliant with the OBDII standard and can be read by lots of code readers. However, BMW's also have their own proprietary system on top of that (using the same connector port, but providing more data in a non-standard format). In particular, things like airbag sensors or individual wheel speed sensors are a good example. Finally, there are certain things you can reset through this interface - often referred to as "adaptations". On newer BMW's (but not E53 I believe) this includes reseting the way the computer charges the battery when you change the battery and reset parameters for the transmission if you change the fluid, etc.

There are two components - you will need some sort of cable to attach a laptop to the port on your BMW (or a bluetooth wireless interface, or a dedicated scanner with its own cable) and then software for a laptop or the dedicated device with its own software to actually communicate with the car.

I would break the search for code readers down into perhaps three levels.

1) The cheapest/simplest ones read only generic OBDII codes and are of limited use on a BMW, but may report and be able to clear codes for basic engine problems. There are some bluetooth enable versions that can interface with an Android phone if you happen to have one (no reasonable choices for Apple iOS that I know). Starting around $20. These are not able to clear all codes and can not reset adaptations.

The middle level are some proprietary software packages that run on a laptop (I use AutoEnginuity). Snap-On sells one too that is typically pricey. At this level, the software should be able to read all the various systems and clear codes within those systems and reset adaptations. $300 and up.

The highest level is the least expensive, but requires finding an eBay copy of the official BMW software package (INPA, etc) and installing that on a laptop - most people dedicate a laptop to this for security and stability reasons - this provides the greatest access and detail, and doesn't even cost that much, but does require a HIGH level of comfort with Windows PC's and programming. $50 on eBay.

[thrillcat]

I'm just jumping into this as well. For my first one I purchased a cheap OBDII scanner that will connect to my iPhone via Wi-Fi (not bluetooth) for $13 on eBay (hasn't arrived yet) and I downloaded OBD Fusion from the App Store for $10 which should monitor operating conditions as well as display error codes.

Figured I would start here and progress.

[tmv]

The cheapest that can read and clear SES light is the $20 MaxiScan MS300. Depend on the state, you can have the code read (and maybe clear) at your local auto part store, too.
The most comprehensive one for use on your X5 is the INPA system. You can built one for relatively cheap.

[upallnight]

I used Carsoft 6.5 when I had an E34, upgraded to BMW Scanner 1.4 when I got the X. Both of these software requires a computer. BMW Scanner 1.4 is the easiest to install and get up and running. Carsoft 6.5 requires a computer with a real serial port. Most people who tried to use a USB to serial port converter/adapter usually don't have any success.

I keep a ELM bluetooth adapter in the car in the event that I get a CEL or SES light. I use an app called TORQUE on my android phone and Torque Pro on my tablet.

Most auto part stores can scan your X and tell you the trouble code that trigger the light.

[cham]

get the elm320 or whatever its called from amazon, and download torque pro app. For more specific diagnosis, install INPA

[Joshdub]

Get the INPA/DIS/NCS software and cable off of eBay for ~$50.

You can also get a $10 Bluetooth obd2 dongle on Amazon and eBay to use with your phone. Apps are Torque (free or $5 for ad free and some slight upgrades) or BMWhat ($50)

[Jungerishere]

I use BMW Scanner 1.4 about 90% of the time. There are few things that I have to use INPA/DIS instead but for primary scanner and ease of use, that's the one you should get first.

[rmuntan]

Ok now I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I think the codes may not have been removed from my on board computer. When I bought it, the seller told me he just had the spark plugs replaced because it was throwing codes, ok, that is cool provided me with documentation of the repairs and such, I just received my new software to check codes and such( AutoEnginuity) thanks David (wink). I set things up correctly and it did pull ALL the codes wow, it checked all systems, I saw things like my mirrors were giving codes( I knew that lol) P code for misfire on certain chambers ect, my question is I thought I printed the info and cleared all the codes, I then went inside to get what I printed......Nothing printed ..crap..I went back into the software and cant seem to find a history of codes, do the BMWs store codes or once they are cleared that is it...and I wait for what ever is wrong to toss another code...any thoughts would help......

[tmv]

Originally Posted by rmuntan

Ok now I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I think the codes may not have been removed from my on board computer. When I bought it, the seller told me he just had the spark plugs replaced because it was throwing codes<-never seen any spark plugs code. Maybe he had them replaced because of misfired code., ok, that is cool provided me with documentation of the repairs and such, I just received my new software to check codes and such( AutoEnginuity) thanks David (wink). I set things up correctly and it did pull ALL the codes wow, it checked all systems, I saw things like my mirrors were giving codes( I knew that lol) P code for misfire on certain chambers ect, my question is I thought I printed the info and cleared all the codes, I then went inside to get what I printed......Nothing printed ..crap..I went back into the software and cant seem to find a history of codes, do the BMWs store codes or once they are cleared that is it...and I wait for what ever is wrong to toss another code...any thoughts would help......

I would just clear them all and see what, if any, comes back. I just don't pay much attention to stored code since they might have been fixed already.