Opinions on Code reader

[BimmerWill]

Anyone have or had experience with this unit? Seems like a pretty good deal to me.

http://dx.com/p/bmw-scanner-car-diagnostic-tool-version-1-4-0-51768

[alexandre]

I use it regularly. Works great.

$32 when i bought mine in july at xcar360.com.

[BimmerWill]

Do you use it to read and clear ses codes?

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[wsmeyer]

I have it too - works great.

It's not just a code reader, you can use it to do basic programming.

If you have an Android phone there's an app called Torque that will read and clear codes. The BlueTooth adapter for that is about $15 on Amazon.

[alexandre]

Yup, you can read codes from every module in the car, clear them, plus change a bunch of options. I converted my car to metric with it and played with the DRL options, etc. Can activate blink on lock, alarm if you have the hardware, windows up/down with remote, etc, automatic lock, seat belt chimes, etc - I don't get why nobody has this.

Many LCM options are not available though.

[BimmerWill]

Yup, you can read codes from every module in the car, clear them, plus change a bunch of options. I converted my car to metric with it and played with the DRL options, etc. Can activate blink on lock, alarm if you have the hardware, windows up/down with remote, etc, automatic lock, seat belt chimes, etc - I don't get why nobody has this.

Many LCM options are not available though.

Sweet. Ordering one today...not sure if I should try and get it from a more known dealer or not though.


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[alexandre]

Xcar is legit... They sell a ton of OBD stuff. Worst case file a chargeback with your bank. Mine took 2 weeks to show up from Hong Kong.

[BimmerWill]

Xcar is legit... They sell a ton of OBD stuff. Worst case file a chargeback with your bank. Mine took 2 weeks to show up from Hong Kong.

Thanks for the info ill place the order then.

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[Dave_B]

In for results when you get it.

[alexandre]

Here's the link for future reference: http://www.xcar360.com/bmw-scanner-1-4-0-bmw-scanner-bmw-diagnostic-bmw-scan-tool.html

[BavarianZHP]

Do you have to solder it?

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1726627

I'm interested in this as well.

[wsmeyer]

This is the one I bought and it didn't need or was already soldiered. Screenshots are a great reference for what can be programmed:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Scanner-1-4-0-Programmer-V1-4-Never-Locking-/321027925551?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item4abec1662f&vxp=mtr

[BavarianZHP]

Sweeeet! Thanks for helping me out.

[Johal E32]

This is the one I bought and it didn't need or was already soldiered. Screenshots are a great reference for what can be programmed:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Scanner-1-4-0-Programmer-V1-4-Never-Locking-/321027925551?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item4abec1662f&vxp=mtr

I am def. going to order one!

What software is on your laptop? Windows XP? Windows 7? or is it a MAC?

After reading Spooner's thread and your post.. It seems that I can buy the ebay scanner for under $30 shipped, I can read, and clear codes, and I can do some basic car coding.. But Spooners thread says you need Windows XP or older.. Yet, it looks like your unit is different from his because your unit didn't need any soldering and it was 1/2 the cost!

[wsmeyer]

I am def. going to order one!

What software is on your laptop? Windows XP? Windows 7? or is it a MAC?

After reading Spooner's thread and your post.. It seems that I can buy the ebay scanner for under $30 shipped, I can read, and clear codes, and I can do some basic car coding.. But Spooners thread says you need Windows XP or older.. Yet, it looks like your unit is different from his because your unit didn't need any soldering and it was 1/2 the cost!

I'm running it on Windows 7 Pro 32bit. It's an older laptop I have dedicated to the garage for programming. I bought that cable and this setup:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-USB-OBD-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-INPA-EDIABAS-DIS-V57-SSS-V32-/260974322749?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3cc348243d

For NCSExpert and INPA. You can find the cable a little cheaper and find the software for free but it was worth it to me to get it all at once and directions that didn't need adjusting for different software versions and such.

[BavarianZHP]

Oh, so in addition to the scanner we also need to purchase the NCSExpert and INPA software as indicated in your link?

[wsmeyer]

No, they are completely separate.

The BMW Scanner will do things like:
- set all doors to unlock with on push of the remote
- lock all the doors at x-mph
- make car act visually like it has an alarm
- turn off key in ignition beeping
- read and clear faults


INPA / NCSExpert setup is a alot more complicated but can do more stuff:
- cycle the ABS for brake bleeding
- activate triple blink for turn signal
- make temp setting say MIN/MAX instead of just the lowest/highest temp

There is certainly more to both lists but that should give you an idea. Considering they are not that expensive, I like having both.

[BimmerWill]

The kit that I posted up at the initial post does it come or will be able to utilize any of those programs that you mentioned? Or am I going to be limited by what is already there?

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[alexandre]

You can use PASoft 1.4, which does what I said. NCS Expert and INPA need a different cable.

Btw, no soldering needed anymore - I think that was just the first batch or so. Mine came ready to go.

Need to run XP 32 bit. Drivers are sketchy under 7. I run mine in XP under Parallels on a Mac, and it works great. Could use VMWare workstation to setup XP if you have a Win7 pc.

