Which OBD tool to buy

[Daka]

I'm getting an SES soon read on my 06 3.0. I was thinking to buy a reader that would work on that car and my Z3 01 2.5. What is the best of the less expensive ones to buy these days just to check the codes?

[upallnight]

If you have an Android phone you can download the app Torque for free and it can check and clear most OBD II codes as well as provide real time info. You will need to get an OBD II adapter. I use an OBD II ELM 327 bluuetooth adapter that plugs into the X OBD II connector. Adapter is available on Amazon or eBay, but I 'm an Amazon prime member so shipping is free and you can't beat Amazon return policy compare with eBay.

[Daka]

Huh? I'm still on a FLIP phone, technology has gotten way ahead of me.....(old guy)

[upallnight]

It work on android tablets also.

[Daka]

upallnight,
You are not listening, my expertise is in carburetors and distributors, in a computer controlled and "pack" system....ie: I retired in 1990, No computers, CAD was just being introduced in Architectural drawing....we used pencils and paper !
So my point is, I don't have a clue how any of this works...I can email, Google, Yelp, ebay, craigs list etc....WTF is android anyway.....
Isn't there a simple inexpensive OBD reader that will tell me what is wrong, so that when my mechanic says x%&5XX is kaput, I may have a clue what he is talking about
PS, I can probably still rebuild a Rochester Quadrajet carb ( if I can stop my hands from shaking)....remember what those were....if not .... it's a big 4 barrel carburetor that has ball bearings ans springs that "fly out" when you remove the top.....as me how I know....ever drop the mounting screw for a set of "points" down into the bottom of a distributor and have to remove it to get the screw out, and not knowing enough to line up the gear before pulling it out, so you can get the"timing" right??
No to be a wise guy, it's just that technology has passed me by....a long time ago...
I'm a PRE ANALOG GUY living in a DIGITAL AGE. (have pity)

[Daka]

upallnight,
You are not listening, my expertise is in carburetors and distributors, in a computer controlled and "pack" system....ie: I retired in 1990, No computers, CAD was just being introduced in Architectural drawing....we used pencils and paper !
So my point is, I don't have a clue how any of this works...I can email, Google, Yelp, ebay, craigs list etc....WTF is android anyway.....
Isn't there a simple inexpensive OBD reader that will tell me what is wrong, so that when my mechanic says x%&5XX is kaput, I may have a clue what he is talking about
PS, I can probably still rebuild a Rochester Quadrajet carb ( if I can stop my hands from shaking)....remember what those were....if not .... it's a big 4 barrel carburetor that has ball bearings ans springs that "fly out" when you remove the top.....as me how I know....ever drop the mounting screw for a set of "points" down into the bottom of a distributor and have to remove it to get the screw out, and not knowing enough to line up the gear before pulling it out, so you can get the"timing" right??
No to be a wise guy, it's just that technology has passed me by....a long time ago...
I'm a PRE ANALOG GUY living in a DIGITAL AGE. (have pity)

[upallnight]

We have something in common other than a BM Trouble U. I am also a retired Architect. However I was at the fore front when Cad was just being introduced into our professional. I taught AutoCad to most of the staff in addition to teaching AutoCad to interior design students at the Academy. In addition to AutoCad experience, I have Microstation experience and GDS experience.

Like you I grew up on carburetors cars. I still own my two Lotuses which have Weber Carbs.

If you want a OBD II reader any readers at Pep Boys, Autozone, O'Reilley or even Harbor Freight will be able to read the SES aka DTC code for the BM Trouble U. It just that Torque allows you to see engine data in real time, so if you have a P0171 or P0174 code you can see the Short Term Fuel Trim to see how much gas is being added by the 02 sensor to compensate for the lean conditions.

[tmv]

This is what I have to read and clear SES light. Can't beat the price and what it can do. Work on my 01 E39, 01 E53, 03 E39 and 06 E53, even my brother 02 Accord and 96 Lexus GS300.
Amazon.com: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive

[TerminatorX5]

Daka, since you can do eBay and computer, look up the romanian dude that sells an OBD cable and includes a set of BMW specific sofware along with the cable? go to ebay, search for INPA, a dude in Romania pops up, his stuff is about $40 or so... In order to use it, you will need to have a laptop computer running a Windows XP and thats all... the software will allow you to read the codes, reset the codes (most of the codes can be read, I don't think this software allows you to alter the car's mileage though)...

The convenience of the Torq and the smart phone would be the portability of the setup and no dangling wires, as the OBD would go though Bluetooth wireless connection to the smartphone...

but since your technological advancement stopped around 1990, we will push you up only 10 years to 2000, so an OBDII cable, and a WinXP laptop...

[Daka]

Terminator, tmv, upallnight
Great info.
As far as laptops, I just almost took my latest laptop to the range for target practice, I bought a CHROMEBOOK about 2 months ago, for my use it "seems" to be perfect (so far)
I think I'll order the Amazon code reader, there seems to be a 2nd, later, model...about $30 is it better?
ps figure 1935 to 2014....ok? so go easy.....