Actron code reader
 

I'm looking at buying an actron CP9575.
I want it to help me check error codes on X5s I'm possibly going to buy and then for maintenance of the car at home.
The question I have is can it read all error codes such as gearbox and say suspension airbag problems or does it only give engine error codes?

This is the only one local auto stores sell as far as I can find so far and need it in the next few days preferably.

Thanks guys*
Brent

thats a generic junk scanner. it's not fully compatible. I recommend you get this, i personally use it...
BMW USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Inpa Ediabas NCS Expert Dis V57 SSS V32 GT1 Progman | eBay

thats a generic junk scanner. it's not fully compatible. I recommend you get this, i personally use it...
BMW USB OBD Diagnostic Cable Inpa Ediabas NCS Expert Dis V57 SSS V32 GT1 Progman | eBay

Do you use it just read codes or to re-program as well?
Would be handy if you could put the software on tablet!

Thanks
Brent

Do you use it just read codes or to re-program as well?
Would be handy if you could put the software on tablet!

Thanks
Brent

Since this is the internet age...just about anything you want to know can be found with a simple google search..which I did...typing in "Actron CP9575" as the search word and this is what I found:

Standard Features:

• Compatible with ALL 1996 and newer vehicles (OBD-II & CAN).
• Read and display live engine data.
• Displays OBD-II generic and manufacturer specific definitions on screen.
• Read and display MIL status.
• Read and erase diagnostic trouble codes.
• Tools gives visual indication when it is trying to communicate and retrieve data from an OBD-II vehicle.
• Read and display I/M monitors (emissions).
• Reads and displays freeze frame data.
• Read and display pending DTCs.
• Read and display freeze frame data (snapshot of vehicle data at the time of the fault).
• Read and display VIN number, CVN, and Cal ID.
• Display State OBD check.
• Display OBD-II Drive Cycle Mode.
• Field updateable via USB port.
• CE certification.
• Trilingual menu, manual and definitions (English, Spanish, French).
• System setup menu includes language setup, unit of measure, display test, keypad test, memory test, tool information and program mode.
• Effortlessly powered by car battery through the 16-pin OBD-II connector.

This is obviously not a "junk" scanner based on the description and specs listed above...but is just a regular OBD II scanner which would be helpful for SERVICE ENGINE SOON/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT issues which are electronic engine emission issues. This seems to be where you're confused or are in need of enlightenment as to the difference between OBD II (onBoard Diagnostics) diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) versus the ability to communicate with the BMW proprietary BUS system.


No, this scanner can NOT read ALL error codes such as air suspension and gear box codes because this scanner was designed only to read OBD II codes...which again are only electronic engine emission codes that many countries have mandated as a common system for ALL car manufacturers to meet to help with air pollution.

AKE53 did give you a link to info about some aftermarket software/hardware that will allow you to communicate with the BMW proprietary communication BUS.

Again, OBD II is for emissions and only has limited access to a few BMW control modules...see illustration below:


If you want to communicate with ALL the control modules in your car...you will either need BMW DIS/GT-1 equipment...or aftermarket software/hardware that will allow you to communicate with the entire BUS system (see topological chart below of the BUS system used in the e53). Also note how OBD II connectivity is ONLY on the TXD II line & only has limited communication with the car's BUS system:

Qsilver7,

Do you know of any software that can be operated with iPhone iPad or Apple laptop? I know of an app that is supposed to offer complete diagnostics but the E53 is not on the compatible list. I have emailed them to ask if all functions will work. I am both USB and bluetooth abled.

Sorry, but no I don't know of any diagnostic software, hardware, or apps that are Mac compatible. A Mac with an Intel chip can run windows...thus the software/hardware might could work that way...but you'd be running windows & not Mac OS.

If anyone reading this knows anything feel free to chime in. Just because I don't know...doesn't mean it doesn't exist...the world is always changing. :)

Thanks for responding.

I want to exhaust all efforts to find something that will work with Apple first. Even then I think I will find a used PC rather than partition space to install Windows. Unfortunately, I have a engine miss that the Peake tool is not throwing any codes to help troubleshooting. I have a thread--troubleshoot cold engine miss 2 blocks if you have any suggestions.

Thanks Qsilver7.
I'm pretty mechanically sound but car electrics has never been my strong point.
So the Peake would be the best code reader (not going down the laptop/software path).

Thanks
Brent

If there's a Peake code reader/scanner that does more than the Actron, but you're not really ever going to use it, then buy the tool that you'll use the most & at the cost that works for your budget.

If you have a laptop, & you think you may be a long time BMW owner, and can delve into some programming in the future...you might want to even consider a very simple OBD II scanner that you can toss in the glovebox (for emergencies) and spend the money for the software & cables later.

There are some really good BMW diagnostic forums out there that can get you set up. Personally I have a simple $25 scanner that I keep in the glovebox which has more than paid for itself. Anything required that is more than advanced for my scanner...I'm tossing in the towel nd putting the car into hands that have better equipment. :D

If you're in a remote area & getting to a qualified mech that has diagnostic equip is hard, don't sell yourself short on being able to go with INPA or the other software mentioned on he forums.

I used Carsoft 6.5 when I had an E34 Touring and now use BMW@ Scanner 1.4. Carsoft only works with computers with a dedicated serial ports, that is why I upgraded to BMW Scanner 1.4. I also use a ELM 327 Bluetooth dongle that I paired with my Android phone and the App Torque. It can scan for all OBD II compliant codes on the X. It also have live data feed so you can look at stuff like short term and long term fuel trim to determine what is going on with the engine.

OBDII Code Scanner
there are a lot of obd2 code scanners for you to choose