[Ryans323i]

I am def. going to order one!


It does sound awesome, and I may have to look into getting one myself. But I think you and I definitely have to get the adapter so it will plug to our cars.

@Will, if you're car is older than 2001, you'll have to have the adapter too.

Link
(http://dx.com/p/20-pin-male-to-16-pin-female-obd-ii-diagnostic-adapter-cable-for-bmw-20cm-115846?rt=1&p=2&m=2&r=3&k=1&t=1&s=51768&u=115846)http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_115846_1.jpg

[BimmerWill]

I have the obdii connection in the driver footwell I don't think I need the round connector.

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[jayjay_dee]

This is the one I bought and it didn't need or was already soldiered. Screenshots are a great reference for what can be programmed:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Scanner-1-4-0-Programmer-V1-4-Never-Locking-/321027925551?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item4abec1662f&vxp=mtr

Thanks for the link Wil, bought one...

[BimmerWill]

You can use PASoft 1.4, which does what I said. NCS Expert and INPA need a different cable.

Btw, no soldering needed anymore - I think that was just the first batch or so. Mine came ready to go.

Need to run XP 32 bit. Drivers are sketchy under 7. I run mine in XP under Parallels on a Mac, and it works great. Could use VMWare workstation to setup XP if you have a Win7 pc.

I have xp on my laptop so I can just change it to 32 bit in settings or is it something different then that?

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[alexandre]

You 95% have 32-bit as not many PC's were sold with XP 64, but if you right click Computer on your desktop and go to Properties, it should say 32-bit somewhere there.

[BimmerWill]

You 95% have 32-bit as not many PC's were sold with XP 64, but if you right click Computer on your desktop and go to Properties, it should say 32-bit somewhere there.

My mistake it actually runs vista. I guess I need to get an older laptop and image it for xp 32 bit

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[wsmeyer]

My mistake it actually runs vista. I guess I need to get an older laptop and image it for xp 32 bit


I'm running everything on Win7 32bit. I wouldn't go through all the trouble installing XP without trying it on Vista first. Going backwards can be problematic, particularly so on laptops as there might not be drivers available for some of the built in hardware.

[Johal E32]

It does sound awesome, and I may have to look into getting one myself. But I think you and I definitely have to get the adapter so it will plug to our cars.

@Will, if you're car is older than 2001, you'll have to have the adapter too.

Link
(http://dx.com/p/20-pin-male-to-16-pin-female-obd-ii-diagnostic-adapter-cable-for-bmw-20cm-115846?rt=1&p=2&m=2&r=3&k=1&t=1&s=51768&u=115846)http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_115846_1.jpg


I have the obdii connection in the driver footwell I don't think I need the round connector.

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hmm. I have the "block" connector in my foot well as well. I'll order the scanner first. Then, If i need the cable I will order it.

Thanks for looking out Ryan

[johnrando]

I have it too - works great.

It's not just a code reader, you can use it to do basic programming.

If you have an Android phone there's an app called Torque that will read and clear codes. The BlueTooth adapter for that is about $15 on Amazon.

I'm thinking of getting the Torque app and the Bluetooth adapter. Any input on which adapter works best with our cars?

[wsmeyer]

I'm thinking of getting the Torque app and the Bluetooth adapter. Any input on which adapter works best with our cars?

I bought this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0090ZJPMK/ref=oh_details_o02_s01_i02

and it works fine with the Torque app

[johnrando]

Thanks William.

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[Johal E32]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230922003883?item=230922003883&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

Just bought one

[BimmerWill]

Okay well company I ordered mine from said they were backordered so who should I go with now?

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[BimmerWill]

Update..

Went ahead and ordered another one through xcar360. Deal extreme ran out of stock apparently so im going through xcar. Having some trouble cancelling my order through them. I hope I dont have to go through the trouble of getting my bank to refund my money. I didn't order through paypal so It was charged directly to my debit card :(

[Johal E32]

^ You should have just bought the one from the link I gave.

27 bucks shipped. I payed them through pay-pal
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230922003883?item=230922003883&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

[BimmerWill]

Okay got the reader from xcar today in the mail and managed to wrangle it onto my windows vista. Now im not sure how to code the windows up/down option. Anyone know how or what module?

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[alexandre]

Go into GM5 I think... Then "light coding" then you'll see convenience open/close. This is off the top of my head but I think that's it.

[BimmerWill]

Go into GM5 I think... Then "light coding" then you'll see convenience open/close. This is off the top of my head but I think that's it.

I dont see GM5 on the PA soft screen anywhere :(

[wsmeyer]

I dont see GM5 on the PA soft screen anywhere :(

It's in ZKE - Central body electronics.

If you can't figure it out I can give you step-by-step in about 45 minutes.

[Tnhl1989]

Anyone interested in a group order for BMW scanner 1.4? Pm me :)

[BimmerWill]

Okay figured that out thanks guys.

Turned the car off removed the program and I still have a SES after clearing the codes...

