Fault Code Reader
 

I assume this has been asked and answered, but what is the best device for reading fault codes and where can I get one? I see alot of different ones out there, but was hoping I could get some advice from experience.

I have a 2001 4.4i.

Thanks

I have friends with OBD2 code readers, and I use them once in a while, but much more often they seem to be ringing me up up use my Peake FCX-3 and SRS reset tool. They are a little expensive, so it helps greatly if you have more than one BMW to justify purchase, but they are good diagnostic tools and give more detailed diagnosis info than generic readers.

The Actron OBD-2 reader that I have does everything I've ever asked of it. Buy a used one on eBay for under $50 and you should be fine.

I like Peake as they are developed for BMW's.

http://www.peakeresearch.com/

Thanks for the advice. I am planning on picking up the Peake model, however, I can't quite determine which one to get.

I have a 2001 4.4i. For this, their site advises the one that connects to the 20pin port under the hood, rather than the newer one for the 16pin port under the dash. However, when I investigate under the hood, I find no such port.

I have found pictures of what it should look like from other forums, but it is not there (or I can't see it right in front of my face). My assumption is that this should be quite visible and assessible.

Can anyone tell me where this should be located under my hood, if it exists at all? As my 2001 was a late model year vehicle, is it possible they did not have this connector under the hood at all, as it seemed that was the direction they moved with the 2002's and later?

Thanks in Advance.

Call Peake deirectly, they are very helpful

Use the one under the dash. I believe that they switched over during the 2001 model year.