Here is the codes im still getting on DME which I imagine has something to do with why the car is still showing an SES...

Edit: My apologies I started the car and it went away....im an idiot....

So far I'm very pleased with the program. I realize it doesn't have as much capability as some of the others but for my needs it suits me just fine. I hope that I can locate a decent translator for the codes however when they do appear as some of the jargon in the program is very vague. I got the windows up/down with remote plugged in which I have been itching to do for years now!

Ill be interested to see what else I can "personalize"

[alexandre]

LOL

Glad to see it's figured out.

[Imola.ZHP]

Wow, I need in on this... My airbag light has been on for a few months, I want the triple blink and to be able to roll the windows UP from the key fob...

[Chad44]

They're great! What wasn't so great is waiting a month to get it... With the expedited shipping they're $58. Myself and another member ordered 10 of them, so if anyone's looking to buy, our prices will be $55 shipped, and you'll get them quicker than expediting from China.

[DublDee]

Ok, please remember I'm new, so sorry if this is a stupid question, but can I really have the windows go up/down with the key fob with the right code reader or tuner? And what about triple blink....What's that all about? I'm assuming the park lamps flash three times when locked?

[danewilson77]

Ok, please remember I'm new, so sorry if this is a stupid question, but can I really have the windows go up/down with the key fob with the right code reader or tuner? And what about triple blink....What's that all about? I'm assuming the park lamps flash three times when locked?

Triple flash is referring to euros hazards I believe... Instead of blink, blink, blink, they go blink-blink-blink, blink-blink- blink.

Yes, fob can be used to roll up/down all window's.

Sent from the HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA and USA

[DublDee]

Thanks for the quick response! I need to get this done for sure.

[wsmeyer]

The triple blink refers to the number of times the turn signal flashes when you just move the signal arm up to the detent and then release. From the factory is set to one on the ZHP but the 2005 and 2006 cars have a newer LCM that will accept two or three.

The BMW Scanner software / cable can enable the window up feature from the remote but it cannot set the triple blink parameter. For that you would need the correct LCM and NCSExpert to set it.

[johnrando]

I forget, did you ever get your triple-blink going William?

[DublDee]

The triple blink refers to the number of times the turn signal flashes when you just move the signal arm up to the detent and then release. From the factory is set to one on the ZHP but the 2005 and 2006 cars have a newer LCM that will accept two or three.

The BMW Scanner software / cable can enable the window up feature from the remote but it cannot set the triple blink parameter. For that you would need the correct LCM and NCSExpert to set it.

Ok, Thanks. I was really interested in the window thing anyhow, so will have to get the scanner and software.

[wsmeyer]

I forget, did you ever get your triple-blink going William?

Yup. Love it. It was almost a necessity as we have it on the X5 and both my wife and I would keep doing it out of habit on the ZHP so we would look like jack asses giving one blink and then changing lanes.

[johnrando]

Cool. Next time I'm by with my car, I'd like one order please. (Looks like I'll be bringing by a 6-pack). :)

[wsmeyer]

Cool. Next time I'm by with my car, I'd like one order please. (Looks like I'll be bringing by a 6-pack). :)

That's why my secret plan is to just do one thing to your car each time and then suggest something else a few days later.

:ineedabeer:ineedabeer

[johnrando]

:rofl. It's working!

[johnrando]

So Peake says it's code readers handle BMW specific codes that BMWs have, above and beyond OBDII. In fact, they say their "non" OBDII reader is better. All the BT code readers that are out now are OBDII, which if I believe Peake, implies that the will miss some BMW specific codes. The one I got is in the URL below: Anyone know if it can do BMW specific codes by looking at the specs?



Super Mini ElM327 bluetooth is the newly developed wireless scan tool.
Support all OBD-II compliant vehicles after 1996.
Can work with PC, laptop and cellphone to read diagnostic trouble codes. (NOT Work with iPhone)
Wireless (Bluetooth)5~10 meter

Product Description
Super Mini ElM327 bluetooth is the newly developed wireless scan tool.
Software included for Palm, PDA
Software included for Windows PC
Software included for Windows Smartphone
Support OBD-II protocols as follows:
ISO15765-4 (CAN)
ISO14230-4 (KWP2000)
ISO9141-2
J1850 VPW
J1850 PWM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0090ZJPMK/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Dave_B]

Just ordered one today. HK unit.

INPA cable coming next.

[zhp43867]

For those of us with iPhones, the Blue Driver unit and app has worked flawlessly for me so far. Gives you access to codes, clears them, gives intake air temperature and other OBD2 information, yadda yadda...

http://www.amazon.com/BlueDriver-Bluetooth-Professional-iPhone®-touch®/dp/B00652G4TS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364870298&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+driver

[Tnhl1989]

Got INPA/NCS and PA SOFT working on my mobile laptop :) Time to figure this stuff out.

[Dave_B]

Got INPA/NCS and PA SOFT working on my mobile laptop :) Time to figure this stuff out.


NCS/INPA is next up for me as well.

:thumbup